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Prayer Guide

The Week of Prayer January 8 - 15, 2017

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Introduction

Greetings, Church!

Thank you for joining us in this journey of prayer to start off 2017. This guide is to help you read and pray the book of Philippians throughout the next eight days. It can be done either individually or together with a significant other (friend, spouse, child).

Our theme for this year’s week of prayer, and really for the entire year, is “Lord, help us grow!” based on Philippians 2:12b-13:

“In the same way continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

Our Christian journey is a partnership between God and us. He works in us with saving and transforming power, and we work hard to show the results of his grace. It starts with God, is carried along by God, and ends with God, but when it comes to spiritual growth, we have our part to do as well.

Philippians is a book full of “God this, so you that.” In other words, Paul takes great pains to explain to the followers of Jesus in Philippi that both they and God have a role to play in their ongoing discipleship journey. This is what life together with God and one another is all about. This is what we will explore over the next eight days.

One of the ways we make space for God to work and give us the desire and the power to do what pleases him is through prayer and time in his presence, which brings us this devotional journey through Philippians.

As you traverse this week of prayer and the book of Philippians, savour the fact that your time with God is meant to be a pleasure, not a chore. To that end, the pastoral staff will be praying for you, asking God to reveal himself in ways that bring you surprise and joy.

God is at work in us, helping us grow. Praise the Lord. Let us do our utmost to walk in partnership with him by delighting in his love and obeying his Word.

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How to Use This Guide Section 1: Devotionals

Take some time in either the morning of or the prior evening to go through this guide. Each day follows the same rhythm, and depending on what elements you choose to do, takes anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes.

• The opening invitation is meant to be prayed aloud, declaring our availability to God and asking for the grace to hear him

• A daily Scripture reading guides us through the book of Philippians twice during the next eight days. It is one chapter a day repeated two days in a row, helping you sink in to the Scriptures.

• The worship link is a link to a worship song (video) to sing or listen to.

• The verse for the day is the focus of the day’s reflection.

• The Reading for Reflection is a short devotional written by Jamie Osborne or Pastor Nick.

• Prayers for the church, for others, for myself is as it says – time to pray for the church, for others, and for yourself.

• Reflection: silent and written is the time set aside to respond to God’s Word and his movement in your heart.

• Walking in partnership with God today is something for you to think and do throughout the day. Perhaps you can write it on a Post-It note and keep it by your computer screen, or the steering wheel of your car, to remind yourself of your intentions.

• A closing prayer from another follower of Jesus allows you to share in the common faith of the church, both present and past.

• The benediction is a blessing for you to take into the day.

Section 2: Corporate Prayer Guide

Each day there is a focus for our prayer efforts as a congregation (Steveston & Ladner). Along with your daily devotion, take time to note the prayer guide for that day and join us in lifting these concerns to the Lord. Review the days and join us in the gatherings as you are able.

May the Lord bless your week ahead.

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Opening invitation Lord, help me be less like me and more like you. ~ from “The Westminster Collection of Christian Prayers”

Daily Scripture reading: Philippians 1

Worship link: The Song of My Father by Urban Rescue

Verse for the day: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” ~ Philippians 1:6

Reading for Reflection (Jamie) Before I married Nick and inherited five lovely step-children, I thought I was doing pretty well. I spent a lot of time alone, seeking God in prayer, Scripture and journaling, and felt I had grown to a place where I had basically overcome my weaknesses and character flaws.

Yes, I know. Very funny. You can stop laughing now.

It is easy to be saint-like when you spend much of your time alone. No one is rude or annoying, no insists on their own way, and no one inserts their opinions or asserts their needs. Essentially, there is no one to test or refine you.

Marriage, week one: Blend me together with a new husband, five hurting step-children, plus my own overwhelmed son, and suddenly I was immersed into a

cacophony of noise, needs, anger, and individual personalities, all pulling in opposite directions. Much to my great surprise, the peaceful, kind, quiet soul I worked hard to cultivate in those years of solitude almost instantly evaporated, only to be replaced with someone highly stressed, irritable, angry, and selfish! It was clear I was light-years away from saint-like status.

It’s now been six years of marriage, and although I have grown, I still despair (sometimes daily) over how un-Christ-like I am to those closest to me, in spite of my desperate prayers for change and my determination to be a better human being. I wake up, set out to act in love no matter what, and before breakfast is over, I’ve failed. I often wonder if I will ever reach the ideals listed in the Bible, because they seem so ridiculously impossible. Have you ever felt like that?

If these last 6 years in a blended family have taught me anything, it’s that my willpower and good intentions don’t get me very far. I need God’s help to grow! Without the Holy Spirit at work within me, I would not produce any fruit of the Spirit. I’ve made it very clear to myself and those around me that I am incapable of doing so. Therefore, when I actually demonstrate Christ-like character, I can’t pat myself on the back, because I know I had nothing to do with it.

Here’s the thing. If we could will ourselves to be better, I suspect that we would be full of pride in our self-accomplished

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Day 1: Save a Wretch Like Me! January 8, 2017

holiness. Wasn’t that the sin of the Pharisees that so grieved Jesus? The Pharisees no longer needed God. Instead, by following “the rules,” they found a way to be holy without God’s help.

