Songs of Worship Prayer Retreat None But Verse 2 Praise His June 1, 2013 Jesus In the chaos in Holy Name confusion I know You're sovereign still Verse 1 Verse 1 In the moment of my weakness Praise the Lord In the quiet in the You give me grace From whom all stillness to do Your will blessings flow I know that You are For He has washed God When You call And made me white In the secret of I won't delay as snow Your presence This my song I'm redeemed from I know there through all my days All my sin and I am restored shame (BRIDGE) For now and forever When You call Praise His holy name All my delight is in I won't refuse You Lord Each new day again Chorus I'll choose All of my hope All of my strength Praise His holy name All my delight is in Chorus Praise His holy name You Lord To God be the glory Forevermore There is no one else Now and forever for me CCLI Song # 4726186 Praise His holy name None but Jesus Brooke Ligertwood Amen © 2005 Hillsong Music Crucified to set Publishing (Admin. by EMI me free Christian Music Publishing) CCLI Song # 7710 For use solely with the Lanny Wolfe Now I live to bring SongSelect Terms of Use. All © 1984 Lanny Wolfe Music Him praise rights reserved. www.ccli.com (Admin. by Gaither Copyright CCLI License # 290503 Management)For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI 30 License # 290503 This book belongs to ______

29 Notes Schedule Of The Day

9AM-9:15AM Worship and orientation

9:15AM-11:00AM Disperse and spend individual time with God. Feel free to move throughout the sanctuary, take a walk outdoors, or find your way to a side room.

11:00AM-12:00PM Prayerwalking

You may continue in a time of personal reflection or join in one of these 2 options:

A. Prayerwalking within the church building. Pray for God’s will to be done in our church and it’s ministries. Meet at the front of the sanctuary at 11AM for brief instructions, and to form a group of 2 or 3.

B. Prayerwalking the neighbourhood. Pray for the people and God’s kingdom to come in the place. Meet in the foyer at 11AM for brief instructions, and to pair up with 1 or 2 others.

"Prayer is not only about us getting through to God. Prayer is about God getting through to us so that we can discover his fatherly love for us. . . . Although there are 72 names for God in the Old Testament, and several more in the New Testament, every time Jesus addresses God, he calls him "Father." —J. Smed, “Journey in Prayer, Learning to Pray with Jesus” 28 01 return. They will enter Zion with angels with him. 10 Then I heard a Finding Intimacy With God: singing; everlasting joy will crown loud voice in heaven say: "Now their heads. Gladness and joy will have come the salvation and the When You Need to Sense God’s Love and Acceptance overtake them, and sorrow and power and the kingdom of our sighing will flee away” (Isaiah God, and the authority of his 35:1-10, NIV). Christ. For the accuser of our A Meditation on Luke 15:1-6 brothers, who accuses them (Adapted from Jan Johnson, www.janjohnson.org) FRUITION: “The farmer sows the before our God day and night, has word. 15 Some people are like been hurled down. 11 They seed along the path, where the overcame him by the blood of the word is sown. As soon as they Lamb and by the word of their hear it, Satan comes and takes testimony; they did not love their WARMING UP away the word that was sown in lives so much as to shrink from them. 16 Others, like seed sown death. 12 Therefore rejoice, you Reflect in silence for a few minutes. To help center yourself, try the on rocky places, hear the word heavens and you who dwell in following: and at once receive it with joy. 17 them! But since they have no root, they But woe to the earth and the sea, • Breathe in and out deeply a few times. Relax your neck and move it last only a short time. When because the devil has gone down around. Then let your arms go limp and relax the legs and ankles. trouble or persecution comes to you! He is filled with fury, Relax each part from the inside out. because of the word, they quickly because he knows that his time is fall away. 18 Still others, like seed short" (Revelation 12:9-12, NIV). • During the prayer time, if a distraction interrupts you, maybe write it sown among thorns, hear the down (perhaps God is calling something to your attention that you word; 19 but the worries of need to deal with later). Then turn the palms of your hands up as this life, the deceitfulness of they rest in your lap and offer that distraction to God. Turn your wealth and the desires for other hands over to signify your receiving God's peace. things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20 • As you read the suggested Bible passages read them slowly, pausing Others, like seed sown on good if a word or a phrase catches your attention or speaks to you. The soil, hear the word, accept it, and purpose of the reading is not to get more information, but to hear produce a crop — thirty, sixty or what God wants to say to you through His word. You do not have to even a hundred times what was read all the suggested passages. There may be others that come to sown" (Mark 4:14-20, NIV). mind or best meet your needs. The focus is on your encounter with God and what He wants to do in and through your life. SATAN’S SCHEMES EXPOSED: “The great dragon was hurled • Feel free also to listen to any music you've brought, and to go down — that ancient serpent outside the building - whatever is conducive to your prayer and called the devil, or Satan, who enjoying of God's presence. leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his

