ENJOYING GOD.....Word...Experience......Paul in Acts:
There is a unique joy that belongs to a child of God (1 Chron 16:8-12, 23-36). You have no need to fear or to be anxious. Your God is powerful and mighty to save (Zep 3:17). Despite your circumstances you can "glory in His holy name" and your heart can rejoice as you seek Him and the strength He offers (1 Ch 16:10-11).
Linger on the words of this passage from 1 Chronicles. Let them seep into your heart as well as into your mind. You are coming to the Great God, in whose Presence are splendor, majesty, strength, and joy (1 Ch 16:27). He is worthy of all praise and glory. Communion with God may or may not change your circumstances, but your heart and your attitude will never be the same.
(In Acts Paul teaches us about joy. In spite of dire circumstances throughout his life, he has joy and can sing and praise God.)
Mother Teresa: "Once I asked my confessor for advice about my vocation. I asked, 'How can I know if God is calling me and for what He is calling me?'
He answered, 'You will know by your happiness. If you are happy with the idea that God calls you to serve Him and your neighbor, this will be the proof of your vocation. Profound joy of the heart is like a magnet that indicates the Path of Life. One has to follow it, even though one enters into a Way full of difficulties.' "
Where does all the joy originate? (Ne 12:43; Ps 43:4)
What produces joy in an unbeliever? (Acts 14:17)
What produces joy in a believer? (Acts 8:5-8; 16:34)
How is this joy produced in you? (1 Th 1:6)
Joy is a fruit produced by the Presence of the Holy Spirit. (Gal 5:22)
Jesus says an intimate relationship with Him ("remain in My Love") through obedience to God's commands is the Way to complete joy. (Jn 15:10-11)
Is your relationship with Jesus intimate enough to produce complete joy?
What can you do to receive this complete joy? (Jn 16:24)
What happens to your joy when trouble comes? How can you retain your joy in times of trial? (Ps 33:16-22)
Jesus knows life is full of trouble and suffering. (Jn 16:33; 17:13-15)
How is joy compatible with suffering? (Jas 1:2-4; 1 Pe 1:6-9)
The struggles and tragedies of this life need not affect your joy as a child of God. True joy is based on the spiritual realities of who God is and what He has promised. God IS Good and God IS Faithful----regardless of your situation. Paul learns this Truth and has much to sing and praise God about.
If your heart is bursting with joy today, give thanks! Speak aloud your joy and thanksgiving to God. Spend time praising and worshiping Him through music and prayer. He is worthy of your exuberant praise.
If you are longing for the kind of joy described in this study, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His joy. The Spirit is the joy-bringer. "Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." (Jn 16:24) That's a promise from Jesus' own lips, and He is Faithful. (Women of Faith Study Bible)
AFFIRMATION;
I Share from the Goodness of God in my heart and in my life.
Quiet moments in communion with God help me Know what is mine to do and how to do it.
Sharing with others is a wonderful Way to give of the Goodness of God that I have had the privilege to experience. Thank You, Loving God. Thank You, Christ Jesus. Thank You, Holy Spirit. Amen. Jim
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
February 2008
Prayer Matters
a publication of the Prayer Ministry of Riverchase United Methodist Church
Matters about prayer because prayer matters
February 2008
Purpose: to claim and sustain Riverchase United Methodist Church as a "house of prayer for all people" (Isaiah 56:7) and to encourage one another in prayer
Prayer Focus for February: Our Youth
Here are some ways to pray for the youth of our church:
Ø for our youth to be shining examples for others to see the light of Christ working in them
Ø for the youth to be strong when presented with peer pressure issues and that they not only handle these situations with strength but also that their example motivate others to resist tempting situations
Ø for the youth to be teachable and open to learning and growing each and every day
Ø for youth in our church who are not currently involved in youth ministries
Ø for the youth and adult leaders to follow God’s will in their lives and in their leadership roles and to remain steadfast in their faith
Ø for our Senior High Youth Minister Jonathan Dills and his wife Jessica who have just adopted two girls (April, age 4 & Samantha age 5)
Ø for our Middle School Youth Minister Seth Moon
Ø for more adults to answer God’s call to serve in youth ministries
Scripture Focus: 1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but rather
set an example for the believers in speech, life, love, faith and purity.”
This is the focus scripture for the middle school youth and a great scripture to pray for all of our youth.
About RUMC Youth Ministries
Who leads the Youth Ministries? Jonathan Dills is our Senior High Youth Minister, and Seth Moon is our Middle School Minister. They are assisted in leadership by other adult leaders.
When do the youth activities take place?
The Youth meet weekly on Sundays and Wednesday evenings. On Sundays the Youth Choir practices from 4:00-5:00 and Jr. High Peeps meet from 5:00-6:45. RUSH-Sing, the Senior High choir practices at 5:45 and the Senior High Praise Band practices at 4:30. The Senior High Youth meet from 6:45-8:15 for activities, worship and a lesson. On Wednesdays the Middle School Youth meet from 6:00-7:00 for midweek and from 7:00-8:00 for separate boys and girls Bible studies. The Senior High youth meet from 6:30-8:00 for activities and Bible study.
What about Special Events for the Youth?
One of the biggest events for the youth is Discovery Weekend which will be February 15-17. This is a weekend retreat for middle-schoolers that includes times of worship, talks from high school students, small group discussions, and other fun events.
The youth will also be going on a Student Leadership Retreat in March, a camping trip in April, a Choir tour in May, a Mission trip for Middle schoolers to Louisiana with Student Life June 29-July 3, and a Mission trip for Senior Highs July 20-26. The Middle Schoolers and Senior Highs will participate in Big Stuf an awesome week of worship with great speakers, musicians and an incredible production in Panama City Beach. Big Stuf for Middle Schoolers will be July 15-19 and for Senior Highs June 16-20.
Let’s Cover Discovery Weekend with Prayer!
This year's theme is "Contact" and we are hoping that students will discover God's heart through scripture. There are other special events that occur during the weekend, including a prayer service on Saturday evening with the middle school students and their parents.
There are so many opportunities for prayer with this event! This can be such a challenging time for these students, so prayer for them in general to make wise decisions as they mature into young adults is crucial. Each student arrives on Friday evening at different places in his or her relationship with God, and with their own set of expectations and concerns. Pray specifically that the students will keep their hearts open to the message that God has for them individually during this time, as well as for them to draw closer to Him. Also pray for them as they go back to their schools and homes after the weekend for God's protection upon them and for them to continue the path He has marked for them.
God Answers
We ask many things of God through prayer, and He faithfully answers our prayers. If you have an answered prayer to share, please submit it to Sandyshock@aol.com. Sometimes seeing how God has answered the prayers of others gives us confidence and encouragement in our prayers.
Here are some of the prayers God has answered recently.
· A friend of an RUMC member has been on the church prayer list multiple times over the past two years. He has a blood cancer and has undergone two stem cell transplants and multiple rounds of chemo. Our prayers have been answered as this friend is now in remission!
· RUMC had prayer boxes placed at several gas stations nearby and received many prayer requests in these boxes. Recently, the gas stations asked for the boxes to be removed. Last week an employee at Sunny Foods on Helena Hwy called the church to ask that someone come and get the prayer requests. Despite the owner’s initial request to remove the prayer box, the employees at this gas station persuaded him of the importance of the prayer box and had a more permanent wooden box constructed for collecting prayers.
Another Mission to Pray for:
The last issue of Prayer Matters focused on praying for the missions of RUMC. Here is another mission to lift in prayer.
The Bridge at Riverchase...is a new nonprofit that umbrellas programs serving Hispanic people out of the Brown House, including the International Language Institute. Please cover the International Language Institute with your prayers, praying that more teachers will be found to grow this program. Pray for the students as they learn English so that they will fulfill their dreams of contributing to their communities culturally and economically, enabling their giftedness to shine through.