Like the Pharisees, we can do a good job of presenting a ‘holy’ exterior that masks an ugly interior. No one may suspect how much we judge others in our minds, or the anger welling up within. We need to be changed from the inside out! This is not something we can do alone.

Our discipleship journey is a partnership with God and we each have a role to play. We are called to a life of obedience, but it is GOD who helps us grow. As we begin this devotional journey through Philippians, today’s verse reminds us GOD initiates the good work of inner transformation within us, and he will not stop until he finishes the job.

In other words, spiritual growth is first and foremost a result of God at work. In fact, Galatians 2:20 says it is no longer you who lives, but Christ who lives within you. 2 Corinthians 5:17 goes even further: if you are in Christ, you are a new creation! The good fruit that comes from your life is a result of Christ within you.

So, if you despair of how far short you fall from God’s standards, you’re in a good place. When you finally realize your own utter inability to “make yourself better,” when you finally understand that your spiritual growth is a partnership (not a solo act), you become desperate for God to renovate you from the inside out, because you can’t do it on your own.

Instead of seeing how far short you fall, start praising God for the great work he is doing in your life.

Prayers for the church, for others, for myself Reflection: silent and written

Walking in partnership with God today: • Think: God is in the restoration

business, and I am under renovation!

• Do: Reflect on how the Spirit is at work transforming you. How are you more Christ-like today than you were yesterday? A year ago? Five years ago? Ten years ago? Celebrate and praise God for his renovation and restoration work occurring within you.

Closing prayer Grant, O Lord, That Christ himself may be formed within me; That I may conform to His Image; For His name’s sake.

~ from “The Westminster Collection of Prayers”

Benediction: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ Romans 15:13 (CEB)

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Opening invitation Almighty God, you have made yourself known to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Help us to know you in such a way that we may understand your will and purpose for our lives today. We offer our prayers in the name and spirit of Christ. Amen. ~ from “A Guide to Prayer”

Daily Scripture reading: Philippians 1

Worship link: This is Amazing Grace by Phil Wickham

Verse for the day: “Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not… Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message…” ~ Philippians 1:27 (MSG)

Reading for Reflection (Nick) Have you noticed how traffic changes when a police vehicle is visible? People slow down, use their signals, and are generally more polite drivers. My father-in-law, a retired police officer, definitely noticed the difference between being in his police vehicle and being in his own car. It used to drive him crazy how slow people would drive when he was out in his police car!

Acting different depending on who’s around is exactly what Paul tells us not to

do when it comes to living life as a follower of Jesus. Don’t simply behave in a manner worthy of the gospel when others (especially other Christians) are present. Rather, he says, be that way all the time.

In fact, he calls it living in such a way that we are a credit to the Message of Christ. Are we? Pause for a moment, and think back to your last 48 hours.

Seriously. Stop reading, pause, and think back.

In the last 48 hours, have you been a credit to the work of Jesus on the cross and in your life? Have you been a peacemaker? Have you been united with other followers of Jesus, showing love to one another and standing firm in one spirit? Have you kept watch over your words to other people?

The reason our manner of life is important is because we are contending for people’s trust in the Gospel. Everyone tends to doubt that we are as loved as God says we are, and that we need God’s love as much as he says we do. You and I are often the only glimpse of Jesus that people get throughout the day.

Based on our attitudes and actions, are they more likely to trust God’s Message to the world? It takes a leap of faith to have

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Day 2: Contending for People’s Trust in Jesus January 9, 2017

confidence in God. It takes an act of Spirit-inspired humility to acknowledge we are not the masters of our own destiny. It takes mind-boggling trust to believe that the work of Jesus on the cross is enough to change everything. This is what we are contending for in other people.

Every day, you are contending for your family’s / co-workers’ / friends’ trust in the Gospel. Every day our choices matter, because they will sway people toward or away from trust in God.

Why? Because we call ourselves Christians. We carry his name, his citizenship. So what we do matters very much. It reflects on Jesus. He says he is working in you, and you are showing the results of his work to the world.

To live in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ is not an easy task. Every day I have reason to lament my failures to live for Jesus the way I desire. This is why life with Jesus must be a partnership: God working in us, and we choosing attitudes and actions that display his gracious work.

Like Jamie said yesterday, God is at work in us helping us grow, and he is faithful to see his work carried through to completion. But even though God does the heavy lifting in this partnership, discipleship is not sitting back until God completes his work. Nor is it only acting the part when others are around to see us. Discipleship is also the hard work on our part to live in a way that brings credit to Jesus’ work in us.

Today, let us be a credit to the Message of Jesus.

Prayers for the church, for others, for myself

Reflection: silent and written

Walking in partnership with God today: • Think: People will move closer to or

farther from Jesus based on what I say and do.

• Do: Be a peacemaker. Say words that promote peace in your home and work. Avoid words that will cause strife.

Closing prayer God be in my head, and in my understanding. God be in mine eyes, and in my looking; God be in my mouth, and in my speaking; God be in my heart, and in my thinking; God be at mine end, And at my departing.

~ Anonymous (c.1514)

Benediction: May Christ be made known to you and through you today. Amen.

