“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
Here is a useful idea for your prayer life. I came across it a few years ago in a book by James Nicodem, called Prayer Coach. According to Galatians 5:22-23, these attributes are evidence that the Holy Spirit is at work in a person’s life. The more a person lives in close relationship with God, the more his/her life will be characterized by these traits. When you go to God in prayer today, select one of these attributes and pray that it will grow stronger in your life and the lives of your loved ones. Think and pray for specific ways that you need to show more love, have more joy, etc.
We have a prayer gathering every Wednesday night at 7 PM in the Heritage Room at Grace Point. Please consider praying with us tonight for our church, our country, and the world.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
First Wednesday of September
Dear Grace Point Prayer Community,
Tomorrow is the first Wednesday of September. At Grace Point, we encourage one another to set aside the First Wednesday of each month to fast and pray. Please consider skipping a meal or two (or simplifying your diet) and spending extra time in prayer tomorrow. Fasting is a biblical and time-tested practice to earnestly seek after God.
This is an important time of the year for our church. Many of our ministries for families, children and youth start in September as the summer vacation season ends. Pray for Grace Point, that in all things we will honor God, love each other, and help a great number of people in Jesus’ name.
Also, you are invited to come to the Wednesday Night Prayer Gathering in the heritage room at 7 p.m.
Sincerely,
Brian Weber
Pastor of Mission, Grace Point
Tomorrow is the first Wednesday of September. At Grace Point, we encourage one another to set aside the First Wednesday of each month to fast and pray. Please consider skipping a meal or two (or simplifying your diet) and spending extra time in prayer tomorrow. Fasting is a biblical and time-tested practice to earnestly seek after God.
This is an important time of the year for our church. Many of our ministries for families, children and youth start in September as the summer vacation season ends. Pray for Grace Point, that in all things we will honor God, love each other, and help a great number of people in Jesus’ name.
Also, you are invited to come to the Wednesday Night Prayer Gathering in the heritage room at 7 p.m.
Sincerely,
Brian Weber
Pastor of Mission, Grace Point
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Special Missions Prayer Meeting, July 13
Wednesday 7PM at Grace Point in the Heritage Room
Greg and Betsy Aikins are Grace Point partners in Iceland, working in outreach and leadership development. You are invited to spend time with the Aikins at our Wednesday Night Prayer Gathering, tomorrow, July 13, at 7 PM. We will talk with them about their ministry. We will also spend some time in prayer for each other, Grace Point, and global missions. There will be coffee and dessert.
Greg and Betsy Aikins are Grace Point partners in Iceland, working in outreach and leadership development. You are invited to spend time with the Aikins at our Wednesday Night Prayer Gathering, tomorrow, July 13, at 7 PM. We will talk with them about their ministry. We will also spend some time in prayer for each other, Grace Point, and global missions. There will be coffee and dessert.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A Prayer Devotional
Dr. Luke opens part 2 of his great life's work by reminding Theophilus of all that he detailed in part 1 of the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Acts opens with the exhortation "to wait for the promise of the Father" because, as Jesus assured them, "You will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
How did they wait? Luke records in detail where they went (an upper room in Jerusalem), who was there (the eleven remaining disciples - sans Judas - along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus and his brothers), and what they did to wait.
They prayed. Specifically, they "were devoting themselves to prayer."
They prayed together ("all these").
They prayed in unity ("with one accord").
They prayed passionately ("were devoting themselves").
It's certainly true that we don't have to come together in one place to pray. But there is a particular blessing in occasionally coming together to pray with great passion in unity for the fulfillment of God's promises in Christ Jesus.
By Dana Olson
Converge Prayer First team member
Senior Pastor, Faith Baptist Fellowship, Sioux Falls, SD
Grace Point has a regular prayer gathering on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM in the Heritage Room. All are welcome to join us to pray for the church, for missions, and for each other.
*Converge is the Baptist association of churches to which Grace Point belongs
How did they wait? Luke records in detail where they went (an upper room in Jerusalem), who was there (the eleven remaining disciples - sans Judas - along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus and his brothers), and what they did to wait.
