Call to Gather, Pray and Worship God
Revelation 2:10-11
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.
Today’s blessing comes with two things: (1) having ears to hear the message, and (2) exhibiting faithfulness,
Faith comes through hearing (Romans 10:17); Faithfulness could be called an obedience that comes through faith (Romans 1:5). Pray to hear and believe, the believe and act in faith.
A Mother's Day Prayer
for all ladies
Father God, thank you for mothers and children and for the joys of family life. Be with those who are grieving because they have no mother to hold; be close to those who are struggling because they have no children to embrace; be near to those who are sad because they are apart from those they wish to embrace. Bless especially those who have missed out on the joy of a mother who cherished them deeply. Let Your love somehow cover such tragic situations. Let Your love be present in every home, and help your church to have eyes to see and ears to hear the needs of all who come. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Skill 5 Exercise:
Form Family Bonds
Family bonds (think Micro Groups) let us share the joy built by the people we love.
Practice the following exercise using forming family bonds for three.
In your triads (Micro-Group), take turns having two people ask each other the following questions while the third person simply looks on and enjoys the interaction but doesn't speak. Be sure to maintain eye contact back and forth among the triad as it feels comfortable.
➢ What was your favorite toy growing up?
➢ What is your favorite food?
➢ Where were you born?
Rotate so that everyone has an opportunity to answer the questions. When finished, discuss the following in your triad.
➢ How did it feel when you were the observer?
➢ What did you notice when you were asking and answering the questions while an observer watched you.
~ p. 41, Relational Skills in the Bible, Amy Brown, Chris Coursey
One of the most powerful ways to serve others is to listen. As my good friend Jim likes to says, “I gave them a good listening to!”