Listening in Prayer

A few reminders from the message on Sunday.  We approach the week of our Serve Project.  We also see that these preparations are for all of our life of ministry as the church.  Look at how we will be in the week of Serve.  Look at what we will be doing as we come into the new season of ministry in the fall.  Look at where we see our place in the church for the years ahead.

Where do you see the good news of where God is working in your community and in the world?  Keep a journal, or a running list on your phone, when you see evidence of God’s kingdom coming near.  Try to list at least 10 observations this week.

Set aside five minutes every day this week to be present with God as an offering of your willingness to be a gospel witness.  Take a physical posture of being willing to receive what God has for you.  Instead of filling the silence with your own words, consider one of these options:

• Listen to a song that invites God’s work in your life, such as “I Want Jesus to Walk With Me.”
• Simply ask God, “How do you want to prepare me, Lord?” When your thoughts wander, return gently to this question.
• Try a breath prayer. When you inhale, pray: “Your love fills me.” When you exhale, pray: “Let your love flow through me.”

What are the ways you’re hoping to grow in the gospel witness practice of preparing?  Find a place where you can keep a prayer journal for yourself and those who need to receive the gift of Jesus Christ and his good news.  This week, consider adding prayers for how you want God to prepare you to be a witness to the gospel.

As we walk in the week ahead, pray for the church and our place in it.  And may we all hear the calling of Jesus to follow him always.