ICYMI: Take Heart // “A Heart for Prayer”
If you missed Sunday's service or could use a refresher, here's a quick recap featuring sharables and takeaways from our gathering. Scroll to the bottom for the full sermon recording.
📖 Focal Scripture
🎯 Reflection
Adopting Paul’s approach to prayer, as evidenced in the first chapter of Philippians—holding others in love and paying attention to their needs—can lead to profound personal and communal transformation. When we pay attention to the needs of others and hold them in our hearts, our hearts are transformed and enlarged, leading to greater joy.
🗣️ Key Quotation
“We don’t pray because it’s a good thing to do or because we ought to. Instead, the real surprise is that while holding another, our hearts change.” — Brent Levy
🙏 Prayer
Compassionate God who holds each of us tenderly in your heart, help us notice the joys, sorrows, and longings of those around us and hold them tenderly in our hearts so that we might cultivate a deeper sense of compassion and connection, through Jesus Christ, our constant companion and guide. Amen.
➡️ Next Step
This week, write a letter to someone who needs encouragement. Reflect on who comes to mind, then write them a note expressing gratitude, love, and hope. Share your prayer for them, holding them in your heart as Paul did for the Philippians. This simple act can transform both their heart and yours.
