Feel Awkward and Uncomfortable? Pray Anyway.

In my Life Group we're studying prayer. We all want to grow in this area but we're being brutally honest about how hard prayer can be. One thing that's coming up over and over that's really hard---praying out loud. We talked about wanting to pray out loud for someone but having those paralyzing thoughts like--- I'm afraid I'm going to make a fool of myself, I'm scared I'll say something wrong, or I get so nervous my mouth goes dry.

Here's something I've found helpful. It has to do with focus. Am I going to focus on myself---how I'm feeling or how I might look? Or am I focusing on the other person's need and who can best help them?

Remember the story of the four guys with the friend who was lame? They cared a lot about their friend's problem, but knew they couldn't help him. Instead they got busy and went to great lengths to take him to someone who could. They carried him, on his bed, and lowered him through the roof into a crowded room where Jesus was teaching. (Luke 5:17-39).

The next time you have an opportunity to pray out loud focus on the other person and their need. Then, in prayer, bring them to the One who can best help them. You might feel awkward but that's okay. I'm guessing the guys who brought their friend to Jesus felt awkward, but they did it anyways. And I'm sure their friend walked away incredibly grateful!

Rita

Whether you are new to prayer, not too sure how to pray or are comfortable praying, find strength and encouragement through prayer. Participate in an intergenerational online prayer gathering where you will be lead in prayer by members of our church family, lead in moments of guided prayer, and have an opportunity to pray for each other.

The prayer gathering will take place on Wednesday, November 18 during the lunch hour from 12:15 pm-12:45 pm and also that evening at 7 pm.

This is an online event and registration is required. After registering, you will receive a link to access the online gathering.

With only two weeks left of the Living Life Backward series, Pastor Greg will summarize some of the central themes we've learned throughout the Book of Ecclesiastes. Before we come to the final conclusion, which will happen next week, Pastor Greg will pick up where Pastor Brody left off when he spoke about owning cluelessness. The Teacher reminded us of how little we actually know and can plan for (despite our best efforts), and that life is full of uncertainty. If you missed last week's message, it and the entire series can be accessed On-Demand.

Nothing brings pure peace and quite joy at the close as a well-lived past - that is what Pastor Greg will be talking about this weekend as he dives into Ecclesiastes 11:7-12: 8 and poses the question, "what kind of old person do you want to be?" It's possible to live so as to make old age very sad, and then it is possible to live so as to make it very beautiful.

Register for in-person gathering at 9 am and 11 am, or join online on Facebook, You Tube and our website Saturday at 7 pm, and Sunday 9 am & 11 am.