Introduction
Today we are going to continue our preaching series focusing on the idea that we need to make time in our daily lives for prayer. Last week we looked at prayer through the lens of presence, specifically God's omnipresence as we unpacked the purpose of prayer, the benefits of prayer, and the things we can bring to God in prayer. Today we are going to spend our time looking at the idea of how God invites all of us to pray and gives us guidelines to help us draw closer to God.
Don't Get Stuck!
There was a news clip which appeared in the papers after blackout in one city. I don't know if was a misprint, a mistake or if it was true: "During the power failure many people complained of having gotten stuck for hours on escalators."
We can't go through our every day life with Jesus or God switched off. We won't make it. There won't be any power for living. We'll be stuck on the escalator of life and won't have the energy to walk up or down. We need to spend time in prayer. Prayer is our connection to the source of power in life, God.
How Then Should We Pray?
Prayer is that important. Prayer is our lifeline. And not just in times of trouble. It is one of the major sources of nourishment for our spiritual lives, our chance to communicate with God and He with us. So last week, after looking at what prayer is, the benefits of it, and what we can pray about, this week the question naturally becomes, how should we pray? Because if it’s this important, we want to make sure that we are doing it properly. The disciples had questions about this too. They followed Jesus around and listened to him pray and they wanted help from him in their own prayer lives. In our Gospel lesson from Matthew this morning we find Jesus, through his Sermon on the Mount, teaching people how to pray by giving them some guidelines and then models prayer.
The Guidelines:
1) Prayer should be sincere and personal
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men… But when you pray go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
This doesn’t mean we have to go lock ourselves away in private every time we want to pray. But it gets at the heart of the fact that prayer is not an exercise to show others how spiritual we are, but rather it’s designed to be a means of personal communication between you and God.
2) Prayer is not about the words we use
“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
I know that a lot of people are uncomfortable praying in public because they are unsure of what to say, afraid of getting tongue-tied or not using the “right words.” But prayer is not about the words we use. There are no right and wrong words to use when we pray. God already knows the things we need before we ask him. The biggest part of prayer is about the spirit in which we pray. Bill Hybels tells the story of a time when he was at a conference with some of highest-level church leaders in the country. One day in particular, when lunch time rolled around, Bill was invited to go eat with them. As they gathered around this table to eat one of the men, a seminary professor, was asked to pray. This professor was a theology professor, and a great one at that. He began to pray, Father, I love being alive today. And I love sitting down with brothers, eating good food, and talking about Kingdom business. I know you're at this table, and I'm glad. I want to tell you in front of these brothers that I love you, and I'll do anything for you that you ask me to do.1
There were no eloquent, theological words. No rehashed phrases. Just honest, heart-felt words. It is the state of the heart, not the length of the word that is important.
The Model Prayer
Prayer should also be sincere and personal. Following these guidelines Jesus then prays, giving them a model of how to pray; what we call the “Lord’s Prayer”: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.’ (Luke 11:2-4 NRSV)
What a beautiful prayer. It is extremely moving, and meaningful. It can be powerful to a group of people as they say it aloud together. But Jesus intended this to be more than just the prayer that we recite. Especially since he had just cautioned the people against using repetitious phrases. I believe Jesus gave us the Lord’s prayer as a pattern to use to suggest the variety of elements that should be included when we pray: Praise for God, Submission to His will, seeking forgiveness, asking for daily provisions, seeking guidance and deliverance.
Over the years, the church has developed other patterns to help guide times of prayer. The one that I find easiest to remember and helps me the most is the ACTS prayer model. ACTS stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.
Adoration – This should always come first. God is worthy of our praise and worship. When we begin with this, it helps set the tone for the entire prayer and remind us that prayer is not just about ourselves. Some ways to do this might be: to list God’s attributes of mercy, love, providence, power; pray through the various names for God; pick a psalm of praise and read or say it to God. Take time to praise and worship God.
Confession – Next is confession. We need to confess our sins and remove anything that may be blocking or hindering our relationship to God. I encourage you to not make this confession a lump confession; “please forgive me for the bad things I did today”. Be specific. Name your sins. By naming them you become acutely aware of bad habits that may be forming or ongoing. And when you know where your struggles are then you can work more efficiently to change them. Do not just say sorry and forgive me, but rather I am truly sorry for this, spell it out, and be specific.
