Week 3: Memory Verse

How does God speak to us?  Week 3
Memory Verse

Ephesians 6:17-18
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  and [pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.

week 3 - Prayer Experience

Looks like most of us made it past the check point of The Prayer Experience!  This is where the numbers in Rooted generally fall.  If we talked about it, you, in your wisdom and understanding would probably nail all the reasons given...and those unspoken.

I must say, I am so proud of this group!!  I am proud of the dedication you have all made to the Rooted program!  I'm encouraged by the passion and determination you all showed in fasting most especially!  So many of us had little to no experience fasting and to see each of you embrace this fairly big step of faith is exhilarating!

Many of us heard from God about things.
We heard Him quietly, He reminded us to pray about certain things, we were quiet for the first time in...too long.  I think overall, the fear that comes with this experience was replaced by a feeling of success, of possibilities open to you and even the desire to have another prayer experience, more regularly, on your own. 

As we talked, I kept coming back to RELATIONSHIP!  God wants to be like your best friend.  He wants to be the first person you go to with news, with a problem, with a need, with joy or excitement.  We don't even have to text or call -- just in our mind call out to Him and He's right there listening.  We can all practice making this a reality in our life.  It doesn't have to be some big long conversation; just a "Hey God, did you see that?  Oh, that makes me so frustrated.  You just know all the things I want to do...but won't.  OK, I know I need to calm down now and not carry that with me into the day.  Help me be at peace Lord."  or "Lord... wow, that compliment from my customer just meant so much to me!  Oh thank You for sharing that with me!  Guess you love me "extra" today!"  -- Heather, I HAD to include that, I think it's so cute.  (and for my pedantic side... it's not that God loves us extra - it's really that we feel extra loved.)

I must echo Gayle's desire to fast again and have another prayer experience.  I'm considering setting one up and anybody who would like to come can.  Would anybody be interested in doing this as a group?

For next week:  We have a snack & testimony being offered by Darin & Dionne (Webster gave his this week, don't you think!?)

We are going into an area to deal with Strongholds on Day 5.  I highly recommend reading thru all the homework before completing the journaling to give you mind and heart a chance to steep in the information and allow time for you to hear the Holy Spirit guide you.  This will be especially true for anyone who has not previously gone through such an experience!
If you see a stronghold in your life (we all have them to varying degrees)-- please try to find some scripture to attach to it.

That scripture by topic site again is:  http://www.openbible.info/topics/
note: best results will be by using one word searches.

Blessings on you all!!

Bridgette

Prayer

I'm excited about the prayer experience!  How are you all feeling about it?  I imagine there is a range of feelings that include fear and uneasiness.

There is LOTS of information about prayer available.  I have picked a few articles that I think are helpful.  Keep in mind, there are no rules really.  Prayer is not about dogma, but about having a relationship with Jesus!  Think about the time and effort it takes to have a relationship with another human...relationships take time.

One could argue that a relationship with God is easier...he's the perfect friend, confidant, mentor!  He always forgives and is ready at any time to listen to what is going on in my life.  He doesn't judge me, but cares about my welfare and always wants the best for me.

One could also argue that it is difficult to have a relationship with God.  He's not tangible like the people in my life.  This intangibility makes it easy to forget I need to spend time with him - time other than the quick prayers I may offer up on a daily basis.  I may feel condemned, even when I am not because we do deal with spiritual warfare.

Remember... relationship means time.  Every moment of every day you have the opportunity to connect with God.  You can jump right it at any moment and He is there to hear what you have to say.

Lastly, an effective prayer life includes listening!  It may take time to learn to hear God's voice, but it is so worth it when you do!!

Resources I like:

On Prayer:  http://www.navpress.com/pray/
On How to Fast:  http://www.ccci.org/training-and-growth/devotional-life/personal-guide-to-fasting/index.htm  (note:  Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ is considered one of the formost experts on fasting.  He made it his lifestyle to fast regularly!)

I will email or post several other info about prayer!