Spiritual Growth, Episode 3: Prayer

In this Bible study, we first recognise God's plan for Christians to grow up spiritually, even in difficult circumstances. Then, we look at Colossians 4:2: "Continue steadfastly in prayer..." and consider how important the regular practice of prayer is in the life of a Christian.

Another Midweek Message: The Importance of Learning How to Fall (Ephesians 3)

In this message, we consider how Paul's example in Ephesians 3 teaches us about the importance of prayer and of seeking God's help so that we can live faithful lives.

The Midweek Message - An Apostolic Prayer (Ephesians 1:15-23)

We continue our series exploring Paul's letter to the Christians in Ephesus.  In his prayer for these believers, he is grateful for the evidence of grace; he wants their relationship with God to deepen; and he proclaims the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

The Midweek Message - Four Priorities for the New Testament Church (Acts 2)

Last Sunday morning, we were visited by retired Pastor Graham Trice.  He taught from Acts 2, reminding us of the 4 priorities of the New Testament church and challenging us to consider our own priorities in the light of Scripture.

Just Another Midweek Message: Prayer and Peace (Philippians 4)

We were grateful to have Paul Crowe visit us last Sunday and preach from Philippians 4.  Paul is an elder at our planting church, Newtown Evangelical Church.  If you want to find out more about them, visit their website at: newtownevangelical.org/

In this message, Paul explores what it means to bring all our anxieties to the Lord in prayer, and the peace that God then gives to us as we pour out our hearts to him.

The Mid-Week Message: The Recipe for a Church that makes Excellent Choices

In Philippians 1, Paul's prayer is that the church community in Philippi would "approve what is excellent".  But what kind of church makes excellent choices?  Paul gives us three ingredients: love, knowledge and discernment.  In this message, we explore what those ingredients will look like, and why they are so important.

Some Words for Wednesday - Praying to the Father (Matthew 6)

In Matthew 6, Jesus provides a model for prayer, and teaches us how to pray to a Father who is God.

Some Words for Wednesday - Matthew 6 - The Radiant, Hidden Life

In Matthew 5, Jesus has prompted his followers to cultivate the radiant life - to "let your light shine" (Matthew 5v16).  Now, in Matthew 6, Jesus prompts his followers to cultivate the hidden life, and gives examples of giving, praying and fasting.

Friday to the Father - 12th August 2016

Jesus said: "This then is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven...' " (Matthew 6v9)

We're thankful for the last couple of weeks of holiday.  Being away from home and then having family visiting has meant that the blog has been quite bare, so my apologies for that!

My family were greatly encouraged during our week at the Carey Family Conference.  It was so refreshing to spend time with so many other Christians, learning how God has been active in their lives over the last 12 months.  We were well fed with teaching from the Bible; had many good laughs; and the kids really enjoyed themselves (as usual!)  

We were able to share news about the work in Welshpool and the church that the Lord is building, and were encouraged by the prayers and feedback of others.  Here's a picture from the barbeque on the final evening:

A couple of families from the conference then visited us on Sunday morning, so of course we then invited them to our open house that afternoon!  Praise God that we have a home that we're able to share with others, and we thank Him for all that He provides.

Please pray for the church as the holiday season ends.  I'm planning to increase the time I spend working for the church from one day a week to two days a week - please pray that the Lord will provide for this.  In a future blog post, I'll share how this work is currently funded.

Please pray for the families that are committed to the church community.  Pray that the Lord will provide for our daily needs.  Pray also that we will be guided in our outreach - we're currently considering a Christianity Explored course for teenagers.

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Friday to the Father - 10th July 2016

Jesus said: "This then is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven...' " (Matthew 6v9)

We're grateful that the Lord continues to encourage us and provide for our needs.  Over the last couple of weeks, I've felt that we have "settled in" as a church, and we're now to start "looking around".  This means we need to begin considering how we bring the gospel to the community around us.  Please pray that the Lord will direct us in his will.

We're having an open house this Sunday afternoon, and inviting a variety of people.  Praise God that we have a home so suitable for giving hospitality.  Please pray that we'll have confidence to share the gospel in love as we share food and conversation.

Please pray for our church family: that the Lord would restore health to those who are unwell; give wisdom to those who are facing complicated situations; and provide work for those who are seeking it.

We're grateful to God for help that we'll receive this Sunday morning from Newtown.  Please pray that God will bless those leading and teaching.  Pray for me as I'll be meeting the elders on Monday evening to update them on WCC.