02 27 REMOVED OBSTACLES: “And it be glad; the wilderness will rejoice After you've quieted yourself, ask yourself the question below to help will be said: ‘Build up, build up, and blossom. Like focus your thoughts for meditation on today's passage. Take a few prepare the road! Remove the the crocus, 2 it will burst into minutes to reflect. It's OK if nothing comes to mind right away. Just obstacles out of the way of my bloom; it will rejoice greatly and enjoy God's presence. people’” (Isaiah 57:14, NIV). shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the What does it feel like to be found when you've been lost? Feel free SPIRIT’S MINISTRY: “To prepare splendor of Carmel and Sharon; to use words, write a poem or sketch a picture or image to describe your God's people for works of service, they will see the glory of the Lord, thoughts or emotions. so that the body of Christ may be the splendor of our God. 3 built up” (Ephesians 4:12, NIV). Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; 4 PROSPERITY: “ W h e n t h e say to those with fearful hearts, righteous prosper, the city "Be strong, do not fear; your God rejoices; when the wicked perish, will come, he will come with there are shouts of joy. Through vengeance; with divine retribution the blessing of the upright a city is he will come to save you." 5 Then exalted, but by the mouth of the will the eyes of the blind be wicked it is destroyed” Proverbs opened and the ears of the deaf 11:10-11, NIV). unstopped. 6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute HEALING: “If my people, who are tongue shout for joy. Water will called by my name, will humble gush forth in the wilderness and themselves and pray and seek my streams in the desert. 7 The face and turn from their wicked burning sand will become a pool, ways, then will I hear from heaven the thirsty ground bubbling and will forgive their sin and will springs. In the haunts where Read the passage printed below from Luke 15:1-6 heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, jackals once lay, grass and reeds NIV). and papyrus will grow. 8 And a The Criticism highway will be there; it will be KINGDOM ADVANCED: From called the Way of Holiness. The Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear the days of John the Baptist until unclean will not journey on it; it him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man now, the kingdom of heaven has will be for those who walk in that welcomes sinners and eats with them." been forcefully advancing, and Way; wicked fools will not go forceful men lay hold of about on it. 9 No lion will be The Response it” (Matthew 11:12, NIV). there, nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; they will not be Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred HIGHWAY OF HOLINESS: “The found there. But only the sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and the parched land will redeemed will walk there, 10 and open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he the ransomed of the Lord will finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls

26 03 his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have knowledge of the truth) 1 Timothy found my lost sheep.'" Prayerwalking 2:1-4, NIV). The Heart Of The Shepherd Scriptures GOD’S FAVOR: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because Sheepherder Phillip Keller, who has spent many hours searching for (Source: Breakthrough Prayer the Lord has anointed me to lost sheep, explains that if a shepherd doesn't arrive in time to Ministry) preach good news to the poor. rescue a "cast" sheep, it could die. Lying on its back, its feet in the He has sent me to bind up the air, frantically struggling to stand up, the sheep feels gases build up PEACE FOR THE CITY: “Also, brokenhearted, to proclaim in its belly and blood circulation is cut off. It cannot right itself. "This seek the peace and prosperity of freedom for the captives and is another reason why it is essential for a careful sheepman to look the city to which I have carried release from darkness for the over his flock every day. If one or two are missing, often the first you into exile. Pray to the Lord for prisoners, to proclaim the year of thought to flash into the shepherd's mind is, One of my sheep is cast it, because if it prospers, you too the Lord's favor and the day of somewhere. I must go in search and set it on its feet again." (From: will prosper" (Jeremiah 29:7, NIV). vengeance of our God, to comfort Phillip Keller, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.) all who mourn, and provide for OPEN HEARTS: “One of those those who grieve in Zion — to Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal himself to you as you consider the following listening was a woman named bestow on them a crown of questions. If any of the questions below are too difficult, hold them Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth beauty instead of ashes, the oil of before God for a few minutes and then go on. Don't worry about from the city of Thyatira, who was gladness instead of mourning, and getting an answer, but be open to what may come to you in the next a worshiper of God. The Lord a garment of praise instead of a few days. opened her heart to respond to spirit of despair. They will be Paul's message” (Acts 16:14, NIV). called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the ADORATION OPEN DOORS: “And pray for us, display of his splendor. They will too, that God may open a door rebuild the ancient ruins and 1. Look through the scripture and underline phrases that for our message, so that we may restore the places long devastated; they will renew the show the eagerness and enthusiasm of the shepherd. proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I ruined cities that have been Ponder on this aspect of God, and reflect on ways in the may proclaim it clearly, as I devastated for generations: (Isaiah past God has been eager and enthusiastic to pursue and should” (Colossians 4:3-4, NIV). 61:1-4, NIV) find you (eg. your personal journey to faith in Christ, a AUTHORITIES: “I urge, then, first TURNED HEARTS: “And he will time where you wandered from his ways and were go on before the Lord, in the brought back). of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be spirit and power of Elijah, to turn made for everyone—for kings and the hearts of the fathers to their Allow these thoughts to form praise and adoration to God. You may all those in authority, that we may children and the disobedient to also wish to read or quietly recite Psalm 23 in lifting up praise to the live peaceful and quiet lives in all the wisdom of the righteous — to Father, your Shepherd. godliness and holiness. This is make ready a people prepared for good, and pleases God our the Lord" (Luke 1:17, NIV). Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a 04 25 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in • Carry Scripture with you. You can use a small Bible, or the scriptures green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my included in this booklet. soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you Pray with Purpose. are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my • Pray for God to open our eyes today and in the coming days, to head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will notice what He sees. Pray for the needs of the people and places He follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the reveals. Pray also for willingness for God to mold us for His Lord forever (Psalm 23 NIV). purposes here Additional passage: Isaiah 40 (esp. vs. 11) • Pray quietly. You can be on the scene without making one.

• Our prayerwalk today is like preparing the soil for seed. We aren’t looking intentionally to start Gospel conversations, but praying in REFLECTION/CONFESSION confidence that God’s purposes and open doors will unfold in His time. 2. Read for the meaning of the word “LOST” in this passage • If anyone asks, simply say, “We’re praying God’s blessing on the below. neighborhood. Are there specific ways we can pray for you or others?” “LOST”

• Be persistent. Try prayerwalking for our neighbors regularly. A good In Jesus’ day “lost” did not mean what it has come to be in recent way to do this is to pray as you come and go to VCBC on Sundays. days: those who are not trusting Jesus for salvation. “Lostness” is Pray for our community as you walk to and from your car. Develop a about losing one’s way and there are many kinds of “lostness” in habit of being aware of the needs around you. which we are all engaged. We might lose our way in a situation, a relationship, a skill or in how we relate to God. That means that the “lost” sheep may be you in some way. PRAYERWALKING OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD In what situations, if any, do you wish God would "find" you and restore Choose one of the following locations as a focal point for your you to tranquility? Lay these situations and circumstances in front of prayerwalk, being open to the Spirit for places along the way to pause God and ask him to restore peace to your life where you feel it needs to and observe. Feel free also to find a place to sit and pray using some of be restored. If you would like to pray together with someone, be the scripture verses provided on the following pages, or others that encouraged to share what concerns you, with a pastor, brother or sister come to mind. during the lunchtime or later today. 1. Sikh Temple (8000 Ross Street at SE Marine Drive) 2. Walter Moberly Elementary School (1000 East 59th Ave. @ Ross Street) 3. Ross Park-Neighbors (7402 Ross Street @ E. 59th Ave.) 4. Businesses (corner of Knight and 57th )

