Day 24: Tuesday, December 20

Day 24: by Juno Smalley

Let's start with a song that will help set the stage in your heart to be in prayer. It's a wonderful song that brings perspective and carries my heart to Jesus. I trust it does the same to you as you. BTW: Alleluia means - God be praised!

Let’s face it; we continue to live with so much uncertainty in our world. For some people, fear and anxiety are reaching unprecedented levels. One way to prepare and protect yourself is to be in prayer and, more specifically, to practice the Holy Habit of fasting one day, between now and Christmas. To, ‘fast’ at least one day will help prepare your heart for Christmas and help you to grow in your faith. Fasting is giving up something so you can focus on prayer and your walk with God. You may fast from a meal, coffee, social media, TV, Popeyes, etc... But do it for a day and, specifically, in your prayers and with God. 

Don't panic about the word FAST. I've included a list of Tips for Fasting that I trust will help equip you to use this as one of the ways you can pray. The church can use your prayers as well. Even if you can't fast, your prayers are critical to getting us through the end of the year. Here are the subjects you can be praying for:

  • Health and encouragement of our Staff.
  • On boarding new staff for Student & Young Adults and our Assistant in Facilities.
  • Intentionality as we continue to welcome new guests to New Life.
  • Our Christmas (streaming and our In-Person) Candlelight services (2 & 4 pm) that the right people will experience the hope and life that comes from Jesus. 
  • That the Lord will calm and prepare your heart.
  • Finances of the Church, so we start 2023 ahead of the financial needs.
  • For those of us teaching in many of our ministries: preschool, students, Indonesian - Pray that our teaching will connect to the hearts of those God brings to us.
  • Pray for YOURSELF, pray that God opens windows of opportunities for you to listen to others, hear their stories and that you can share the hope of Jesus and invite them to a service.
  • Pray for any situation, or people, that are causing you anxiety or keeping you awake at night. Pray that you can love them as Jesus would.

Tuesday's Prayer

Lord, it feels like if ever we have needed your love, it is now. Forgive us for forgetting that you have things under control and that I am not alone. Thank you for your incredible power to rise from the grave and conquer sin.

Help us a church to be a place where people can feel your love life never before. Remove any concerns I have about being pushy or nervous and guide me into conversations that reflect how you have created me and how you love others.

Make us all instruments of your love, especially to a world that often appears so angry, confused, and messed up.

AMEN