Week 11 Prayer and Study Guide

between us. We refuse to bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit by living and operating in a way that is outside of Your will. We assert ourselves as a body of believers to rid our Church family of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. We will demonstrate that we have passed from death to life by loving our Christian brothers and sisters. We confess that we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit and we all share that same Spirit. Therefore, we decree and declare that we will not be selfish or try to impress others. But we will be humble, thinking of others as better than ourselves. We will not look out only for our own interests, but we will take an interest in others too. We decree that we will build each other up in our most holy faith. We will pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and we will await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring us eternal life. In this way, we will keep ourselves safe in God’s love.
Holy Spirit, show me how I can defeat strife and division within our Church Family today:
Holy Spirit, remind us as a Church Family that we are to be holy just as God, our Father, who chose us is holy. He has commanded this of us. Give us the strength to think clearly and to exercise self-control. Keep us mindful that the Father will judge or reward us according to what we do. Help us to release past and present offenses and to be willing to forgive one another just as God has forgiven us. Teach us how to dwell together in unity. Walk us through
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the steps of rebuilding loving fellowship between us. Help us to obey Your command to “love your neighbor as yourself” so that we will not self-destruct by always biting and devouring one another. Give us a willing heart to allow You to guide our lives so that we won’t do what our sinful nature craves. Show our leaders how to mend their broken relationships and restore balance to our Church Family.
Merciful Father, forgive our many sins. We have sinned against you and against one another. Forgive us for holding onto grudges and for seeking vengeance upon our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Forgive us for leaning toward our own understanding and failing to acknowledge You in all our ways. Forgive those amongst us who are being false witnesses, pouring out lies and sowing discord in our Church family. Forgive those of us who have stood by passively allowing sin and deception to go unaddressed. Forgive us for not heeding the warnings of the Holy Spirit and being hesitant to obey Your commands. Lord, forgive me for (list any sins that You have committed).
Holy Spirit, remind our Church Family of those they need to forgive and help them to be quick to forgive. As for me, Holy Spirit, bring to my remembrance those I need to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you names or faces of people that You may need to forgive. As He reveals them say, “I forgive name of person(s).” Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds in Your soul caused by unforgiveness.)
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Holy Spirit, help us as a Church Family not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
Magnificent King, You reign forever; executing judgment from Your throne. You will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness. We listen carefully to the thunder of Your voice as it rolls from Your mouth. It rolls across the heavens and Your lightning flashes in every direction. We are in awe of the tremendous voice of Your majesty. You do not restrain it when You speak. Your voice is glorious in the thunder. We can’t even imagine the greatness of Your power. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture References for the Written Text: Psalm 103:8, John 17:21, Ephesians 4:11-13, Psalm 46:1, 10, I Chronicles 16:28-29, Psalm 105:4, Isaiah 41:10, Ephesians 4:30-31, I John 3:14, Philippians 2:3- 4, Jude 1:20-21, I Peter 1:13, 15, 17, Galatians 5:14-16, Proverbs 3:5- 6, Proverbs 6:19, Matthew 6:13, Psalm 9:7-8, Job 37:2-5
4. Concepts to Consider
Today, in our time, we see a flowering of neo-monastic and intentional Christian communities and covenantal fellowships from all corners of the Body of Christ (not just Catholic or Orthodox expressions) that celebrate whole, joyful, and holy lives as celibate singles and as faithful married folk. These communities and fellowships seek to embody the “all things in common” ideals of the earliest Church and encourage ordered covenant accountability and regular patterns of worship, study, and work for daily life.
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If you think about it, the Wesleyan Small Groups we discussed two weeks ago are a form of intentional Christian community that has a “Rule of Life.” As a matter of fact, if you read the Rule of St. Basil, you will find some continuity between Wesley’s theology and ideas on Christian community there.
TO BE VERY CLEAR:
You do NOT have to live in a monastery or be a hermit in order to have a “Daily Rule” for ordering your life in Christ. You can live your “normal life” and still enter into an intentional covenant relationship with God and other believers that is designed to offer mutual support, spiritual companionship, and give structure to your Spiritual growth.