Pray-Up Events
There are lots of things happening at RUMC! We can pray for God’s presence, protection and provision for these upcoming events.
v February 12: RDS 4s Valentine Program
v February 15-17: Discovery Weekend
v February 24: Scout Sunday
v February 24: Upward Banquet
v March 2: Prayer Team Meeting
v March 7 & 8: TNT Consignment Sale
v March 7 & 8: Middle School and Senior High Student Life Concert (in Atlanta, GA)
a publication of the Prayer Ministry of Riverchase United Methodist Church
Matters about prayer because prayer matters
February 2008
Purpose: to claim and sustain Riverchase United Methodist Church as a "house of prayer for all people" (Isaiah 56:7) and to encourage one another in prayer
Prayer Focus for February: Our Youth
Here are some ways to pray for the youth of our church:
Ø for our youth to be shining examples for others to see the light of Christ working in them
Ø for the youth to be strong when presented with peer pressure issues and that they not only handle these situations with strength but also that their example motivate others to resist tempting situations
Ø for the youth to be teachable and open to learning and growing each and every day
Ø for youth in our church who are not currently involved in youth ministries
Ø for the youth and adult leaders to follow God’s will in their lives and in their leadership roles and to remain steadfast in their faith
Ø for our Senior High Youth Minister Jonathan Dills and his wife Jessica who have just adopted two girls (April, age 4 & Samantha age 5)
Ø for our Middle School Youth Minister Seth Moon
Ø for more adults to answer God’s call to serve in youth ministries
Scripture Focus: 1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but rather
set an example for the believers in speech, life, love, faith and purity.”
This is the focus scripture for the middle school youth and a great scripture to pray for all of our youth.
About RUMC Youth Ministries
Who leads the Youth Ministries? Jonathan Dills is our Senior High Youth Minister, and Seth Moon is our Middle School Minister. They are assisted in leadership by other adult leaders.
When do the youth activities take place?
The Youth meet weekly on Sundays and Wednesday evenings. On Sundays the Youth Choir practices from 4:00-5:00 and Jr. High Peeps meet from 5:00-6:45. RUSH-Sing, the Senior High choir practices at 5:45 and the Senior High Praise Band practices at 4:30. The Senior High Youth meet from 6:45-8:15 for activities, worship and a lesson. On Wednesdays the Middle School Youth meet from 6:00-7:00 for midweek and from 7:00-8:00 for separate boys and girls Bible studies. The Senior High youth meet from 6:30-8:00 for activities and Bible study.
What about Special Events for the Youth?
One of the biggest events for the youth is Discovery Weekend which will be February 15-17. This is a weekend retreat for middle-schoolers that includes times of worship, talks from high school students, small group discussions, and other fun events.
The youth will also be going on a Student Leadership Retreat in March, a camping trip in April, a Choir tour in May, a Mission trip for Middle schoolers to Louisiana with Student Life June 29-July 3, and a Mission trip for Senior Highs July 20-26. The Middle Schoolers and Senior Highs will participate in Big Stuf an awesome week of worship with great speakers, musicians and an incredible production in Panama City Beach. Big Stuf for Middle Schoolers will be July 15-19 and for Senior Highs June 16-20.
Let’s Cover Discovery Weekend with Prayer!
This year's theme is "Contact" and we are hoping that students will discover God's heart through scripture. There are other special events that occur during the weekend, including a prayer service on Saturday evening with the middle school students and their parents.
There are so many opportunities for prayer with this event! This can be such a challenging time for these students, so prayer for them in general to make wise decisions as they mature into young adults is crucial. Each student arrives on Friday evening at different places in his or her relationship with God, and with their own set of expectations and concerns. Pray specifically that the students will keep their hearts open to the message that God has for them individually during this time, as well as for them to draw closer to Him. Also pray for them as they go back to their schools and homes after the weekend for God's protection upon them and for them to continue the path He has marked for them.
God Answers
We ask many things of God through prayer, and He faithfully answers our prayers. If you have an answered prayer to share, please submit it to Sandyshock@aol.com. Sometimes seeing how God has answered the prayers of others gives us confidence and encouragement in our prayers.
Here are some of the prayers God has answered recently.
· A friend of an RUMC member has been on the church prayer list multiple times over the past two years. He has a blood cancer and has undergone two stem cell transplants and multiple rounds of chemo. Our prayers have been answered as this friend is now in remission!
· RUMC had prayer boxes placed at several gas stations nearby and received many prayer requests in these boxes. Recently, the gas stations asked for the boxes to be removed. Last week an employee at Sunny Foods on Helena Hwy called the church to ask that someone come and get the prayer requests. Despite the owner’s initial request to remove the prayer box, the employees at this gas station persuaded him of the importance of the prayer box and had a more permanent wooden box constructed for collecting prayers.
Another Mission to Pray for:
The last issue of Prayer Matters focused on praying for the missions of RUMC. Here is another mission to lift in prayer.
The Bridge at Riverchase...is a new nonprofit that umbrellas programs serving Hispanic people out of the Brown House, including the International Language Institute. Please cover the International Language Institute with your prayers, praying that more teachers will be found to grow this program. Pray for the students as they learn English so that they will fulfill their dreams of contributing to their communities culturally and economically, enabling their giftedness to shine through.
Pray-Up Events
There are lots of things happening at RUMC! We can pray for God’s presence, protection and provision for these upcoming events.
v February 12: RDS 4s Valentine Program
v February 15-17: Discovery Weekend
v February 24: Scout Sunday
v February 24: Upward Banquet
v March 2: Prayer Team Meeting
v March 7 & 8: TNT Consignment Sale
v March 7 & 8: Middle School and Senior High Student Life Concert (in Atlanta, GA)
Friday, November 9, 2007
Prayer Matters - November/December 2007
a publication of the Prayer Ministry of Riverchase United Methodist Church
Matters about prayer because prayer matters
Purpose: to claim and sustain Riverchase United Methodist Church as a "house of prayer for all people" (Isaiah 56:7) and to encourage one another in prayer
A Word from the Prayer Team:
The prayer team met in September to discuss prayer ministries of the church and the focus for the upcoming year. We feel God is giving us a theme of sorts to follow in the upcoming year, and that is the theme of Interconnectedness. Prayer is a way to connect with God, and by interceding for others, prayer becomes a way to connect with each other. It is impossible to be involved with every ministry and outreach of our church, but through prayer we can have that connection with all the parts of the body of Christ at Riverchase UMC.
You may ask yourself how can you meaningfully pray for ministries of the church which you know very little about? The goal of the upcoming Prayer Matters newsletters will be to focus on these various ministries and ways we can be praying together for them. If you have a ministry that you want to covered in prayer, please contact Sandy Shockley at Sandyshock@aol.com or 426-0132.
Remember also that the prayer team is open to anyone! If you feel led by God to find out more about the prayer ministries of the church or to join in these ministries, call Tim Aho or Sandy Shockley or come to our next meeting on Sunday, November 25th at 3:30pm in Room 11.
Prayer Focus: Missions of Riverchase UMC
Members of our church are being the hands and feet of Christ for over 25 different missions both locally and around the globe. Here are a few of the church’s missions and ways we can be praying for them. If you would like more information on these or other missions and how you can become involved, contact John Ray at 987-4030.
Sudislavl Orphanage in Russia: Skip Elliott presented this mission opportunity to the church in 2000. After prayer, discussion and an exploratory trip, many other members felt God calling us to help. A mission team is sent two times per year to the orphanage to host a summer camp and see to the needs of the children living at the orphanage. Also church members and classes have sponsored orphans. There are currently 12 children living at the orphanage although the number has been as high as 27. The next trip to Sudislavl will be in January 2008. Money is needed for this trip as the government has restricted what can be brought into the country at this time. We can pray for the children to know Christ and for Him to meet their needs as well as for the money needed for this trip and for those who will be traveling on this upcoming trip.
Lucy’s Kids is an orphanage in Kenya which houses 300 children. The church began its partnership with this mission about four years ago when Lucy came to speak at our church while in the state with SIFAT (Servants in Faith and Technology). God put it on church member Margaret Sherrill’s heart to become involved and enlist our church to help these children. Many church members and classes also sponsor these orphans and the orphans make crafts and send them to us to sell to help raise money. Ours is the only church which supports this mission. Prayers for their physical needs would include food, money for tuition (as public education is not free in Kenya), and money to sustain the orphanage. They are currently in need of sewage treatment.
Isaiahsixeight supports mission work in Jamaica. Our church began making annual trips to Jamaica in 1992 to do various types of mission work from construction to working with children. Over the years the focus of this mission has changed. Currently we have helped with some construction work at the Muirton Boys Home and held a VBS for the Seaside community. We are also financially supporting Lyssons Special school for learning disabled children. The mission team hopes to take Christmas presents to these children during their next mission trip in January. We can be praying for God to provide volunteers who are willing to give of their time and money. Isaiahsixeight is currently in the process of raising money to buy a mission house which will provide a safe location for mission teams to stay. See www.isaiahsixeight.org for more information.
