“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)
Paul didn’t just pray for people in his life; he prayed for them with joy!
There are probably things in other people’s lives that you’d like to change. You don’t want to change yourself; you want
them to change. We always want to change other people. But you can’t!
You can, however, pray and let God do his work in other people.
Positive praying is more effective than positive thinking. All the positive thinking in the world isn’t going to change your spouse, child, friend, or situation. Positive thinking can change you, but it won’t change somebody else. But positive prayer can make a difference in someone else.
What’s the quickest way to change a bad relationship to a good one? Start praying for the other person! It will change you, and it can change the other person too.
Paul even told us how to pray for others:
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11 NIV).
From these verses, we can learn to pray for the people in our lives in four ways:
Pray that they will grow in love: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.”
Pray that they will make wise choices: “So that you may be able to discern what is best.”
Pray that they will live with integrity: “And may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”
Pray that they will become like Jesus: “Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”
Pray this for yourself and anyone else in your life, and watch how God turns around the relationship that seemed hopeless or needed to be revived.
Talk It Over
- Think of a strained relationship in your life—how can you pray the four things discussed in today’s devotional?
- How does positive prayer change you and not just the person for whom you are praying?
- Take a moment and read Galatians 5:22-23. How are you seeing more of this “fruit” in your life as you follow Jesus?
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SAVE THE DATE: All-Church Board Elections will be held on Sunday, February 21.
CHAIR YOGA: Exercise classes with Anita are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30-9:30am in the gym. Masks will be required & we will continue to social distance & sanitize our chairs. If you are interested in starting an exercise regime this year, please join us. We follow the silver sneakers protocol using a chair, including yoga, strength & balance, and we even do some "dancing to the oldies." Come join us... it's free & open to anyone. Contact Anita Woods for more information.
SECRETARY NEEDED: We are looking for a part-time secretary to help at the church. If you know of anyone, have them contact Pastor Mike or Terri Ray.
FOOD PANTRY: The pantry is open on Wednesday from 5:00-7:00pm and Thursday from 10:00am-12:00pm and volunteers and donations are needed.
COFFEE SHOP: Uncommon Grounds is open every Monday-Saturday from 7:00am-2:00pm. Invite a friend and use this great outreach to introduce the church to your friends.
KELLY'S CLOSET: Kelly needs volunteers to help serve women in need of clothing and support. See Kelly Shinn for more information on how you can get involved or donate.
CLASSES & STUDIES
SUNDAYS
Debbie Woodard leads the Young Adult Class via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join + Deanna & James Boorsma hosts for any who would like to join the class in person, meeting in the last room on the left of the new wing on Sunday mornings at 9am.
Meeting ID: 868 1977 8952
Password: Bible101
Kenneth Ray & Gracie Smith lead the Friendship Class in person and via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join. They meet Sunday mornings at 9am in the classroom beside the office.
Meeting ID: 846 6822 8046
Password: Bible101
Sandy Hunter leads the Teen Sunday School in person 9:00am in the Teen Room.
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP begins at 10:00am in the sanctuary. The services will continue to be live streamed on Facebook and our website home page for those unable to be with us in the church building.
To keep your safety a high priority, the Church Board has asked that we go back to our prior guidelines for seating in the sanctuary. If you are wearing a mask you are welcome to sit anywhere on the main floor. If you would prefer to not wear a mask, we ask that you please sit in the balcony. Thanks for your help as we do our best to keep everyone healthy.
OH|KIDS CHURCH for K-5th grade meets during the worship hour at 10:00am with Pastor Maddie! Parents can take children directly to the OH|Kids room before worship (instead of starting in the sanctuary). See Maddie if you would like to help.
WEDNESDAYS
Wednesday Night Bible Study with Debbie Woodard is on Facebook Live (from Debbie's page) at 6:30pm.
THURSDAYS
Richard leads prayer and devotional on Thursdays at 7:00 PM via
ZOOM for anyone who would like to join.
Meeting ID: 894 2501 3143
Password: Prayer605