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Opening invitation Loving God, clothe me in yourself and enable me to live and serve after the pattern of Jesus. Amen ~ from “A Guide to Prayer”

Daily Scripture reading: Philippians 2

Worship link: Fierce by Jesus Culture

Verse for the day: “3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” ~ Philippians 2:3-4~

Reading for Reflection (Jamie) When asked what was the greatest commandment, Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbour as yourself.” In today’s verses, Paul echoes this commandment in his own words.

I don’t know about you, but it does not come natural for me to love others. Perhaps you can relate when I say that it would be easy to love others if it weren’t for the others! It almost seems easier to dislike people (especially if they are difficult) or to “keep our hands clean” and avoid entering the messy lives of others than to love others.

Yet, the entire message of the bible boils down to this: love others. Along with loving God, this is the greatest commandment and surely the most difficult. We often take it as something that is conditional – I will extend love to others IF I feel like it, or IF people are nice to me first, or IF they aren’t jerks, or IF they aren’t weird. We pick and choose who to love and don’t go out of our comfort zones.

Unfortunately for those of us who put “if” in their loving, “love others” is not a conditional commandment. It is a direct order. We are called to love others – all others – with no conditions attached. That’s why it’s called “unconditional love,” and it’s the way God loves us.

God loves you and me no matter how awful we treat him, no matter how awful we treat others, no matter how far we run from him. In fact, Philippians 2 goes on to remind us just how much God loves us. By emptying himself, humbling himself, and taking our place on the cross, he poured out everything to make a way for us to be with him. That’s the kind of sacrificial love to which Christ-followers are called.

It’s not normal (for us) to love like this. It’s not even humanly attainable. But the sheer impossibility of doing this on our own does not negate the command to do it. O, how we need God’s help to grow!

I used to think that in order to love someone, I had to feel love for someone. That’s not the kind of love the Bible calls

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Day 3: I Could Love Others if it Weren’t for the Others January 10, 2017

us to extend. Biblical love is always a decision, an intentional choice. It’s action, not feeling. You decide to love others whether you feel love or not, whether they deserve it or not. Love is an intentional choice.

Why? Because this is the key to Kingdom living! Love against all odds is what points others to God and shows the world a better way. Love is how the Kingdom of God breaks through in our world. Love is where people find Jesus. LOVE is what matters most! Walking in partnership with God means joining God in his love for our neighbour.

So how do we do it?

First we must commit to obey this great commandment. Then, we must choose to act loving, even if we don’t feel loving. The command to “love others” can sound vague or abstract, but today’s verses give us a very practical definition of what love looks like and how we can extend it to our neighbour. They are a condensed form of one of the greatest and most functional descriptions of love – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:

HOW TO LOVE: • Be patient even when people are

difficult, complaining, attacking, irritating…

• Extend kindness – show grace, do nice things, bless others, help others, especially those who don’t deserve it!

• Choose not to be envious or jealous of others’ looks, family, clothes, home, career, ability, relationships… When you feel envy try to arise within you,

don’t allow it to take root. Bring it to God.

• Don’t boast or be arrogant about yourself. Let God or others call attention to yourself, not you.

• Be nice; be polite. Don’t be mouthy, sarcastic, mean or rude.

• Be reasonable and willing to compromise, not stubbornly insisting on your own way.

• Hold your temper and don’t allow yourself to be irritable or provoked by others. Remain gentle.

• Forgive others and their offences against you (lest these offences become bitter roots that poison you).

• Don’t gloat over someone else’s downfall; instead, love what is good and true in others.

• Choose to bear with people. Choose to have faith in others and believe the best. Choose to hope for the best. Choose to endure in your practice of love, even when it feels impossible.

We cannot change those around us, and yet we are called to love them. We will be mistreated, hurt, and annoyed by others, yet we are called to love them. Someone in our family will possibly grate against us today, yet we are called to love them. Today, we will encounter irritating people, unreasonable people, mean people, even cruel people. We are called to love them.

When you don’t feel loving, what practical thing will you do today to be loving?

Prayers for the church, for others, for myself

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Reflection: silent and written

Walking in partnership with God today: • Think: My choice to love points

people to God. • Do: Today, focus on one of the

commands from Philippians 2:3-4 or 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Choose to live out this quality in all your relationships today. Watch for opportunities to put the needs of others before your own and so obey the greatest commandment.

Closing prayer O God, it is easy to love the whole world, but hard to love the person one works next to; O God, it is easy to campaign for world peace, but hard to contribute to the peace within my own home; O God, it is easy to be fascinated with some new truth, and miss you in the thing I have known for so long O God, it is easy to share my home and possessions with people I like. Teach me how to be generous to others. Enable me today to say something, or do something that will make a difference to the discouraged, to the inexperienced, to the despairing. Let no selfish concern with my own affairs shut me off from any today. For your love’s sake. ~ Rita Snowden

Benediction: No body now on earth but yours; No hands but yours; No feet but yours; Yours are the eyes Through which is to look out Christ’s compassion to the world; Yours are the feet With which he is to go about Doing good; Yours are the hands With which he is to bless now.

