This past Sunday, the first Sunday of the New Year, I presented a message to our church titled “Prepare for 2018″. At the close of the message I led the congregation in a Responsive Reading and time of prayer. This seemed to impact people in a great way. Not only did we read it aloud, each person had a copy to carry home and use daily this week and throughout 2018.
Following our morning worship service, I attended a Pastor Search Committee for the church. The committee chairman began the meeting by reading the responsive reading and applying it to the committee’s task. It was then that I realized the impact this Responsive Reading could have on the life of many others. So, though I wrote it for our congregation, I now share it with you.
In the worship time, we read the bold print together, and I read the regular print as a challenge to each of us for 2018. My prayer is it will be of great value to your spiritual being and life for 2018.
Consecrate yourselves, because tomorrow, the Lord will do wonders among you.
Lord, as your children, we realize we have been sanctified by you to carry out your tasks of fulfilling the Great Commission. May we be found faithful in 2018.
Consecrate yourselves, because tomorrow, the Lord will do wonders among you.
As your messengers to 2018 we have been blessed. Our blessing comes from you alone in carrying out Your mission. May we be found faithful in 2018.
Consecrate yourselves, because tomorrow, the Lord will do wonders among you.
As believers in Christ, may we devote ourselves for the year 2018, to your purpose in our lives; opening up to others about your wonders and grace. May we be found faithful in 2018.
Consecrate yourselves, because tomorrow, the Lord will do wonders among you.
God Almighty, you have left us here to fulfill Your works. Therefore, we know we are set aside by You for great wonders. May we be found faithful in 2018.
Consecrate yourselves, because tomorrow, the Lord will do wonders among you.
Lord, you have set us apart, so today, we dedicate ourselves to Your service. Embolden us to share Your story and Your wonders. May we be found faithful in Your eyes.
Prayer: Lord, YOU have set us apart. You have called us to this great supernatural work of yours. So, today, this first Sunday of 2018, we consecrate ourselves for all of 2018 to be watchful, obedient, and willing to share with others at every opportunity You avail to us.
Father, help me to be prayed up and studied up, so that I can lift up the name of Jesus. Teach me and guide me in how to share in every situation so that I will experience the wonders of Your Holiness around me.
O Lord, it is only with Your help that I will be found faithful. Lead me in being faithful to Your cause, that I will enjoy the wonders of Your work. In Christ’s name, Amen.
The message was based on Joshua chapter 3 with a focus on verses 4-5, 9-10.
May God bless you richly as you prayerfully use this through 2018. Drop me an e-mail or social media message with your thoughts.
George Yates is a Life Purpose Coach and Organizational Health Strategist, assisting individuals, churches, and organizations in fulfilling their God-given purpose.