By Caesar Hemogeno
Kindly pray for my Bible study at Samaritan Inn where the word of the Lord will come alive in each of the residents that attend my meetings. I don’t know if everyone that attends my Bible study is a Christian but I am hoping that the word of the Lord and His grace would soften their hearts for the gospel. During my meetings, I observed that there are hurts that need healing, lives have been shattered through divorce, and a hope of a new beginning is desired by everyone. I am working on gaining their trust where they can be themselves when I am around.
To share a little background, the initial intent of the Bible study was primarily designed for men but as the word got out, several women have been attending on a regular basis. In their humble situation, the women especially had been unable to show transparency to share what’s going in their lives. The men on the other hand, found the Bible study to be a forum where they are able to express their frustrations, desire to be back in the community and wanting to have a stable job. At times, I just listen and praise the Lord for His meekness.
My goal for the next couple of months is for our congregation to meet these men and women. To let them know that hundreds of people have been praying for them.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Praying with Emotion
By Jordan Stone
For many people (Christians and non-Christians) the idea of praying with emotion is a foreign concept. The examples of prayer that they see and hear are far from emotional, yet Scripture is full of emotional cries to the Lord - just read the Psalms. For this post's purposes I would like to focus on the prayer of Hannah.
Hannah's story is found in 1 Samuel and here is a quick overview . . . Hannah was deeply devoted to her husband Elkanah, but the Lord had closed her womb (1 Samuel 1:5) and she was childless. Year after year went by and still no child was given, yet she continually and earnestly sought the Lord in prayer. So earnest in fact that one time the temple priest Eli mistook her passionate prayers for drunkenness. "Not so, my lord," Hannah replied, "I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief." (1 Samuel 1:15-16)
Eli then tells her to go in peace and, "may the God of Israel grant what you have asked of him." (1 Samuel 1:17) Sure enough the Lord opens her womb and blesses her with a son named Samuel. Let us notice her response in chapter 2:
Then Hannah prayed and said:
"My heart rejoices in the LORD;
in the LORD my horn is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
for I delight in your deliverance.
For many people (Christians and non-Christians) the idea of praying with emotion is a foreign concept. The examples of prayer that they see and hear are far from emotional, yet Scripture is full of emotional cries to the Lord - just read the Psalms. For this post's purposes I would like to focus on the prayer of Hannah.
Hannah's story is found in 1 Samuel and here is a quick overview . . . Hannah was deeply devoted to her husband Elkanah, but the Lord had closed her womb (1 Samuel 1:5) and she was childless. Year after year went by and still no child was given, yet she continually and earnestly sought the Lord in prayer. So earnest in fact that one time the temple priest Eli mistook her passionate prayers for drunkenness. "Not so, my lord," Hannah replied, "I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief." (1 Samuel 1:15-16)
Eli then tells her to go in peace and, "may the God of Israel grant what you have asked of him." (1 Samuel 1:17) Sure enough the Lord opens her womb and blesses her with a son named Samuel. Let us notice her response in chapter 2:
Then Hannah prayed and said:
"My heart rejoices in the LORD;
in the LORD my horn is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
for I delight in your deliverance.
"There is no one holy like the LORD;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God."
In the prayers of Hannah hear a heart that yearns for the Lord. Hear a child-like cry for His presence. Hear a woman who overflows with joy uncontainable. Hear that God is good. May our prayers be tinged with emotion that comes from a heart that has been ruined by the goodness and mercy of our Great God.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Involving and Teaching Your Children
By Amanda Shelton
As we strive to be intentional in the spiritual teaching of our children, I urge you during this season of prayer and fasting to not only participate, but to use your participation as an opportunity to talk with your children about the practice of prayer and fasting and what it means for your relationship with God.
There are seasons in life when we give up things that normally play a large role in our day-to-day activities, in this case eating, in order to more eagerly and deliberately pursue the Lord through prayer. Just as we are intentional in our pursuit of God, so should we be in how we communicate this new season with our children.
Children notice when things change. When mom and dad don’t sit down for dinner, when snacks are left unopened and dessert left unprepared, children understand that something out of the ordinary is going on. Take the opportunity to have an open dialogue about why you and your spouse are not eating. Explain that when we go without, it is so that we can pursue the Lord in a more disciplined and uninterrupted manner. Explain that while food is a gift from God and something that we can partake of in worship, foregoing eating for a season can serve to renew purpose, insight and direction and increase worship and trust.
