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The past few Mondays I have had the opportunity to teach the summer camp staff in their start of the week gathering. They sing, someone teaches, and then they go into small groups to discuss, pray, etc.
Last week, I started off this way…
Merciful Father, we thank You that in Your great faithfulness You kept watch over us during this past night. Strengthen and guide us by Your Holy Spirit, that we may use this new day and all the days of our life in holiness and righteousness. Grant that we in all our undertakings may always have Your glory foremost in our minds. May we always work in such a manner that we expect all results and fruits of our work from Your generous hand alone.We ask that You will graciously forgive all our sins according to Your promise, for the sake of the passion and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Your grace we are heartily sorry for all our transgressions. Illumine our hearts, that we may lay aside all works of darkness and as children of light may walk in the light and live a new life in all godliness.Bless the proclamation of Your divine Word here and in the mission fields. Strengthen all faithful laborers in Your vineyard. Amen.I’ve started with a prayer that has substance and depth – for a reason. I could have prayed in a more simple fashion. I chose not to. I chose instead to be more specific and reflect the things that I believe about God. I chose clarity over simplicity. Not that simplicity is a bad thing but I think there is a better way. I think we do well to chose our words and make the most of our conversations with God. When my prayers reflect the depth of my belief, I’m more likely giving praise to God.
The rest of my teaching focused on choosing to pursue: sound doctrine, clarity in the gospel, and good careful study of scripture all for the benefits of substance and clarity. We looked at 1 Timothy 4:1-16 Colossians 2:6-15 and 2 Timothy 3:14-17. I suggested that our doctrine and understanding of the gospel is reflected in our prayers and should shape our worship as well.
The week before we looked at Psalm 133, John 17, Philippians 2, and Ephesians 4 to consider the importance and impact of unity amongst Christians and in particular as a staff. I had the opportunity to share that a few weeks back with the staff at Chapel Rock as well.
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