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! 

Saturday, January 21, 2017

14 Days of Prayer - Day 7



DAY 7: SUNDAY



OUR CHURCH BODY


Read: Eph 4:10-13, 15-16 NIV 

10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. ... 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.



Pray:

•Ask God for a collective heart that cares about doing good, showing mercy and walking humbly with God.


•Pray for a growing awareness of God and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.


•Ask God to increase our generosity both financially and with our time.


•Pray that we will have creative ideas as we serve our local communities and schools.


•Ask God to show us ways to include more people who are looking for the support of a community group but are currently not connected.


Pastor Gregory's prayer for you:

Heavenly Father, you are amazing and we thank you for giving us gifts and talents. We ask that you show us how to be generous with them, how to use them and how to help serve in the church. Every single one of us are part of the amazing body called the church and I pray that each person begins to effectively adminster their gift in Transform Church. Its your church and its your people, do your work in your body. We thank you now in Jesus name!

14 Days of Prayer - Day 6







DAY 6: SATURDAY


Read: 1Co 1:9-15 NIV 


 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11 My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ." 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so no one can say that you were baptized in my name.



Pray:



•Pray for unity in our church. That we all embrace the mission of “people helping people find and follow Jesus” as a top priority.
•Pray for God’s will to be done in the church. That we would have the spiritual awareness to see what he is doing and hear what he is saying. And that we would then respond with courage to do what God is asking us.
•Pray for the Holy Spirit to move during our gatherings. That people would encounter the presence of God when they step foot on this property.
•Pray for our pastors, staff, leaders, and volunteers. That they are given wisdom and strength to lead and serve well.
•Pray for fruitfulness and Kingdom of God expansion in 2017. That we would see thousands come to faith in Jesus this year through our services, growth groups, and outreach efforts.
•Pray for every Engage group to be effective in their communities while walking out the vision and mission of the church.





Pastor Gregory's prayer for you:


Lord, the church was your idea, you gave birth to it , you made a home for us where every single person is welcome.  Bless Transform Church, use us for the extension of the kingdom. We pray that every single ministry will be effective in reaching the lost. Raise up an new generation of leaders who will seek your kingdom first. Bless every member of Transform Church, equip them to do the work of the ministry. We want to see our community transform for your glory! Help us be the light to the world. We know you are with us and we thank you, and worship you our saviour and and king Jesus!

Friday, January 20, 2017

14 Days of Prayer - Day 5

DAY 5: FRIDAY

LOVE



Read: 1Co 13:4-8 NIV 

 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

Read through the following meditation 3 times:


At the foot of the cross
Where grace and suffering meet
You have shown me your love
Through judgment you received
You’ve won my heart
Now I can trade these ashes for beauty
And wear forgiveness like a crown
Coming to kiss the feet of mercy
I lay every burden down
At the foot of the cross
At the foot of the cross
Where I am made complete You have given me life
Thought the death you bore for me.




Pray:

•Thank God for loving you so much that he sent his only son- Jesus Christ- so that you would be redeemed and be part of God’s loving family.
•Ask God to increase your capacity to love yourself and to in return love others.
•Pray that your love would be a light for others to see Jesus.
•Ask God to show you who he wants you to show love to this day.




Pastor Gregory's prayer for you:

Father, no one loves us more than You, You found us at our worst and loved us the best! Thank you. Let your love fill our lives, every moment of every day. Show us how to love like You. Bless your people, bless their families and bless your church. We are alive because of your love. Thank you for loving us!



Thursday, January 19, 2017

14 Days of Prayer - day 4

DAY 4: THURSDAY

WISDOM


Read: Pro 1:2-9 NIV 

2 for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; 3 for receiving instruction in prudent behaviour, doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young-- 5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-- 6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. 9 They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.


Prayer:

•Seeking wisdom from God can happen during prayer time, when reading his word, and by inviting the voices of others into our lives. Ask God to help guide you in receiving more wisdom, growing your capacity to love.
•Bring to mind some people in your life you consider wise. Thank God for them. Consider sending them an encouraging note later today.
•Ask God to help you have a balance of grace and truth in all of your speech.
•Growing in wisdom can lead to a sense of independence. Ask God to continue to help you right size him in your life and create a growing dependence on him.
•Bring to mind some difficult decisions or situations currently in your life. Ask God for the wisdom to know what support you might need and what the next best step is for you.
•Think about some things that appear to be going great in your life currently. Ask God for the wisdom to know what support you might need and what the next best step is for those areas as well.


Pastor Gregory's prayer for you:

Lord Jesus just as Solomon asked for wisdom, I ask for wisdom for your people. Help us in everyday situations and in the huge decisions in our life. I pray for families and friends who are in our life, the you would help us, help them with godly decisions. Most of all God, help us allow the things you want in our lives and reject the things you don't want in our lives. Help us be wise!


Wednesday, January 18, 2017

14 Days of Prayer - Day 3




DAY 3: WEDNESDAY

FAITHFULNESS


Read: Psa 36:5-10 NIV 

 5 Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals. 7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 8 They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. 9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. 10 Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.




Pray:
•To be faithful is in essence having focused intention in order to foster growth. Ask God to help you expand your faithfulness to him and others.
•Take the time to think of who has been faithful in your life. Thank God for them and reflect on ways you can learn from their example.
•Ask God to increase your ability to be a faithful spouse, parent, employee, boss, family member, or any other role, allowing you to be a blessing to those around you.
•Reflect on areas you are not faithful. It may be how you treat your body, how present you are in your relationships, or how consistent you are with your commitments. Ask God to help you be more committed and faithful in 2017.
•Pause and seek ways that God can increase your faithfulness through surrendering more of your heart, will, and mind to him.


Pastor Gregory's prayer for you:


Lord, thank you for being faithful to us, you never leave us or forsake us! I pray for your people, that we will respond to your love for us. I pray for every single volunteer, member and leader in Transform Church, bless them, cover them with your love and let your faithfulness to us be stedfast. I thank you for the blessing of your people. Bless the church and every single one of us that call it home.
We pray these things in Jesus's name!



Monday, January 16, 2017

14 Days of Prayer - Day 2





DAY 2: TUESDAY
COMPASSION.


Read:


Col 3:12-17 NIV .


//


12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

//
Pray: 


•Take a minute to reflect on self-compassion. Bring to mind something difficult that you are going through right now and express to God how that makes you feel.

•Begin to shift that compassion to others you love. Think about some of the difficult things your loved ones have been going through. Try and connect with their pain. Ask God to be with them in their trials.

•While acknowledging your own burdens as well as the burdens of your loved ones, begin to think about the burdens of those around the world; people you have not met yet, Pray that God brings comfort and peace to them as well.

•Reflect on the gift of compassion. We serve a big God who not only hears our cries but the cries of the whole world, and he cares for each hurt and person specifically.

•Journal a few thoughts on compassion and any ways you felt your heart open during this time of prayer.
.

//
Pastor Gregory's prayer for you:

Dearly Beloved,

I pray for hearts to be open to your will Jesus,  that Your love and compassion will become ours today. I pray that Transform Church will be filled with compassionate people. Also, help us show compassion to our friends and neighbours, co-workers and schoolmates. Teach us how to love like You, with Your heart! Most of  all Lord, thank You for the compassion You have shown us, Your loves is boundless, Your mercy is gracious and Your love is limitless.
We thank you in Jesus Name! Amen.