24 05 3. Read about “the 99 sheep in the open country” below: Prayerwalking “THE 99” the Neighbourhood This story is a parable not an allegory (a parable has one meaning; in (Adapted from WayMakers: http://waymakers.org) an allegory each significant item represent something else). When people mistakenly view this story as an allegory, they think “the 99” must be “the saved” in contrast to the “lost” sheep. But Jesus God is stirring us to take our prayers beyond the walls of VCBC. As we described the “the 99” not as saved but as “those who don’t need put feet to our prayers, we’re beginning to pray with huge kingdom- to repent” (v. 7). How could this be? We all need to repent for sized hope for our neighborhood. We want to ask God to open our eyes something! But sometimes we don’t think we need to repent, so we can notice what He sees. We also want to pray for what God especially when we compare ourselves to someone in trouble. The reveals is on His heart to bless this community. unrepentant 99 have stopped searching and seeking; they no longer want a different way in life. Indeed, the 99 were probably looking down their noses at the dumb lost sheep because it had so much to HOW TO PRAYERWALK repent of while they did not. Sometimes we may be one of “the 99”: As we prayerwalk, our prayers extend beyond our own concerns, sitting in judgment of people who are searching but still very messy! focusing directly on the needs of others in our neighborhood and opening us to see our neighbors and community with God’s eyes and Ask God to search your heart to reveal where you may need to repent. heart. Where He sheds light, speak to Him in confession.

Additional passages: Psalm 139, Psalm 51, Psalm 103:8-17 Pray with a Partner. • Gather in a group of 2 for prayerwalking. Be reminded of God’s grace and forgiveness, reflected in the joy and celebration of the Shepherd. Know He is in the process of transforming • Pray quietly but audibly for clarity and better agreement. you. In the days to come, keep in mind the distinctive call of the shepherd, which the sheep recognized and responded to. This is the Pray with God’s Spirit. voice that guides them to their watering place everyday, whose staff • Pray before you begin and invite the Spirit of God to accompany untangles them from brambles and wild roses, whose voice brings them you, guiding your steps and your words. to shelter before a storm hits. • Be attentive during moments of silence, allowing the Holy Spirit to help you see with His eyes and pray in accordance with His heart. THANKSGIVING/EXPRESSION • Address God directly when contending with evil or its aftermath. Ask God to redeem people as he restrains the enemy. 4. Read the scripture passage from Luke 15:1-6 again. What word, phrase, scene or image emerges from the Scripture Pray with God’s Word. and stays with you? (If you latch on to something right • Don’t be afraid to read Scripture aloud. • Feel free to express God’s thoughts in your own words. 06 23 11.Church administrative and custodial staff away, set that aside for a minute and see if anything else (photocopier room or the sanctuary balcony) emerges.)

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for Here are some examples of scenes, or images that might emerge: the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you • the shepherd looking for the lost sheep are serving." -Colossians 3:23. • Consider all our church staff does for us behind the scenes every day • the lost sheep being found (you may wish to picture yourself being of the week, and ask for God's strength for them day by day as they carried on the shoulders of the shepherd) serve. Pray that on the day of rest they take, they would experience God's refreshing. Ask that the Lord would protect and enrich them • one of the ninety-nine sheep being left in the open country (you may spiritually, and they may have joy in serving. wish to picture the shepherd continuing to search for the lost sheep in the rain)

After a few minutes, write about the word or phrase or images that resonate within you from the passage.

Word or phrase:

Scene or image: I hear . . . , I see . . .

Ask God how he would want these thoughts (words, phrases, images) to shape you or be embedded into your life. Give thanks for what He is revealing to you, and for where He is at work in you.

