Week 2 : Cultivating God’s Love
Saturday
Call to Prayer
God’s desire is for all of humanity to have an intimate relationship with Him. We are able to know God through his Son, Jesus Christ. We engage in a relationship with God through studying the Scriptures and allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s love, truth and compassion, which are found in Christ Jesus.
Spend a few moments in prayer and silence preparing your heart to receive from the Holy Spirit.
Psalm & Scripture
Psalm 85:4-7 (ESV)
Now restore us again, O God of our salvation.
Put aside your anger against us once more.
Will you be angry with us always?
Will you prolong your wrath to all generations?
Won’t you revive us again,
so your people can rejoice in you
Show us your unfailing love, O LORD,
and grant us your salvation.
Matthew 5:43-48 (NLT)
You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Time of Reflection
Pray that God would show you his love and share the joy of salvation with you.
Reflect on the hatred, envy and anger in your own heart. Think about times in the past few days you have not been a good neighbor. Confess these thoughts and actions to God, asking for his forgiveness.
Ask God to grant you strength so that you love those who hate you, who are jealous of you or who look down on you.
Missional Response
As you go throughout this day, be aware of times you are not being loving towards others. When people cut you off, pray a blessing on them. If someone is taking away your time, be patient with them. If someone is a bother to you in someway, pray that God would bless them and pour out His love on them just as He has on you.
Community Prayer
Pray for the spiritual growth of all who call Hope Hill their home church. Ask God for Hope Hill to be a thriving, healthy church where individuals are invited to know God and make Him known.