Pray for One Another

I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.

Romans 15:30 (NIV)

These words were written by Paul, and they are a reminder that we all need friends. We need help and support and prayer from them. We cannot do things on our own. At Kairos, Nicole and I split our small group into pairs for prayer partners. We ask people to tell each other what's going on in their lives. Then we ask them to pray for each other. It's something people usually aren't sure about but end up enjoying. It's something that's easy to do when you're there, but I doubt many people pray with their friends when they are home.

If you're like me, even suggesting to say grace when you're at lunch with your friends can feel a bit daunting. Especially if they're not all Christian. However usually if you suggest saying Grace, people agree. Though you usually get the joy of praying. ;) So the next time you're at lunch with friends, suggest saying Grace. It doesn't have to be long. "Thank you God," is easy enough to say. If your courage isn't quite there, considering bowing your own head for a moment and silently praying, "Thank you God." You'd be surprised the effect it can have on people.

If someone's having a bad day, you might consider praying with them as well. It sounds hokey, but it helps. It also tells the person you care enough to go out on a limb like that for them.

http://kairosverse.blogspot.com

True Friendship

If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!

Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NIV)

Today's verse is inspired by Katie Gross. We haven't talked much this summer because we've both been busy. I got a note in the mail today that lifted my spirits in the middle of a rough week. I texted her to thank her to it and we caught up. A good friend is one that will pick you up when you fall, no matter how long it's been since you talked with them. Most of my best friends have moved away as I've grown up, but even if we haven't talked for months, I can call them up and talk to them. We pick up where we left off. We're there for each other.

Jesus is like that. It doesn't matter if we've forgotten about Him, gotten too busy for Him, or even have turned away from Him. He is always ready to catch up with us. He is always ready to support us. He never holds grudges if we haven't had time for Him, but is always happy to see us when we come back. One of the four Greek words we translate into "love" is philia. It is brotherly love. It is friendship. It is the love of someone who is there for you when you need them.

Not only does God provide people in our lives that we can turn to, but He is also there for us - one of our best friends. He was such a good friend that He gave his life for us so that we would not have to suffer eternal torment. How awesome is that?

http://kairosverse.blogspot.com

Be Imitators of God

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)

Our third verse for this weekend is from today's lessons. We come back to our first verse, where Jesus tells us to love like Him. We add in the idea of not just loving, but of living. Live a life of love. If we are living a life of love, the verse tells us, we are a living sacrifice, giving of ourselves for others. We love one another as Jesus loves us. We carry each other's burdens. We live a life of sacrifice.

http://kairosverse.blogspot.com