~St. Teresa of Avila

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Opening invitation

Almighty God, look upon my life and cause all darkness and doubt to vanish beneath your gaze. Look upon my ministry and banish all barriers to effectiveness and faithfulness. Fill my life and ministry with your Holy Spirit to the end that I may this day be led into paths of fruitful service. Through Jesus Christ. Amen. ~ from “A Guide to Prayer”

Daily Scripture reading: Philippians 2

Worship link: Desert Song by Brooke Fraser, performed by AJ Michalka

Verse for the day: “I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.” ~ Philippians 2:20

Reading for Reflection (Nick) As a pastor, there have been many times I’ve been asked to supply a reference for a person applying for a job or school. Usually people ask beforehand if they can use my name, and if I feel I cannot supply a good reference (either because I do not know them well enough or because I don’t have enough positive things to say), I’ll tell them.

When the potential employer or school calls, I am as positive as I can be, but I am also honest. I don’t exaggerate, and

if the interviewer asks if I have any concerns or if I would hire the person, I tell them. Often I am able to give what one would call a “glowing recommendation.” On rare occasion, I’ve told the interviewer to look for another applicant.

If there were someone who knew us well inside and out (both our endearing and callous qualities), and if that someone were to supply an honest reference, what would they say? Don’t be hard on yourself when you answer that question. Don’t be naïve either. Be honest.

At this point in his letter, Paul gives his own referral. He tells the church in Philippi that he is sending two fellow-workers to them: Timothy and Epaphroditus. Timothy will return to Paul with news about the church. Epaphroditus, who is from Philippi, will remain there.

Paul is effusive in his words about these two men. Regarding Timothy, Paul gives his ultimate endorsement: “I have no one like him who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.”

This commendation tells us two things. First, it tells us that one of the highest qualities a follower of Jesus can emulate is care and concern for the wellbeing of others, especially other followers of Jesus. Paul doesn’t say, “Timothy is a great preacher,” or “He has incredible business acumen” or even “Timothy is very pious.” He says that Timothy cares.

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Day 4: I Am a Walking Reference Letter for Jesus January 11, 2017

Are you the kind of employee, employer, friend of which could be said, “I have no one who cares like him / her”? Would our spouse or children say, “There is no one more genuinely concerned for my welfare than him / her”? Would your church family?

Second, Paul’s recommendation of Timothy tells us that when we walk in partnership with God – when he is at work in us giving us the desire and power to do his will, and we are working out our salvation with fear and trembling – people notice. Whether we like it or not, people notice. They notice our growth, or lack of it.

When we carry the name “Christian,” we become a walking advertisement for God. Our actions and attitudes reflect on him and his work in the world. Paul’s recommendation of Timothy was also a commendation to the power and faithfulness of God. It is not natural to put others before ourselves. Through God’s faithful work in him, and his own hard work to grow, Timothy had learned to do this, and Paul noticed. So too would the church members in Philippi.

Will the people you encounter today notice the same about you?

Prayers for the church, for others, for myself

Reflection: silent and written

Walking in partnership with God today: • Think: I am a walking reference

letter for God • Do: Write (on paper or in your

head) a reference letter for yourself, honestly noting your endearing and callous qualities. Thank God for his ongoing work in you to bring out these positive qualities. Commit to work with him to live out as best you can a “I have no one else like him / her” kind of life.

Closing prayer O Lord Jesus Christ, who art the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Do not let me stray from You who art the Way, nor distrust You who art the Truth, nor rest in any other thing than You, who art the Life.

Teach me by Your Holy Spirit what to believe, what to do, and where to take my rest.

I ask this for Your own Name’s sake.

Amen.

~ Erasmus

Benediction: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

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Opening invitation Most merciful Father, you have called us to be a caring Church, reflecting in our lives your infinite care for us your children. Help us to fulfill our calling and to care for one another in an unselfish fellowship of love; and to care for the world around us in sharing with it the good news of your love and serving those who suffer from poverty, hunger and disease. We ask it in the name of Christ our Lord. ~ Michael Ramsey, from The Westminster Collection of Christian Prayers

Daily Scripture reading: Philippians 3

Worship link: When You Walk Into the Room by Jesus Culture Music

Verse for the day: “…many people live as enemies of the cross. 19 Their lives end with destruction. Their god is their stomach, and they take pride in their disgrace because their thoughts focus on earthly things. 20 Our citizenship is in heaven. We look forward to a saviour that comes from there—the Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ Philippians 3:18-20 ~

Reading for Reflection (Jamie) When I was a new believer, I worked in a restaurant that was toxic toward Christians. Being a people-pleaser, I didn’t have the courage to tell anyone I was a follower of Jesus or to live out the values to which Christ called me. Instead, I chose to go along with the crowd and avoid detection. When someone eventually discovered my secret, they laughed incredulously and said, “You?” They found it hypocritical for me to call myself a

Christian while living a lifestyle that was no different from theirs. As such, I destroyed my chances to share Jesus with them.

This is one of Christianity’s biggest problems – Christians go along with the crowd rather than stand out. As a result, when others find out we are Christians, they react with scorn and derision. When Jesus makes no obvious difference in our lives, people around us have no motivation to know him.

In today’s verses, Paul reminds us we exchanged our natural-born citizenship for heavenly citizenship. Citizens of heaven are not meant to be like citizens of earth. We are set apart as God’s children. Called to walk in love and holiness in order to point the way to Jesus. When followers of Jesus follow the crowd, it tells the world Christianity is not very life-changing. But the Bible declares we are meant to be weird (or, to use 1 Peter 2:9’s word, peculiar). We are meant to be so different than everyone else that people stop and take notice.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying you need to go around wearing camel hair shirts, eating bugs in honey, and calling people at the grocery store to repentance (unless you are!). I’m saying that Jesus should make a difference in our life and his influence should be obvious. You shouldn’t fit in.

