Praying through Journaling

September 24, 2017 ~ Prev | Intro | Next

During September we are focusing on how journaling can enhance our prayer life.

This week we will focus on praying for our church.

First, reflect on these words of Paul:

Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel. (Philippians 1:27)

Open by asking God to inspire this time of prayer and reflection. Divide a piece of paper into four sections.

1. In the first section, write your hopes for Christ United Methodist Church. Try to see the church’s future through God’s eyes. Lift that future to God.
2. In the second section, express your fears for CUMC. What about the church brings you heartache or disappointment? Give those fears over to God.
3. In the third section, pray about what changes you would like God to bring about in CUMC. What is needed for the church to grow in faith of the gospel? Ask God to grant us courage through the processes of re-creation and growth.
4. In the final section, consider what changes God might bring about in you as a member of Christ’s body. How might you live in a manner more worthy of the gospel? What is needed for you to stand firm in the spirit, striving side by side with one mind with those at CUMC? Open yourself to the work of the Spirit.

Thank God for this time of insight into the vision for CUMC.

Lord, make us who you want us to be.