They prayed. Specifically, they "were devoting themselves to prayer."
They prayed together ("all these").
They prayed in unity ("with one accord").
They prayed passionately ("were devoting themselves").
It's certainly true that we don't have to come together in one place to pray. But there is a particular blessing in occasionally coming together to pray with great passion in unity for the fulfillment of God's promises in Christ Jesus.
By Dana Olson
Converge Prayer First team member
Senior Pastor, Faith Baptist Fellowship, Sioux Falls, SD
Grace Point has a regular prayer gathering on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM in the Heritage Room. All are welcome to join us to pray for the church, for missions, and for each other.
*Converge is the Baptist association of churches to which Grace Point belongs
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Prayer for Knowledge
What should I believe? What is true? What is not true? Have you ever asked yourself these questions?
Below is a prayer adapted from Psalm 119:25-32. The passage is a testimony of the reliability of God’s Word when life is uncertain. I encourage you to use it in your prayer times this week. The Psalm was also the text of last Sunday’s sermon. If you’d like to hear the sermon, it is available at www.gracepointpa.org/messages.
Dear God, I am weak in spirit and don’t know what to believe. Give me strength according to your Word. Teach me your ways and give me understanding, so that I might have knowledge of your Will. Protect me from believing lies, and help be to hold fast to your truth. Be gracious to me through your Word, and let me find confidence and security in your commands. Amen.
Tomorrow is also the first Wednesday in June. Grace Point designates the first Wednesday of each month for prayer and fasting. Please consider skipping a meal or two tomorrow or restricting yourself to a limited diet, and please spend extra time in prayer. We encourage you to pray for Grace Point and for a specific concern in your own life. Also you are welcome to join the Wednesday Night Prayer Gathering at Grace Point at 7 PM.
Below is a prayer adapted from Psalm 119:25-32. The passage is a testimony of the reliability of God’s Word when life is uncertain. I encourage you to use it in your prayer times this week. The Psalm was also the text of last Sunday’s sermon. If you’d like to hear the sermon, it is available at www.gracepointpa.org/messages.
Dear God, I am weak in spirit and don’t know what to believe. Give me strength according to your Word. Teach me your ways and give me understanding, so that I might have knowledge of your Will. Protect me from believing lies, and help be to hold fast to your truth. Be gracious to me through your Word, and let me find confidence and security in your commands. Amen.
Tomorrow is also the first Wednesday in June. Grace Point designates the first Wednesday of each month for prayer and fasting. Please consider skipping a meal or two tomorrow or restricting yourself to a limited diet, and please spend extra time in prayer. We encourage you to pray for Grace Point and for a specific concern in your own life. Also you are welcome to join the Wednesday Night Prayer Gathering at Grace Point at 7 PM.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Praying for Joy with Cheri Keaggy
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:12
Last Sunday, songwriter Cheri Keaggy was a special guest at Grace Point. In her testimony, she shared how God taught her to have joy in times of trial. When we face difficulties, we can choose to have joy by faith in Christ. Joy is a promise from God that we can claim daily through prayer and thanksgiving. In your prayers this week, ask God to fill you with joy whatever your circumstances.
Below are lyrics from “The Grindstone Song” that Cheri sang in church.
I’ve been living against the grindstone,
where nothing is sure but the Lord
For He gives us the treasures of darkness,
where faith’s greatest riches are stored
And in ways that are quite unexpected,
I have learned a most humbling truth
That a faith that has never been tested
is just growth that is long overdue
So, I’m practicing joy, choosing it daily,
putting it on like a favorite cologne
And when life breaks me down, it won’t even faze me
Some call me crazy, but I’m just in love with the Lord
For He has been faithful enough just to fill me
And take me to heights I have never explored
If I’m never broken, how can I be restored
Romans 12:12
Last Sunday, songwriter Cheri Keaggy was a special guest at Grace Point. In her testimony, she shared how God taught her to have joy in times of trial. When we face difficulties, we can choose to have joy by faith in Christ. Joy is a promise from God that we can claim daily through prayer and thanksgiving. In your prayers this week, ask God to fill you with joy whatever your circumstances.
