Resources for Fasting – June 11th, 2020

Morning Prayer

Read: Acts 8:1-24

Reflect: There are a few themes to notice and reflect on in this scripture. First, though Saul was persecuting the church, it’s clear that God uses persecution to advance his Kingdom. Matthew 5:10 says “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” A second theme from this passage is Simon the Magician’s attempt to use the Holy Spirit for personal gain. You may not have tried to literally buy God’s power with money, but do you ever fall into the temptation of viewing God as the means to the end of a certain way of life? Paul exhorts us, rather, to “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of the mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:6-7).

Pray: For strength in the face of persecution and trial. This may be literal opposition that you face because of injustice, opposition from friends or family as you pursue God’s will in your life, and the opposition of the enemy of God who seeks to thwart God’s purpose. Pray for the desire to glorify God above ourselves. Ask God for forgiveness for any ways that you have pursued your own will over God’s will in your life.

Proclaim: “He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!” (Psalm 37:6-7)

Mid-day Prayer

Read: Acts 8:26-40

Reflect: When Philip the Evangelist heads towards the city of Gaza, he encounters an Ethiopian eunuch after being prompted by the Spirit to minister to him. As Philip notices the eunuch reading a passage from Isaiah, he offers him the invitation to learn more about the meaning of the passage. In other words, he meets the Ethiopian man where he’s at, crossing a cultural boundary along the way. In other words, the Holy Spirit leads Philip to build a 3C friendship!

Pray: Pray that the Holy Spirit would fill you with courage to build committed, Christ-centered, cross-cultural friendships. Pray that God would use us as a church to express God’s kingdom of justice and equity in a world in the grip of racial injustice. Pray that God would give our church clarity and guidance as we move forward in the mission to make disciples in Auburn Hills who make disciples of the nations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pray for our city, state, and nation that God would bring us to collective repentance for the injustices we have allowed to persist, and that God would birth a something new from the crises of this moment.

Proclaim: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the board of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion!…” (Psalm 133:1-3).

Evening Prayer + Communion (7pm)

Join us on Facebook Live at 7pm for a special gathering hosted by LCAH staff and leadership team. For at-home communion, you will need bread and grape juice (or another kind of fruit juice). Please have these ready to go at the start of the service.