It's a story that is so familiar to Methodists: On 24 May 1738 John
Wesley went "unwillingly" to a meeting of a small church (society) in
Fetter Lane, London. There he heard a lay preacher reading from the
preface to Luther's commentary on the book of Romans, and, as he
listened, Wesley felt a strong sense of assurance - the confidence that
he was forgiven and accepted by God. He wrote of the experience that his
"heart was strangely warmed". The experience changed his life and
historians track the explosion of the Methodist revival from that time.

This is Wesley's story, but as we remember Aldersgate, there are also
some helpful principles for us to hear:

1. This encounter happened in the middle of an ordinary experience in
everyday life. In fact, it looked as if it would be a very dull, routine
evening for Wesley.
2. By showing up to his routines and by being present and paying
attention, Wesley was open to the work of God in the moment.
3. God worked through an ordinary person - we don't even know the name
of that preacher who was reading from that book.

Such ordinary moments and yet they changed your world and mine! What
awaits you and I in in the ordinary days of the coming week? Will we be
present and open to God's work?