22 07 5. If you choose, make your way to the art mural 10.Prayer/Care/Social concern (Front steps at main entrance, or (downstairs). Simply leaving your unique fingerprint on prayer room M3, next to main entrance) the mural, could represent God's intimate knowledge of you as His sheep. Or, as a symbolic act of repentance or ...For my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. - Isaiah 56:7 giving things up to God you might wish to make a handprint, followed by washing the paint (and burdens) • Many people humbly share that they struggle with prayer, be it distracting thoughts, ‘unanswered prayers,’ not knowing what to say, away. Feel free to select from the various art media to being too busy etc. Ask God to guide the prayer team in illustrate words, phrases, or images that God brought to encouraging others in understanding and maturing in their prayer mind. You need not be a professional artist! Our life. expressions together will form a unique picture that we • Pray that our decisions and actions as individuals and as a church offer to God as one. flow from scripture and prayer. Cast all your cares (anxieties) on Him, because He cares for you. -1 Peter 5:7 SUPPLICATION/PRAYER FOR OTHERS A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that 6. Read the passage again, and ask yourself when have you you are my disciples, if you love on another. -John 13:34, 35 had that kind of heart like the shepherd—searching He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the earnestly for someone or something? Pause in prayer and LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk ask God to shape a shepherd’s heart in you. humbly with your God. -Micah 6:8 • Ask God that we understand His heart and see with His eyes, so that we are real channels of justice and mercy in our world. Ask God to reveal to you your place in this, or strengthen you for how you are involved already. • Pray for the PCS team as they discern how God wants us to meet the needs of the whole person, as Jesus did, here in the Sunset community, and where we live. Pray for someone or an issue requiring God’s wisdom or grace in your community God brings to mind – a neighbour, a civic leader, a schoolteacher, a new immigrant. . . .

08 21 7. Spend some time in prayer for those people God has put 9. Youth ministry (glass room behind sanctuary) in your life. You may want to give thanks for them, pray over an aspect of lostness in their lives, or for specific “Sharing life…. Growing in Christ” needs you know of. Don’t feel guilty about not having time to pray for everyone and everything! This is not a Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with checklist, but responding to God who initiates prayer you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well. -1 Thessalonians 2:8 within us. Here are two verses that may encourage you in your praying: Ephesians 6:18 and Philippians 4:6. • Enjoy the artwork created by some of the youth. Give thanks for a few of the teens you know, by name, and for God’s hand on their lives.

• Read one of the scriptures below and pray this ministry core value is exemplified in Elim (gr. 6-7), Daniel (gr 8-9), and Gideon (gr. 11-12) fellowships (EDGe)

C ommunity in Christ (1 Thessalonians 2:8) R elationships (John 15:12-17) O utreach (Matthew 28:12-17) S piritual Growth (Romans 12:1-2) CONCLUDING PERSONAL PRAYER TIME S service (James 2:14-25) 8. Note any specific ways God has enlarged your • Pray for Pastor Johnny and the youth leaders to continue to grow in their own personal faith, so they can better help the teens grow in understanding, or is guiding you respond to Him. Commit faith, experience God’s love, and be equipped to share Christ with these to God and give thanks for His presence with you others. today.

• Ask God for renewed strength and energy as we near the end of the youth ministry year, and for God to call more people to serve in the youth ministry next year.

• Pray for the teens who are struggling in their faith and personal lives, and pray for the parents and families of the teens.

20 09 pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy Prayerwalking and good fruit, impartial and sincere. -James 3:13,17 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve (11AM – noon). Optional. others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus You may continue in a time of personal reflection or you may Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. join in one of these 2 options for prayerwalking: Amen. -1 Peter 4:11

8. Children’s ministry (nursery – kindly remove your shoes before entering) A. Prayerwalking within the church building “Christ in every aspect of life” Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm Pray for God’s will to be done in our church and its ministries. 119:105 Meet at the front of the sanctuary at 11 am for brief • Give thanks for the many children at VCBC, and the children instructions, and to form a group of 2 or 3. Refer to page 23 sponsored through the children’s offerings: Hao Hao (International China Concern), and Gloria (Watoto, Uganda). Pray for a child you know, that God who has begun a good work in him/her will carry it B. Prayerwalking the neighborhood on to completion (Phillipians 1:6). • Pray for God to strengthen the spiritual life of the leaders, helpers, Pray for the people and God’s kingdom to be established. and team lead Rosita, that serve in the many areas including primary worship, JC Kidz, pioneer club, P2G choir, VBS. Meet in the foyer at 11 am for brief instructions, and to pair up with 1 or 2 others. Refer to page 21 • Pray for this year’s VBS for nothing to hinder the children to come and experience Jesus, and He would be their foundation (theme: Kingdom Rock). Pray for the families these children represent, that Christ would be the centre.