Thanksgiving – After confession is thanksgiving. All of us grew up being told it was good manners to say please and and thank you. It is no different in our relationship with God. Take this time to express to God how grateful you are for your blessings. Express gratitude for the things God has done; answered prayers, spiritual blessings, relational blessings, material blessings. And again, be specific. Even write them down. This will give you the ability to see concretely all the things God has done for you. And even better you can go back at later dates, re-read them and be reminded of God's incredible faithfulness.
Supplication – Finally we get to the “s”, supplication. Supplication is just a big fancy word meaning “asking for help.” Once we’ve done all these other things in prayer, then approach God with your “shopping list” of wants and needs. This is the part of prayer that most of us do well already and don’t need help with. You know, asking for things that you need and want for yourself, and asking for help for other people, family, friends, the sick, church leaders and ministries, world leaders, etc. And again, be specific. Remember God tells us to bring everything to God in prayer. No request is too small or insignificant. God already knows what is on your heart, so trying to hide it is a waste of time.
Conclusion
This is just one of many models that are out there to help us with our prayer life and our daily prayer time. It was given to us by God, through Jesus, and kept alive through the Holy Spirit, as a means of invitation. It was meant to help us begin that practice, that discipline of prayer. To help us break through any apprehension we might have about prayer so that we can be in communion with our Heavenly Father. I am blessed to be able to spend quality, one on one time, with each of my boys every morning as I walk each of them school. Parker first and then Wesley. That time where we get to talk and share and laugh and just be with each other is the high point of my day. It is the same for God with each of us. Spend that quality, one on one time, with God each and every day. God is waiting to talk, to share, to laugh, and to just be with you. You have been given the invitation, will you accept it?
[1] Hybels, Bill. Too Busy Not Too Pray: Slowing Down to be with God. (InterVarsity Press, 1998) p. 54
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Bible Challenge 9/12 - 9/18
Good Morning All!
Our schedule for this week keeps us in Jeremiah.
9/12, Sunday - Jeremiah 12-15
9/13, Monday - 16-19
9/14, Tuesday - 20-23
9/15, Wednesday - 24-27
9/16, Thursday - 28-31
9/17, Friday - 32-35
9/18, Saturday - 36-39
Be Blessed!
Our schedule for this week keeps us in Jeremiah.
9/12, Sunday - Jeremiah 12-15
9/13, Monday - 16-19
9/14, Tuesday - 20-23
9/15, Wednesday - 24-27
9/16, Thursday - 28-31
9/17, Friday - 32-35
9/18, Saturday - 36-39
Be Blessed!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Friday Fives
1. Preaching Series - This week we are continuing our preaching series focusing on the importance of making daily time for prayer. Sunday we will look at prayer through the lenses of invitation. I hope to see all of you there!
2. Prayer for Labor Day - Carole Newlin received this prayer from her son about Labor Day and I want to pass it along to all of you. Enjoy!
We praise you for all who labor for the common good and for those whose service is unappreciated. We thank you for children whose play is the work of learning to live in the world. We thank you for disciples who are obedient to the promptings of your Spirit in all their relationships. We thank you for your yearning mercy that waits for us to make all our hours and days participation in your healing and blessing of the Earth and for all peoples. Amen.
This prayer was taken from our General Board of Discipleship website and it is a wonderful reminder of the many ways God is at work. We truly serve an awesome God!
3. Marriage Conference – Last week I posted an article here on my blog about an upcoming marriage conference. Below I have re-posted the article to encourage you to attend. My wife Debbie and I have already signed up and I hope to see all of you that are married, engaged, or dating there!
Prior Announcement
When Debbie and I got married eleven years ago, we made a conscious decision that divorce was never an option for us; it simply wasn't on the table. We did this because Debbie had lived through the divorce of hew own parents as a child and together we had witnessed many family members and friends navigate the world of divorce and saw the far-reaching impact that it had. And while we've had our share of up and down times in our relationship, even though we're pastors, we are human! But what helps us is the commitment we've made to do something every year to get us working on our relationship. Things like attending a marriage seminar, doing devotionals together, reading a book on marriage together, making sure to take our date day, or learning to communicate about finances through Financial Peace University.
