Invitation: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians Closing

 Acts 26:16, "But get up and stand on your feet: for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you as a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I appear to you;" (NASB)

We began our study this past year based on this scripture's theme. To explore the journey of scripture seeds defining purpose as shared from Paul and Timothy. We had no idea how upside-down our months would come. And how purpose could take on many paths.

However we paused to hear the Spirit's powerful words that too often get buried under daily stress. And considered seeing through a new perspective through the challenges and gifts from Him that have entered our lives.

And trusting in His foundation. His ongoing word. His on going invitation to walk moment by moment in faith. He is present.

        Thank you for participating in our journey. New Year Blessings!

                                   INVITATION            (John 1:29-51)

                                   Drawn by heart hunger

                                   one by one came to see

                                   respond to invitation.

                                   Struck by recognition

                                   certainty within

                                   reached to kindred souls.

                                   Listened. Hoped

                                   for promises. Answered

                                   call. 'Follow Me'.

"And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we  may know Him who is true and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." 1 John 5:20

                                   "Unless the Lord builds the house,

                                    They labor in vain who built it;

                                    Unless the Lord guards the city,

                                    The watchman stays awake in vain.

                                    It is vain for you to rise early,

                                    To retire late,

                                    To eat the bread of painful labors;

                                    For He gives to His beloved even in his 

                                    sleep."

                                    Psalm 127:1

                                

Grace: Perspective: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Grace

                                                Too often come to prayer

                                                in hopelessness

                                                anxiety dictating our

                                                heart instead of

                                                kneeling in thankfulness

                                                of invitation

                                                to Grace that listens,

                                                restores hope,

                                                offers joy throughout

                                                the turmoil.

                                                Guides by His perspective.

Psalm 18:1 “I love Thee, O Lord, my strength.”

Reflection Questions: Perspective: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

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Reflection Questions

1. In what way can grace, thankfulness, peace, remembrance and joy influence our prayers?

2. What difference could it make for us if we started with this perspective instead of waiting until we are drowning in fear?

3. How can we pray in joy when our hearts are grieving?

4. Choose one of these words to begin prayers this week.

Share: Which word did you choose? Why?

Perspective: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Purpose: Prayers and Poetry  Introduction

Acts 26:16, “But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you as a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I appear to you;” (NASB)

New Year Blessings!

This year our devotional focus is based on this scripture’s theme. We will continue to explore the journey of how scripture seeds define purpose as shared from Paul and Timothy as they share their appointments of purpose in the book of Philippians.

This study unfolds in three parts. On Mondays we will reflect on a scripture passage. Wednesdays consider meditative questions. Fridays respond with poetry.

The Philippians verse translations are from the ESV Bible, and the Psalm 18 verses are from NASB version.

Thank you for participating in our journey. Please share as you discover your own questions and insights, prose, and prayers.

Perspective: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians1:1-4,“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Phillipi with the overseers and deacons. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy.”

Perspective

Grace—peace—thankfulness—remembrance—and joy are not always what we experience when we pray for those we care for. Love—yes. But often concern, or anxiety, or commitments, guide our hearts and thoughts.

All together we are servants—so maybe we are not coming with the right approach. We begin from our needs to place before the Lord instead of coming to the Lord Himself in relationship with a listening heart. Then we may be able to see the need through His perspective. And not from our limitations.

Perhaps the present need is a new opportunity for healing, or growth, or a deeper faith walk. Or it will become an insight into a positive relationship, instead of our immediate reaction of negative worry, which we often tend to instinctively focus on. We see only the surface. He sees the outcome.

Lord, please show us how to pray out of thankfulness first before we bring our needs to You. And show us how to pray with joy—in all situations.

Your thoughts,