please pray:
-for a smooth move and transition into our new home and neighborhood in Bellingham
-for group of folks to join us as we worm our way into a new church
-for a clear vision of ministry that is rooted in God's desires for Happy Valley and Bellingham
-for open eyes to see the needs in Happy Valley, and creative means to address them
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
prayer guide for 3.09
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15). The Apostle John tells us that we can approach God with certainty in our prayers. We are invited to seek His will for us and our communities, and to pray together that His will would be done. The early church functioned in community, through prayer, study, and fellowship (Acts 2:42), as they lived out their faith in the world. We too are invited to live out our faith together, as we pray for Kingdom growth. This prayer guide is intended to foster and deepen our communal faith and mission together.
Both prayer and fasting are sacrificial disciplines that draw us closer to the heart God. In these acts we deny our own ambitions and submit ourselves to the will of our heavenly Father. The Heidelberg Catechism rightly says that Christians are to pray “Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness God requires of us, and also because God gives His grace and Holy Spirit only to those who pray continually and groan inwardly, asking God for these gifts and thanking him for them” (Q & A 116). This echoes the Apostle Paul’s invitation to “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Prayer and fasting are two spiritual disciplines that are powerful when practiced together (Judges 20:26, Ezra 8:23, Acts 13:3). Dallas Willard states, “Through [fasting], we learn by experience that God’s word to us is a life substance, that it is not food (“bread”) alone that gives us life, but also the words that proceed from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4)… Fasting unto the Lord is therefore feasting – feasting on Him and on doing His will.” There are numerous ways to fast, but the essence of the practice is a significant, intentional refraining from food and possibly drink, for a set amount of time. Daniel, for example, refrained from eating anything but vegetables and drinking only water (Daniel 1:12), while Jesus, in Matthew 4:2, appears to refrain from all food.
Instructions:
You are invited to pray intentionally for Kingdom growth in Whatcom County, and the partnership between existing churches and church plants, for 3 days during the week of March 22 to March 28. In accepting the invitation to pray for this endeavor, you are also invited to fast at whatever level is appropriate for you and your health (a meal a day, the entire 3 days, 1 day, commit to only eating certain things, or not at all. Whatever you see fit). Feel free to contact Aaron Walters for further help (contact information below). During these 3 days you are welcome to use this prayer guide, or portions of it. There are 4 sections corresponding to the prayer of Christ seen in John 17. You are encouraged to pray from each section every day. You are also invited to pray with others when possible, as there is power in communal prayer (Matthew 18:20).
We’re offering 2 options. Both are 3-days of intentional prayer, culminating with a time of communal prayer. For those around Bellingham, you’re invited to pray and fast with us from Thursday, March 26th to Saturday, March 28th, culminating with an evening of group prayer on Saturday, March 28. The gathering will begin at 7:00pm; please contact Aaron Walters to RSVP, or with questions. You of course are invited to participate in both, and prayer throughout the entire week. At both gatherings, we will plan on praying together for Kingdom growth, established churches, and the church plant; refreshments will be served afterwards, where those who are fasting are welcome to cease their fast.
May God bless us as we seek Him together and as we partner together in seeking to follow His command of Kingdom building (Matthew 28:19-20).
Prayer Guide:
Section 1: Prayers of Praise
*Prayer of Praise #1
-Meditate on John 17:1-5, with a focus on the work of the Father
-Prayer: God, in our prayers to You we follow the example of Christ and call You Father. We profess that You are our Father in heaven. Father, we ask that You would kindle in us a childlike awe and trust that You, through Christ, became our Father, for You do not refuse us the things of this life, and will not refuse to give us what we ask in faith. Father, we give You praise and glory for You are the one true God, who physically sent His only Son to give us eternal life and a true knowledge of You. We praise You for establishing Your plan of salvation before the world began. Thank You for sending us Your Son.