Oak Mountain Mission is a local mission helping the indigent of Shelby County. For the past two and a half years our church has been involved in this mission. The children’s ministry of RUMC highlights a different need of Oak Mountain Mission in their monthly mission focus. Many of the recipients of the Angel Tree Christmas project are from Oak Mountain Mission, and OMM was also the mission focus for this year’s Vacation Bible School. We can pray that God will continue to bring in the donations of food, clothing, shelter, furniture money, and household needs for those supported by OMM. A current high priority need is for mattresses and box springs.
Scripture Focus: 1 Samuel 3: 10
The Lord came and stood there, calling, as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said,
“Speak, for your servant is listening.”
As Christians we believe that the Bible is God’s Word, and what better way to communicate with Him than to speak His words back to Him. This is called praying scripture. As you focus on missions during your prayer time, you can use this verse to speak to God. In this passage God is calling Samuel. Likewise, we can inquire of the Lord, “Where are you calling me, God?” And we can pray using the words of Samuel, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
God Answers
We ask many things of God through prayer, and He faithfully answers our prayers. If you have an answered prayer to share, please submit it to Sandyshock@aol.com. Sometimes seeing how God has answered the prayers of others gives us confidence and encouragement in our prayers.
Here are some of the prayers God has answered recently.
v A church member’s grandfather has been healed of prostate cancer.
v The September TNT sale (semiannual consignment sale of Riverchase Day School) was a huge success. There was a greater emphasis on prayer and people were called upon to pray specifically for the sale and committee members. God was faithful in answering those prayers as the operations ran smoothly, more money was raised than at previous sales and God’s presence was very evident throughout the sale!
v The prayers of many RUMC members as well as Christians from as far as Australia were heard and answered for the 41 men in prison who came seeking God during Kairos weekend held in October. Over half gave strong testimonies of their faith in finding unconditional love of Christ. Many also accepted Christ as their Savior in private counseling sessions with clergy.
v The parents of a church member have been in poor health but have been very opposed to any type of help. After much prayer by those in the church the parents are now willing to go to a rehab facility for three weeks.
v A church member asked for prayers from the Sunday 5:00 prayer group for her brother who was going to have to share news with their mother that she needed to remain indefinitely in a nursing home (something she has been adamantly against). The group prayed on Sunday, and on Monday morning the brother had the talk with the mother and she was much more accepting than they imagined she would be.
v A church member who had heart surgery had a difficult recovery period and there was some concern about a stroke or other complications. Thanks to prayer, there is no sign of a stroke and she is recovering well from her surgery.
PraiseWorthy
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20
The Great Commission, as the above scripture is often called, commands us to go and make disciples. Jesus assures the disciples (including us) that He is always with us. Let’s praise Him for that and for the opportunities God gives us to serve Him and how He uses us to bring others to Him.
Pray-Up Events
There are lots of things happening at RUMC! We can pray for God’s presence, protection and provision for these upcoming events.
Nov. 3-17 – Cruise w/ Bishop Willimon/Italy and Greece
Nov. 4 – Youth Silent Auction
Nov. 8 – City/School Leaders breakfast & program
Nov. 11 – Veteran’s Day Recognition Sunday
Nov. 15-19 – National Youth Workers Convention in Atlanta
Nov. 17 – Pet Blessings @ Veterans Park
Nov. 18 & 25 – Stewardship/Commitment Sundays
Nov. 18 – “Messiah” by community chorus @ RUMC
Nov. 25-Prayer Team meeting @ 3:30pm
Nov. 26 – Upward practices start
Dec. 1 – Breakfast w/Santa and Angel Workshop
Dec. 2 – Hanging of the Greens
Dec. 7 – Parent’s Night Out
Dec. 10 –RDS Kindergarten Nativity Pageant
Dec. 12 – Children’s Christmas Program
Dec. 14 – Adult Christmas dinner
Dec. 16 – UMM turkey sale
Dec. 16 – Family Service/Happy Birthday Jesus
Dec. 20-23 – MS ski trip/West Virginia
Dec. 22 – Hispanic Happy Birthday Jesus
Dec. 24 – Communion Services (3:00,5:00,7:00,11:00)
Sonday Live Communion Service (7:00)
Dec. 26-29 – HS ski trip/Colorado
Dec. 31 – Hispanic New Year’s Celebration @RUMC
A Prayer You Can Use Daily to Pray for Missions
By Jack Hinnen
Almighty God, all good things come from your hands.As we share the joy of Christ in your world, we pray you will be withthose who reach out to those who need your love.For those who minister locally, remind them that you know their good works.For those who minister across the world, remind them that we will love andsupport them.Grant us courage to love those who are despised in this world and tosteady the hearts of those who minister in and through our church.May our prayers become actions. May our actions become the love of Christ.In His Holy Name, Amen.
Matters about prayer because prayer matters
Purpose: to claim and sustain Riverchase United Methodist Church as a "house of prayer for all people" (Isaiah 56:7) and to encourage one another in prayer
A Word from the Prayer Team:
The prayer team met in September to discuss prayer ministries of the church and the focus for the upcoming year. We feel God is giving us a theme of sorts to follow in the upcoming year, and that is the theme of Interconnectedness. Prayer is a way to connect with God, and by interceding for others, prayer becomes a way to connect with each other. It is impossible to be involved with every ministry and outreach of our church, but through prayer we can have that connection with all the parts of the body of Christ at Riverchase UMC.
You may ask yourself how can you meaningfully pray for ministries of the church which you know very little about? The goal of the upcoming Prayer Matters newsletters will be to focus on these various ministries and ways we can be praying together for them. If you have a ministry that you want to covered in prayer, please contact Sandy Shockley at Sandyshock@aol.com or 426-0132.
Remember also that the prayer team is open to anyone! If you feel led by God to find out more about the prayer ministries of the church or to join in these ministries, call Tim Aho or Sandy Shockley or come to our next meeting on Sunday, November 25th at 3:30pm in Room 11.
Prayer Focus: Missions of Riverchase UMC
Members of our church are being the hands and feet of Christ for over 25 different missions both locally and around the globe. Here are a few of the church’s missions and ways we can be praying for them. If you would like more information on these or other missions and how you can become involved, contact John Ray at 987-4030.
Sudislavl Orphanage in Russia: Skip Elliott presented this mission opportunity to the church in 2000. After prayer, discussion and an exploratory trip, many other members felt God calling us to help. A mission team is sent two times per year to the orphanage to host a summer camp and see to the needs of the children living at the orphanage. Also church members and classes have sponsored orphans. There are currently 12 children living at the orphanage although the number has been as high as 27. The next trip to Sudislavl will be in January 2008. Money is needed for this trip as the government has restricted what can be brought into the country at this time. We can pray for the children to know Christ and for Him to meet their needs as well as for the money needed for this trip and for those who will be traveling on this upcoming trip.
Lucy’s Kids is an orphanage in Kenya which houses 300 children. The church began its partnership with this mission about four years ago when Lucy came to speak at our church while in the state with SIFAT (Servants in Faith and Technology). God put it on church member Margaret Sherrill’s heart to become involved and enlist our church to help these children. Many church members and classes also sponsor these orphans and the orphans make crafts and send them to us to sell to help raise money. Ours is the only church which supports this mission. Prayers for their physical needs would include food, money for tuition (as public education is not free in Kenya), and money to sustain the orphanage. They are currently in need of sewage treatment.
Isaiahsixeight supports mission work in Jamaica. Our church began making annual trips to Jamaica in 1992 to do various types of mission work from construction to working with children. Over the years the focus of this mission has changed. Currently we have helped with some construction work at the Muirton Boys Home and held a VBS for the Seaside community. We are also financially supporting Lyssons Special school for learning disabled children. The mission team hopes to take Christmas presents to these children during their next mission trip in January. We can be praying for God to provide volunteers who are willing to give of their time and money. Isaiahsixeight is currently in the process of raising money to buy a mission house which will provide a safe location for mission teams to stay. See www.isaiahsixeight.org for more information.
Oak Mountain Mission is a local mission helping the indigent of Shelby County. For the past two and a half years our church has been involved in this mission. The children’s ministry of RUMC highlights a different need of Oak Mountain Mission in their monthly mission focus. Many of the recipients of the Angel Tree Christmas project are from Oak Mountain Mission, and OMM was also the mission focus for this year’s Vacation Bible School. We can pray that God will continue to bring in the donations of food, clothing, shelter, furniture money, and household needs for those supported by OMM. A current high priority need is for mattresses and box springs.
Scripture Focus: 1 Samuel 3: 10
The Lord came and stood there, calling, as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said,
“Speak, for your servant is listening.”