Let’s face it, the way that God has designed His Church makes it very difficult to become truly holy without the aid of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are not meant to try and live the Christian life alone. Even the most cloistered hermits meet together from time to time to take Communion and to celebrate important feast days.
Here are a few examples and exploration into communities from around the world that have chosen to live in the way we have been discussing, by a “Daily Rule.”
1. From a Lexington, KY, Wesleyan intentional community member:
“...a Rule can be helpful to guide the community. I’m now part of a contemplative community &
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cohort through the Living School at the Center for Action and Contemplation (https:// cac.org/about-cac/missionvision/) and we together are given freedom to create our own “rule” with the guidelines of including
a contemplative practice (whatever works for you), community, contemplative contemplative solidarity.”
of prayer contemplative study and
2. http://b.link/SouthAfricanMonastic
3. http://www.luostariyhteiso.fi/english/
4. http://group.community/RivendellRule
5. http://sattalchristianashram.orgAshramIdeals.php
5. Reflection Questions:
a. Personal Reflection. Why do you think so many modern Christians are seeking “a more common” life together and are beginning to follow a daily and/or community “rule” and order? Would you be willing to participate in one of these communities? Why or why not?
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b. Kingdom Reflection. Believers are living intentionally all over the globe. The Holy Spirit seems to be working to bring the Followers of Jesus into “one accord” for the sake of His Kingdom and Gospel. Now that your awareness of these communities and rules have been enlivened, ask the Lord to show you how you can pray for and with them as they endeavor to be and bring Jesus to the world around them?
Optional Time of Centering/Soaking:
If possible, take some time, perhaps 5 to 15 minutes, to get into a comfortable position and simply allow the Lord to minister to you at a deep level (Psalm 42:7). Turn off or put down all distractions. Close your eyes. Hold in your thoughts a meaningful word, phrase, or image from the Scripture you read today. Release all other thoughts and concerns into the Presence of the Lord. If your thoughts wander, that’s okay, just gently return to your Scriptural word, phrase, or image. You may want to set a timer.
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Notes:
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Day 76:
Developing
“My Christian Daily”
1. Center Down
Our breath prayer for today. As you inhale, whisper, “I will walk with purpose...“ As you exhale whisper, “...the Way that leads to Life.”
2. Slowly read aloud the following Scripture
[The Apostle Paul writes,] And so here I am, preaching and writing about things that are way over my head, the inexhaustible riches and generosity of Christ. My task is to bring out in the open and make plain what God, who created all this in the first place, has been doing in secret and behind the scenes all along. Through followers of Jesus like yourselves gathered in churches, this extraor- dinary plan of God is becoming known and talked about even among the angels!
All this is proceeding along lines planned all along by God and then executed in Christ Jesus. When we trust in Him, we’re free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go. So don’t let my present trouble on your behalf get you down. Be proud!
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My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask Him to strengthen you by His Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite Him in. And I ask Him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working with-in us, His Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Glory to God in the church!
Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!
(Ephesians 3:8-21, MSG)
For further exploration:
Video: http://b.link/myRuleExample http://b.link/NYCNewLifeRule
(long, but really great; 45 min)
Article: http://b.link/ChristHonoringDay 60


3. Kingdom Prayer
Our Father, thank You for Your Word which instructs and guides us. Thank You for Your rod and Your staff which protect and comfort us. Thank You for Your love which can never be separated from us. Father, with all that we are, we will praise You. We will praise Your Name as long as we live. You made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them. You keep every promise forever. You are righteous in everything that You do, You are filled with kindness. Lord, You are close to all who call on You in truth. You grant the desires of those who fear You; You hear their cries for help and rescue them.