-Meditate on the attributes of the Father seen in these words from the Nicene Creed:
We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
-Pray through these attributes your own words, giving praise and glory to the Father
*Prayer of Praise #2
-Meditate again on John 17:1-5, but now with a focus on the work of Christ
-Prayer: Jesus, You are our gracious and sovereign authority; You are the giver of life; You are the revealer of truth; You were glorified before the beginning of the world, and sent from the Father. We praise You for completing Your work on the cross, so that we may feast with You in eternity. Thank You for sending Your Spirit to guide us and counsel us.
-Meditate on the attributes of Jesus seen in these words from the Nicene Creed:
[We believe] in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried. The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end.
-Pray through these attributes your own words, giving praise and glory to Christ
*Prayer of Praise #3
-Meditate on John 16:5-15, with a focus on the work of Spirit
-Prayer: Holy Spirit, You are our counselor; You help us in our pursuit of holiness and righteousness; You are the Spirit of truth and our guide; You are sent from the Son and reveal to us the knowledge of Him. For these things we give You praise. As we are sent, help us to be faithful to Your mission in the world.
-Meditate on the attributes of Spirit and His provision to the Church – both in the past, today, and in the days to come - seen in these words from the Nicene Creed:
And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the world to come.
-Pray through these attributes in your own words, giving praise and glory to Spirit and the unity of our one, triune God – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Section 2: Prayers for Existing Believers, Ministries and Churches
*Prayer for the Church #1
-Meditate on John 17:6-10, with a focus on God providence and blessings to us
-Prayer: Father, thank You for the revelation of Christ, for our security in You. Help us to grow deeper in the words of Christ. We pray for Your greater Church. We pray for unity among believers, unity with You and unity in our common mission. May we give You greater glory as You build us up in Your word. Thank You for Your constant blessing upon our lives.
-Pray for your own church and those God is raising to aid in the church plant
*Prayer for the Church #2
-Meditate on John 17:11-16, with a focus on our need to be protected by God and unified with Him
-Prayer: Father, protect Your Church, unify it together with You and Your mission. Protect Your Church from divisions. Grant Your Church the full measure of the joy of being unified in You and with each other. Help Your Church to be faithful to Your word and mission. Protect Your Church from the schemes of evil one, and give it confidence to live out Your mission for it.
-Pray for the God’s protection over you, your family and friends, your own church, and over the work of the church plant, and those God is raising to minister in the church plant
-Pray for unity within your own family and friends, unity in your own church, unity among area churches, and unity with those involved in the church plant
*Prayer for the Church #3
-Meditate on John 17:17-19, with a focus on our need to be sanctified, to be made holy, by God, especially as we live out His mission on earth
-Prayer: Father, through Your Spirit, convict us of our sin so we may grow in our holiness and unity with You. Speak to us through Your holy scriptures, and reveal Yourself to us. Counsel us and guide us, Holy Spirit. Father, may we be a faithful and holy witness of You in the world. Thank You for the justifying work of Your Son, and the sanctifying work of Your Spirit in our lives.
-Pray for yourself, your church, and the church plant as we pursue holiness together. Pray that we could be refined into a greater likeness of God, and that we would display this likeness as we serve God and others.
Section 3: Prayers for Those on the Fringe of Faith
*Prayer for Those on the Fringe of Faith #1
-Reflect on this meditation, adapted from Ignatius of Loyola.
1. Consider the state of the world. Consider the people of the world, the variety of customs and people groups, some healthy and others ill, some just born and others dying. Consider how they converse, some praising and others blaspheming, some encouraging and others insulting. Consider their actions, some killing and stealing innocence, some at peace and others at war, some weeping and others laughing. They all are depraved, all unable to help themselves, and all in need of a savior.
2. Now consider God’s view of humanity, in its blindness and depravity. Consider God’s love for humanity, His desire for them to be made righteous and able to sit with Him in fellowship. Consider how the Father, motivated by love, sent the Son with the mission of bestowing eternal life through His sacrifice on the cross, so that humanity could be cleansed and made righteous.
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your sovereign work over all of Your creation. Thank You for Your work of salvation in our lives and in the world. Help us to pass on the good news of Your Son to this lost world. May we be salt and light, faithful carriers of Your message of redemption, and gracious to others as we tell them of our faith in You.
