What's the Difference?
Over the next couple of months we're going to be experimenting with some changes to the prayer guide. For this sermon series "What's the Difference?" we're going to try connecting the prayer guide to the Sunday messages. If you didn't get a chance to participate in the service, you can view all of our messages on our website.
Opening Prayer
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture
For it is God who works in you to will and to act to his good purpose.
- Philippians 2:13
Goodness
"Good" is a word used to describe a lot of different things, but when Paul used the word goodness he had in mind the Hebrew word "tov" which means a holistic goodness rooted in who God is.
When we look at God's goodness we see that God never stops chasing after us with God's goodness. As people being formed by the Spirit we are to be agents of goodness in the world. Goodness is love in action.
Reflection
Create some space to experience God’s transforming goodness by going to God in your badness.
- Identify a moment that you are not proud of at some point this week.
- Take that moment to God in prayer trusting that God is good and for your good.
- Sit and be open to God communicating God’s love, forgiveness, and affection for you.
- Rest in and receive God’s goodness right at the center of your mistake.
Prayers of Petition
God invites us to cast our cares on him because he cares for us. God is all-together good, already knows what we need, and is eager to give us good things. So we don’t need to pray out of anxiety or fear, but confident trust. Spend a few minutes making your requests known to God.
- For the church
- For others
- For myself
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that this day I may live in your presence and please you more and more.
Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow you.
Holy Spirit, I pray that this day you will fill me with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.