This is truly walking in partnership with God, and it is the calling of those who follow Jesus. We are meant to be quiet missionaries right in the middle of our own lives by living as ones set apart for Jesus.

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Day 5: Be Weird January 12, 2017

This is why we need to grow and change, and clearly, this is why we need God’s help.

When we act or respond differently than everyone else, it has a threefold effect on those around us. First, people see that Jesus really does make a difference in people’s lives. Second, incorrect assumptions about Christianity or God are changed. Finally, and best of all, people become hungry to know God.

You and I are set apart to point the way to God, but this only works if we are “weird,” if we walk the narrow path that leads to life instead of the broad road leading to destruction.

How about you? Can the people in your life see something different in you? Are people attracted to Jesus because of the “peculiar” way you live your life, or are you more concerned with pleasing people than God? Alternatively, perhaps you are shining, but you’re so immersed in the ‘Christian bubble’ that you’re simply a light amongst lights. To be effective, light must pierce the darkness. In other words, you must shine, and you must shine in dark places.

Do you?

Prayers for the church, for others, for myself Reflection: silent and written

Walking in partnership with God today: • Think: The way I live can point

people towards or away from Jesus.

• Do: Make a New Year’s Resolution regarding this topic. For example, resolve to stop compromising in a certain area of your life, or resolve to get out of the Christian bubble. Write down your resolution, tell someone who can pray for you and keep you accountable, and pray regularly for God to give you the power to live it out.

Closing prayer Lord, you have placed me in the lives of those around me for a purpose. Give me the courage to live for you. Forgive me for the times I’ve compromised, such as…..and help me to live to please you above all from this moment on.

Help me to point the way to you. Open my eyes to those whom I influence for better or for good, and from this day forward, help me to live in such a way the people recognize the difference you make and hunger to know you as I do.

May your presence radiate from me wherever I go and may my life be a beacon pointing the way to you. And may it begin first within my home.

Amen

Benediction: Go forth now as God’s servant. Remember God’s presence often and draw strength from the knowledge that the One who calls and sends also sustains. Amen.

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Opening invitation Almighty God, through the power of your Holy Spirit you enable us to do and be more than we can think or imagine. Come now, dwell within us, and make us strong to do your work and will. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. ~ from “A Guide to Prayer”

Daily Scripture reading: Philippians 3

Worship link: No Longer Slaves by Jonathan David and Melissa Helser

Verse for the day: “12Not that I have already obtained [the fullness of resurrection life] or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.13Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let all who are mature think this way.” ~ Philippians 3:12-15a

Reading for Reflection (Nick) If you have two minutes to spare, watch this video of a college athlete who falls during a 600-meter race. It is a wonderful example from athletics of forgetting what lies behind, straining forward to what lies ahead, and pressing on toward the goal. Click here for the video.

In the first half of chapter 3, Paul uses a bookkeeping metaphor (loss and gain) to describe life in Jesus. Now he switches to an athletic metaphor. Perhaps, one of the reasons he does this is to dispel any notion of what entraps some Christians as they journey with Jesus – the idea that a time comes that we have “arrived.”

None of us would say that we are perfect, but in our Christian walk, the temptation comes to think we have reached a certain, acceptable level of maturity, and while we may want to help others grow to become mature, we no longer have to put as much effort in ourselves for our own continued growth.

This is false. There is always more travelling to do. The full abundance of resurrection life will only be completed at the day of Jesus Christ (1:6), when the final resurrection occurs. Until then, the journey continues. And like the athlete in the video, the mature Christian/seasoned athlete knows the race isn’t won or lost until the end is reached.

Which means you (& I) have not arrived.

Rather than thinking that maturity is commensurate with arriving at a satisfactory level of Christian growth, true maturity means actually knowing we haven’t arrived! True maturity knows there is so much more in us that desperately requires transformation. More importantly, true maturity not only recognizes our unremitting need for growth, it wants it! It presses on, it strains

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Day 6: You Have Not Arrived January 13, 2017

forward, and it keeps running as hard today as when we first started the race. It continues to cry out, “Lord, help me grow!”

Given that definition, are you a mature follower of Jesus?

Walking in partnership with God means that although we recognize God is at work in us, giving us the power and desire to do his will (see Introduction), we still have to walk. We still have to set our course and move our legs. It is a temptation to get halfway through our journey, think we are further ahead than others, and stop working as hard.

Please note, I am not saying there are never times of rest. There are seasons where God leads us to still waters, makes us lie down in green pastures, and restores our soul. However, the reason for doing so is not because we have arrived and can now take our leisure, but because we are worn down from the hard work of the journey and need to regain our strength and faith for the next leg.

You have been “called upward.” Do you recognize you have not reached the fullness of resurrection life, or perfection, or any adequate level of maturity that permits you to stop growing? Do you run toward the ultimate goal of a transformed life in Jesus with as much effort today as when you first recognized your complete and utter brokenness before God?

“Let all who are mature think this way.”

