. . . praying in the spirit . . .

This past week in worship was incredibly exciting. While I'm not a professional sports fan (after the frenzy dies down, I'll be writing about the reasons I have... so stay tuned), I cannot deny how incredibly important rallying around a common goal is for humans. There is no denying it that God is at work when we gather for a common purpose. It is more evident that God is at work when the atmosphere is joyful and brings people together. I read on the Kansas City Star website that only one person had died because of the festivities and it wasn't because of gunfire. I am grateful for the joyful celebrations that occurred. It could have been the violent eruption we saw after the 2011 Stanley Cup. Don't remember it? Click here. Of course, Vancouver was upset about their lost to the Boston Bruins, but still!

The Chiefs were victorious, but a Super Bowl victory is temporary. The Good News is that we have a lasting victory in Jesus Christ. It is a victory that changes lives, that promises abundant life - not just when we complete this earthly journey, but one that starts now! 
This kind of life-altering, death-defying, peace-ensuring victory is possible. Jesus makes it possible for all of us. 

“So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? . . . I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:31 & 39‬ ‭MSG

As we enter into this post-season, we will continue to think and pray for God to equip us to invite others to church. We will pray for God to send those who desperately need to know this victory, who need to know the deep and abiding love given to us by God in Jesus Christ. 

As we approach this weekend, think of your ONE person. It could be a Friend, Relative, Associate (co-worker), Neighbor or Kid. If your person needs to open their heart to God, pray for that. If you need to build up the courage to invite your person, pray for that.  On Sundays, pray for the empty chair next to you. Join a prayer group. Walk around your church worship space, touch each chair, ask God to send the one who needs to know how deeply we all are by our God. 

Find ways for God to equip you to take steps toward invitation.