This year we are attending a marriage conference right here in town, coming up on Saturday, September 18th. Church @ The Springs is hosting a one day marriage conference by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott that I wanted to make you all aware of.
Here is a video that will give you more info about this event.
If you would like more info you can contact Patti at Church @ The Springs at 352.624.0545, ext. 107, email info@thesprings.org, or simply click here
4. Salty Service - A few months back I asked everyone to consider joining up together in groups to venture out and visit some of the residents in the many assisted living and rehab facilities around our church. There are many people there that get no visitors, and we are so good with fellowship, I see a need and a spiritual gift that can easily be paired up. I wanted to give everyone an update on how this budding ministry is progressing. We have one member that has reached out and has began weekly visits and we have another that is in the process of beginning. We have several contacts at area facilities, all we need is volunteers. Many people make light work. If you are willing to spend just a few hours a month visiting with people and sharing the love of Christ please contact the office and we can help you get connected. Please consider reaching out to the people in our area and let them know we care and in the name of Jesus Christ that they are loved.
5. Sunday School – We are going to launch our Sunday School program soon. Watch this space and the bulletin announcements for a planning meeting coming up soon. And remember....it is never to late to volunteer!
2. Prayer for Labor Day - Carole Newlin received this prayer from her son about Labor Day and I want to pass it along to all of you. Enjoy!
We praise you for all who labor for the common good and for those whose service is unappreciated. We thank you for children whose play is the work of learning to live in the world. We thank you for disciples who are obedient to the promptings of your Spirit in all their relationships. We thank you for your yearning mercy that waits for us to make all our hours and days participation in your healing and blessing of the Earth and for all peoples. Amen.
This prayer was taken from our General Board of Discipleship website and it is a wonderful reminder of the many ways God is at work. We truly serve an awesome God!
3. Marriage Conference – Last week I posted an article here on my blog about an upcoming marriage conference. Below I have re-posted the article to encourage you to attend. My wife Debbie and I have already signed up and I hope to see all of you that are married, engaged, or dating there!
Prior Announcement
When Debbie and I got married eleven years ago, we made a conscious decision that divorce was never an option for us; it simply wasn't on the table. We did this because Debbie had lived through the divorce of hew own parents as a child and together we had witnessed many family members and friends navigate the world of divorce and saw the far-reaching impact that it had. And while we've had our share of up and down times in our relationship, even though we're pastors, we are human! But what helps us is the commitment we've made to do something every year to get us working on our relationship. Things like attending a marriage seminar, doing devotionals together, reading a book on marriage together, making sure to take our date day, or learning to communicate about finances through Financial Peace University.
This year we are attending a marriage conference right here in town, coming up on Saturday, September 18th. Church @ The Springs is hosting a one day marriage conference by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott that I wanted to make you all aware of.
Here is a video that will give you more info about this event.
If you would like more info you can contact Patti at Church @ The Springs at 352.624.0545, ext. 107, email info@thesprings.org, or simply click here
4. Salty Service - A few months back I asked everyone to consider joining up together in groups to venture out and visit some of the residents in the many assisted living and rehab facilities around our church. There are many people there that get no visitors, and we are so good with fellowship, I see a need and a spiritual gift that can easily be paired up. I wanted to give everyone an update on how this budding ministry is progressing. We have one member that has reached out and has began weekly visits and we have another that is in the process of beginning. We have several contacts at area facilities, all we need is volunteers. Many people make light work. If you are willing to spend just a few hours a month visiting with people and sharing the love of Christ please contact the office and we can help you get connected. Please consider reaching out to the people in our area and let them know we care and in the name of Jesus Christ that they are loved.