Loving Father, You have given pastors and teachers to equip us to do Your work and to build up the church, the Body of Christ. It is Your will that we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of Your Son so that we will be mature in You Lord; measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ Jesus. Therefore, we confess that as members of the Body of Christ, we will be a community of faith who will study God’s Word so that we are not ashamed and who correctly explains the Word of truth. Lord, it is not Your desire for us to be unskilled in the Word of righteousness like babes in Christ, but You want our senses to be developed to recognize the difference between right and wrong like those who are mature. We declare that we are a body of believers who are becoming very skillful in God’s Word and more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leadership. We know that if we live according to the flesh, we will die, but if we live by the Spirit and put the deeds of the body to death, we will live. We confess that, daily, we are moving from the sincere milk of God’s Word to becoming
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meat-eaters. We commit to reading and meditating on God’s Word daily.
Holy Spirit, show me the areas of my life where I am still a spiritual infant and what I need to do to mature in those areas:
Holy Spirit, enlighten our hearts through the Word of God. Help the members of the Body of Christ to fully obtain knowledge of the Father’s will and to walk in spiritual wisdom and understanding. Remind us to always honor and please the Lord so that we will produce every kind of good fruit. Stir up our hearts to hunger and thirst after righteousness, so that we may be filled. Holy Spirit, please help those who are emotionally immature to commit their ways to You and help them to manage their emotions. Change their appetites so that their desires are for God instead of the world.
Forgiving Father, please forgive those who have been lazy about learning more about You. Forgive those members who do not acknowledge You in all of their ways. Forgive them for depending on themselves instead of You, Your Son and Your Holy Spirit. Forgive those who carry offenses, grudges, and anger. Forgive all of us for acts of pride, rebellion, disobedience, selfishness, hatred, and idolatry. Forgive those members who, instead of walking by faith, allow their passions and lusts to lead them. Father, forgive me for (list any sins that you have committed).
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Holy Spirit, remind all of us of those we need to forgive and help us to be quick to forgive. As for me, Holy Spirit, bring to my remembrance those I need to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal names or faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He reveals them say, “I forgive name of person(s).” Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds in your soul caused by unforgiveness.)
Holy Spirit, help us all not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations. Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your Name? You alone are Holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous deeds have been revealed. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture References for the Written Text: Psalm 23:4, Romans 8:38, Psalm 146:1-2,6, Psalm 145:17-19, Ephesians 4:11-12, II Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 5:13-14, Romans 8:13, Colossians 1:9-10,
Proverbs 3:6, Matthew 6:13, Revelation 15:3-4
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4. Concepts to Consider
Just as we have daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly schedules, habits, and routines for many things in our lives (e.g., brushing our teeth, taking out the trash, cleaning out the refrigerator, oil changes, dental check-ups, etc.) God knows we are most productive and less stressed when we live a life that has some semblance of order.
As we have observed throughout this week, since the most ancient times, God’s people have organized their days into fixed patterns of prayer, their weeks into work and Sabbath rest and their years into the Biblical Festival Cycles.
Might it not be worth taking a look at how we, today, right now, can--with the Holy Spirit’s help--develop our own “Daily Rule of Life” that might govern our lives and makes us more effective in the Kingdom of God?
So now it’s time to dive in. Let’s try building your “Christian Daily Rule.” Incorporate as many of the “Christian Best Practices” that you have been learning over the last 12 weeks as seems practical and useful for you. Consult with the Lord in prayer and with your family and/or closest Christian friends for guidance.
I have included a “Rule of Life” grid and an example below for your convenience.
Here are additional links to other "Rule Builder" guides that you might find helpful. Let the Lord lead. Have
fun!
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Resources: https://ruleoflife.com/myrule/ http://b.link/LewisDailyRule


OVERVIEW OF THE "BEST CHRISTIAN PRACTICES" WE'VE COVERED:
Week 1. Whetting Our Spiritual Appetites (Matthew 5:6) Week 2. Listening to Scripture /Lectio Divina (2 Timothy 2:15) Week 3. Listening to the Saints (Hebrews 12:1)
Week 4. The Power of Prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Week 5. The Call to Worship (Hebrews 10:25)
Week 6. Entering into Sabbath Rest (Exodus 16:23)
Week 7. Fasting for Spiritual Awakening (Matthew 6:16) Week 8. Kingdom Examen (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Week 9. Walking in Accountability (Galatians 6:1-5)
Week 10. The Gift of Hospitality (Hebrews 13:2)
Week 11. Ordering Our Days (Psalm 50:23)
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EXAMPLE:
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• Practice Lectio Divina 2x per week


5. Reflection Questions
a. Personal Reflection. What was the most positive thing about building your Rule? What was the most challenging?
