Worship and Learning

The 9th Sunday after Pentecost

Give praise to God’s holy name! Let the hearts rejoice of all those seeking the Lord! ~ Psalm 105:3 (CEB)

On the first day of the week, as we gathered together for a meal, Paul was holding a discussion with them. ~ Acts 20:7 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Worship and learning are central aspects of the gathering of those who follow Jesus.

PRAYER:

Lord, gather us in to offer words of praise and to hear your word. It's a miracle that we're able to be together. There are so many distractions and so many sirens calling us in different directions. But you are faithful -- worthy of worship and undivided attention. Help me to focus on you so that my joy is continually renewed, in Jesus' name. Amen.

God's message

Whether we like it or not, we’ll do it. We’ll obey whatever our God tells us. Yes, count on us. We’ll do it. ~ Jeremiah 42:6 (MSG)

Don’t suppress the Spirit. Don’t brush off Spirit-inspired messages... ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

It is to our benefit to pay attention to God's messages -- even when we don't like what he is saying.

PRAYER:

God, your voice -- especially as it comes to us through scripture -- gives us direction. You show me what you want me to become and how to move forward in a complicated world. I confess, though, that I can be pretty casual about your word. I listen to just enough that I feel confident that I've got the bases covered -- that I more or less know what you expect. Please don't give up on me. I know that I need to hear more of your voice. Transform me so that I am become a serious listener -- someone who takes even the messages that I'm not interested in seriously. Amen.

Strong Followers

David answered:

You’ve come out to fight me with a sword and a spear and a dagger. But I’ve come out to fight you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful. He is the God of Israel’s army, and you have insulted him too! ~ 1 Samuel 17:45 (CEV)

God is wonderful and glorious. I pray that his Spirit will make you become strong followers... ~ Ephesians 2:6 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God is all-powerful and can empower us so that we, his followers, share in his strength.

PRAYER:

All-powerful God, thank you for strengthening me. I can point to so many times when your strength has carried me through difficulty. But there are times when I have neglected to seek your strength. No good excuse. I'm just not so smart. But I'm hoping to put all of that behind me. I don't want to dwell on past failures but to focus on facing the current giants with the strength you provide. It's a new day, a new battle, and I'm asking your Holy Spirit to transform me into one of your strong followers. Amen.

Keep depending on God

Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing. ~ Isaiah 26:4 (MSG)

Jesus said to his followers, “Where is your faith?” ~ Luke 8:25 (NCV)

KEY IDEA:

Persistent faith pays off.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are the solid rock -- the foundation worth trusting. It doesn't make sense that I'd put my ultimate trust in anything or anyone else. But it is so easy to slip into trusting in lesser foundations -- even when you're clearly present. I have no good explanation for that. Thank you for not giving up on me when I flake out. Eventually, I will figure out that I need to trust you -- and you alone. Amen.