5. Sunday School – We are going to launch our Sunday School program soon. Watch this space and the bulletin announcements for a planning meeting coming up soon. And remember....it is never to late to volunteer!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Prayer is About Presence: Exodus 17:8-13 and Luke 18:2-5
Introduction
Today we are going to begin a new preaching series focusing on the idea that we need to make time in our lives for prayer. In this series we are going to take a look at prayer through the lens of presence, invitation, barriers and listening. Today we are going to begin with the lens of presence as we talk about why we pray, the benefits of praying, and what types of things we should pray about.
What Do I do?
Several years ago I had the opportunity to intern as a chaplain at Tampa General Hospital. As part of my internship we all had to work at least one overnight shift. Now to put this in perspective Tampa General is the level 1 trauma hospital for nine counties. If you had a serious injury in any of those nine counties, you were transported by ambulance or helicopter to Tampa General. Therefore, the ER was always very active. Now when you work an overnight shift that goes from 5pm that evening till 8am the next morning. And you are the only chaplain in the hospital.
During one of my overnight shifts I was paged to the ER. A woman had just been brought in because she suffered a severe heart attack and was not going to survive it. Her husband of 60 years had called 911 and was sitting by her bed. As you can imagine he was very upset so the ER nurse paged the chaplain. I checked in at the nurses station, was told of the situation, and then began my trek to see the husband. I was absolutely panic stricken. I had gone through losing someone to death before, three grand-parents and two great-grandmothers. But never a wife, and I had never had to counsel someone through it.
What I was setting out to do with this man was going to be a new experience for me. I had no idea what to say. The fear of making it worse by saying something horrible was growing in my gut. I was having trouble coming up with the words to say to even start a conversation, much less how to bring this man comfort through one. So I began to pray....
Why Pray?
When we are faced with situation such as these, we usually pray. Even people that do not practice their faith consistently will pray in a situation like this. So why do we pray? What is it that we are searching for that makes us feel prayer is the place to start?
Because prayer is the key to unlock God's power. Bill Hybels, pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, says, “We pray because, by intuition or experience, we understand that the most intimate communion with God comes only through prayer.”1 It is when we bear ourselves before our Lord and Creator that feelings of intimacy arise. We feel closer to God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit more than any other time when we pray. That is why we make it a point to open up the altar rail during worship so everyone has time to pray. “People are drawn to prayer because they know that God's power flows primarily to people who pray”2 We pray to unlock God's power in our lives.
Benefits of Prayer
But there is more! When you pray you are also allowing God to pour out blessings upon you. God has many blessings for you and when you pray, when you take the time to open yourself up through prayer, amazing things can happen. Our first Scripture lesson this morning shows us the power of God's blessings.
The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses in response to this attack goes up on a hill with the staff of God in his hands, raises his arms and begins to pray. As they battle and as Moses prays, the Israelites are winning. So Moses stops praying and watches. The tide starts to turn and Amalekites are starting to win. Moses again raises his hands, prays to God, and the Israelites begin to overpower the Amalekites again. As long as Moses prayed, the Israelites prevailed. In fact Moses' hands grew tired, so Aaron and Hur gave him a stone to sit on and Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady and Moses prayed.
Through prayer this battle was swayed. Through prayer the Israelites prevailed. Through prayer God blessed the chosen people. Prayer is a key, the key, to God's blessings. Moses used it, Christ used it, you can use it. Prayer works because it is powerful. It works because God is always listening. It works because that is where we are connected with God in a fellowship like no other.
Pray About All Things!
Now that we better understand what prayer can do for us, is there a limit to what we can pray for? No! Philippians 4:6 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, bit in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”. Bring everything to God, no holds barred. Every night after Parker and Wesley say their prayers, Debbie and I open it up for them to pray about anything. We have prayed about safe travel, good days at school, sunny weather, athletes to be safe during games, along with all the usual prayers for illness, direction, and healing. Pray often, pray hard, just pray!
And when you pray, be confident! Hebrews 4:16 tells us, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Approach God, confident in your request, confident that it will be heard, confident that God wants to hear it. Take anything, everything, confidently before your God. Scripture tells you too.
