Call to Worship God,
to Gather Together
Keep on loving one another
Hebrews 13:1
Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.
Pondering Point
When we as Christians put on the armor of God in Ephesians six, God calls us to pray in the spirit on all occasions for ourselves and for our brothers and sisters in the Christian faith. This is one way for us to keep on loving our brothers and sisters, by praying for them in the spirit on all occasions.
Jesus invites His disciples into prayer at both Micro and Small group levels. Luke tells us that Jesus and His MG spent the entire night on the Mount of Transfiguration (9:37). I wouldn’t say they spent the entire night praying, seeing as Luke also describes the sleepiness of the disciples. Nonetheless, they engaged in praying with Jesus.
Luke 9:28-37
The Transfiguration
28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)
34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.
37 The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him.
It would seem that such occasions were foundational for them in their life with Jesus. Does your love for others inspire you to pray with them (as the disciples were doing) or to invite them into a time of prayer (like we see Jesus doing)? No time like the present; you can take advantage of one of those occasions now.
Prayer Prompt
Call upon the Holy Spirit to lead you in prayer for your Christian brothers and sisters. Don’t hurry. Let Him bring people to mind: family, friends, business co-workers, ministry co-laborers, small group participants and neighbors. Be ready to respond with actions that align with loving them by words, ministry presence, or other kindnesses. Add a prayer request for the Holy Spirit to nudge you toward those who would be open to a Micro-Group life with you to grow spiritually. Write down some potential if you don’t currently participate in a Micro-Group.