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Praying for Passion in Ministry
The following format is based on the chapters of Stephen Seamands’ book, A Conversation with Jesus (Victor Books). Each is based on Christ’s post-Resurrection, breakfast-on-the-shore conversation with Peter in John 21. “Jesus . . . remind[ed] Peter of the essentials of ministry-–truths he already knew but had forgotten. His five ‘words’ to Peter revolve around key elements of ministry.”
Focus: Renewing Our Passion For Ministry
Format:
- Sing–-Choose a song that leads into the next theme
- Scripture--Read and Expound on Scripture (2 minutes)
- Silence-–Give everyone time to mediate on the scripture (2 minutes)
- Supplication-–Explain how to pray (partners; groups, etc)
- Song-–Transition to the next theme . . .
Scripture Themes:
- “Do You Love Me?”
- “Feed My Sheep”
- “Where You Do Not Want to Go”
- “Follow Me”
- “What Is That to You? Follow Me”
- “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:21-22)
Chapter Heading Quotes:
“Do You Love Me?” "Whatever happens to you, never give up praying. It would be like giving up breathing. A man or woman who does not pray is no longer a ministry."--Henri Nouwen
“Feed My Sheep” "Feed my sheep-–identify yourself with My interests in other people, not identify Me with your interests in other people."--Oswald Chambers
“Where You Do Not Want to Go” "The work of God can only be built upon the ruins of ourselves."--Fenelon
“Follow Me” "The working minister is in a co-working ministry day after day with Christ’s own ministry, supported and energized by the Holy Spirit."--Thomas Oden
“What Is That to You? Follow Me” "Envy causes us to want to be what we were never created to be–-someone else."--Robert Schnase
“Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:21-22) "Unless the Holy Spirit fills, the human spirit fails.”--E. Stanley Jones
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