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
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.
- Galatians 6:1
Gentleness
Gentleness is not another word for weakness.
Being gentle doesn't mean we need to plaster on a fake smile and be fake with everyone we have an issue with. Embodying Jesus' gentleness doesn't mean you ignore the power you do have in a situation.
Gentleness actually looks like harnessing the power you do have in humble love, NOT as a tool to manipulate and control others or to get our own way.
Allowing the Spirit to transform our hears often involves reckoning with the way our life currently is. In this instance that means reckoning with the way we use (and abuse) our power in relationships.
Reflection
Create some space to reflect on your life in God's presence and sit with the following questions about :
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.