An old  friend who is planting a church London sent out the following observations in his June Newsletter:

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A few weeks back, I was walking our dog before heading off to a day of prayer with my co-workers and noticed two slugs crossing the footpath. As I watched them, it struck me that there are similarities between prayer and slugs in the Christian life.

1. Slugs cannot protect themselves; prayer is an acknowledgement that ultimately, we cannot protect ourselves.

2. Slugs move slow; prayer forces us to slow down.

3. Slugs can only “see” what’s ahead as light and dark through the eye on top of their antennae; prayer is an admission that we too, only have vague notions of what’s coming ahead in life.

4. Slugs leave a trail of slime behind them in order to lead other slugs to them; prayer is essential as we lead other people.

5. Slugs spend most of their time hidden away with occasional outings after a rain; prayer should primarily be hidden away with occasional outings with others.

6. Slugs seem pointless but (I have found out) they have a powerful impact on our world through decomposition; prayer can seem pointless but our Creator God does respond in mysterious ways to the prayers of His people.

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I know people have an aversion to “worm” theology – the notion that we are of no more worth to God than is a worm. I share that antipathy.  But I may have to give some thought to this idea of “slug” theology – at least as it relates to my prayer life.