30 Days of Prayer
by Rev. Alan Rudnick
A momentum is building in our church. The Spirit is moving. God is at work. Something is happening.
Before Jesus entered into ministry, we read in Luke 4 that Jesus spent time in prayer and fasting in the desert. After his time of prayer, he was tempted, and overcame temptation. From there he went to the temple and boldly proclaimed from the prophet Isaiah:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Everyone was shocked by Jesus’ reading. The scripture states that the eyes of everyone who heard were fixed upon him. People were shocked by Jesus because Jesus had just outlined his vision. Luke records that everything that Jesus did in his ministry he did through the vision of this passage in scripture.
Guided by the Spirit, proclaiming good news, freedom, recovery of sight, and proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favor were the markings of Jesus’ ministry.
What are the markings of our vision here at The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa?
Starting on January 15, 2012, we will spend 30 days in prayer to determine what our vision markings will be. We will pray for discernment, vision, direction, and guidance. We will spend time in preparation, discussion, and prayer in order to form a vision statement. Like Jesus, before we are to proclaim a bold new vision, we must pray.
What are we praying for? For God to open our eyes. For new people to step forward into leadership positions. For long time church members to be called into a new ministry. For new ministries to take shape, grow, and meet needs. We need to pray and ask God to place upon our hearts a burning desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.
During this prayer time, our vision community will fast. Our church will be encouraged to fast. Much like Jesus, we will fast in order to gain a deeper understanding of what God is calling us to do in the life of this church.
Throughout the 30 days, we will be guided by a pray guide that will ask us to pray for specific ministries. In addition, we will conclude our 30 days of prayer with a prayer vigil February. We will also hold several home gatherings in which we will share our gleanings and thoughts on our vision statement and vision plan.
I hope that you will participate in our 30 days of prayer. Be on the lookout for our prayer guide, prayer vigil, and vision home gatherings information. May God bring you an epiphany during these 30 days of prayer.
Before Jesus entered into ministry, we read in Luke 4 that Jesus spent time in prayer and fasting in the desert. After his time of prayer, he was tempted, and overcame temptation. From there he went to the temple and boldly proclaimed from the prophet Isaiah:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Everyone was shocked by Jesus’ reading. The scripture states that the eyes of everyone who heard were fixed upon him. People were shocked by Jesus because Jesus had just outlined his vision. Luke records that everything that Jesus did in his ministry he did through the vision of this passage in scripture.
Guided by the Spirit, proclaiming good news, freedom, recovery of sight, and proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favor were the markings of Jesus’ ministry.
What are the markings of our vision here at The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa?
Starting on January 15, 2012, we will spend 30 days in prayer to determine what our vision markings will be. We will pray for discernment, vision, direction, and guidance. We will spend time in preparation, discussion, and prayer in order to form a vision statement. Like Jesus, before we are to proclaim a bold new vision, we must pray.
What are we praying for? For God to open our eyes. For new people to step forward into leadership positions. For long time church members to be called into a new ministry. For new ministries to take shape, grow, and meet needs. We need to pray and ask God to place upon our hearts a burning desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.
During this prayer time, our vision community will fast. Our church will be encouraged to fast. Much like Jesus, we will fast in order to gain a deeper understanding of what God is calling us to do in the life of this church.
Throughout the 30 days, we will be guided by a pray guide that will ask us to pray for specific ministries. In addition, we will conclude our 30 days of prayer with a prayer vigil February. We will also hold several home gatherings in which we will share our gleanings and thoughts on our vision statement and vision plan.
I hope that you will participate in our 30 days of prayer. Be on the lookout for our prayer guide, prayer vigil, and vision home gatherings information. May God bring you an epiphany during these 30 days of prayer.
To read the January Messenger, click here.
Church Mouse Nursery School is now enrolling for Fall 2012. Come to our Open House and see what Church Mouse is all about! Go to Church Mouse's website for more information.
http://churchmousepreschool.com/
Check us out on Facebook!
If you are on Facebook, check us out. Click here.
The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Ave. Ballston Spa, NY 12020 518-885-8361 office@fbcballstonspa.org
Sunday Mornings
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
Childcare available
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
Childcare available
Christ's Cupboard Food Pantry is open Tuesdays and Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Updated: December 2011
Updated: December 2011
