This week, let’s stay with last week’s “prayers of longing” for ourselves and families, especially for Centennial Covenant. Mary experienced “labor pains” as little Jesus entered this world. In that, God himself was birthing our liberation for which Paul says all creation has been “groaning as in the pain of childbirth” (Romans 8:22). He says these are our groans too.
What do you see God giving in Christ that today you most long and even "groan" for us to receive, and trust has indeed been given?
And then how do we affirm God’s gifts for each of us and our fellowship against the destructive lies of the Evil One? Take in the strange but important version of the Christmas story in Revelation 12:1-12. Jesus was born into a fierce war. It’s a war of accusation against God’s children. It’s a war won by “the blood of the lamb,” with an overcoming of the adversary experienced through “the word of our testimony” that includes a surrender of our whole lives (vs. 11). Take some time to affirm Christ’s birth, death and resurrection, and claim it for our whole church family in thanksgiving, and then assert this good news against the accusations of Satan who tries to pull us down and apart.
Specific requests for Centennial this week:
- Continue to pray that the Holy Spirit empower expressions of the Good News through all churches, including ours, especially as preparations are made now for outreach opportunities on Christmas Eve.
- Continue to pray for our Church Council as they seek God’s wisdom on important issues.
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