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b. Kingdom Reflection. How will you share with others what you are learning as you explore living a more “regulated” life in Christ?


Optional Time of Centering/Soaking:
If possible, take some time, perhaps 5 to 15 minutes, to get into a comfortable position and simply allow the Lord to minister to you at a deep level (Psalm 42:7). Turn off or put down all distractions. Close your eyes. Hold in your thoughts a meaningful word, phrase, or image from the Scripture you read today. Release all other thoughts and concerns into the Presence of the Lord. If your thoughts wander, that’s okay, just gently return to your Scriptural word, phrase, or image. You may want to set a timer.
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Day 77:
Practicing
“My Christian Daily”
1. Center Down
Our breath prayer for today. As you inhale, whisper, “We seek to...” As you exhale whisper, “...dwell in the House of the Lord forever!”
2. Slowly read aloud the following Scripture
[The Apostle John writes,] My dear congregation, I, your pastor, love you in very truth. And I’m not alone— everyone who knows the Truth that has taken up permanent residence in us loves you.
Let grace, mercy, and peace be with us in truth and love from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, Son of the Father!
I can’t tell you how happy I am to learn that many members of your congregation are diligent in living out the Truth, exactly as commanded by the Father. But permit me a reminder, friends, and this is not a new commandment but simply a repetition of our original and basic charter: that we love each other. Love means following His commandments...
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and His unifying commandment is that you conduct your lives in love. This is the first thing you heard, and nothing has changed.
There are a lot of smooth-talking charlatans loose in the world who refuse to believe that Jesus Christ was truly human, a flesh-and-blood human being. Give them their true title: Deceiver! Antichrist!
And be very careful around them so you don’t lose out on what we’ve worked so diligently in together; I want you to get every reward you have coming to you. Anyone who gets so progressive in his thinking that he walks out on the teaching of Christ, walks out on God. But whoever stays with the teaching, stays faithful to both the Father and the Son.
If anyone shows up who doesn’t hold to this teaching, don’t invite him in and give him the run of the place. That would just give him a platform to perpetuate his evil ways, making you his partner.
I have a lot more things to tell you, but I’d rather not use paper and ink. I hope to be there soon in person and have a heart-to-heart talk. That will be far more satisfying to both you and me. Everyone here in your sister congregation sends greetings. (2 John, MSG)
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3. Kingdom Prayer
Our Father, we thank You for Your love and compassion. Thank You for keeping Your covenant with us throughout the ages. Thank You for making us Your people. Lord, You are compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. Your unfailing love toward those who fear You is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. Let the whole world fear You, Lord. Let everyone stand in awe of You. Almighty God, You are so awesome! Father, You are great and most worthy of praise. We will praise You at all times and constantly speak of Your praises.
Righteous Father, as a Church Family, we will obey Your commands, walk in Your ways, and fear You. We confess that Your instructions are perfect, reviving our souls. Your decrees are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Your commandments are right, bringing joy to our hearts. Your commands are clear, giving insight for living. Revering You is pure, lasting forever. Your laws are true and each one is fair. Father, Your Word is more desirable than gold, yes, even the finest gold. Your Word is sweeter than honey dripping from the honeycomb. Your Word warns us and we expect great reward as we obey it. We declare that as we are willing and obedient to You, we will eat the good of the land. We will seek Your Kingdom above all else, and live righteously, and we know that You will give us everything we need.