Below are lyrics from “The Grindstone Song” that Cheri sang in church.
I’ve been living against the grindstone,
where nothing is sure but the Lord
For He gives us the treasures of darkness,
where faith’s greatest riches are stored
And in ways that are quite unexpected,
I have learned a most humbling truth
That a faith that has never been tested
is just growth that is long overdue
So, I’m practicing joy, choosing it daily,
putting it on like a favorite cologne
And when life breaks me down, it won’t even faze me
Some call me crazy, but I’m just in love with the Lord
For He has been faithful enough just to fill me
And take me to heights I have never explored
If I’m never broken, how can I be restored
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Fast and Pray for the Church in the USA
This Thursday is the National Day of Prayer. Organizers identify four purposes for the National Day of Prayer. These were found at http://nationaldayofprayer.org:
• Encourage people to pray personally and in groups, regardless of current issues and positions (Colossians 4:2, Romans 12:12, Matthew 18:19-20, Joel 2:13-16, II Chronicles 7:14)
• Celebrate the Christian heritage in America and defend the religious freedoms granted by the Constitution (Deuteronomy 6:6-8, Proverbs 14:34)
• Emphasize prayer for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family (I Timothy 2:1-6)
• Foster unity within the Christian Church (Psalm 133:1, Ephesians 4:11-13)
At Grace Point, on the first Wednesday of each month, we promote the First Wednesday Day of Prayer and Fasting. Tomorrow or Thursday, I encourage you to consider skipping a meal (or two) to intentionally focus on praying for the Church in America. You can use the above bullet points and look up the Scripture texts to help you.
Also, I invite you to our Wednesday night prayer hour at Grace Point at 7 PM in the Heritage Room. We will especially focus on praying for the advancement of the gospel and the strength of the Church in America.
• Encourage people to pray personally and in groups, regardless of current issues and positions (Colossians 4:2, Romans 12:12, Matthew 18:19-20, Joel 2:13-16, II Chronicles 7:14)
• Celebrate the Christian heritage in America and defend the religious freedoms granted by the Constitution (Deuteronomy 6:6-8, Proverbs 14:34)
• Emphasize prayer for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family (I Timothy 2:1-6)
• Foster unity within the Christian Church (Psalm 133:1, Ephesians 4:11-13)
At Grace Point, on the first Wednesday of each month, we promote the First Wednesday Day of Prayer and Fasting. Tomorrow or Thursday, I encourage you to consider skipping a meal (or two) to intentionally focus on praying for the Church in America. You can use the above bullet points and look up the Scripture texts to help you.
Also, I invite you to our Wednesday night prayer hour at Grace Point at 7 PM in the Heritage Room. We will especially focus on praying for the advancement of the gospel and the strength of the Church in America.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
How are you preparing for Easter?
In America, we have a tendency to prepare socially and pragmatically for Easter. How can we get ready spiritually? We buy ingredients for a big Easter meal. We prepare a room for family members who are arriving from out of town. We set extra chairs around the table. We buy chocolates and dye Easter eggs. Some families even plan a vacation, because the children have the week off from school. Historically, however, Christians have prepared their souls for Easter. It would be a benefit to us to learn from our spiritual fathers and also prepare ourselves spiritually for Resurrection Sunday. There are typically three elements to the preparation for Easter.
1. The first is fasting. This is usually connected with the season of lent. It is a remembrance of Jesus’ life. Philippians 2 tells us that Christ emptied himself to come to earth to be our Savior. Then Jesus says in Mark 8, “If anyone should come after me, he must deny himself…” When we fast, we are practicing a self-denial that mimics Jesus’ life. Fasting should always be accompanied by regular times of prayer and doing good works for others. I recently wrote an article on fasting for this blog (www.gpprayer.blogspot.com) on April 4.
2. The second habit to prepare for Easter is confession. This is the centerpiece of most worship services on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. We are remembering Christ’s death on the cross and our sin that put him there.
