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
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
- Hebrews 12:1-3
Faithfulness
Faithfulness isn't always flashy. Sometimes it involves taking big leaps of faith that are exciting (and nerve wracking) that give you a hit of adrenaline and make your faith feel vibrant and alive.
More often though faithfulness can feel mundane. It can feel simple and even...boring.
God doesn't often give us the big plan up front, so we often don't know why what God wants us to do really matters.
But there's a blessing in that. It means faithfulness to God's call on our life requires trust. When we are faithful to the next step God is asking us to take not only are we taking steps towards God's purpose for our life, we're also growing in our capacity to trust Him.
Reflection
Create some space to reflect on your life in God's presence.
Ask God to show you an area of your life where you can “do the next right thing” as a faithful response.
If you’re not sure what that is, ask God to show you what the next next step could be.
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.