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
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
- Matthew 11:28-30
Gentleness
Notice how opposite Jesus' words are compared to what we might hear in our culture.
Jesus doesn't tell people to "pull themselves up by their bootstraps" or to "deal with it," he offers to be with us when we're weary and burdened. Jesus never expected us to do this life alone. He wants to be intimately connected to you. Helping, guiding, and strengthening you to do the impossible things God call you to do.
The problem is that we often don't turn to him for help. We spend so much time and energy trying to do it all ourselves and miss out on the life Jesus promises us.
The reason is often because we don't truly see God as gentle. We don't really believe that God will come to us with gentleness, dust off our hands when we've fallen, and help us keep going.
But that's who God is. He is gentle, loving and kind. He cares for you and wants to help you. He's not going to rub your face in whatever mess you made, but roll up His sleeves, sit down in the mess and help you clean it up.
Reflection
Create some space to reflect on your life in God's presence.
Think about a time recently that you became aware of your sinfulness. Did you experience God as gentle? Harsh? Something else?
Spend some time asking God to reveal His gentleness to you in that moment. Imagine Him talking to you with patience and grace and love.
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.