Prayers for the church, for others, for myself Reflection: silent and written

Walking in partnership with God today: • Think: I still need to grow. • Do: In conjunction with prayers for

God’s guidance, set an attainable and measurable “mini growth goal” for the next 24 hours (e.g. “Stop swearing in my head.” “Counter each negative thought with a positive one.” “Compliment five people to whom I do not usually talk on an aspect of their character [not appearance].”)

Closing prayer May the strength of God pilot us. May the power of God preserve us. May the wisdom of God instruct us. May the hand of God protect us. May the way of God direct us. May the shield of God defend us. May the host of God guard us against the snares of evil and the temptations of the world. May Christ be with us. Christ before us, Christ in us, Christ over us. Mat thy salvation, O Lord, be always ours this day and for evermore. Amen.

~St. Patrick

Benediction: May the power, peace, and presence of Jesus Christ uphold, sustain, direct, and keep you always. Amen.

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Opening invitation Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of my heart by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen ~ from “A Guide to Prayer”

Daily Scripture reading: Philippians 4

Worship link: Let There Be Light by Brian & Katie Torwalt

Verse for the day: “I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” ~ Philippians 4:8 (The MSG)

Reading for Reflection (Jamie) I come from a long line of negative people. Many of my relatives have a knack for finding flaws, and seem to relish complaining about people and circumstances. Everything can be criticized, and nothing is ever good enough! Being immersed in this kind of environment growing up, and not knowing any different, I too became exceptionally negative and critical of everyone and everything. Accordingly, I was frequently unhappy. I was so focused on what was wrong with my life that I was unable to see God at work around me or within me.

This began to change when I married the world’s most positive person – Nick. When I met him, believe me, he had more reasons to complain and criticize than most of us ever will. Yet not once did I hear him grumble about his terrible circumstances or speak poorly of those who caused his and his family’s grievous suffering.

I found him fascinating. He presented a totally different way of living than the one in which I grew up-– choosing positivity and joy in spite of terrible circumstances and the poor treatment of others. Simply by watching him refuse to dwell on negativity, my character was sharpened. I not only recognized I had a negative and critical spirit, but also began to counteract it by responding to life the way Nick did (this shows how influential you can be if you are living life to please God!). As I learned to dwell on the good and godly in my life and in others, I found much more joy and freedom than when I chose to focus on the negative and ugly.

We tend to think it is no big deal to dwell on negative or ungodly things in secret. However, the truth is, our thoughts hold great power over us. Left unchecked, negative thoughts eventually become regretful words and actions.

As we walk in partnership with God, it is vital we reclaim control over our thoughts, because what we dwell upon will emerge as action. In the Gospels, Jesus warns us that sin starts in our minds (Luke 6:45; Mark 7:20-22). Pause a moment and think about a time you did something you regret. Chances are by the time you eventually sinned, you had first thought about it for some time. Sin rarely occurs in a void.

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Day 7: It Starts In Your Mind January 14, 2017

For instance, imagine you choose to dwell on the awful characteristics of someone you live with. The more you focus on the negative and the ugly within that person, the more bitter and angry you will become. Unchecked, it will eventually emerge as bitter words or worse, irreparable action, and you will sin against that person (and God). Before you know it, your relationship may be in shambles. Whenever I allow myself to dwell on the ugly or negative in my life or in someone else, if not checked, I will certainly say or do something I later regret.

In today’s verse, Paul teaches us to guard our heart and mind from that which pollutes by setting them on that which pleases God:

“I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” (Philippians 4:8, The Message).

Our thoughts may seem uncontrollable. This is why we pray, “Lord, help us grow!” In answer to that cry, let us keep in mind that God is at work in us, giving us the desire and power to do (and think about) what pleases him. We can choose true and noble thoughts. We can choose to dwell on the best rather than the worst in situations and people.

Imagine the power of an entire church committed to dwell on that which is good and lovely in our lives and in each other, rejecting the temptation to abide in that which is negative and ugly. We would be a changed community and a reflection of God’s grace and power to the world.

Prayers for the church, for others, for myself

Reflection: silent and written

Walking in partnership with God today: • Think: My thoughts will lead my

actions, for better or worse. • Do: Assess your own thought life

and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you if there is anything you’ve been dwelling on that doesn’t line up with Philippians 4:8. If he reveals something to you, repent and begin praying into that and train your mind to replace the ugliness with something God-pleasing.

Closing prayer Create in me a clean heart, O Lord, and renew a right spirit within me. (Ps. 51) Reveal to me where my mind may be dwelling upon that which may pollute my heart and root it out! Help me to reject the temptation to dwell upon negative, dishonorable or ugly things in my life or in and give me eyes to see the good in my life and in others so that I may rejoice in who you are and what you are doing. Guard my heart and mind in you, O Lord, In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Benediction: 6 Our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and a good hope. 17 May he encourage your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do or say. ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (CEB)

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Opening invitation Almighty God, as you have sent Jesus to be for us light and truth, send now your Spirit upon us to grant us the grace and strength to follow in his footsteps this day. Amen. ~ from “A Guide to Prayer”

Daily Scripture reading: Philippians 4

Worship link: It Is Well by Krisitne DiMarco

Verse for the day: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:7 ~

Reading for Reflection (Nick):

Have you ever asked God for peace? I have many times. However, like the rest of our discipleship journey with God, the peace “that surpasses understanding” is both a gift and a partnership.