Conclusion
Remember the man I told you about that was about to lose his wife of 60 years? When I arrived and pulled back the curtain, he looked at me and I opened my mouth to speak. Nothing came out. I tried again. Again nothing. So I reached out, put my arm on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. I stood there for 45 minutes with my hand on his shoulders, during which his wife breathed her last breath. When he was ready to go, he stood up, turned to me, and gave me a hug. He told me how grateful he was that someone was there with him. It was the presence of another person, not words, that brought this man comfort. And it was God responding to my prayer for guidance, that caused my silence. I needed help, I prayed about what to say, and I did it will the confidence that God would respond. And God did. God closed my mouth and took my speech, because that man needed to feel God's presence through the touch of my hand on his shoulder. That man did not need inadequate words or gestures. God was present!
Folks, prayer can often get overlooked in the midst of a busy life. But I challenge you to make time daily to pray. Prayer is where you are blessed, prayer is wide open, prayer requires nothing of you but your willingness to do it. God is eagerly waiting, God is anxiously anticipating, and God is ever present. God wants you to pray so God can open up the gates of Heaven and bless you till you cannot take anymore. Instead of thinking of yourself as too busy to pray, think of yourself as too busy not to pray.
[1] Hybels, Bill. Too Busy Not Too Pray: Slowing Down to be with God. (InterVarsity Press, 1998) p.9
[2] Ibid, p.12
Today we are going to begin a new preaching series focusing on the idea that we need to make time in our lives for prayer. In this series we are going to take a look at prayer through the lens of presence, invitation, barriers and listening. Today we are going to begin with the lens of presence as we talk about why we pray, the benefits of praying, and what types of things we should pray about.
What Do I do?
Several years ago I had the opportunity to intern as a chaplain at Tampa General Hospital. As part of my internship we all had to work at least one overnight shift. Now to put this in perspective Tampa General is the level 1 trauma hospital for nine counties. If you had a serious injury in any of those nine counties, you were transported by ambulance or helicopter to Tampa General. Therefore, the ER was always very active. Now when you work an overnight shift that goes from 5pm that evening till 8am the next morning. And you are the only chaplain in the hospital.
During one of my overnight shifts I was paged to the ER. A woman had just been brought in because she suffered a severe heart attack and was not going to survive it. Her husband of 60 years had called 911 and was sitting by her bed. As you can imagine he was very upset so the ER nurse paged the chaplain. I checked in at the nurses station, was told of the situation, and then began my trek to see the husband. I was absolutely panic stricken. I had gone through losing someone to death before, three grand-parents and two great-grandmothers. But never a wife, and I had never had to counsel someone through it.
What I was setting out to do with this man was going to be a new experience for me. I had no idea what to say. The fear of making it worse by saying something horrible was growing in my gut. I was having trouble coming up with the words to say to even start a conversation, much less how to bring this man comfort through one. So I began to pray....
Why Pray?
When we are faced with situation such as these, we usually pray. Even people that do not practice their faith consistently will pray in a situation like this. So why do we pray? What is it that we are searching for that makes us feel prayer is the place to start?
Because prayer is the key to unlock God's power. Bill Hybels, pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, says, “We pray because, by intuition or experience, we understand that the most intimate communion with God comes only through prayer.”1 It is when we bear ourselves before our Lord and Creator that feelings of intimacy arise. We feel closer to God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit more than any other time when we pray. That is why we make it a point to open up the altar rail during worship so everyone has time to pray. “People are drawn to prayer because they know that God's power flows primarily to people who pray”2 We pray to unlock God's power in our lives.
Benefits of Prayer
But there is more! When you pray you are also allowing God to pour out blessings upon you. God has many blessings for you and when you pray, when you take the time to open yourself up through prayer, amazing things can happen. Our first Scripture lesson this morning shows us the power of God's blessings.
The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses in response to this attack goes up on a hill with the staff of God in his hands, raises his arms and begins to pray. As they battle and as Moses prays, the Israelites are winning. So Moses stops praying and watches. The tide starts to turn and Amalekites are starting to win. Moses again raises his hands, prays to God, and the Israelites begin to overpower the Amalekites again. As long as Moses prayed, the Israelites prevailed. In fact Moses' hands grew tired, so Aaron and Hur gave him a stone to sit on and Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady and Moses prayed.
