Prayer Circle Saturday May 17, 2008

Last post 05-17-2008 6:41 PM by grannyfay__KY. 17 replies.
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  • 05-16-2008 7:26 PM

    Prayer Circle Saturday May 17, 2008

    Here is part 2  in our worship series by Rick Warren.

     


     

    Pleasing God – Accurate Worship
    by Rick Warren

    We should worship God in a way that pleases him with respect and fear. Hebrews 12:28b (NCV)


    *** *** *** ***

     

    One of the ways we please God is when our worship is accurate. It’s easy to worship in an inaccurate way; for instance, some people say, “I like to think of God as ...” and then they share their idea of the kind of God they’d like to worship.

     

    But we can’t just create our own comfortable or politically correct image of God and then worship it – that is called idolatry. Worship must not be based on our opinions about God but on the truth of Scripture.

     

    To worship accurately means we worship God as he is truly revealed in the Bible. Jesus told the woman at the well, “True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks” (John 4:23 NIV).

     

    In speaking to this Samaritan woman, Jesus revealed several aspects of accurate worship:

     

    God can be worshipped anywhere, anytime – Jesus told the Samaritan woman, “The time is coming when neither in Jerusalem nor on this mountain will you actually worship the Father.” (John 4:21 NCV)

     

    God can be found in worship – The Samaritan woman did not yet know God, but Jesus told her it is possible to know the God we worship. (John 4:22)

     

    God will find us in worship – Jesus says, “True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” (John 4:23 NIV)

     

    God connects with us through the Holy Spirit – Jesus says, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24 NCV)

     


     


  • 05-16-2008 7:31 PM In reply to

    Re: Prayer Circle Saturday May 17, 2008

    And part 3

     

    Pleasing God – Thoughtful Worship
    by Rick Warren

    “And when you pray, don’t be like those people who don’t know God. They continue saying things that mean nothing, thinking that God will hear them because of their many words.” Matthew 6:7 (NCV)


    *** *** *** ***

    Jesus’ command to “love God with all your mind” is repeated four times in the New Testament. God is not pleased with the thoughtless singing of hymns, perfunctory praying of clichés, or careless exclamations of “Praise the Lord” uttered because we can’t think of anything else to say at that moment.

     

    If worship is mindless, is it meaningless. You must engage your mind.

     

    Even biblical terms can become tired clichés from overuse and as we stop thinking about their meanings. It’s so much easier to offer platitudes in worship instead of making the effort to honor God with fresh words and ways.

     

    · Try reading Scripture in different translations and paraphrases. It will expand your expressions of worship.

     

    · Try praising God without using the words praise, hallelujah, thanks, or amen. Instead of saying, “We just want to praise you,” make a list of synonyms and use fresh words like admire, respect, value, revere, honor, and appreciate.

     

    · Be specific. If someone approached you and repeated, “I praise you!” ten times, you’d probably think, “For what?” Wouldn’t you rather receive two specific compliments than twenty vague generalities? Is it possible God would, too?

     

    © 2008 Purpose Driven Life. All rights reserved.

     

     



  • 05-16-2008 7:33 PM In reply to

    Re: Prayer Circle Saturday May 17, 2008

    Here is the link to Fridays Prayer Circle

     

    Prayer Circle Friday, May 16, 2008

     

    Have to run and finish the dinner dishes.   BB later.



  • 05-16-2008 7:42 PM In reply to

    Re: Prayer Circle Saturday May 17, 2008

    Randy, I really like the question in Part 3 of the study. About someone coming up and saying "I praise you" 10 times and me responding "for what"?  Now that is an eye opening reminder. I praise you God because you are God and you are truth.

     

    Connie, I was glad to see you check in earlier. I'm still praying for your quick recovery.

     

    I haven't heard anything from the doctor today. Therefore, I am assuming the report hasn't come back from Anchorage. On a brighter side, the Nexium has allowed me to feel better and stay asleep for the last 2 nights. I haven't awoken once with pain. Praise the Lord for allowing me rest!

     

    Check back later. Gotta get supper started!

    Tammy

  • 05-16-2008 8:23 PM In reply to

    Re: Prayer Circle Saturday May 17, 2008

    Glad you're sleeping better Tammy.   The best times are hard to face when you're exhausted,  and the worst times are much better to deal with.....IF you've had a decent nights sleep.

     

    Praying for all you dear ones and whatever your needs are.  Going to try to get to bed early tonight so shutting down the computer very shortly.   See you all tomorrow.

     



  • 05-16-2008 9:01 PM In reply to

    Re: Prayer Circle Saturday May 17, 2008

    Checking in!  Had a rough morning so stayed under my blankie until after lunch. Then went with Hubby to Paducah--not because I felt like it but because he was going and I didn't want him to go alone.

    Randy, wonderful lessons! :)

    Everyone please be in prayer for a little 6 yr. old boy who nearly drowned in the lake.  He fell off a boat while his Dad was getting something from his car.  His Dad came back to find him in the water.  They gave him CPR and got his heart going again and he's in the hospital.  The little guy's Mom is in the army in Iraq. She's flying home.  They all need our prayers!  Thanks!