3. The third way to prepare for Easter by sharing our faith with others. The celebration of Easter is primarily about the gospel—that Jesus’ resurrection provides reconciliation with God and eternal life to all believers. Many irreligious people are inclined to go to church on Easter, if someone would invite them. Thus, an appropriate way to prepare for Easter is to invite non-believing friends and family to church.
I invite you to especially prepare for Easter this week through prayer, fasting, confession, and inviting friends to church.
1. The first is fasting. This is usually connected with the season of lent. It is a remembrance of Jesus’ life. Philippians 2 tells us that Christ emptied himself to come to earth to be our Savior. Then Jesus says in Mark 8, “If anyone should come after me, he must deny himself…” When we fast, we are practicing a self-denial that mimics Jesus’ life. Fasting should always be accompanied by regular times of prayer and doing good works for others. I recently wrote an article on fasting for this blog (www.gpprayer.blogspot.com) on April 4.
2. The second habit to prepare for Easter is confession. This is the centerpiece of most worship services on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. We are remembering Christ’s death on the cross and our sin that put him there.
3. The third way to prepare for Easter by sharing our faith with others. The celebration of Easter is primarily about the gospel—that Jesus’ resurrection provides reconciliation with God and eternal life to all believers. Many irreligious people are inclined to go to church on Easter, if someone would invite them. Thus, an appropriate way to prepare for Easter is to invite non-believing friends and family to church.
I invite you to especially prepare for Easter this week through prayer, fasting, confession, and inviting friends to church.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Community Prayer Breakfast, April 17
Pastors and prayer leaders from local churches, including Grace Point, have formed a group to organize multi-church prayer efforts in our community. Langhorne United Methodist is hosting a community prayer breakfast on April 16, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Our time together will include breakfast, fellowship, prayer, and testimonies from a small group study called Acts 29. All are invited. This will be a great opportunity to pray and fellowship with other Christians in our community.
Also, you may be interested in doing the Acts 29 study for yourself or in your small group. Acts 29 is a prayer focused study of the book of Acts, and a copy is available for your to browse at the Prayer Resources Table in the church foyer. The community prayer group is suggesting that several people and small groups use this material as a means to pray for our neighborhoods between Easter (April 24) and Pentecost (June 12). We will be organizing a multi-church prayer service for Pentecost weekend. More information is to come.
Also, you may be interested in doing the Acts 29 study for yourself or in your small group. Acts 29 is a prayer focused study of the book of Acts, and a copy is available for your to browse at the Prayer Resources Table in the church foyer. The community prayer group is suggesting that several people and small groups use this material as a means to pray for our neighborhoods between Easter (April 24) and Pentecost (June 12). We will be organizing a multi-church prayer service for Pentecost weekend. More information is to come.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Pray for the Grace of God
On Sunday we finished 8 weeks of sermons on the holiness of God. Chris finished the series with Titus 2:11-14. Grace is the catalyst for holy living. The following are prayer requests for the grace of God based on Chris’ sermon.
Titus 2:11-14
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
1) Thank God for the salvation that is available by grace to anyone who believes in Jesus. Pray also for those who have yet to believe.
2) Pray that the grace of God will teach us to say “no” to evil all the time and to live morally upright lives every day.
3) Pray that the grace of God will fill us with hope for the future as we wait for the return of Jesus.
4) Pray that grace of God will encourage us to eagerly do good works for others in the name of Jesus.
Titus 2:11-14
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
1) Thank God for the salvation that is available by grace to anyone who believes in Jesus. Pray also for those who have yet to believe.
2) Pray that the grace of God will teach us to say “no” to evil all the time and to live morally upright lives every day.
3) Pray that the grace of God will fill us with hope for the future as we wait for the return of Jesus.
4) Pray that grace of God will encourage us to eagerly do good works for others in the name of Jesus.
Monday, April 4, 2011
First Wednesday Day of Prayer and Fasting
The first Wednesday of every month is designated as a day of prayer and fasting for Grace Point. I invite all of you to fast and pray with me. It is true that fasting is not required in the New Testament. However, Jesus allows his followers to fast as a means to pray seriously to God. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus teaches that we should fast honestly, not for selfish reasons, and God will reward us. In Matthew 9:15, Jesus indicates that his followers will fast after his death and resurrection.
Personally, I have found fasting to be a healthy, spiritual activity. In America, most of our desires can be satisfied in an instant. We can take care of ourselves, and we don’t have to wait for anything. For me, my impatience and desire to be instantly gratified lead me to sin. On the other hand, God asks us to wait and depend on him. Most of good things in life require us to deny ourselves and wait for God.
Food is something that is instantly available to us whenever we want it. So, for Americans, fasting is a way to practice patience, waiting, and delayed gratification. When I fast, I remind myself that it is good to resist instant desires. It helps me to pray, because prayer is chiefly about dependence on God, waiting, and delayed gratification. I often sense a renewed closeness in my relationship with God, when I fast and pray.
So, Wednesday I invite you to fast and pray with me. Here are some questions that may help you.
1. Will you abstain from all food, or just some kinds of food?
2. How long will you fast?
3. What specific time and place will you pray?
4. Will you pray alone or with others?
5. What specific prayer request will you pray for?
Also, you are invited to the Wednesday Night Prayer Hour at Grace Point in the Heritage Room at 7 PM.
Personally, I have found fasting to be a healthy, spiritual activity. In America, most of our desires can be satisfied in an instant. We can take care of ourselves, and we don’t have to wait for anything. For me, my impatience and desire to be instantly gratified lead me to sin. On the other hand, God asks us to wait and depend on him. Most of good things in life require us to deny ourselves and wait for God.
Food is something that is instantly available to us whenever we want it. So, for Americans, fasting is a way to practice patience, waiting, and delayed gratification. When I fast, I remind myself that it is good to resist instant desires. It helps me to pray, because prayer is chiefly about dependence on God, waiting, and delayed gratification. I often sense a renewed closeness in my relationship with God, when I fast and pray.
So, Wednesday I invite you to fast and pray with me. Here are some questions that may help you.
1. Will you abstain from all food, or just some kinds of food?
2. How long will you fast?
3. What specific time and place will you pray?
4. Will you pray alone or with others?
5. What specific prayer request will you pray for?
Also, you are invited to the Wednesday Night Prayer Hour at Grace Point in the Heritage Room at 7 PM.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
The GP Prayer Community
The GP prayer email list has been a terrific way to share prayer requests with one another concerning the Grace Point family and our friends. All of you represent a community of people who receive these emails and dedicate themselves to pray for our church. Thank you.
In addition to sharing prayer requests, I would like to enhance your prayer life even more through this email list. On a regular basis, but not too frequently, I will send an email to encourage your prayer life. It may be a short devotional concerning prayer. It may be a new prayer idea for you to try. It may also be an invitation to an upcoming prayer event, or it may be an opportunity for you to serve as a prayer volunteer at church. I hope you will find these emails to be valuable and encouraging.
I kindly ask you not to reply to these emails with comments. However, if you would like to comment, you may subscribe to the GP Prayer blog at the following address. The same content will be posted on the blog, and you may write comments. (http://gpprayer.blogspot.com)
Please continue to share prayer requests through this email list, so we may lift them up to God.
In addition to sharing prayer requests, I would like to enhance your prayer life even more through this email list. On a regular basis, but not too frequently, I will send an email to encourage your prayer life. It may be a short devotional concerning prayer. It may be a new prayer idea for you to try. It may also be an invitation to an upcoming prayer event, or it may be an opportunity for you to serve as a prayer volunteer at church. I hope you will find these emails to be valuable and encouraging.
I kindly ask you not to reply to these emails with comments. However, if you would like to comment, you may subscribe to the GP Prayer blog at the following address. The same content will be posted on the blog, and you may write comments. (http://gpprayer.blogspot.com)
Please continue to share prayer requests through this email list, so we may lift them up to God.
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