As Christians we believe that the Bible is God’s Word, and what better way to communicate with Him than to speak His words back to Him. This is called praying scripture. As you focus on missions during your prayer time, you can use this verse to speak to God. In this passage God is calling Samuel. Likewise, we can inquire of the Lord, “Where are you calling me, God?” And we can pray using the words of Samuel, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
God Answers
We ask many things of God through prayer, and He faithfully answers our prayers. If you have an answered prayer to share, please submit it to Sandyshock@aol.com. Sometimes seeing how God has answered the prayers of others gives us confidence and encouragement in our prayers.
Here are some of the prayers God has answered recently.
v A church member’s grandfather has been healed of prostate cancer.
v The September TNT sale (semiannual consignment sale of Riverchase Day School) was a huge success. There was a greater emphasis on prayer and people were called upon to pray specifically for the sale and committee members. God was faithful in answering those prayers as the operations ran smoothly, more money was raised than at previous sales and God’s presence was very evident throughout the sale!
v The prayers of many RUMC members as well as Christians from as far as Australia were heard and answered for the 41 men in prison who came seeking God during Kairos weekend held in October. Over half gave strong testimonies of their faith in finding unconditional love of Christ. Many also accepted Christ as their Savior in private counseling sessions with clergy.
v The parents of a church member have been in poor health but have been very opposed to any type of help. After much prayer by those in the church the parents are now willing to go to a rehab facility for three weeks.
v A church member asked for prayers from the Sunday 5:00 prayer group for her brother who was going to have to share news with their mother that she needed to remain indefinitely in a nursing home (something she has been adamantly against). The group prayed on Sunday, and on Monday morning the brother had the talk with the mother and she was much more accepting than they imagined she would be.
v A church member who had heart surgery had a difficult recovery period and there was some concern about a stroke or other complications. Thanks to prayer, there is no sign of a stroke and she is recovering well from her surgery.
PraiseWorthy
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20
The Great Commission, as the above scripture is often called, commands us to go and make disciples. Jesus assures the disciples (including us) that He is always with us. Let’s praise Him for that and for the opportunities God gives us to serve Him and how He uses us to bring others to Him.
Pray-Up Events
There are lots of things happening at RUMC! We can pray for God’s presence, protection and provision for these upcoming events.
Nov. 3-17 – Cruise w/ Bishop Willimon/Italy and Greece
Nov. 4 – Youth Silent Auction
Nov. 8 – City/School Leaders breakfast & program
Nov. 11 – Veteran’s Day Recognition Sunday
Nov. 15-19 – National Youth Workers Convention in Atlanta
Nov. 17 – Pet Blessings @ Veterans Park
Nov. 18 & 25 – Stewardship/Commitment Sundays
Nov. 18 – “Messiah” by community chorus @ RUMC
Nov. 25-Prayer Team meeting @ 3:30pm
Nov. 26 – Upward practices start
Dec. 1 – Breakfast w/Santa and Angel Workshop
Dec. 2 – Hanging of the Greens
Dec. 7 – Parent’s Night Out
Dec. 10 –RDS Kindergarten Nativity Pageant
Dec. 12 – Children’s Christmas Program
Dec. 14 – Adult Christmas dinner
Dec. 16 – UMM turkey sale
Dec. 16 – Family Service/Happy Birthday Jesus
Dec. 20-23 – MS ski trip/West Virginia
Dec. 22 – Hispanic Happy Birthday Jesus
Dec. 24 – Communion Services (3:00,5:00,7:00,11:00)
Sonday Live Communion Service (7:00)
Dec. 26-29 – HS ski trip/Colorado
Dec. 31 – Hispanic New Year’s Celebration @RUMC
A Prayer You Can Use Daily to Pray for Missions
By Jack Hinnen
Almighty God, all good things come from your hands.As we share the joy of Christ in your world, we pray you will be withthose who reach out to those who need your love.For those who minister locally, remind them that you know their good works.For those who minister across the world, remind them that we will love andsupport them.Grant us courage to love those who are despised in this world and tosteady the hearts of those who minister in and through our church.May our prayers become actions. May our actions become the love of Christ.In His Holy Name, Amen.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Prayer Matters for September and October
Prayer Matters
a publication of the Prayer Ministry of Riverchase United Methodist Church
Matters about prayer because prayer matters
September / October 2007
Purpose: to claim and sustain Riverchase United Methodist Church as a "house of prayer for all people" (Isaiah 56:7) and to encourage one another in prayer
September Scripture Focus: Psalm 91: 9&11
“If you make the Most High your dwelling . . . He will command
His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways”
September Prayer Focus: Hedge Prayer
What is Hedge Prayer? In Biblical times a hedge was a border of thorny bushes around a garden or vineyard to protect it from outside invaders. The concept of the Lord placing a hedge of protection around His people is mentioned many times in the Bible.
Job 1:10 references God’s hedge of protection around Job, and
Ezekial 22:30 speaks of God’s desire for someone to intercede for (pray a hedge around) Israel.
So Hedge Prayer is a way to ask God to bless a place or person and to protect it from harm.
Did you know Riverchase UMC has had a Hedge Prayer ministry for nearly 10 years? Each Sunday morning a group of church members walk the campus and pray in every room of the church. They pray that God’s presence will be felt in each place and that God will protect each place from anything that would hinder sharing the gospel and experiencing God’s love.
The Hedge Prayer Ministry is open to anyone!
All are welcome to come one Sunday morning to the sanctuary at 7:00 and participate in this important prayer ministry.
For more information, contact Harris Wheeler at 988-5434.
Bless this Home
Something very similar to Hedge prayer is a Home Blessing. The idea of blessing a home is mentioned in Leviticus 27:14 as well as 2 Samuel 7:29. A wonderful way to dedicate the house (or apartment or dorm room!) to God is by offering a simple but meaningful blessing. Family and friends can participate as well. Moving into a new home is a perfect time to offer a Home Blessing although a Home Blessing can be done at any time.
To begin the Home Blessing, a prayer of thanksgiving can be given and perhaps an appropriate scripture, such as Psalm 127 or 128 could be read. Next, one would walk through the rooms of the house offering prayers of blessing to God. Something as simple as praying, “I pray God’s protection over this room. Bless the activities of this room and the people in it,” could be said in each room. Then you could also offer a prayer asking God to bless each household member by name.
A Sample Prayer Which Can Be Used as a Home Blessing
"Our Father in heaven, we thank You for Your kindness and goodness to ______(or the ______________ Family). Your grace had been evident to all the members of this household.
Now, in the Name of Jesus, please bless Your chosen servant and priest of this household. Grant him a heart that fears You. Help him to walk in Your ways and lead his family to do the same. Grant him health, strength and wisdom to walk before You in sincerity, truth and humility. Bless the labor of his hands so that he will make honest gains and provide abundantly for his household. May there always be food on the table, clothes on their backs, and a roof over them by night. Teach them to live in simplicity and contentment. May they always have enough and be willing to share with all who come to them in need. Grant them the grace to exercise the gift of hospitality.
"Father, we pray that You will rebuke Satan and the powers of darkness. Let them return to where they originated. Bind Satan and his demons. Put a hedge around this family and protect them from all the forces of evil, keeping them from the wiles and attacks of the enemy.
"Bless this home with Your love and peace. Fill these rooms with Your joy and laughter. Let these be great halls of learning of Your truth and grace. Let Your glory shine through these windows to the neighbors. May their kind words and consideration for others draw many into Your kingdom. Bless _______________________ [name the members of the family] with length of days and years till the setting of the sun. May all glory and honor go to you, Father. In the precious name of Jesus we ask these things and give thanks for your protection. Amen."
Praise Worthy
Our Lord is definitely worthy of our praise and so often we fail to praise Him or fail to praise Him enough. Today let's praise Him for His Divine Protection. Isaiah 43:2-3 reminds us of this protection:
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior”
Prayer Team Meeting:
A meeting of the RUMC prayer team is scheduled for Sunday, September 30th at 3:30pm in Room 11. Anyone who has a passion for prayer, an interest in learning more about the prayer team, or feels led by God to join the prayer team is welcome to attend. We’ll be discussing ongoing prayer ministries and new and upcoming prayer events.
God Answers
We ask many things of God through prayer, and He faithfully answers our prayers. If you have an answered prayer to share, please submit it to Sandyshock@aol.com. Sometimes seeing how God has answered the prayers of others gives us confidence and encouragement in our prayers.