In many of life’s circumstances we ask the question “Why?” Why is this happening? We want to understand the purpose of our trials and suffering, thinking that understanding will bring us peace. But even if God gave us understanding, there is no guarantee that it would bring the peace we truly seek. We need something better.

God can give us a peace that descends upon us in spite of our not understanding, a peace that opens us up to trust God and have joy even when we don’t comprehend why things are the way they are. This peace is not arbitrary. Yes, it is something God gives, but we too have choices to make.

First, Paul says, “rejoice” (4:4). The fact that this is a simple command means we can choose to rejoice or not rejoice. Actually, the choice is ours alone. We could let our outward circumstances dictate our heart, but the better choice is to let our inward self (where God is at work giving us the desire and power to do what pleases him) dictate our heart. The call to rejoice does not depend on outward circumstances. It depends on an inward contentment in the Lord.

Second, we are to have a “reasonableness” (i.e. a consideration toward others that seeks what is best for them rather than putting self first) and make it known (4:5). This is a key way we let our light shine to the world. Kindness is powerful.

Third, because the Lord is at hand, we are to be “anxious for nothing” (4:6). This command is neither trite nor impossible. It does not mean we shouldn’t be concerned for a loved one. Nor is Paul referring to any kind of mental illness or panic attack. The anxiety he speaks of is the worry that would cause us to stop entrusting ourselves and our loved ones to God’s care, and instead attempt to take control of our or their life. Rather

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Day 8: I Love God. Why Do I Lack Peace? January 15, 2017

than have this type of anxiety, we are to pray with thanksgiving. We throw all our cares at God, thanking him for being close by and in control.

It’s at this point, after we choose contentment over complaining, selflessness over selfishness, thanksgiving over unbelieving worry, that Paul writes the peace of God which surpasses understanding will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus (4:7).

In other words, when we choose to follow and act in accordance with God’s desires for us, he protects our thoughts and attitudes, helping them to remain Christ-centered and full of trust. This is the peace we seek.

But note the opposite is also true: if we choose to travel outside of his desires for us, if we choose to complain or be selfish or take control of our life, we are left unguarded.

Today, as you walk in partnership with God, you will face many choices of action and attitude. What you choose will directly affect the peace you feel.

Prayers for the church, for others, for myself

Reflection: silent and written

Walking in partnership with God today: • Think: My choices and attitudes

affect my peace. • Do: What choices can you make

today that will open you up to receive the presence and peace of God?

Closing prayer Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me and in all your creatures. I wish no more than this, O Lord.

Into your hands I commend my soul: I offer it to you with all the love of my heart, for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands without reserve, and with boundless confidence, for you are my Father. Amen.

~ Charles de Foucald (1858-1916) ~

Benediction: You have been reminded that Jesus Christ is your Lord and that you are God’s servant. You are loved; you are forgiven; you are empowered and now you are sent to live as God’s faithful one. Amen.

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Prayer Focus: Lord, Help Us Grow!

We kick off the week of prayer with a prayer that God would help us grow. As you pray personally for yourself pray for grace that you will desire spiritual growth. Pray against apathy and stagnation. Pray for insight into the things that may cause hindrance to your growth and ask God for direction in moving past such things. As you pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ pray for their growth. Pray that together as a family we will all grow together into Christ, who is our head.

Prayer Activity: Prayer Walk - 1 p.m.

Walking is a great way to engage prayer. Eyes wide open, asking for the Spirit to reveal things the natural eye so easily misses. You’ll find yourself directed in prayer in specific areas where your community is active. We will break into groups of 2 and be given an area walk and meeting back up with the group to debrief. Each prayer walk will start and end at a specific coffee shop in one of three sites:

Ladner - at the Ladner Starbucks Steveston - at Starbucks Tsawwassen - at Tim Hortons

Prayer Focus: Lord, help us grow more aware of your presence!

Today we pray that we would be more aware of his presence. When we come to Christ in salvation we are typically blow away with a sense of his grace and mercy. A fresh cleansing from sin leaves us feeling totally unhindered in his presence. But as life goes along we are called to develop certain spiritual practices that will help us grow that awareness and closeness. Today pray that you will have the desire and will to engage spiritual disciplines and grow more aware of his presence.

Prayer Activity: Engage a Spiritual Discipline

The spiritual disciplines include obvious things such as fasting, prayer, and solitude. But they also include such practices as fellowship, generosity and study. Today there is no scheduled group gathering activity but you are encouraged to choose one of the spiritual disciplines and practice.

Fasting: skip a meal today and use the time to pray. Generosity: Give something of yours away. Solitude: Find a quiet location and spend time in silence. Fellowship: Call another believer up and ask them to meet you for coffee to talk about God.

Day 1 - Sunday Day 2 - Monday

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Section2:PrayerGuidefortheCorporateEffort

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Prayer Focus: Lord, help us grow more wise in leadership!

Our leaders are usually the first to come under Satan’s attack. Leadership is a God-given gift to the Church for the purpose of casting vision, organizing activity and moving people forward. When Satan destroys the leadership he effectively destroys the local church’s ability to move forward. Pray for our leadership to remain pure, dedicated to Christ above ministry and working hard as unto the Lord. For their families to be strong, healthy and remain united.

Prayer Activity: Prayer Meeting at LCF. 7:30 p.m.

