GBC Community Update: Grow in prayer by praying with others

Good afternoon.  I created some confusion Sunday (more than usual anyways!) when I kept mentioning Jacob continuing on with his look at the Lord’s Prayer Sunday.  It’s actually Patrick speaking this Sunday, not Jacob. He’s up on the 25th.
I’m always glad, at times like this, when I’m confused that God isn’t. He knows exactly what He’s doing and is working out His plan. May we all rest in this truth!
 
 
Join us Wednesday for a night of Listening Prayer
“Listening Prayer, Wednesday, July 13 at 7:30 pm!  Jake DeBruyn is one of the leaders at New Life Christian Reformed Church in Guelph and will lead us in a session of “Listening Prayer”.   What is Listening Prayer?  The basic concept is that if we practice some “listening prayer” before we start praying about something, then we can get a sense of how God wants us to pray (Rom. 8:26).  Then, being lined up with God we can pray with greater confidence.  Bring a pen, paper, and a Bible.  We will also ensure that there is time to pray for specific requests you may have.”
 
 
Attention Sewers: Oasis Craft help needed this Saturday!
If you can sew a straight line or use an iron, we have a big job and would love your help to make it possible!  This Saturday, as part of our craft prep party for Oasis, we need sewers to bring your sewing machines and fabric scissors.  If you have ironing boards and irons that would be great too.  You will be assisting in the sewing of a bandana for each of the kids to tie dye on the Monday afternoon, during camp week.  We hope it will help them remember the Joseph story that they will learn that morning. 
The craft party starts at 1pm but if you want to come early there will be pizza at noon and will go to 3pm (or as long as you can stay!).
If you have questions, please contact Krista Schito, our camp craft leader, or myself.
It’s going to be a party!
 
  
Thought for the day: Steps Towards a Mature Prayer Life- Pray with Others
I’m back with some more thoughts on building a mature prayer life.  Here’s another way to strengthen your prayer life- pray with other people. This is one of the things I think we lost during Covid, that chance to come together, IN PERSON, with fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord and seek God in prayer.
It’s a lost skill we should try to recover.  So then, what can you pray about? I’m glad you asked!
To create unity
To help build community
To help you focus
To grow as a group
You can learn from other people’s insight
You are inviting God into your group
Opportunity to see God answer prayers together
The most important reason to pray together is God is with us when we do. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” God is with us when we pray in a group.
We are able to learn from others and their insight when we pray in a group and it helps to encourage us and build our faith. Praying alongside other believers helps us to stay focused and allows God to move and work in a group of people. The great Victorian Charles Spurgeon said this:  True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that. It is a spiritual transaction with the creator of Heaven and Earth.
What a powerful statement!  So, why don’t you come out on Wednesday night here at GBC for our evening of listening prayer and experience praying together.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris