Call to Gather, Pray and Worship God
Isaiah 43:1-2
But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and
when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze".
What part of this blessing most resonates with you? Why are those words jumping out for you? Besides yourself, who else would you desire to see live under such blessing?
Have a conversation with God about them. Ask for fulfillment of this blessing during the week for you and others as you return to this time daily.
Today's Scripture Story
Unbeknownst to the disciples,Jesus’ teachings on this evening would bring to completion the work of training them as disciples (See John 17:4). His death was looming, though they struggled to realize that. Their apprenticeship was now over. Further teaching would later come through the gift of the promised Holy Spirit. While this period of discipleship training is concluding, Jesus gives them an analogy to grasp some nuances of their relationship moving forward – and the NEED to stay connected to Jesus. That is our Scripture story for the week.
- Where or how do you see yourself stongly connected to Jesus?
- Where or how do you see yourself poorly connected to Jesus?
John 15:1-8
The Vine, the Branches,
and the Gardener
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Church Prayer of the Month
Lord Jesus, when it comes to us living as Your body, we don’t know who the hands or feet are, who serves as eyes or ears. Whatever roles we play, let us work together as Your body. We collectively submit to You as our head, agreeing to work as one unit, united in Spirit and mission, to the glory of God our Father. In Your name we pray.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, individually, we pray that You give each of us a heart to know You and a desire for You above all things. Help each of us to believe that we have a necessary place in the body, agreeing to work with each other united in Spirit and mission under Your leadership. Let us each live to the glory of God our Father. So I pray. Amen.
Personal Prayer Life Development
You might want guidance or direction with bringing dreams into reality, following through, or persevering. It might involve letting go of certain dreams, grieving their loss. You might want direction in regard to working through trouble in relationships, initiating or even re-initiating relationships, or grieving lost relationships.
Take some time to pause and ask yourself what direction or guidance you desire from God with situations, people, future decisions and their implications, etc. You might look for insight on enhancing the who, what, when, where and how of your serving God (which may include a switch of serving areas). Some may be looking for direction in terms of jobs and career paths old and new.
What do you want guidance on? With whom? For whom? Are you willing to submit to God’s leading and leadership?
Ponder your willingness to work with others: How is your willingness to work with others? Under others? To receive help from others?
When praying to God, don't worry about whether you have the right words to know exactly what you're asking for. Learn to ask even about what you're asking for, such as “Lord give me direction on what to prioritize in my life” or “give me direction on what I should ask direction on.” If there are go-to Bible verses you cling to, they can be great for adding into prayers reference-wise with keywords.
When you think of what you need in terms of guidance from God, which area(s) do you think you are lacking or needing greater clarity?
In which area(s) do you think that you have strong clarity?
In looking for direction, which particular things come to mind for you?
John 10:11
Jesus Calls Levi and Eats With Sinners
The
Great Sending
Word of the Day
John 10:11
I (Jesus) am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.