-Pray that God would continue to reveal His nature and mission to you, your church, and those involved in the church plant. Ask that God would open your eyes anew to the needs of your neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and those you serve, and that He would reveal to you how you can serve them in His name, and speak His truth in love.
*Prayer for Those on the Fringe of Faith #2
-Meditate on John 17:20 – 26, with a focus on our role in God’s mission of redeeming the world, and our unity with Him.
-Prayer: Father, we pray for opportunities where we can put in a good word for You to those who do not know You. Give us Your words. Prepare us for these opportunities, so we may be ready to give an answer for the hope we have in You. Prepare the hearts of those whom You will bring into Your family through us, but by Your message. Reveal Yourself to them and to us. May we all be united with You, God.
-Pray for the work of outreach in your own life, the ministries of your church, and missionaries, both domestic and international.
Section 4: Concluding Prayer
-Prayer: Father, we have made all these requests of You because You are our all-powerful king, able to give us all that is good. To You we give worship and praise. In the words of Psalm 115:1, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” All glory and praise be unto Your name, God. It is in the powerful and saving name of Your son, Jesus Christ, that we pray to You Father. Amen.
Resources:
-Heidelberg Catechism (http://www.crcna.org/pages/heidelberg_main.cfm)
-Nicene Creed (http://www.crcna.org/pages/nicene_creed.cfm)
-The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola
(www.ccel.org/ccel/ignatius/excercises.toc.html)
-Dallas Willard. The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives. New York: Harper Collins, 1988.
Both prayer and fasting are sacrificial disciplines that draw us closer to the heart God. In these acts we deny our own ambitions and submit ourselves to the will of our heavenly Father. The Heidelberg Catechism rightly says that Christians are to pray “Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness God requires of us, and also because God gives His grace and Holy Spirit only to those who pray continually and groan inwardly, asking God for these gifts and thanking him for them” (Q & A 116). This echoes the Apostle Paul’s invitation to “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Prayer and fasting are two spiritual disciplines that are powerful when practiced together (Judges 20:26, Ezra 8:23, Acts 13:3). Dallas Willard states, “Through [fasting], we learn by experience that God’s word to us is a life substance, that it is not food (“bread”) alone that gives us life, but also the words that proceed from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4)… Fasting unto the Lord is therefore feasting – feasting on Him and on doing His will.” There are numerous ways to fast, but the essence of the practice is a significant, intentional refraining from food and possibly drink, for a set amount of time. Daniel, for example, refrained from eating anything but vegetables and drinking only water (Daniel 1:12), while Jesus, in Matthew 4:2, appears to refrain from all food.
Instructions:
You are invited to pray intentionally for Kingdom growth in Whatcom County, and the partnership between existing churches and church plants, for 3 days during the week of March 22 to March 28. In accepting the invitation to pray for this endeavor, you are also invited to fast at whatever level is appropriate for you and your health (a meal a day, the entire 3 days, 1 day, commit to only eating certain things, or not at all. Whatever you see fit). Feel free to contact Aaron Walters for further help (contact information below). During these 3 days you are welcome to use this prayer guide, or portions of it. There are 4 sections corresponding to the prayer of Christ seen in John 17. You are encouraged to pray from each section every day. You are also invited to pray with others when possible, as there is power in communal prayer (Matthew 18:20).
We’re offering 2 options. Both are 3-days of intentional prayer, culminating with a time of communal prayer. For those around Bellingham, you’re invited to pray and fast with us from Thursday, March 26th to Saturday, March 28th, culminating with an evening of group prayer on Saturday, March 28. The gathering will begin at 7:00pm; please contact Aaron Walters to RSVP, or with questions. You of course are invited to participate in both, and prayer throughout the entire week. At both gatherings, we will plan on praying together for Kingdom growth, established churches, and the church plant; refreshments will be served afterwards, where those who are fasting are welcome to cease their fast.