Here are some of the prayers God has answered recently
v A baby was born prematurely to members of our church. She weighed only 14 oz at birth and is now up to 1 pound 14 oz. She is still in need of our prayers but seems eager to live. Praise God!
v Last weekend one of our pastors was officiating a wedding in Georgia. It began to rain and storm in the afternoon. Our pastor offered up a simple prayer telling God the rain was needed but since this was a special occasion, could He possibly give a 30 minute window in which to perform the service on the lawn. Sure enough at the scheduled time of the ceremony, the rain stopped long enough for the wedding to take place.
v A couple was looking to leave their home of 23 years for a new place to live. First a job was needed in a new area. Prayers were offered up, and a job was found in a new town. Next, prayers were offered for selling the couple’s house and finding a new one. Their house sold and they found a new one in their new town in two days, and moving expenses have been covered as well. God is good, even when things feel too big for us!
v Isaiahsixeight is an organization founded by Riverchase members to be involved in ministering to the poorest in Jamaica. They have prayerfully been asking God where they should be working and who they should be helping there. In July of this year, they went to Jamaica with a team of 20 and worked at a boys’ home in Macheoneal. God blessed the trip, and they prayerfully began asking God for a permanent “mission base” from which to bring future trips to Jamaica. A home made itself available and is everything they could possibly want in a base of operations!
Pray-Up Events
Would you like to pray for our church but don’t know where to begin? Here are some things to include in your prayers.
· September 7-8: Staff Retreat
· September 9: Reception for Jonathan Dills (HS youth minister) & New Members
§ New Member classes begin
· September 14: Parents’ Night Out
· September 16: United Methodist Women’s Sunday
· September 20-22: TNT Consignment Sale
· September 21: RUMC to sponsor Game Day at Spain High School football game
· September 23: New Member classes conclude
· September 28-29: AARP Safe Driving Classes at RUMC
· September 30: Dr. Jim Savage’s 50th Birthday!
§ Prayer Team Meeting at 3:30pm (Room 11)
· October 6: Great Day of Service
· October 7: RUMC Blood Drive
· October 9: UMW General Meeting
· October 14: Celebration Winds in concert at RUMC
· October 23: UMW District Meeting at RUMC
· October 28: RUMC Fall Festival
· November 2-17: Paul’s Journey with Bishop Willimon and 13 from RUMC to Italy and Greece
· November 4: Youth Auction
· November 11: Veteran’s Day
a publication of the Prayer Ministry of Riverchase United Methodist Church
Matters about prayer because prayer matters
September / October 2007
Purpose: to claim and sustain Riverchase United Methodist Church as a "house of prayer for all people" (Isaiah 56:7) and to encourage one another in prayer
September Scripture Focus: Psalm 91: 9&11
“If you make the Most High your dwelling . . . He will command
His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways”
September Prayer Focus: Hedge Prayer
What is Hedge Prayer? In Biblical times a hedge was a border of thorny bushes around a garden or vineyard to protect it from outside invaders. The concept of the Lord placing a hedge of protection around His people is mentioned many times in the Bible.
Job 1:10 references God’s hedge of protection around Job, and
Ezekial 22:30 speaks of God’s desire for someone to intercede for (pray a hedge around) Israel.
So Hedge Prayer is a way to ask God to bless a place or person and to protect it from harm.
Did you know Riverchase UMC has had a Hedge Prayer ministry for nearly 10 years? Each Sunday morning a group of church members walk the campus and pray in every room of the church. They pray that God’s presence will be felt in each place and that God will protect each place from anything that would hinder sharing the gospel and experiencing God’s love.
The Hedge Prayer Ministry is open to anyone!
All are welcome to come one Sunday morning to the sanctuary at 7:00 and participate in this important prayer ministry.
For more information, contact Harris Wheeler at 988-5434.
Bless this Home
Something very similar to Hedge prayer is a Home Blessing. The idea of blessing a home is mentioned in Leviticus 27:14 as well as 2 Samuel 7:29. A wonderful way to dedicate the house (or apartment or dorm room!) to God is by offering a simple but meaningful blessing. Family and friends can participate as well. Moving into a new home is a perfect time to offer a Home Blessing although a Home Blessing can be done at any time.
To begin the Home Blessing, a prayer of thanksgiving can be given and perhaps an appropriate scripture, such as Psalm 127 or 128 could be read. Next, one would walk through the rooms of the house offering prayers of blessing to God. Something as simple as praying, “I pray God’s protection over this room. Bless the activities of this room and the people in it,” could be said in each room. Then you could also offer a prayer asking God to bless each household member by name.
A Sample Prayer Which Can Be Used as a Home Blessing
"Our Father in heaven, we thank You for Your kindness and goodness to ______(or the ______________ Family). Your grace had been evident to all the members of this household.
Now, in the Name of Jesus, please bless Your chosen servant and priest of this household. Grant him a heart that fears You. Help him to walk in Your ways and lead his family to do the same. Grant him health, strength and wisdom to walk before You in sincerity, truth and humility. Bless the labor of his hands so that he will make honest gains and provide abundantly for his household. May there always be food on the table, clothes on their backs, and a roof over them by night. Teach them to live in simplicity and contentment. May they always have enough and be willing to share with all who come to them in need. Grant them the grace to exercise the gift of hospitality.
"Father, we pray that You will rebuke Satan and the powers of darkness. Let them return to where they originated. Bind Satan and his demons. Put a hedge around this family and protect them from all the forces of evil, keeping them from the wiles and attacks of the enemy.
"Bless this home with Your love and peace. Fill these rooms with Your joy and laughter. Let these be great halls of learning of Your truth and grace. Let Your glory shine through these windows to the neighbors. May their kind words and consideration for others draw many into Your kingdom. Bless _______________________ [name the members of the family] with length of days and years till the setting of the sun. May all glory and honor go to you, Father. In the precious name of Jesus we ask these things and give thanks for your protection. Amen."
Praise Worthy
Our Lord is definitely worthy of our praise and so often we fail to praise Him or fail to praise Him enough. Today let's praise Him for His Divine Protection. Isaiah 43:2-3 reminds us of this protection:
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior”
Prayer Team Meeting:
A meeting of the RUMC prayer team is scheduled for Sunday, September 30th at 3:30pm in Room 11. Anyone who has a passion for prayer, an interest in learning more about the prayer team, or feels led by God to join the prayer team is welcome to attend. We’ll be discussing ongoing prayer ministries and new and upcoming prayer events.
God Answers
We ask many things of God through prayer, and He faithfully answers our prayers. If you have an answered prayer to share, please submit it to Sandyshock@aol.com. Sometimes seeing how God has answered the prayers of others gives us confidence and encouragement in our prayers.
Here are some of the prayers God has answered recently
v A baby was born prematurely to members of our church. She weighed only 14 oz at birth and is now up to 1 pound 14 oz. She is still in need of our prayers but seems eager to live. Praise God!
v Last weekend one of our pastors was officiating a wedding in Georgia. It began to rain and storm in the afternoon. Our pastor offered up a simple prayer telling God the rain was needed but since this was a special occasion, could He possibly give a 30 minute window in which to perform the service on the lawn. Sure enough at the scheduled time of the ceremony, the rain stopped long enough for the wedding to take place.
v A couple was looking to leave their home of 23 years for a new place to live. First a job was needed in a new area. Prayers were offered up, and a job was found in a new town. Next, prayers were offered for selling the couple’s house and finding a new one. Their house sold and they found a new one in their new town in two days, and moving expenses have been covered as well. God is good, even when things feel too big for us!
v Isaiahsixeight is an organization founded by Riverchase members to be involved in ministering to the poorest in Jamaica. They have prayerfully been asking God where they should be working and who they should be helping there. In July of this year, they went to Jamaica with a team of 20 and worked at a boys’ home in Macheoneal. God blessed the trip, and they prayerfully began asking God for a permanent “mission base” from which to bring future trips to Jamaica. A home made itself available and is everything they could possibly want in a base of operations!
Pray-Up Events
Would you like to pray for our church but don’t know where to begin? Here are some things to include in your prayers.
· September 7-8: Staff Retreat
· September 9: Reception for Jonathan Dills (HS youth minister) & New Members
§ New Member classes begin
· September 14: Parents’ Night Out
· September 16: United Methodist Women’s Sunday
· September 20-22: TNT Consignment Sale
· September 21: RUMC to sponsor Game Day at Spain High School football game
· September 23: New Member classes conclude
· September 28-29: AARP Safe Driving Classes at RUMC
· September 30: Dr. Jim Savage’s 50th Birthday!
