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
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.
- Genesis 1:31
Goodness
Tov is a Hebrew word for 'good', but the word does not refer only to the goodness of the object itself; it also refers to the ties between things. In the Hebrew conception of the world, all creation is connected. The well-being of the whole depends on the well-being of each individual part. The original hearers of Genesis, understood 'tov' to refer to the goodness of the ties and relationships between things in creation.
Tov is used six times before human beings are mentioned. The seventh time it is used with the adjective we translate as 'very'. This Hebrew word (Me'od) means forceful or vehement. The number seven represented perfection to the writer and he is emphasizing the mighty web of interconnected relationships in all of God's creation is forcefully, vehemently, abundantly good.
Human beings are intrinsically connected to God, His creation and to each other. We flourish best when we are good to one another. Love in action. When we realize goodness refers to the ties between us, created out of God's goodness, we seek to bridge the gaps that separate us.
*The Very Good Gospel by Lisa Sharon Harper
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.