October 11, 2012

Chapter 29- Paul's Mission   

As I was reading chapter 29 and working through the study guide, Acts 16:14 stood out.
¹⁴ One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.  While we can feed lunches, provide blankets, purchase bus passes,  and even share scripture, it is still the Holy Spirit that will open people's hearts and minds to the gospel message.  

With that in mind, I wonder how many Sunday School classes that are involved in the APO lunch ministry really cover their Sunday lunch service with prayer.  An intentional, concerted prayer covering the week prior to the serving Sunday and a rotating prayer vigil in the upper room at APO might begin to yield exponential results.  Most likely individuals in classes pray for their class' lunch service, but if all individuals in a class vowed to pray each day the week prior and had a prayer guide/structure God's hand might begin to work in a powerful way.

Please offer your suggestions:
Sunday- The week before, a class prayer in Sunday School class.
Monday- Prayer for the financial/time resources of the members to enable them to contribute to the lunch.
Tuesday- Prayer that God will begin to prepare each member's heart to love.
Wednesday- Prayer that God will start to implant the verses, anecdotes and conversation starters that will enable the servers to connect with the people in a real, meaningful way.
Thursday- Prayer that any obstacles that Satan may construct in the lives of the S.S. members to keep the serving Sunday from being all that God wants it to be would be overcome/smashed.
Friday- Prayer that any obstacles that Satan will place in the way of those homeless who need to attend lunch will be overcome/smashed.
Saturday- Prayer of Thanksgiving and Praise for having the opportunity to serve.
Sunday of service- There is an upper room above the serving area.  One person commits to a 30 minute block of time to pray during the serving time.  Members rotate so that the entire serving time is covered in prayer.