§ Prayer Team Meeting at 3:30pm (Room 11)
· October 6: Great Day of Service
· October 7: RUMC Blood Drive
· October 9: UMW General Meeting
· October 14: Celebration Winds in concert at RUMC
· October 23: UMW District Meeting at RUMC
· October 28: RUMC Fall Festival
· November 2-17: Paul’s Journey with Bishop Willimon and 13 from RUMC to Italy and Greece
· November 4: Youth Auction
· November 11: Veteran’s Day
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Prayer Matters, Summer 2007
Prayer Matters
a publication of the Prayer Ministry of Riverchase United Methodist Church
Matters about prayer because prayer matters
Summer 2007
Purpose: to claim and sustain Riverchase United Methodist Church as a "house of prayer for all people" (Isaiah 56:7) and to encourage one another in prayer
Summer Scripture Focus: Isaiah 58:11
The Lord will guide you always;
He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
And will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
Like a spring whose waters never fail.
Prayer Focus: God’s provision for our church
Pre-registration for fall Bible studies has begun. We can pray that God will provide leaders for these studies and dedicated students so that God’s word might be illuminated and RUMC will grow spiritually.
We are also in the process of recruiting teachers for Children and Youth Sunday School classes. We can pray that God will lead those whom He is calling to serve this year and that those whom He is calling to serve will be obedient and respond to the call to teach.
We can pray for God to provide key leadership for the Upward sports programs.
We can pray for our music ministry (both adults and children) and that God will provide the right person to be our permanent minister of music.
We can pray God’s provision for our pastors as they preach, teach, lead, counsel, visit, and all their many other tasks.
We can pray that God will empower us to reach lost souls, to witness to our faith, and to lead others to Christ.
Praise Worthy
Our Lord is definitely worthy of our praise and so often we fail to praise Him or fail to praise Him enough. Today let's praise Him for His provision as expressed in Philippians 4:19: “And my God will satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
God Answers
We ask many things of God through prayer, and He faithfully answers our prayers. If you have an answered prayer to share, please submit it to Sandyshock@aol.com. Sometimes seeing how God has answered the prayers of others gives us confidence and encouragement in our prayers.
Here are some of the prayers God has answered recently.
· A son graduated from high school three years ago with no direction or purpose for his life. He found out about a specialty school from a magazine and decided that’s what he wanted to do. God gave him the strength to endure and the perseverance to last the long haul. He has now graduated from this school and has a direction and purpose, as well as a degree.
· A husband and father who was stroke victim and near death (family had been “called in”) is now out of the hospital and in rehab.
· A 7 year old girl with an inoperable (benign) tumor is doing well and undergoing radiation. Continue to pray for her.
· A grandmother who has had aging issues and needs to move to an assisted care facility. She has been very resistant to the idea and this has caused much hardship on her family. But, after prayer, she has accepted the idea, found a place and is moving soon.
· A young boy who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in December continues to remain cancer-free. His family received good results from his latest MRI scan.
Prayer Points to Ponder
George Mueller was a remarkable man who lived in the 1800s. He showed complete trust in God to answer his prayers. He never shared his needs with others, only with God, and God always provided. The orphanages that Mueller started provided for over 10,000 orphans, and he distributed over eight million dollars given to him by others as a result of prayer. He is an example of one who believed very strongly in the power of prayer. For Mueller there were five overall conditions for prayer. They were:
Entire dependence upon the merits and mediation of the Lord Jesus Christ as the only ground of any claim for blessing.
Separation from all known sin. If He regards iniquity in our hearts the Lord will not hear us, for it would be sanctioning sin.
Faith in God’s word of promise as confirmed by His oath. Not to believe Him is to make Him both a liar and a perjurer.
Asking in accordance with His will. Our motives must be Godly: we must not seek any gift of God to consume it upon our own lusts.
Importunity in supplication. There must be waiting on God and waiting for God, as the farmer has long patience to wait for the harvest.
Perhaps these are things we should consider when we approach God in prayer.
Pray-Up Events
Would you like to pray for our church but don’t know where to begin? Here are some things to include in your prayers.
v July 15-19: Forty middle schoolers going to “Big Stuff”
v July 16-20: Summer Music Camp & Summer Basketball Camp
v July 26-28: Musical OKLAHOMA
v July 29: Sunday School teacher recognition
v August 5: Sunday School teacher training
v August 8: Hoover schools resume
v August 12: Promotion Sunday & UMW Sunday
v August 15: Kickoff of Wednesday night programs (Dinner cooked by Hispanic congregation as a fundraiser)
v August 19 & 20: Dr. Charles Page teaching on Paul
a publication of the Prayer Ministry of Riverchase United Methodist Church
Matters about prayer because prayer matters
Summer 2007
Purpose: to claim and sustain Riverchase United Methodist Church as a "house of prayer for all people" (Isaiah 56:7) and to encourage one another in prayer
Summer Scripture Focus: Isaiah 58:11
The Lord will guide you always;
He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
And will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
Like a spring whose waters never fail.
Prayer Focus: God’s provision for our church
Pre-registration for fall Bible studies has begun. We can pray that God will provide leaders for these studies and dedicated students so that God’s word might be illuminated and RUMC will grow spiritually.
We are also in the process of recruiting teachers for Children and Youth Sunday School classes. We can pray that God will lead those whom He is calling to serve this year and that those whom He is calling to serve will be obedient and respond to the call to teach.
We can pray for God to provide key leadership for the Upward sports programs.
We can pray for our music ministry (both adults and children) and that God will provide the right person to be our permanent minister of music.
We can pray God’s provision for our pastors as they preach, teach, lead, counsel, visit, and all their many other tasks.
We can pray that God will empower us to reach lost souls, to witness to our faith, and to lead others to Christ.
Praise Worthy
Our Lord is definitely worthy of our praise and so often we fail to praise Him or fail to praise Him enough. Today let's praise Him for His provision as expressed in Philippians 4:19: “And my God will satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
God Answers
We ask many things of God through prayer, and He faithfully answers our prayers. If you have an answered prayer to share, please submit it to Sandyshock@aol.com. Sometimes seeing how God has answered the prayers of others gives us confidence and encouragement in our prayers.
Here are some of the prayers God has answered recently.
· A son graduated from high school three years ago with no direction or purpose for his life. He found out about a specialty school from a magazine and decided that’s what he wanted to do. God gave him the strength to endure and the perseverance to last the long haul. He has now graduated from this school and has a direction and purpose, as well as a degree.
· A husband and father who was stroke victim and near death (family had been “called in”) is now out of the hospital and in rehab.
· A 7 year old girl with an inoperable (benign) tumor is doing well and undergoing radiation. Continue to pray for her.
· A grandmother who has had aging issues and needs to move to an assisted care facility. She has been very resistant to the idea and this has caused much hardship on her family. But, after prayer, she has accepted the idea, found a place and is moving soon.
· A young boy who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in December continues to remain cancer-free. His family received good results from his latest MRI scan.
Prayer Points to Ponder
George Mueller was a remarkable man who lived in the 1800s. He showed complete trust in God to answer his prayers. He never shared his needs with others, only with God, and God always provided. The orphanages that Mueller started provided for over 10,000 orphans, and he distributed over eight million dollars given to him by others as a result of prayer. He is an example of one who believed very strongly in the power of prayer. For Mueller there were five overall conditions for prayer. They were:
Entire dependence upon the merits and mediation of the Lord Jesus Christ as the only ground of any claim for blessing.
Separation from all known sin. If He regards iniquity in our hearts the Lord will not hear us, for it would be sanctioning sin.
Faith in God’s word of promise as confirmed by His oath. Not to believe Him is to make Him both a liar and a perjurer.
Asking in accordance with His will. Our motives must be Godly: we must not seek any gift of God to consume it upon our own lusts.
Importunity in supplication. There must be waiting on God and waiting for God, as the farmer has long patience to wait for the harvest.
Perhaps these are things we should consider when we approach God in prayer.
Pray-Up Events
Would you like to pray for our church but don’t know where to begin? Here are some things to include in your prayers.
v July 15-19: Forty middle schoolers going to “Big Stuff”
v July 16-20: Summer Music Camp & Summer Basketball Camp
v July 26-28: Musical OKLAHOMA
v July 29: Sunday School teacher recognition
v August 5: Sunday School teacher training
v August 8: Hoover schools resume
v August 12: Promotion Sunday & UMW Sunday
v August 15: Kickoff of Wednesday night programs (Dinner cooked by Hispanic congregation as a fundraiser)
v August 19 & 20: Dr. Charles Page teaching on Paul
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
May 2007
Prayer Matters
a publication of the Prayer Ministry of Riverchase United Methodist Church
Matters about prayer because prayer matters
May 2007
Purpose: to claim and sustain Riverchase United Methodist Church as a "house of prayer for all people" (Isaiah 56:7) and to encourage one another in prayer
May’s Scripture Focus:
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone … for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
May’s Prayer Focus: Praying for our Nation
Praise Worthy
Our Lord is definitely worthy of our praise and so often we fail to praise Him or fail to praise Him enough. Today let's praise Him for His sovereignty.