Join us at LCF as we pray for our leadership we’ll be praying through various names of our leaders as well as other leaders in our greater community..

Our Pastors: Danny, Nick & Devon Our Staff: Lisa, Sharon & Merril. Our Board: Glenn (Secretary), Jeff, Peter, Doug, Lily-Mae, Vanessa and Dave. Our Denominational leaders: David Wells, David Hazard & Murray Cornelius at our International Office. Ken Russell, David Solmes & Darwin Pichette at our BCYD Office. Small Group leaders, Worship leaders & other ministry leaders as you recall them.

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Prayer Focus: Lord, help us grow godly kids!

Children are our responsibility. Our chief effort with our kids is not to be interfering in every decision they make but to bring them before the Lord in prayer. It is not just parents either for our community’s health is based on the raising up of a strong next generation. Today, pray for the kids in your life. Pray for the kids in our church. pray for the school down the street and the teachers that work with them. Try and move beyond the simple prayers of ‘bless all the dear children…” and tell God what you’d really like to see for them.

Prayer Activity: Prayer Meeting at LCF - 7:30 p.m.

Join us at LCF as we work together to bring our children, youth and young adults before the Lord in prayer. To pray for their spiritual passion, for them to take ownership of their own faith, and for them to pursue God above all else.

Prayer Activity 2. For Parents. Using your journal, a note card or even just a sheet of paper, write out a prayer for you children. Keep it short. Edit it so that the heart of what needs to be prayed is what you’ve recorded. Re-write it as needs be onto a new sheet and then keep it handy and pray it over your kids each night.

Day 3 - Tuesday Day 4 - Wednesday

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Prayer Focus: Lord, help us grow more full of the Spirit!

Everything is sustained by the Spirit of God. Jesus was precise in his instruction that the disciples did not move forward until they had received the promised baptism in the Spirit. Today we pray that we would be more full of the Spirit. Its an ongoing practice and prayer. We long for the moving of the Spirit in our services. To see people using the various gifts of the Spirit when we get together. For prophetic words, tongues & interpretations, healings, miracles, etc. To hear stories of how God speaks words of direction to us in our everyday lives. Today, pray that God would fill you to overflowing with his Spirit. Challenge yourself to evaluate the degree to which you are filled. Do you assume you have the Spirit’s empowerment? Do you exercise the supernatural in your spiritual walk? Have you taken time to be still and wait for God to fill you up?

Prayer Activity: Prayer Meeting at LCF - 7:30 p.m.

Join us at LCF as we seek together to be filled with the Spirit and as we pray for others to experience the glorious infilling.

• Praying for the Sunday services. Both here & at Steveston

• Praying for our Conclave meetings (Feb 18)

• Praying for the Sessions Young Adult Services

• Praying for people to yearn for more of the Spirit

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Prayer Focus: Lord, help us grow more responsive to the needs of others!

Who are the hurting around you? What is the condition of your neighbours’ hearts? What do they need? A listening ear? An encouraging word? A helping hand? Today we pray that God would help us to be more sensitive and responsive to the needs of others

Prayer Activity: Meet a need!

Lets not just pray about it but lets start by taking some small step of action. After praying, make a plan to meet a need. Something that can be done this weekend. For accountability sake, be prepared to share what you did and how it went at your next small group meeting. If you are not in a small group, then send an e-mail to one of the pastors and give testimony to what you did. Give thought to what the result was in your own life as well as what results may have occurred in the person you helped.

Day 5 - Thursday Day 6 - Friday

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Prayer Focus: Lord, help us to see our loved ones come to faith in Christ!

The burden of our heart is for those in our family and our closest circle of friends to share the faith that we have found in Christ. To be with us in eternity when the end comes. In family situations preaching or witnessing is often the hardest. We have two strong tactics however: A life of love & a prayer closet. Lets pray specifically for the loved ones in our life that need Jesus. If you have a journal, make sure you’ve written them down somewhere so you can pray over them regularly. Pray that God will send another believer to them who may have greater success in creating discussion and talking of Christ.

Prayer Activity: Create your own prayer reminder.

For those of you who are super organized and have nice neat lists you may likely have already accomplished this activity but for the rest of you, take some time today to create a way to remember your loved ones in prayer. Maybe a list in your journal or on a card in your bible? Maybe using technology to set up prayer notification reminders. Get creative and consider some tangible object that you can purchase or make that will be a reminder to you to pray for them? Just be sure that you’ll regularly and consistently pray for your unsaved loved ones.

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Prayer Focus: Lord, help us to grow more fruit!

It was once said that the only greater than going to heaven is taking someone else with you. It is the cry of our collective hearts to see more souls saved through the efforts of our fellowship. To be a lighthouse to people navigating the journey of life and pointing out the safe harbour that is in Christ. Our focus today is that we would see more fruit for our actions. That we would be led to the activities and strategies that will best help us reach our community for Christ. To see the baptism tank never emptied for the demand of those wishing to confess their new found faith.

Prayer Activity: Prayer meeting at LCF at 6:30 p.m.

Closing off this week of prayer we extend the invite for you to join us at LCF for worship and prayer. We’ll invite testimonies of what God has been doing in the week previous and we’ll take time to praise him in song before going to our knees in prayer together.

Day 7 - Saturday Day 8 - Sunday

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