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Friday to the Father - 13th May 2016

Jesus said: "This then is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven...' " (Matthew 6v9)

We were very encouraged last Sunday as we gathered for our morning service, and later on when we met at our house for lunch and afternoon fellowship.

Thank God for help from members of Newtown Evangelical Church (NEC).  Several people have offered to help us on a monthly basis, so I'm currently sorting out a timetable for that.

Please pray for NEC.  They're hosting an evening with Stuart Burgess on Tuesday 31st May, when he'll be giving the talk: "Inspiration from Creation: How Engineers are Copying God's Designs".  Pray that God will bless this evangelistic opportunity. 

We were encouraged by a couple called Roger and Rachel who came to the Sunday morning service.  They were visiting because they are planning to move into the area, and are taking a look at some of the local churches.  Please pray that the Lord will guide them and keep them in His will.

Please continue to pray that God will provide all we need as a church.  In particular, pray that our application to hire a room at the school next door to our meeting place will be successful.  This will allow us more space for the children's work on Sundays.

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Friday to the Father - 6th May 2016

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4v6)

Praise God for an encouraging weekend!  It was Ruth's 40th birthday recently, so we celebrated by having an open house over the Bank Holiday weekend.  We had over 80 visitors!  As I watched the children playing football in the garden (while I kept an eye on the barbeque!), my heart was provoked to give thanks.  It probably wasn't the first time we'd had an open house since my struggles last year, but it certainly felt like it.  Please pray for us, as Ruth and I are thinking about opening our home on Sunday afternoons during the Spring and Summer.

We were encouraged on Sunday morning by seeing Michelle, and then meeting her husband, Shaun, at the open house on Monday.  Please pray that God would bless and provide for Michelle, her husband and their children, and that Michelle would be able to come more regularly on Sundays.

We were also encouraged to see Ruth with her kids, Sian and Callum.  Please pray that God would bless and provide for Ruth, her husband Richard, and their children.  Sian is currently unwell, but there was an encouragement while she was with us on Sunday morning.  Please pray that God would restore her to good health.

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Friday to the Father - 15/4/16

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4v6-7

We recently applied to hire a different venue for our Sunday service.  This other venue had several practical benefits when compared to our current meeting place.  However, our application was turned down.  While this was initially surprising and disappointing, we see it as an answer to our prayers and your's, and find a peace that "surpasses all understanding".

We've therefore embraced the challenge of our current meeting place, and last Sunday we changed several things about the structure of the service.  The outcome was very positive, and I was greatly encouraged!  We were also grateful for a large family visiting during their holiday in the local area. 

We have also decided to change the time of the Sunday meeting, moving it from the afternoon to the morning, beginning this Sunday.

Praise God for His faithfulness, and for the wisdom He is able to provide.

Please pray that God will continue to provide for the practical needs of the church.  Pray also that God will help and heal those who are currently unwell.

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow! 

Monday to the Father - 4/4/16

Jesus said: "This then is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven...' " (Matthew 6v9)

Usually I post prayer requests and thanksgiving on a Friday but, having missed last Friday, I still wanted to share a prayer request with you for tomorrow.  As I've mentioned in previous posts, we're currently looking at another venue for our Sunday gatherings.  

The committee that will decide whether or not to accept our booking request is meeting tomorrow, so please pray that the Lord will overrule in this matter.  We trust our Father God, and only want to walk in His will.

Thank you for your continued prayers for the church in Welshpool.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Friday to the Father - 11/3/16

Jesus said: "This then is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven...' " (Matthew 6v9)

Praise God for a good trip to Kidderminster on Tuesday to meet Nathan Smith, one of the pastors at Grace Church Bristol.  Brandon and I met Nathan through the Worship God UK conferences held in Bath (although this year, the conference will be in Bristol).

We had lunch at a lovely little restaurant called Le Petit Gare.  As we ate, we shared how God was at work in our different situations.  We were encouraged as we recognised how much we can give thanks for, and how God provides when we trust Him and follow His will.

After bringing Nathan up to speed regarding the gospel work in Welshpool, we asked him if there were any particular needs he wanted us to pray for:

Pray for the services being organised over Easter.  Grace Church Bristol holds an Easter egg hunt on Good Friday as a way of meeting people from the local community.  Please pray that this will be an effective way of building more bridges.

Pray that the gospel will be powerfully shared as the church gathers on Easter Sunday.

Pray also for the following Sunday, when the church will be holding an evangelistic family service.