• Ask God to provide 2-3 new leaders in Pioneer clubs and leaders in JC Kidz, as well as a smooth transition in September, of children going to Elim fellowship and grade 7 to the sanctuary worship on Sunday.

10 19 Inside Prayerwalk, for our • Daniel Louie, Urban Village Church • Moses Seo, Tsawout • Edith Watt, Hungry for Life-returning from ministry site in church and it’s ministries Carribean June 1 • (name withheld for security), Overseas Missionary Fellowship Meet at the front of the sanctuary. We will pray the Lord’s prayer (OMF) together, then form in groups of 2 or 3. Begin with the part of praying • Richard and Marilyn Schlitt, OMF for our church. Then choose one of the following ministry areas and go • Richard and Elsie Mackeroy, OMF to the location noted. Read over guiding scriptures and values some • David Gotts, International China Concern ministry leaders have provided, as well as current prayer needs. Take • Brian McConaghy, Ratanak Foundation turns in short prayers as the Spirit leads you. Move to another area when • ReSource Leadership you are finished. For those you don’t get to today, consider praying over them in your own time, or with a small group/fellowship in the coming days. Thank you for lifting up our church in prayer! 7. Leadership—Church Council, Moderators, English & Chinese Congregation Leadership Praying over our Suggested location Teams, Deacons, English Congregation Lead 1. Church, the body of Christ Choose any pew in the Pastoral Search Team (boardroom, across from ladies’ washroom) sanctuary 2. Worship Sanctuary platform or next to AV booth • Pray for all our leaders, that they would be able to be used by God, serve in His strength, and have His wisdom and understanding. 3. Nurturing Any classroom accessed by the north stairwells Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly 4. Pastors Library corner in basement handles the word of truth….In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for 5. Congregational life Kitchen noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself 6. Missions Basement bench near world from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, map on east wall made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. -2 Timothy 2:15, 20-21. 7. Leadership Boardroom, across from ladies’ washroom If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 8. Children Nursery room (please take -James 1:5 shoes off before entering) 9. Youth “Glass” room behind sanctuary Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from 10. Prayer/Care/Social concern Front steps of the building main wisdom….. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all entrance or M3 prayer room next to entrance

18 11 1. Our church (choose any pew in the sanctuary) • Think of the warm greetings and smiles when you arrive on Sunday mornings. Think BBQ, Christmas dinner, Good Friday, summer If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves conference, iiConnect. Then pray for the congregational life team and pray and seek your face and turn from their wicked ways, members and leader (Wayne) who by God’s grace, take care of all then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal the details to make these happen. their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. -2 Chronicles 7:14-15 • Pray that our church is welcoming, and that fellowship and connecting are not simply social or become inward-focused, but Our Father in heaven, hallowed (holy) be your name, your fruitful times where we build each other up and reach out. kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. -Matthew 6:9 • Pray for the sermon-based small groups, the young adults of SALT & Journey, and families of homebuilders • Ask God for a spirit of humility and repentance for our church at this time. Pray for God’s mercy and grace that our church be transformed • Pray for this year’s summer conference speaker Dr. David Currie to resemble His kingdom – where He rules and He reigns.

• Pray about God’s refining us to be a ‘community of faith passionately committed to forming genuine followers of Jesus Christ in love and 6. Missions (basement bench - under world map on east wall bulletin) unity.’ (VCBC mission statement) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in • Pray for the people who sit around the pews where you are (you may the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and not know them), that the Word that is preached would be received teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. well and powerfully bring about spiritual fruit in their lives. Pray for -Matthew 28:19-20. those who sit there during membership meetings, that what is said and decisions made are done in love, the most excellent way (I • Give thanks for the person who first shared about God with you, or Corinthians 13) and with God’s wisdom. someone who has discipled you.

