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"Praying Together"
by Tom Goodman
January 4, 2006
As we start the New Year together, here’s something to think about. The late Christian and philosopher, Francis Schaeffer, said, “Suppose we awoke tomorrow morning and we opened our Bibles and found that God had removed two things. The
first item missing was the real empowering of the Holy Spirit, and the second item the reality of prayer. Consequently, following the dictates of Scripture, we would begin to live on the basis of this new Bible in which there was nothing about
the power of the Holy Spirit and nothing about the power of prayer. Let me ask you something: what difference would there be from the way we acted yesterday?”
Sadly, some of us would never miss the items if God removed them from our Bibles, because it’s been a long time since we really depended on the Spirit or relied on prayer. Let’s make a New Year’s resolution to reconnect with the power of the
Spirit through prayer.
Diane and I believe in the power of prayer. That’s why we have committed to an ambitious plan. We are opening our home for prayer with every Hillcrest member and interested attender.
Of course, there’s no way we can fit everyone in our living room at once, so we’re asking people to come by invitation across a seven-week period. We’re inviting about 30-40 people at a time to join together for prayer at our
house. Our aim is to pray with every Hillcrest member and interested prospect within the first three months of the new year!
We have already begun mailing the first invitations, so watch the mail for yours. These invitations will go out across the next seven weeks. If you’ve been visiting Hillcrest and you’d like an invitation to one of our prayer meetings, be
sure our office has your mailing address.
The letter I’m sending you has information on childcare and directions to our house. Here’s what I need from you: As soon as you get your letter, contact my assistant, Jami Dismukes, to confirm that the date works for
you. It will reduce our work load in the office if you reply to the letter once you receive it.
Diane and I have set aside two nights a week for seven straight weeks to pray with our church. I hope you’ll set aside just one night to join us!
—Tom
Special Notes:
This Wednesday: There will be no midweek activities this Wednesday, January 4.
Estate Planning Seminar: Join us Sunday night, January 8, for an informative seminar on how to express your life’s priorities in your estate. This isn’t just a “senior adult issue!” If you’ve never gotten
around to making these important plans, start the New Year right by attending this meeting. While the children return to Awanas, this will be our only adult activity during the period from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on that Sunday
night. (If you’re a Sunday School worker, please see the next note below.)
Important Sunday School Workers Meeting! Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 8, at 7 p.m. This meeting is for Sunday School workers at all levels (children, youth, and adults). I will lead this
meeting as we discuss plans to go to two worship services.
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