Dear Friends,
I have never met a growing follower of Jesus who didn’t admit he needed to learn and grow in the area of prayer. I once heard Billy Graham respond to an interviewer’s question as to whether he had any regrets. Billy was in his eighties by this time. He reflected than said,” I wished I had been more a man of prayer”. If the original disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray after following him for years who of us could say I am above needing to learn more about prayer.
This Sunday begins our “40 Days of Prayer” study and ends with our “Easter Prayer Emphasis”. Let me encourage you to get as much as you can. Come to all the preaching services you can, join a small group where the biggest part of the study will be taught. Be sure to get a prayer journal that comes free for all who are in a small group. If you can give a donation for the journal great, but only as able. The journal is beautifully done and has a devotional for all forty days. You may still want to host a prayer group for the 40 Days of Prayer if you do we will help you get started.
All this to say that as your pastor who loves you very much, I want you to grow in your prayer life, so you can grow in love with God. Prayer will transform your life, family, and church. Let’s do this together!
Remember, Jas 4:8 Come near to God, and he will come near to you.
I love you,
Pastor Joe
STEPS TO PREPARE
PRAY FOR THE SERVICES AND FOR YOURSELF
AND ME AND THE OTHER TEACHERS.
PRAYERFULLY READ THE SCRIPTURES
AND CONSIDER THE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS.
MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND A PREACHING SERVICE AND A SMALL GROUP.
INVITE SOMEONE TO COME WITH YOU.
PREPARING FOR SUNDAY: SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
This week the small groups that are meeting Sunday Morning during Sunday School and Small Group hour will be studying Session One, pages 14-19 in the 40 Days of Prayer Book. The small groups on Wednesday evening and Small Groups throughout our community will also be studying Session One this week. You will see the daily prayer journal after each session, this will help you focus on what God has to say to you each week during your prayer time.
If you haven’t plugged into a small group as of yet, please check the list in the foyer by the church office and find one that fits your schedule.
If you would like to host a small group, contact the church office by calling 360.864.2550 or email to office@toledofirstbaptist.com
If you haven’t picked up your prayer book yet, they are available in the foyer of the church.