Through prayer this battle was swayed. Through prayer the Israelites prevailed. Through prayer God blessed the chosen people. Prayer is a key, the key, to God's blessings. Moses used it, Christ used it, you can use it. Prayer works because it is powerful. It works because God is always listening. It works because that is where we are connected with God in a fellowship like no other.
Pray About All Things!
Now that we better understand what prayer can do for us, is there a limit to what we can pray for? No! Philippians 4:6 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, bit in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”. Bring everything to God, no holds barred. Every night after Parker and Wesley say their prayers, Debbie and I open it up for them to pray about anything. We have prayed about safe travel, good days at school, sunny weather, athletes to be safe during games, along with all the usual prayers for illness, direction, and healing. Pray often, pray hard, just pray!
And when you pray, be confident! Hebrews 4:16 tells us, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Approach God, confident in your request, confident that it will be heard, confident that God wants to hear it. Take anything, everything, confidently before your God. Scripture tells you too.
Conclusion
Remember the man I told you about that was about to lose his wife of 60 years? When I arrived and pulled back the curtain, he looked at me and I opened my mouth to speak. Nothing came out. I tried again. Again nothing. So I reached out, put my arm on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. I stood there for 45 minutes with my hand on his shoulders, during which his wife breathed her last breath. When he was ready to go, he stood up, turned to me, and gave me a hug. He told me how grateful he was that someone was there with him. It was the presence of another person, not words, that brought this man comfort. And it was God responding to my prayer for guidance, that caused my silence. I needed help, I prayed about what to say, and I did it will the confidence that God would respond. And God did. God closed my mouth and took my speech, because that man needed to feel God's presence through the touch of my hand on his shoulder. That man did not need inadequate words or gestures. God was present!
Folks, prayer can often get overlooked in the midst of a busy life. But I challenge you to make time daily to pray. Prayer is where you are blessed, prayer is wide open, prayer requires nothing of you but your willingness to do it. God is eagerly waiting, God is anxiously anticipating, and God is ever present. God wants you to pray so God can open up the gates of Heaven and bless you till you cannot take anymore. Instead of thinking of yourself as too busy to pray, think of yourself as too busy not to pray.
[1] Hybels, Bill. Too Busy Not Too Pray: Slowing Down to be with God. (InterVarsity Press, 1998) p.9
[2] Ibid, p.12
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Bible Challenge 9/5 - 9/11
Greetings my Bible Challenge friends!
This week we will complete Isaiah and move into Jeremiah. I pray God is using this time to speak to you and bless you! Here is the schedule for the week.
9/5, Sunday - Isaiah 50-53
9/6, Monday - Isaiah 54-57
9/7, Tuesday - Isaiah 58-61
9/8, Wednesday - Isaiah 62-65
9/9, Thursday - Isaiah 66 - Jeremiah 3
9/10, Friday - Jeremiah 4-7
9/11, Saturday - Jeremiah 8-11
Be Blessed!
This week we will complete Isaiah and move into Jeremiah. I pray God is using this time to speak to you and bless you! Here is the schedule for the week.
9/5, Sunday - Isaiah 50-53
9/6, Monday - Isaiah 54-57
9/7, Tuesday - Isaiah 58-61
9/8, Wednesday - Isaiah 62-65
9/9, Thursday - Isaiah 66 - Jeremiah 3
9/10, Friday - Jeremiah 4-7
9/11, Saturday - Jeremiah 8-11
Be Blessed!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Friday Fives
1. Preaching Series - This week we are beginning a new four week preaching series based upon the book, Too Busy Not Too Pray, by Bill Hybels. During this series we will look at the importance of making time in our lives for prayer as we will look at prayer through the lenses of presence, invitation, barriers, and listening. This week we will begin with the lens of presence. I hope to see all of you there!
2. Worship Opportunity - Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville is hosting two special events in September that I wanted to make you all aware of.
3. Marriage Conference – A few days ago I posted an article here on my blog about an upcoming marriage conference. I want to take some space here and encourage you to look back at that announcement and consider going. My wife Debbie and I have already signed up and I encourage all of you that are married, engaged, or dating to attend.