May God bless us as we seek Him together and as we partner together in seeking to follow His command of Kingdom building (Matthew 28:19-20).
Prayer Guide:
Section 1: Prayers of Praise
*Prayer of Praise #1
-Meditate on John 17:1-5, with a focus on the work of the Father
-Prayer: God, in our prayers to You we follow the example of Christ and call You Father. We profess that You are our Father in heaven. Father, we ask that You would kindle in us a childlike awe and trust that You, through Christ, became our Father, for You do not refuse us the things of this life, and will not refuse to give us what we ask in faith. Father, we give You praise and glory for You are the one true God, who physically sent His only Son to give us eternal life and a true knowledge of You. We praise You for establishing Your plan of salvation before the world began. Thank You for sending us Your Son.
-Meditate on the attributes of the Father seen in these words from the Nicene Creed:
We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
-Pray through these attributes your own words, giving praise and glory to the Father
*Prayer of Praise #2
-Meditate again on John 17:1-5, but now with a focus on the work of Christ
-Prayer: Jesus, You are our gracious and sovereign authority; You are the giver of life; You are the revealer of truth; You were glorified before the beginning of the world, and sent from the Father. We praise You for completing Your work on the cross, so that we may feast with You in eternity. Thank You for sending Your Spirit to guide us and counsel us.
-Meditate on the attributes of Jesus seen in these words from the Nicene Creed:
[We believe] in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried. The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end.
-Pray through these attributes your own words, giving praise and glory to Christ
*Prayer of Praise #3
-Meditate on John 16:5-15, with a focus on the work of Spirit
-Prayer: Holy Spirit, You are our counselor; You help us in our pursuit of holiness and righteousness; You are the Spirit of truth and our guide; You are sent from the Son and reveal to us the knowledge of Him. For these things we give You praise. As we are sent, help us to be faithful to Your mission in the world.
-Meditate on the attributes of Spirit and His provision to the Church – both in the past, today, and in the days to come - seen in these words from the Nicene Creed:
And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the world to come.
-Pray through these attributes in your own words, giving praise and glory to Spirit and the unity of our one, triune God – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Section 2: Prayers for Existing Believers, Ministries and Churches
*Prayer for the Church #1
-Meditate on John 17:6-10, with a focus on God providence and blessings to us
-Prayer: Father, thank You for the revelation of Christ, for our security in You. Help us to grow deeper in the words of Christ. We pray for Your greater Church. We pray for unity among believers, unity with You and unity in our common mission. May we give You greater glory as You build us up in Your word. Thank You for Your constant blessing upon our lives.
-Pray for your own church and those God is raising to aid in the church plant
*Prayer for the Church #2
-Meditate on John 17:11-16, with a focus on our need to be protected by God and unified with Him
-Prayer: Father, protect Your Church, unify it together with You and Your mission. Protect Your Church from divisions. Grant Your Church the full measure of the joy of being unified in You and with each other. Help Your Church to be faithful to Your word and mission. Protect Your Church from the schemes of evil one, and give it confidence to live out Your mission for it.
-Pray for the God’s protection over you, your family and friends, your own church, and over the work of the church plant, and those God is raising to minister in the church plant
-Pray for unity within your own family and friends, unity in your own church, unity among area churches, and unity with those involved in the church plant
*Prayer for the Church #3
-Meditate on John 17:17-19, with a focus on our need to be sanctified, to be made holy, by God, especially as we live out His mission on earth
-Prayer: Father, through Your Spirit, convict us of our sin so we may grow in our holiness and unity with You. Speak to us through Your holy scriptures, and reveal Yourself to us. Counsel us and guide us, Holy Spirit. Father, may we be a faithful and holy witness of You in the world. Thank You for the justifying work of Your Son, and the sanctifying work of Your Spirit in our lives.
-Pray for yourself, your church, and the church plant as we pursue holiness together. Pray that we could be refined into a greater likeness of God, and that we would display this likeness as we serve God and others.
