Worship for all

THE 11th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Oh yes, my house of worship will be known as a house of prayer for all people. ~ Isaiah 56:7 (MSG)

Jesus: But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you’re called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.

It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. ~ John 4:23 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

A life lived in pursuit of God's truth is how we approach him in worship.

PRAYER:

Lord, I get so caught up in the little things -- the unimportant matters that seem so important in the moment. I try to seperate out all the people who don't worship right. Help me to embrace all who are pursuing your truth and are empowered by your Spirit -- regardless of labels or worship style. Thank you for accepting me -- even though many would consider my worship to be sub-standard. I'm going to approach others with the same grace with which you approach me. Amen.

In God's hands

Every living creature is in the hands of God. ~ Job 12:10 (CEV)

For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. ~ Romans 14:7-8 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

We belong to the Lord, so live for him.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are the God over everything. There are no other gods or powers. It's you and you alone who holds life in your hands. Yet, I easily forget that and get caught up in trying to fix all of the problems. I act like I'm in charge and in doing so forget that I belong to you. Help me to move away from that approach to life. I'm going to live for you by trusting you more completely. Amen.

Faithful

The Lord your God turned that curse into a blessing because the Lord your God loves you. ~ Deuteronomy 23:5 (CEB)

If we are not faithful, he will still be faithful. Christ cannot deny who he is. ~ 2 Timothy 2:13 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Trust Christ because he is faithful and his love for you can't be derailed.

PRAYER:

Lord God, you are totally faithful. Christ Jesus proves it! Thank you for loving me so much that you include me in the salvation that he secured through the cross and the resurrection. You didn't let the opposition you experienced turn you off to people. I need to be more faithful to you. But I am confident that because I am plugged in to you and your faithfulness I will be changed into a totally faithful person. Amen.

Hope

I pray to you, Lord! You are my place of safety, and you are my choice in the land of the living. ~ Psalm 142:5 (CEV)

Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on. ~ 1 Peter 1:3 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

We put our unending hope in God.

PRAYER:

God, no matter how crazy things get I am going to continue to put my hope in you. Sometimes I waver a little bit and begin to trust myself, other people, or even fate. Forgive me for that. But if you will continue to draw me back to yourself I will continue to put my hope in Christ Jesus. You are the reliable choice. Amen.