Today, I will obey God, Our Father, in the following areas:
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Omnipotent Father, please let Your ears be attentive to our prayers. Holy Spirit, show us individually and collectively where we are consistently missing the mark. Help us to turn from our areas of disobedience and fully release our whole hearts to the leading of the Holy Spirit. As a Church Family, help us to continue encouraging each other and building each other up on a regular basis.
Compassionate Father, forgive us for sins of pride, rebellion, disobedience, selfishness, hatred, and idolatry. Lord, forgive us for half-hearted worship. Forgive us for at times treating You irreverently. Forgive us where we have not glorified Your Name and Your Kingdom by our actions and lifestyles. Lord, forgive me for (list any sins that you have committed).
Holy Spirit, remind each of us of those we need to forgive and help us to be quick to forgive. As for me, Holy Spirit, bring to my remembrance those I need to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal names or faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He reveals them, say, “I forgive name of person(s).” Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds in your soul caused by unforgiveness.)
Holy Spirit, help us all not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
Triumphant Lord, You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. You are the God who is, and
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who was, and who is still to come – the Almighty One, El Shaddai. All honor and glory belongs to You, God, forever and ever! You are the eternal King, the unseen One who never dies; You alone are God. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture References for the Written Text: Psalm 103:8,11, Psalm 33:8, Psalm 96:4, Psalm 34:1, Deuteronomy 8:6, Psalm 19:7-11, Isaiah 1:19, Matthew 6:33, Matthew 6:13, Revelation 1:8, I Timothy 1:17
4. Concepts to Consider
Now it’s time to put feet to all of our learning. To go out there and actually put into practice all that we have been exploring and learning. Please take time to record your experience as you practice your “Daily Rule of Life” today. Share these experiences with trusted family members and/or friends. May you grow in wisdom, understanding, grace and the love of God as you practice your Rule. Remember, you can always alter your Rule as life changes, but don’t give up on it too soon. Learning a new skill takes time and patient gentleness with yourself.
Ready?
Set?
Go!
God Rules! :)
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5. Reflection Questions
a. Personal Reflection. What was the best thing you experienced as you practiced your Rule? What was the most challenging thing?
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b. Kingdom Reflection. How might the “Christian Best Practices” benefit you, your church, and your community for the sake of Jesus Christ?
Optional Time of Centering/Soaking:
If possible, take some time, perhaps 5 to 15 minutes, to get into a comfortable position and simply allow the Lord to minister to you at a deep level (Psalm 42:7). Turn off or put down all distractions. Close your eyes. Hold in your thoughts a meaningful word, phrase, or image from the Scripture you read today. Release all other thoughts and concerns into the Presence of the Lord. If your thoughts wander, that’s okay, just gently return to your Scriptural word, phrase, or image. You may want to set a timer.
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FEAST OF PASSOVER
Sundown, Friday, April 19, 2019 thru Sundown, Saturday, April 20th
**CHURCH FAMILY VIRTUAL, AT-HOME
SEDER CELEBRATION**
Friday, April 19th, 7:00 p.m.
Tune into the Windsor Village Church Family Facebook page for a livestream hosted by the Pastors Caldwell
FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD
Sundown, Saturday, April 20st thru Sundown, Saturday, April 27th
FEAST OF FIRST FRUITS
Sundown, Saturday, April 20th thru Sundown, Sunday, April 21st
RESURRECTION WEEKEND WORSHIP CELEBRATIONS
Saturday, April 20, 2019, 6pm Sunday, April 21, 2019: 5:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m.
FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD WORSHIP CELEBRATION
Saturday, April 27, 2019, 6:00 p.m.
FEAST OF PENTECOST
Sundown, Saturday, June 8th, thru Sundown, Sunday, June 9th
FEAST OF PENTECOST WORSHIP CELEBRATION
Saturday, June 8, 2019, 6:00 p.m.
http://b.link/FeastFacts
Windsor Village Church Family
6011 W. Orem, Houston, TX 77065; 713-723-8187 Prayer Power Line: 713-721-4821 www.kingdombuilders.com; www. facebook.com/incitewindsor www.prayerinstitute.com
Kirbyjon H. Caldwell, Senior Pastor