Proverbs 16:3 tells us to “Commit to the Lord everything you do. Then your plans will succeed.”
As with any journey preparation is essential for success. The prayer guide is intended to prepare our hearts and minds for the Holy Spirit to work with in us as we enter the Imagine Sermon series and Small Group Studies. It starts with a verse and a prayer, and ends with a personal application opportunity.
Week 1 Renewed Mind
ROMANS 12:1 – 2 (Bible version: The Message)
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you; Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going- to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
In the words of Nehemiah “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night…Lord, renewing our mind is a difficult thing, especially if the transformation means changing our directions, opinions, goals and plans. But you have called us to be completely transformed by the renewing of our minds. Lead me to see things differently, think differently, and live differently. Reset my priorities. Transform my mind and my life! In Jesus’ precious name, amen.”
Ask God to reveal to you an area of your life that needs to be transformed and “Imagine” how different and blessed you will be as you surrender, obey and allow Him to transform you from the inside out.
Week 2 Discernment
Romans 12:2b (NIV)
. . . Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
(Nehemiah) “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night…... Lord, seeking your will is much more work than simply asking. It takes time, attention, listening, looking and searching. We pray that you will lead us into new paths of seeking your way for our lives, and such seeking will undoubtedly change us, redirecting us in your way. Open doors that I might find your pleasing and perfect will for my life. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.”
Helpful Steps in Discerning God's Will
- Pray for wisdom, knowledge and clear direction.
- Go to a quiet place and “rest a while” so you can hear God clearly.
- Consider fasting.
- Seek godly counsel.
- Read the scriptures and seek truth.
- Await the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
- Involve your family to receive their counsel.
- Explore all areas connected with the decision and not just limit God to where you think he is going.
- Look for how God is opening or closing the door on your decision.
"Imagine” the difference in your day and life with the assurance that God is directing your every step.
Week 3 Home Information Meetings
Philippians 2:1 – 3
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
Close your eyes and “Imagine” what God can do as you pray this prayer:
(Nehemiah) “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night ……Father, out of our intimate relationship with you comes stronger relationships with each other. Work through these home meetings to bring greater unity, sharper focus, open communication and willing hearts to be willing to do your will as you lead us one step at a time in our own individual lives and in the life of CPC. In the name of Jesus, our Lord, amen.”
What did you "imagine"?
Week 4 Children and Youth
Psalm 78:4 – 7 (NLT)
We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them—even the children not yet born—and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.
(Nehemiah) “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night…..Lord, help us as we partner with families and to seek to provide the resources and facilities to prepare children and youth to know, love and serve Jesus. In His precious name, Amen.”
“Imagine” how our Valley could be transformed if each of us prayed daily for our youth and were obedient to God’s promptings to do what we can to reach this generation and also future generations.
Week 5 Missions
Matthew 28:19 –20 (MSG)
Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."
(Nehemiah) O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night ……Lord, bless and guide us as we seek to fulfill the great commission by providing the talent and resources to bring the love of Christ to those in our own country and around the world. For your sake and glory, amen.”
Now “imagine” God expanding your heart to reach a lost and dying world and showing you what He would have you do to impact your world for Christ. Now quiet yourself and listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to you and to CPC.
Week 6 Missions
Acts 2:46 & 47 (NIV)
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
(Nehemiah) O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night….Father, direct those of us in a small group to expand and embrace new members and encourage others to “imagine” their lives enriched through a small group experience.
“Imagine” how studying the Bible, sharing our lives, Praying for one another and serving Christ together can make us one body in Christ and members one of another.
