We pray. We study the Bible. We make friends. We tell our stories. We give ourselves away in service and generosity.

A PERSONAL PRAYER
God of power and strength,
The book of Revelation says you sent your son as the Lion of Judah. Strong. Courageous.
I know Jesus was fully human, and you can’t be fully human without being afraid now and then. He prayed in anguish in the garden, and the angel came and strengthened him.
God, I confess I sometimes feel timid and weak and afraid. I avoid my fears rather than face them. The lion that lives in me must be the cowardly lion rather than the lion of Judah.
Forgive me, God.
I want to make your command my mantra: be strong and very courageous. Be strong and very courageous. Be strong and very courageous.
In the name of Christ, I pray.
Amen.

KEY VERSE FOR THE WEEK
I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 Read the full text for this Sundayhere.

QUESTIONS FOR CONVERSATION
What have been some of the more significant moments of decision in your life? What do you think is your default decision in most moments? What do the voices to which you usually listen say?

SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE
This Sunday, we will give Bibles to our third graders in our 8:30, 8:45, and 11 a.m. services. It is always a fun Sunday to see these kids as they take this step on their journey of faith. I’ll bet some of you still have your third grade Bibles. We also begin a new sermon series on Courage. Too often, we live out of fear, fear that paralyzes us. Over these weeks, we will take a look at the various ways courage and fear work, and how we face our fears and learn to live courageously.

PRAYER CALENDAR

Sunday, January 10
God, you have told us that you will never leave us or forsake us and that you will be with us wherever we go. Help us to feel your presence, and give us peace to know that you are always with us.  Nothing is impossible with you. Amen.

Monday, January 11
Dear Lord, may your light shine of all of your children in the coming year. May your blessings be abundant. Amen.

Tuesday, January 12 – Personal Prayer Day
People in leadership roles have to make big decisions and, sometimes, hard decisions.  Pray for the people you know who are leaders. Pray for them by name. Ask God to give them wisdom and discernment. Ask God to bless them and encourage them in their position.

Wednesday, January 13 – Scripture Prayer
“God, be merciful to us and bless us; look on us with kindness, so that the whole world may know your will; so that all nations may know your salvation.” Amen. -Psalm 67:1-2, TEV

Thursday, January 14 – Personal Prayer Day
There are many people in the world who do not know God well or at all. Pray for those people in your life who need to know God’s love. Pray for them by name. Ask God to give them opportunities to know his love.

Friday, January 15
God, we confess that we often come to church expecting to receive. Help us come to church with an attitude of giving.  Prepare us to hear your word and to answer your call in church on Sunday. Amen.

Saturday, January 16 – Student Ministries Prayer
The DNOW Winter Retreat for 6-12 grade students is this weekend. Please pray for God to grow their faith and to help them form faithful friendships.