Section 3: Prayers for Those on the Fringe of Faith
*Prayer for Those on the Fringe of Faith #1
-Reflect on this meditation, adapted from Ignatius of Loyola.
1. Consider the state of the world. Consider the people of the world, the variety of customs and people groups, some healthy and others ill, some just born and others dying. Consider how they converse, some praising and others blaspheming, some encouraging and others insulting. Consider their actions, some killing and stealing innocence, some at peace and others at war, some weeping and others laughing. They all are depraved, all unable to help themselves, and all in need of a savior.
2. Now consider God’s view of humanity, in its blindness and depravity. Consider God’s love for humanity, His desire for them to be made righteous and able to sit with Him in fellowship. Consider how the Father, motivated by love, sent the Son with the mission of bestowing eternal life through His sacrifice on the cross, so that humanity could be cleansed and made righteous.
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your sovereign work over all of Your creation. Thank You for Your work of salvation in our lives and in the world. Help us to pass on the good news of Your Son to this lost world. May we be salt and light, faithful carriers of Your message of redemption, and gracious to others as we tell them of our faith in You.
-Pray that God would continue to reveal His nature and mission to you, your church, and those involved in the church plant. Ask that God would open your eyes anew to the needs of your neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and those you serve, and that He would reveal to you how you can serve them in His name, and speak His truth in love.
*Prayer for Those on the Fringe of Faith #2
-Meditate on John 17:20 – 26, with a focus on our role in God’s mission of redeeming the world, and our unity with Him.
-Prayer: Father, we pray for opportunities where we can put in a good word for You to those who do not know You. Give us Your words. Prepare us for these opportunities, so we may be ready to give an answer for the hope we have in You. Prepare the hearts of those whom You will bring into Your family through us, but by Your message. Reveal Yourself to them and to us. May we all be united with You, God.
-Pray for the work of outreach in your own life, the ministries of your church, and missionaries, both domestic and international.
Section 4: Concluding Prayer
-Prayer: Father, we have made all these requests of You because You are our all-powerful king, able to give us all that is good. To You we give worship and praise. In the words of Psalm 115:1, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” All glory and praise be unto Your name, God. It is in the powerful and saving name of Your son, Jesus Christ, that we pray to You Father. Amen.
Resources:
-Heidelberg Catechism (http://www.crcna.org/pages/heidelberg_main.cfm)
-Nicene Creed (http://www.crcna.org/pages/nicene_creed.cfm)
-The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola
(www.ccel.org/ccel/ignatius/excercises.toc.html)
-Dallas Willard. The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives. New York: Harper Collins, 1988.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
prayer for sat. 3.7
we were told about a housing option in happy valley at bellingham cohousing. we are checking it out this sat. please pray that if this is where God is leading us that we would feel a great peace about it and it would feel right to them.
Monday, March 2, 2009
week of march 2
prayer requests for the week:
1 - place
a - that God would confirm the Happy Valley neighborhood (through other folks, our confidence, insights, etc) to us as we discern where He wants us to move and minister
b - that we would find a "person of peace" in our new neighborhood, that welcoming local ally
c - that God would lead us to an affordable apartment where we could serve Him the best
2 - people
a - that the folks God is raising to join our launch team would reveal themselves to us
b - that we would easily connect w/ Bellingham communities (clubs, churches, etc.)
c - that we would find "our people" and develop solid relationships w/ them even while we are still living in Lynden
thanks for you support and prayers. contact me w/ your own requests too!
1 - place
a - that God would confirm the Happy Valley neighborhood (through other folks, our confidence, insights, etc) to us as we discern where He wants us to move and minister
b - that we would find a "person of peace" in our new neighborhood, that welcoming local ally
c - that God would lead us to an affordable apartment where we could serve Him the best
2 - people
a - that the folks God is raising to join our launch team would reveal themselves to us
b - that we would easily connect w/ Bellingham communities (clubs, churches, etc.)
c - that we would find "our people" and develop solid relationships w/ them even while we are still living in Lynden
thanks for you support and prayers. contact me w/ your own requests too!
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