Encourage: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                               Encourage

                                                Sharing becomes courage

                                                when we embrace

                                                each other’s grief,

                                                joy, questions,

                                                opportunities.

                                                Sharing deepens truth

                                                when we recognize

                                                failures, worries,

                                                barriers, draining

                                                each of us.

                                                Sharing deepens faith

                                                when together we

                                                gather in prayer,

                                                encouragement, honesty,

                                                worship.

Psalm 18:24, “Therefore the Lord has recompensed me according to my righteousness, According to the cleanness of my hands in His eyes.”

Reflection: Support: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. What barriers keep us from sharing our needs and worries? Or our joys?

2. What circumstances cause us to become isolated instead of seeking a friend’s support?

3. In what ways does sharing openly and honestly in all situations strengthen courage?

4. How can we listen better to each others unspoken needs?

Share: What barrier have you most recently dissolved to share your heart with someone you trust?

Support: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians 2:18-19, “Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.”

Support

Sometimes, maybe too often, we find ourselves so caught up in our own needs and worries and agendas that we forget to take the time for those around us—whether those we love and or those with whom we barely know.

Scripture reminds us we are to love one another. Grieve with one another. Joy with one another.

And together go deeper with trust and step out in faith. When we share we are able to give each other courage for whatever next step is ahead.

Lord, we pray to hear You and to be open to each person You send to us whether for a brief moment or committed time. Let us not dismiss each other’s messages but together bring them before You in prayer for clarification as to how to listen.

Your thoughts,