PSALM 8
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!
From the lips of children and infants You have ordained praise
because of Your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which You have set in place,
What is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You made him ruler over the works of Your hands;
You put everything under his feet:
All flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!
God Answers
We ask many things of God through prayer, and He faithfully answers our prayers. If you have an answered prayer to share, please submit it to Sandyshock@aol.com. Sometimes seeing how God has answered the prayers of others gives us confidence and encouragement in our prayers.
Here are some of the prayers God has answered recently.
A few months ago our church was asked to pray for a shooting victim. The doctors had told his family that he probably would not live through the day. Well, he made it through that day, and a couple of weeks ago was moved to rehab. His parents are giving total credit to the prayers offered on his behalf. Thank You!
A church member has seen God answer her prayers for her nephew regarding college. There was going to be no money to send him to school; however, God has provided a way. This young man has received a full scholarship to the college of his choice where his tuition, room and books are paid for. God is good!
Another church member is a two time cancer survivor who was recently diagnosed with cancer for a third time. People around the nation began praying for her. She went back to the doctor to do another scan to determine the course of treatment. The doctor was completely shocked to see that the tumor was gone. It is a miracle!
Help Me to Pray: What we learned
Our last Help Me to Pray session was a prayer walk around the church campus. We practiced praying different types of prayers in different places. These prayers can really be given anywhere, and you might want to think of incorporating them into your personal prayer time. Here are a few suggestions:
· Praise Prayers: Praise God for different aspects of Him such as His providence, sovereignty, grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, etc.
· Prayers of Confession: Silently come before the Lord. Let Him show you areas in your life that need confessing so that your heart might be free and clear to hear His voice guiding you.
· Prayers through Song: What song is in your heart that reminds you of God or tells His story? Sing, in a prayerful manner, as many lines as you remember.
· Praying Scripture: Find your favorite scripture. Meditate upon it, and “pray it back to God” by lifting up the thoughts expressed in it. Try one of these: Isaiah 41:10, Jeremiah 29:11, Lamentations 3:25, Zephaniah 3:17, Luke 10:41, Matthew 11:28-30, John 14:26, Philippians 4:6-7, Romans 15:13. Psalms are also perfect scriptures for prayer. Read and meditate on a Psalm, then rephrase it’s message back to God as a prayer of thanksgiving.
· Imagination in prayer: Jesus said that He is our “Shepherd” and we are the “sheep of His pasture”. He knows us by name and we need to follow His voice. Close your eyes and imagine Him leading you…follow Him to wherever He leads you in prayer. Try this with any of the other many images or names of God.
· Praying with Confidence: Let us remember to approach the throne of grace with confidence now as we pray and every time we pray with the assurance that God hears us, loves us, and is working out everything according to His will. So go ahead and thank him too!
Prayers Needed for Annual Conference
Annual Conference will take place June 1st & 2nd at Clearbranch UMC. Here are some things to pray for during Annual Conference:
Ø Pray for those who will be ordained on Friday at 7:30pm
Ø Pray for the discussion and decisions made at the Clergy Executive Session on Friday at 10am
Ø Pray for the election of delegates to General conference which takes place next year. Seven clergy and seven lay people will be chosen for this important task.
Ø Pray for those pastors who will be moving to new churches on June 10th
Ø Pray for those who will be commissioned at the commissioning Service on June 24th.
Pray-Up Events
Would you like to pray for our church but don’t know where to begin? Here are some things to include in your prayers.
May 21: RDS Graduation
June 1-2: Annual Conference at Clearbranch UMC
June 3: Summer Youth Kick-off event
June 5: Polling place for state elections (pray the vote)
June 7: Farmers’ Market begins Thursdays at RUMC
June 10: Blood Drive and Youth Sunday in SDL
June 11-15: Vacation Bible School
Camp with Jack Hinnen at Sumatanga
June 14-15: DISCIPLE Leadership Training
June 25-29 – Middle school mission trip to Louisiana
June 28-July 7: Russian Mission Trip to Sudislavl Orphanage
A Prayer For You and A Prayer that Can Be Used By You Each Day
By Jim Savage
“Gracious God, in this season and month of “The American Home”, we pray for all homes of every shape and size. We pray for homes of one person living there and for homes that house dozens of children who have no other place to live.
As we reflect on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, we pray that you will grant great wisdom, courage, strength and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to all moms and dads in our land. For those who are not moms and dads but desire to be, we pray that you will open the right doors for them. For those who are abusive to those they live with, I pray that you will convict them of this sin deep in their hearts. May all types of abuse stop all across our nation, and may every person in every home seek a true relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Grant to every parent, grandparent, aunts, uncles, and the children a sense of your presence and guiding love.
Grant every home your peace, that all of us might live in peace with one another and with our Savior, Jesus Christ. We pray that trust these things in the names of Christ. Amen.”
a publication of the Prayer Ministry of Riverchase United Methodist Church
Matters about prayer because prayer matters
May 2007
Purpose: to claim and sustain Riverchase United Methodist Church as a "house of prayer for all people" (Isaiah 56:7) and to encourage one another in prayer
May’s Scripture Focus:
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone … for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
May’s Prayer Focus: Praying for our Nation
Praise Worthy
Our Lord is definitely worthy of our praise and so often we fail to praise Him or fail to praise Him enough. Today let's praise Him for His sovereignty.
PSALM 8
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!
From the lips of children and infants You have ordained praise
because of Your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which You have set in place,
What is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You made him ruler over the works of Your hands;
You put everything under his feet:
All flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!
God Answers
We ask many things of God through prayer, and He faithfully answers our prayers. If you have an answered prayer to share, please submit it to Sandyshock@aol.com. Sometimes seeing how God has answered the prayers of others gives us confidence and encouragement in our prayers.
Here are some of the prayers God has answered recently.
A few months ago our church was asked to pray for a shooting victim. The doctors had told his family that he probably would not live through the day. Well, he made it through that day, and a couple of weeks ago was moved to rehab. His parents are giving total credit to the prayers offered on his behalf. Thank You!
A church member has seen God answer her prayers for her nephew regarding college. There was going to be no money to send him to school; however, God has provided a way. This young man has received a full scholarship to the college of his choice where his tuition, room and books are paid for. God is good!
Another church member is a two time cancer survivor who was recently diagnosed with cancer for a third time. People around the nation began praying for her. She went back to the doctor to do another scan to determine the course of treatment. The doctor was completely shocked to see that the tumor was gone. It is a miracle!
Help Me to Pray: What we learned
Our last Help Me to Pray session was a prayer walk around the church campus. We practiced praying different types of prayers in different places. These prayers can really be given anywhere, and you might want to think of incorporating them into your personal prayer time. Here are a few suggestions:
· Praise Prayers: Praise God for different aspects of Him such as His providence, sovereignty, grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, etc.
· Prayers of Confession: Silently come before the Lord. Let Him show you areas in your life that need confessing so that your heart might be free and clear to hear His voice guiding you.
· Prayers through Song: What song is in your heart that reminds you of God or tells His story? Sing, in a prayerful manner, as many lines as you remember.
· Praying Scripture: Find your favorite scripture. Meditate upon it, and “pray it back to God” by lifting up the thoughts expressed in it. Try one of these: Isaiah 41:10, Jeremiah 29:11, Lamentations 3:25, Zephaniah 3:17, Luke 10:41, Matthew 11:28-30, John 14:26, Philippians 4:6-7, Romans 15:13. Psalms are also perfect scriptures for prayer. Read and meditate on a Psalm, then rephrase it’s message back to God as a prayer of thanksgiving.
· Imagination in prayer: Jesus said that He is our “Shepherd” and we are the “sheep of His pasture”. He knows us by name and we need to follow His voice. Close your eyes and imagine Him leading you…follow Him to wherever He leads you in prayer. Try this with any of the other many images or names of God.
· Praying with Confidence: Let us remember to approach the throne of grace with confidence now as we pray and every time we pray with the assurance that God hears us, loves us, and is working out everything according to His will. So go ahead and thank him too!