Finally, pray for the Worship God UK conference being organised for September 2016.  Its aim is to encourage and equip church communities and church leaders.  Pray for Nathan (as he is one of the main organisers) and pray for us.  In previous years, Brandon and I have gone without our wives, but this year we really want to take them with us!  However, this will be tricky to organise, so pray that the Lord will enable this if it is His will.

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Friday to the Father - 4/3/16

Jesus said: "This then is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven...' " (Matthew 6v9)

Praise God for his continued provision for us as a church, and for our individual families.

Please pray for the well-being of those who have committed to being a part of the church plant in Welshpool.  It's not appropriate to share each individual situation on a public forum like this, but please pray that God will support each one in their different struggles, and that He will teach us how to support each other.

I was asked to lead a service at a crematorium last week.  As I hadn't led that kind of service before, I was grateful that I was able to get advice from my father-in-law, who has had years of experience as a pastor.  Thank God for maturer saints who are able to share their wisdom and experience.  

Please pray for guidance as we plan our Easter services.  We're considering having an evangelistic family service the Sunday before Easter.  Please pray that God will help us in this.  There is a lot to organise - pray that we'll be able to share the responsibilities and that we'll be able to advertise the service effectively.

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Friday to the Father - 19/2/16

Jesus said: "This then is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven...' "
Matthew 6v9

We continue to be thankful for the support and encouragement we receive as the work in Welshpool continues.  Praise God for our unity in Christ, and for the love we have for each other as a spiritual family.  Please pray that this love will grow within our church, and be a witness to the world that we know Jesus Christ.

Please pray for the children and young people who attend the church services.  We have a small creche for the youngest children, but we don't have a Sunday school.  Currently, we don't have a room we could use, nor do we have enough people to oversee a Sunday school.  Please pray that God will provide resources and wisdom if we are to have a Sunday school.

In light of this, we have a children's talk as part of the Sunday afternoon service, and I try to limit my sermon to 20-25 minutes.  Please pray for me regarding both of these teaching challenges!  

Finally, please pray for the unbelieving family members of the church - particularly spouses.  Pray that God will help us to build friendships and share the gospel, and that He will act in saving mercy.

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Just Another Melodic Monday - Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour

Red Mountain Church have produced several albums of classic hymns with a contemporary, acoustic sound.  One beautiful example of this is "Pass me not, O gentle Saviour" by Frances Crosby.  

If you're interested in learning more about Red Mountain Church, take a look at their website, www.redmountainchurch.org.

Friday to the Father - 5/2/16

Jesus said: "This then is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven...' "
Matthew 6v9

We're grateful that God continues to encourage us.  We had several visitors last Sunday, including Moses and Mari.  Pray for Moses - he works with churches in the local area, encouraging them to reach out to the local community with the gospel.  Pray also for him and Mari, his fiance, as they prepare for their wedding later this year.

We were also encouraged by friends visiting from Newtown Evangelical Church, and from Welshpool Baptist Church.  Please pray that we'll be able to maintain helpful, loving relationships with Christians who are committed to other local churches.

This Sunday, we'll be having communion as part of the main service.  While this is typical for most churches, for us it's a new venture, as we normally have communion as part of our meal together.  However, because some people are unable to stay for the meal regularly, probably about once a month we're going to have the Lord's supper as part of the main service instead.  Please pray that this will be an encouragement to the church.  Pray also for Brandon, as he will be leading the service.

We've now started thinking about opportunities for later in the year.  I've started to think about our Easter service, and we've begun to plan for the Welshpool Summer Fair.  Please pray that God will give us wisdom, and provide the resources we need.

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Praise God from whom all blessing flow!

Friday to the Father - 29/1/16

Jesus said: "This then is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven...' "
Matthew 6v9

Praise God for continuing encouragements.  We had our first mid-week prayer meeting last week.  It was women-only, and Ruth came home (after 11pm!) with some great feedback.  There were four ladies, and as well as praying, they importantly spent time sharing and getting to know each other better.  Please pray that God will strengthen the trust between us through our times of prayer together.

Praise God for encouragements on Sunday - there are 2 local ladies who have started coming regularly to the meetings.  Pray that God will encourage and bless them.  Please pray that God will strengthen our relationships within the church.

Last Sunday evening, I preached at Shrewsbury Evangelical Church.  They were a great encouragement to me.  Please pray that God will bless their ministry to the town and to each other, and guide them as they seek a full-time pastor.  You can visit their website at www.shrewsburyevangelicalchurch.org - consider leaving a message of encouragement.  

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!