4. Salty Service - A few months back I asked everyone to consider joining up together in groups to venture out and visit some of the residents in the many assisted living and rehab facilities around our church. There are many people there that get no visitors, and we are so good with fellowship, I see a need and a spiritual gift that can easily be paired up. I wanted to give everyone an update on how this budding ministry is progressing. We have one member that has reached out and has began weekly visits and we have another that is in the process of beginning. We have several contacts at area facilities, all we need is volunteers. Many people make light work. If you are willing to spend just a few hours a month visiting with people and sharing the love of Christ please contact the office and we can help you get connected. Please consider reaching out to the people in our area and let them know we care and in the name of Jesus Christ that they are loved.
5. Sunday School – We are going to launch our Sunday School program soon. Watch this space and the bulletin announcements for a planning meeting coming up soon. And remember....it is never to late to volunteer!
2. Worship Opportunity - Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville is hosting two special events in September that I wanted to make you all aware of.
- The first is on Friday, September 10th from 6-9pm. Trinity UMC and the Gainesville Interfaith Forum invite you to attend this very different and special kind of event. Trinity is opening its entire worship center and campus for a time to embrace our unity as members of the human family. Everyone is invited to take part in the planned activities. Children of different faiths can play together and enjoy arts and educational crafts. There will be a variety of cultural displays, foods from various regions of the world, and a time of prayer for peace, understanding and hope.
- The second event is a Prayer and Remembrance Service on Saturday, Sept. 11, 8:30 – 10:30 am in their chapel. This will be a time of prayer and remembrance, as we honor the memory of those who perished on September 11, 2001. We will be in prayer for families who lost loved ones and for all who have been and are in harm’s way since that day.
3. Marriage Conference – A few days ago I posted an article here on my blog about an upcoming marriage conference. I want to take some space here and encourage you to look back at that announcement and consider going. My wife Debbie and I have already signed up and I encourage all of you that are married, engaged, or dating to attend.
4. Salty Service - A few months back I asked everyone to consider joining up together in groups to venture out and visit some of the residents in the many assisted living and rehab facilities around our church. There are many people there that get no visitors, and we are so good with fellowship, I see a need and a spiritual gift that can easily be paired up. I wanted to give everyone an update on how this budding ministry is progressing. We have one member that has reached out and has began weekly visits and we have another that is in the process of beginning. We have several contacts at area facilities, all we need is volunteers. Many people make light work. If you are willing to spend just a few hours a month visiting with people and sharing the love of Christ please contact the office and we can help you get connected. Please consider reaching out to the people in our area and let them know we care and in the name of Jesus Christ that they are loved.
5. Sunday School – We are going to launch our Sunday School program soon. Watch this space and the bulletin announcements for a planning meeting coming up soon. And remember....it is never to late to volunteer!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Upcoming Marriage Confernce
When Debbie and I got married eleven years ago, we made a conscious decision that divorce was never an option for us; it simply wasn't on the table. We did this because Debbie had lived through the divorce of hew own parents as a child and together we had witnessed many family members and friends navigate the world of divorce and saw the far-reaching impact that it had. And while we've had our share of up and down times in our relationship, even though we're pastors, we are human! But what helps us is the commitment we've made to do something every year to get us working on our relationship. Things like attending a marriage seminar, doing devotionals together, reading a book on marriage together, making sure to take our date day, or learning to communicate about finances through Financial Peace University.
This year we are attending a marriage conference right here in town, coming up on Saturday, September 18th. Church @ The Springs is hosting a one day marriage conference by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott that I wanted to make you all aware of.
Here is a video that will give you more info about this event.
If you would like more info you can contact Patti at Church @ The Springs at 352.624.0545, ext. 107, email info@thesprings.org, or simply click here
Debbie and I have committed to attending. Will we see you there?
This year we are attending a marriage conference right here in town, coming up on Saturday, September 18th. Church @ The Springs is hosting a one day marriage conference by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott that I wanted to make you all aware of.
Here is a video that will give you more info about this event.
If you would like more info you can contact Patti at Church @ The Springs at 352.624.0545, ext. 107, email info@thesprings.org, or simply click here
Debbie and I have committed to attending. Will we see you there?
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