Sunday, January 29, 2017

14 Days of Prayer - Day 14



DAY 14: SUNDAY


PRESENCE


Read:

Read the following passage from a Trappist Monk reflecting on the transformation that can happen when we spend time in God’s presence and how important we are as individuals loved by our creator who are being invited everyday to participate in an active relationship with Jesus as he shows us his plans for our lives:
Our challenge is to unmask the Divine in the natural and name the presence of God in our lives.
Created from love, of love, and for love, our existence makes no sense apart from Divine love.
If God loves and accepts you as a sinner, how can you do less?
Self-acceptance always proceeds genuine self-surrender and self-transformation.
We believe we know how to take care of our needs better than God.
We all tend to fashion a god who fits our falsity.
We do not find our true self by seeking it. Rather, we find it by seeking God.
Jesus is the true self who shows us by his life how to find our self in relation to God.


Exo 33:14 NIV  14 The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."


Pray:

•Pray that we would all continue to seek God in our individual lives, our families lives and in our church  
•Ask God to show up at every single gathering in our church and our Engage groups     
 •Pray that God's presence will always guide us and lead us, that our desire is for His presence to always be with us

Pastor Gregory's prayer for you:



Father today we pray for your presence, be with us in every situation. Today is Vision Sunday and we ask that every plan, every program, every event will keep you at the centre. We are honoured that you come and meet us constantly. Prepare us this year to dwell in your presence. We need you so much and I ask for all of your children in Transform Church to be blessed and empowered. We thank you in Jesus name!


Dear Transform Church thank you for joining us in our 14 Days of prayer. Our prayer for you is that you will indeed experience all of God's glory in your everyday life. Keep strong in the Lord and be blessed with his love. Join us every week at church to experience God's fresh word, His powerful presence and His wonderful people!

Friday, January 27, 2017

14 Days of Prayer - Day 13


DAY 13: SATURDAY

SPIRITUAL GROWTH


Read: Eph 3:14-21 NIV 

 14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.


Pray:

•Pray that we would all be ignited in our hearts and wills to respond to Jesus’ invitation of growth; to go on a journey of healing with him.

•Ask God to show you a clear picture of where you currently are at and what he might be inviting you into next. Journal your thoughts about this and ask him for some clear next steps to get there.

•While connection with God in solitude is good for our souls we often experience our biggest growth in community. Ask God how you can add more voices into your journey and how you can be a voice of wisdom for someone else this year.

Pastor Gregory's prayer for you:

Today I'm going to ask you to read the above scripture agin, but this time every time Paul prays "you" make it personal, pray "I"  for example when he says that "he may strengthen you" pray it" he may strengthen ME" and so on. Its a wonderful pray that will have deep meaning for you!



14 days of Prayer - Day 12


DAY 12: FRIDAY

COURAGE


Read: Josh 1:5-9 NIV

 5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 7 "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Pray: 

•Change is hard. Anytime we take on a new spiritual practice or discipline we require courage to continue growing and changing. Invite God to grow the gift of courage in you.

•Spend some time reflecting on how your personal connection and time of prayer has been going. Are there any areas of relationship that God would like to shift a little? Invite him to speak into that.

•Is there some way that God has asked you to step out of your comfort zone? Has he put the name of a friend he would like you to invite into relationship or church? If so, ask him for the courage to follow through with those promptings.

•Pray for the courage to ask God for big dreams and to stay faithful when entrusted with little.

Pastor Gregory's prayer for you:

Jesus, our amazing saviour, we ask you to provide us with courage to step into the unknown and planned situations with you as our guide. Just as you encouraged Joshua, so encourage us. We are always hesitant with change and new things, help us see the benefit in this. Lord, as Vision Sunday approaches please help us catch the vision and run wit it! You want us to grow and to prosper in our lives, in our families and in church. We thank you for all your abundant blessings!




Thursday, January 26, 2017

14 Days of Prayer - Day 11



DAY 11: THURSDAY
GLOBAL ISSUES


Read: Acts 1:8 NIV 
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."