Prayers Needed for Annual Conference
Annual Conference will take place June 1st & 2nd at Clearbranch UMC. Here are some things to pray for during Annual Conference:
Ø Pray for those who will be ordained on Friday at 7:30pm
Ø Pray for the discussion and decisions made at the Clergy Executive Session on Friday at 10am
Ø Pray for the election of delegates to General conference which takes place next year. Seven clergy and seven lay people will be chosen for this important task.
Ø Pray for those pastors who will be moving to new churches on June 10th
Ø Pray for those who will be commissioned at the commissioning Service on June 24th.
Pray-Up Events
Would you like to pray for our church but don’t know where to begin? Here are some things to include in your prayers.
May 21: RDS Graduation
June 1-2: Annual Conference at Clearbranch UMC
June 3: Summer Youth Kick-off event
June 5: Polling place for state elections (pray the vote)
June 7: Farmers’ Market begins Thursdays at RUMC
June 10: Blood Drive and Youth Sunday in SDL
June 11-15: Vacation Bible School
Camp with Jack Hinnen at Sumatanga
June 14-15: DISCIPLE Leadership Training
June 25-29 – Middle school mission trip to Louisiana
June 28-July 7: Russian Mission Trip to Sudislavl Orphanage
A Prayer For You and A Prayer that Can Be Used By You Each Day
By Jim Savage
“Gracious God, in this season and month of “The American Home”, we pray for all homes of every shape and size. We pray for homes of one person living there and for homes that house dozens of children who have no other place to live.
As we reflect on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, we pray that you will grant great wisdom, courage, strength and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to all moms and dads in our land. For those who are not moms and dads but desire to be, we pray that you will open the right doors for them. For those who are abusive to those they live with, I pray that you will convict them of this sin deep in their hearts. May all types of abuse stop all across our nation, and may every person in every home seek a true relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Grant to every parent, grandparent, aunts, uncles, and the children a sense of your presence and guiding love.
Grant every home your peace, that all of us might live in peace with one another and with our Savior, Jesus Christ. We pray that trust these things in the names of Christ. Amen.”
Friday, April 27, 2007
April 2007
Prayer Matters
a publication of the Prayer Ministry of Riverchase United Methodist Church
Matters about prayer because prayer matters
April 2007
Purpose: to claim and sustain Riverchase United Methodist Church as a "house of prayer for all people" (Isaiah 56:7) and to encourage one another in prayer
April’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 3:20
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone
hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and
eat with him, and he with me.”
April’s Prayer Focus:
Salvation for those who do not know Christ
Here are some ways to pray specifically for those who do not know Christ
Ask God to give us a burden for lost people (Rom. 9:1-3, 10:1)
Seek God for opportunities for our congregation to witness and invite people to the Lord or to church. (Col 4:2-4)
Repent of fear in witnessing and petition God for church-wide boldness in witnessing. (Eph. 6:17-20, Acts 4:31-32)
Beseech God to give us power to win the lost. (Acts 2:37-38)
Pray for their hearts to be opened to believe. (Acts 16:14)
Praise Him for miracles to happen to bring people to Christ. (Acts 3, Jn 14:12-13)
Invite God to change your life as a sign to the lost. (2 Cor. 5:17)
Anticipate in prayer a great reaping on Sunday from what we have sown. (Gal 6:7-10)
Praise Worthy
Our Lord is definitely worthy of our praise and so often we fail to praise Him or fail to praise Him enough. Today let's praise Him for sending His Son Jesus who reconciled us to God. Let these words from Romans 5:8-11 sink in your heart and give you reason to praise.
“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have
now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved
from God’s wrath through him! For if, when we were God’s enemies,
we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is
this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
Words to Remember
“The more time we spend praising the Lord, the more we will see ourselves and our circumstances grow in wholeness and completeness. That’s because praise softens our hearts and makes them pliable. It also covers us protectively. The more the pliability and covering are maintained, the more quickly our hearts can be molded and healed.”
Stormie Omartian : Praying God’s Will for Your Life
God Answers
We ask many things of God through prayer, and He faithfully answers our prayers. If you have an answered prayer to share, please submit it to Sandyshock@aol.com. Sometimes seeing how God has answered the prayers of others gives us confidence and encouragement in our prayers.
Here are some of the prayers God has answered recently.
* After five months of unemployment a church member has found a job.
* There were nearly 3200 people in attendance at church on Easter Sunday! The highest attendance prior to this was 2600. Praise God for all the people who came to worship Him on Easter!
“Help Me to Pray” : What we learned
This month Joanna Myhre helped us learn about prayer journaling. Prayer journaling can be a way to listen to God and record what we hear. One method we practiced called Lectio Divina allows scripture to become personal for you. Here’s what you do:
* Select a passage of scripture to read.
* After quieting your thoughts and sinking into an awareness of yourself, begin reading the passage of Scripture. Stop whenever a word or phrase catches your attention or slows down your reading.
* Next, meditate upon the word or phrase. Stay with that word or phrase and allow it to minister to you. Seek to allow it to resound deep within you. Consider how this word from God may affect your life.
* Now, respond to God by telling God in prayer what you have discovered. After telling God everything, simply allow yourself to be still and wait in the silence to hear any ways in which God may be responding to your prayer. Rest in the presence of God.
This method can be used with any Bible passage, but here are a few suggested scriptures.
* Let Your Light shine (Matthew 5:13-16a)
* My Burden is Light (Matthew 11:28-30
* Too Many Fish (Luke 5:4-7)
* Clothe Yourselves with Love (Colossians 3:14-16a)
* Be Still (Psalm 46:10-11)
* A New Heart (Ezekiel 36:26-27a)
“Help Me to Pray” : Next Session
Join us Monday, May 14th at 7:00pm for a special Help Me to Pray Session as we go on a Prayer Walk. We’ll meet in S-210 and will practice different styles of prayer as we pray our way around the church campus. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Celebration & Healing Service
Come celebrate all the ways God has answered our prayers and pray for those in need of healing at a special service on Sunday, April 22 at 4:45pm in the sanctuary. Whether you need prayer, want to pray, or just want to be in the midst of prayer, come and join together for this special time.
Prayers Needed for Annual Conference
There will be a prayer vigil going on during Annual Conference this year which takes place June 1st and 2nd. We need people to sign up to pray for the conference anytime day or night. We need SOME who will go to Clearbranch UMC to prayer onsite. Even if you are unable to pray at Clearbranch UMC, you can still participate by praying at your home, office, or wherever you are. Please e-mail Jim Seale at Sealongo@aol.com and indicate if you will be able to pray at Clearbranch.
Pray-Up Events
Would you like to pray for our church but don’t know where to begin? Here are some things to include in your prayers.
· April 19: Cheryl Season and Circle of Love meetings
· April 19 – 22: Chrysalis (Emmaus for Youth) Weekend
· April 22: Bring-a-guest Sunday in SonDay Live!
· Acolyte training
· 4:45pm Celebration and Healing Service
· April 26: Seeker potluck dinner
· Disaster Response Team to Ocean Springs, MS
· April 27: Parents’ Night Out
· April 28: SDL Free Car Wash
· April 29: Special Choir Music during worship
· RUMC Art Show in memory of Melvin Brown
· Bring Your Peeps Night for middle schoolers
· May 2: National Day of Prayer Service
· RUMC Art Show
· May 3-6: Living Waters Emmaus Walk
· May 6: RUMC Art Show
· Lift Ticket (Youth event at RUMC)
· May 13: Mother’s Day – Muffins with Mommy
· Confirmation Sunday
· May 14: Agape & Lamplighter Circles
· Teach Me to Pray – Prayer Walking
· May 16: Children’s Choir Musical
(last dinner and Wed. programming until August 15)
A Prayer For You and A Prayer that Can Be Used By You Each Day
By Jim Savage
Gracious God, I give you thanks for this day, and especially for the gift of Your Son, Jesus of Nazareth. Please forgive me this day, and help me to claim the saving love of Your Son as my Savior once more this day. Forgive me, cleanse me, renew me.
Gracious & saving God, please put a new and right Spirit in my heart, and revive my soul in every possible way that is needed today. I pray that Your Spirit of regeneration will be felt deep in my soul each day for the rest of my life. Mold me, make me after Thy will while I am waiting yielded and still.
So once more Lord I pray: "Into my heart, into my heart, come into my heart Lord Jesus. Come in today. Come in to stay. Come into my heart Lord Jesus! In Christ I pray.
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