Instead of catching up on the day over a family meal, think of the testimony as your children watch you come together in prayer for your church. Instead of hearing the latest news or the plans for the coming weekend, imagine how powerful it would be for your children to hear you call out to God for wisdom and direction. Instead of the laughter and casual conversation that may accompany the normal dinnertime, think of the significance in a home in quiet contemplation and sober prayer.
Consider also ways you can encourage your children to fast. Maybe your child can fast from television, video games, or a favorite toy or electronic. Be creative in involving your children and helping them to see the part they can play in prayer and fasting. Walk through this practice with them, helping them to pray and worship as they give up some form of entertainment. What a sweet time you can share with your child as you seek the Lord together!
As with every act of worship, we want to deliberately communicate the heart behind the things we are practicing. As you obediently spend time in prayer and fasting during this season, make sure you are being careful to talk openly, pray openly and worship openly before the God who sees.
May the things you partake of and the things you refrain from serve to reveal to your children your love for God and His glory.
As we strive to be intentional in the spiritual teaching of our children, I urge you during this season of prayer and fasting to not only participate, but to use your participation as an opportunity to talk with your children about the practice of prayer and fasting and what it means for your relationship with God.
There are seasons in life when we give up things that normally play a large role in our day-to-day activities, in this case eating, in order to more eagerly and deliberately pursue the Lord through prayer. Just as we are intentional in our pursuit of God, so should we be in how we communicate this new season with our children.
Children notice when things change. When mom and dad don’t sit down for dinner, when snacks are left unopened and dessert left unprepared, children understand that something out of the ordinary is going on. Take the opportunity to have an open dialogue about why you and your spouse are not eating. Explain that when we go without, it is so that we can pursue the Lord in a more disciplined and uninterrupted manner. Explain that while food is a gift from God and something that we can partake of in worship, foregoing eating for a season can serve to renew purpose, insight and direction and increase worship and trust.
Instead of catching up on the day over a family meal, think of the testimony as your children watch you come together in prayer for your church. Instead of hearing the latest news or the plans for the coming weekend, imagine how powerful it would be for your children to hear you call out to God for wisdom and direction. Instead of the laughter and casual conversation that may accompany the normal dinnertime, think of the significance in a home in quiet contemplation and sober prayer.
Consider also ways you can encourage your children to fast. Maybe your child can fast from television, video games, or a favorite toy or electronic. Be creative in involving your children and helping them to see the part they can play in prayer and fasting. Walk through this practice with them, helping them to pray and worship as they give up some form of entertainment. What a sweet time you can share with your child as you seek the Lord together!
As with every act of worship, we want to deliberately communicate the heart behind the things we are practicing. As you obediently spend time in prayer and fasting during this season, make sure you are being careful to talk openly, pray openly and worship openly before the God who sees.
May the things you partake of and the things you refrain from serve to reveal to your children your love for God and His glory.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Text Message Prayer Reminder
In an effort to best communicate and raise awareness of various prayer needs within our body we are now offering prayer reminders via text messaging. If you are interested in receiving these reminders contact info@insideprovidence.com, provide your name and appropriate mobile number, and we will send you a text this week!
Weekly Prayer Calendar - August 18-24
Monday - Leadership - 2 Timothy 2:2
Tuesday - Marriages - 1 Peter 3:1
Wednesday - Family - Psalm 139:23-24
Thursday - The Lost - Matthew 9-12
Friday - God’s impact on the surrounding community through Providence - Romans 12:19-21
Saturday - Sunday Morning Worship - Hebrews 10:19-22
Sunday - The Direction of Providence - Hebrews 13:20-21
Tuesday - Marriages - 1 Peter 3:1
Wednesday - Family - Psalm 139:23-24
Thursday - The Lost - Matthew 9-12
Friday - God’s impact on the surrounding community through Providence - Romans 12:19-21
Saturday - Sunday Morning Worship - Hebrews 10:19-22
Sunday - The Direction of Providence - Hebrews 13:20-21
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