    Now I have a Praise!  Remember I asked y'all to pray because we were being charged for a Dr. app. that our insurance would have covered if the Dr.'s office had not changed Hubby's app. to after the first of the year?  Well, I wrote that Dr. and explained that to him. And y'all prayed and God answered.  I called the office's accounting today because I had not heard anything and had not received another bill.  She told me that it had all been written off and our balance was zero!  Praise God!  Thanks for praying!

    Tammy, glad you're feeling better!

    Pat, praying for #3 and #4 sons.  And while I'm at it, I'll just pray for the others as well!  And always keeping you and your unspoken in prayer!  Hugs!

    Connie, glad you're feeling like checking in!  I have to tell you a cute story.  After I had my surgery, I bent over to put my socks on one day and started to bleed heavyily.  Hubby took me to the Dr. and the Dr. checked me out and said I was OK. He jokingly said, "The next time you need your socks put on, call me and I'll come put them on."  And Hubby spoke up immediately and said, "I'll put her socks on."   LOL  I could not believe he said that.  LOL

    Vammie, you'll get there.  With such a beautiful back yard, I'd probably slip off out there and let the unpacking wait. ;)  Hope you find your dishes soon!

    Deb, I prayed for you--hope you're safely in KY now!

    Mari, how's your teeth? Did they stop hurting?  Would you believe that I've lost part of the filling of one on those I just had filled.  And the dentist is out until the first of the month. At least it doesn't hurt.

    Kaye, I agree those cakes are worth a lot. I've never made a wedding cake but I've sweated through making some others. ;)   Praying for your MIL!

    Nancy,  keeping you and Russell in my prayers!  It seems that Hubby is seeing a Dr. of some kind every week or so.

    Linda, are you feeling better, Sweetie?  Lots of gentle hugs!

    Now my mind has gone blank as to who else was on the PC today so I'l go and peek back.  And I'll be praying for all!

    BTW,  our DGD, Sarah, turned 6 today. :))  Happy Birthday, Sarah!   She's already in dreamland by now.  I talked to her earlier today and she was bubbling over! :)

    Now I'm going to be heading toward bed before long myself.   Hope y'all have a good night!

    God Bless!


  • 05-17-2008 7:53 AM In reply to

    Re: Prayer Circle Saturday May 17, 2008

    Good morning dear ones....

     

    Just checking in before Gaby and I leave for our walk.   Looks like everyone is either out and about already or sleeping in.

     

    Will be praying for you all as we walk. 



  • 05-17-2008 10:06 AM In reply to

    Re: Prayer Circle Saturday May 17, 2008

    Doing another "pray-by"  Prayed for all at Mass this AM.  Remains CRAZY here.    Another lesson that challenges me.

     

    Pat

  • 05-17-2008 10:14 AM In reply to

    Re: Prayer Circle Saturday May 17, 2008

    Just checking in and reading everyone's posts.  Saying prayers for those who need them and praising God for the blessings mentioned. 

     

    I'm taking it easy this morning, watching DH deal with laundry,grocery shopping and the litterbox.  Yes

    "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."
  • 05-17-2008 11:23 AM In reply to

    Re: Prayer Circle Saturday May 17, 2008

    Hi, everyone.

     

    Been busy in the yard and planting a few flowers. Then, went to the Garden Center with Russell for blueberry bush fertilizer. Hopefully, we will get berries before the deer do.

     

    Happy for the good things I hear here this morning and praying for others.

     

    Nancy Z.

  • 05-17-2008 12:27 PM In reply to

    Re: Prayer Circle Saturday May 17, 2008

    conniek_wi:
     

     

    I'm taking it easy this morning, watching DH deal with laundry,grocery shopping and the litterbox.  Yes

     

                               



  • 05-17-2008 1:00 PM In reply to

    Re: Prayer Circle Saturday May 17, 2008

    lurking and praying

  • 05-17-2008 3:04 PM In reply to

    Re: Prayer Circle Saturday May 17, 2008

    good to see you connie; Photobucketwith you...

     

    (((((( gentle hugs )))))) 

    Photobucket
  • 05-17-2008 4:01 PM In reply to

    Re: Prayer Circle Saturday May 17, 2008

    Connie, great to see you! You keep taking it easy!

     

    We are taking a dinner cruise this evening so I probably won't be back on till much later. Praying for everyone.

     

    Tammy

  • 05-17-2008 4:26 PM In reply to

    Re: Prayer Circle Saturday May 17, 2008

    Oh Tammy,   that sounds like fun.  Have a ball!!

     

    Oh geeze louise.....I just had a very senior moment.   Put a pineapple upside down cake in the oven,  ran to do something else,  and then started on a second something else.......and suddenly realized I forgot to set the timer.   Talk about being a hopeless doofuss!  Tongue Tied 

     

    BBlater....have to go and keep an eye on that cake.  Confused



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