• Pray for the mission team, and leader (Lewis) as they encourage 2. Worship (sanctuary platform chairs, near piano, drums, or near AV booth) participation locally and abroad to make disciples of all nations.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise….for • Pray for the Mission Prison inmates and those who go to visit them, the Lord is good and His love endures forever; his faithfulness the people of Tsawout First Nations and the team going this continues through all generations. -Psalm 100:4-5 summer. Thank God for Christy Lew’s service and return from Guatemala/Impact Ministries. To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. -I Samuel 15:22 • Pray for our partner missionaries/organizations

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite • Rita & Les Peters, Guatemala/Impact ministries heart, O God, you will not despise. -Psalm 51:17 • Craig O’Brien, Origin Church

12 17 in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to • Pray that we worship with prepared hearts, and that our worship is know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the acceptable to Him. measure of all the fullness of God. -Ephesians 3:16-19 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and Pastor Johnny admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. - More Than Conquerors. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Colossians 3:16 Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day • Give thanks for someone you know who has led you in worship (eg. long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these singer/songwriter, instrumentalist, AV tech, songwriter, or perhaps things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am whoever taught you to sing ‘Jesus loves me’ as a child). convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, • Pray for the worship ministry team (singers, musicians, audio-visual) nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love and leader Willis as they seek these values in preparing each worship of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:35-39 service:

• Pray for Pastor Johnny and Angel, for God’s wisdom and • Worship planning that is God-centered, bible-based, relevant, discernment in their decisions in life, strength as they serve in contextual, and having the selection of songs, music, transitions, ministries, and that they continue to make God the centre of their pace and flow related to the service theme and pastoral relationship. message.

• A service that meets the needs of the worshipper and provides a 5. Congregational life (kitchen) balance between celebration, reflection, confession, thanksgiving, petition, and that members of all ages, visitors and guests can meaningfully follow and respond. They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was • Ministry members are prepared for their roles and work together filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were harmoniously, and the audio/visual effects are positive and done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had conducive to worship. everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising 3. Nurturing ministry (any classroom accessed by the north stairwells God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added near the front of the sanctuary) to their number daily those who were being saved. -Acts. 2:42-27. So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live • Give thanks for times you experienced God bringing you into in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as fellowship with others, where you could encourage and support one you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that another in love and truth through the seasons of life. no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive

16 13 philosophy which depends on human tradition and the basic prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of principles of this world, rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given the knowledge of the Son of God an become mature, attaining to fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. -Ephesians 4:11-12. -Colossians 2:6-10 • Give thanks for the shepherds God has given us. Pray for our pastors • Give thanks for someone who has helped make sense of God’s Word as they preach, teach, and equip us for ministry, and seek to lead us to you, helped you memorize scripture verses, or showed God’s with a vision that glorifies God and is faithful to the gospel. word by living it out • Pray that they and their families experience the care of God, and • Pray for the nurturing team and leader (Wi-Guan), and all the they can care for their congregations to enable them to grow to teachers as they have a heart to: maturity in Christ.

• Continue to live in Christ – to be holy, transformed, more Christ- • Below are verses our congregation pastors have shared that are like. particularly meaningful in relation to their pastoral calling. You may want to use these scriptures as you lift them up before the Lord. Also • Impart “Christ-living” to their students, so they will be rooted remember Pastor Kong, Pastor Peter Teh, and Pastor Sam Wong in (thoroughly grounded), built up, and strengthened, which will your prayers. result in overflowing thankfulness and gratitude to God. Pastor Tom • Focus our thoughts and minds on what is really, truly important and deserving of our attention. (God) We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, • Counter empty, deceptive, worldly values by the Truth found in struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. scripture. -Colossians 1:28-29.

• Know Christ, and experience Him in all His fullness – every aspect Pastor Cindy of his deity, holiness, purity, majesty, sacrifice, love, grace, mercy, justice, goodness, and wrath. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know • Pray for the classes (Sunday LIFE, English, small groups, baptism etc.) him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in that meet in this room, though you may not know them – God does. order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches Pray that the teaching is faithful to God’s word and brings about of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great transformation. power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms. -Ephesians 1:17-19 4. Pastors (library corner in basement) I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established

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