Pray:

•Ask God to be with the orphaned children across the globe. Pray that they continue to grow in health as well as academically and socially.

•Pray for the water crisis and the communities that they are trying to help with clean drinking water.

•Pray for the victims of human trafficking. Ask God to bring them peace, comfort.

•Ask God to continue to bring justice to those who are oppressed and comfort to those who are hurting.

•Reflect on or journal about some ideas on how you can help partner  with Transform Church to show love to those hurting around you.

Pastor Gregory's prayer for you:

Lord you are a compassionate God, we ask for your justice, peace and mercy to flood the earth. There are many suffering across the world. Many orphans in war torn countries, many families that are ripped apart by conflict. Send you love to comfort the lost and bring hope to the downtrodden. 

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

14 Days of Prayer - Day 10


DAY 10: WEDNESDAY

NEIGHBOURS


Read: Rom 15:1-7 NIV 

 1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.


Pray

•Pray that the people of our church will radiate the love of Christ to those in their neighbourhoods.

•Pray that we would have hearts to serve and love people.

•Reflect on which people God might be putting in your life who needs to experience his love. Ask God to show you ways to support and love them.

•Pray that God uses your relationships to draw people towards Christ.

•Pray that you will have the spiritual awareness to see opportunities to share Christ with those you’re in relationship with.

•Pray you will have the courage and faith to take those opportunities.

Pastor Gregory's prayer for you:


Lord Jesus we pray for our neighbours, and we ask that those who you have laid on our heart are lead to talk to us so we can share with the the good news of the gospel. Lord Jesus you told us to love our neighbours and we want to display that love with those around us. Help us be a light to others and let us go out of our way to bless and encourage them. Thank you for the amazing privilage of working with you to change and effect lives! 

Monday, January 23, 2017

14 Days of Prayer- Day 9



DAY 9: TUESDAY


MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS



Read: 1Pe 4:9-11 NIV 

 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.


Pray:

•Pray for our amazing volunteers to balance the demands of ministry while maintaining strong families and relationships.

•Ask God to show you what your next ministry step might be and if there is a specific ministry he wants you to begin serving in.

•Pray that new people join our teams and meet the needs of helping people feel welcomed and cared for while they are here.

•Pray that each person who volunteers walks away from giving their time feeling blessed and used by God for his greater purposes.

•Pray for our Engage group leaders to have confidence and wisdom as they create space for people to connect in friendship and community.


Pastor Gregory's prayer for you:


Lord thank you for all our wonderful and generous volunteers, We ask for them to be amazingly blessed n their families and in their ministries. Please guide them and provide for them as only you can. Thank you for rewarding Transform Church with such amazing people!




14 Days of Prayer - day 8



DAY 8: MONDAY

CHILDREN’S (KIDS'S JAM) MINISTRIES


Read: Psa 127:3-5 NIV
 3 Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. 4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. 5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.

Pray:

•Pray that each of our classrooms and student ministries are filled with fun and life giving messages.

Pray that each child and student looks forward to attending and that they’d invite friends and their families to come be a part.

•Pray that each child has an encounter with God and chooses to follow Jesus.

•Pray that each volunteer sees and treats each child or student as God’s precious children. Help each person see the potential and God-given giftedness of each child and student.

•Ask God to direct the planning for the curriculum that is used across all classes and the planning of Kids programs and other activities.

•Pray that Transform Church continues to be a safe place for children to gather and learn about God.
 Ask God to be with them as they bring home what they are learning to their families.

•Pray for families in the church who want children, pray that God will bless them with children.


Pastor Gregory's Pryer for you:


Heavenly Father, we are all your children and have a special place in your heart. You love us with everlasting, love and make plans for each and every one of us. In the same manner, as parents and leaders, we pray for our children that you have entrusted in our care. We pray that each child comes to know you personally as their own personal Lord and saviour. We pray for the protection and care of all our Kid's JAM family. Please watch over them and protect them. Lead them according to your will. We love you Father and Thank you in Jesus name!