GBC Community Update: Steps towards a mature prayer life- listen

​“We can do that!”  I loved Kevin Coghill’s update from Royal City Mission on Sunday, didn’t you?  What an amazing challenge here to all of us here at GBC. I hope you will bring this into your mindset as God opens doors for you.  If you missed Sunday (or any Sunday for that matter) you can always watch our services on demand on YouTube.
 
 
Mission’s Team Potluck and Prayer Time for Ukraine
As a reminder, the Mission’s Team is holding their potluck and prayer time for Ukraine, on Thursday at 6pm here at GBC in the Side Aud. If you are coming, if your name starts with A-M bring a first course, if N-Z, you’re dessert.
The evening will feature the opportunity to visit with several Ukrainian families now in Guelph who recently fled the war to hear their stories and pray with them and for them.
There will be no Wednesday prayer time due to this event.
 
 
There’s still time to be part of “Young at Heart”.
Guelph Bible Conference Center has invited our seniors and those retired to the return of their Young at Heart conference.  In the past a group from GBC would come for an evening meal. If anyone was interested in organizing this I would be happy to help coordinate the details.
In addition, they also wanted me to share that all the seniors are welcome to come anytime to hear the speakers. Sunday – Thursday 7:00 pm. Monday – Friday 9:30am.
Friday is a concert at 7:00pm. All are welcome!
Young At Heart Details
June 26-July 2, 2022
Evening sessions – 7:00pm
Morning sessions – 9:30am
 Special Concert Friday evening at 7:00
Dinner 5:30 - $18.00, (Tax included)
Call for reservations 519 824-2571
 
 
Thought for the day: Steps Towards a Mature Prayer Life- Listen
We live in a world filled with noise. Our lives are busy and we are always doing something. During your prayer time, stop the noise and listen to what God is speaking to you. Take control of your mind and don’t let it wander. Take this time to fully focus on God.  Okay, I know, that’s easier said than done!
With this in mind, here are some practical tips that can help in turning away distractions:
Put your phone into airplane mode (no notifications will come through then)
Set an alarm for however long you’ve set to listen
Put your phone out of sight (less tempting to look at)
Have a notepad and pen to write down your to-do list (and record what God may say!)
The last tip may seem counterintuitive.  The reason behind it is because so often when I sit down to pray and listen to God, I immediately remember all the things I haven’t completed. For you it may have to do with school, family or work. Regardless, its a distraction.  When these things come to mind, write them down quickly and go right back to listening in prayer.
Here's another thing to keep in mind.  We can easily ramble on and on in our prayers, say “Amen” and move on. Prayer is a two-way conversation. It’s important that we learn how to hear God’s voice. If you aren’t sure how to hear what God is saying to you, pray and ask God to show you. That and perhaps do some reading on prayer. We have some great books in our library on this subject, perfect for summer reading!
By being quiet, we are denying our flesh the desire to always be busy and have noise. We are not only being quiet externally (no music or talking) but we are also quieting our minds and hearts as well. We are letting resting in God’s presence and giving Him our full attention.
Mother Teresa said this: “God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer.”  I really like this and it’s a great reminder for me. Time to listen in prayer!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris