Table Talk: Beyond Hello Week Two
BEYOND HELLO: Encountering Christ Through Connection
Here’s a short description of our current sermon series.
When we step toward deeper relationships with one another, we tangibly experience the character of Jesus. God's love flows through us to others, and through others to us. We can feel His embrace in their hugs, His forgiveness in their pardon, and His compassion in their empathy. Intentionally pursuing others and stepping into their stories allows us to carry His presence into their lives - into both the joys and struggles - with purpose. As we take these steps, we'll encounter the relentless pursuit of Jesus and experience His power and nearness more richly in our own lives, as He impacts the world through us.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE - Hospitality
We believe that Jesus’ teaching is more than just knowledge for our minds (though it is certainly that). It should transform our actions. By living out - or practicing - the ways of Jesus, we are being shaped into a people who look more and more like Him.
One of the ways that we can live out what we are learning throughout this sermon series is through the practice of Hospitality. Hospitality is generously welcoming others into our home or space. We know that the ancient church embraced this practice wholeheartedly, as they “broke bread and ate together in their homes with glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:46). At least one time in the next four weeks, we challenge you to invite someone into your home to share a meal together. Treat your guest(s) with extra care and attention, thinking about how you can make each person feel most welcome and loved. We encourage you to stretch yourself relationally, and to ask God to show you people who would be especially encouraged by your invitation. If you have children, involve them in the planning and preparation as much as possible.
You can pray this prayer daily during the sermon series, or use it as a closing for table conversations each week.
Our Good Shepherd, you have pursued us persistently with care and compassion, and You ask us to pursue one another with that same love. Your power flows through us as we pray for each other. And we experience your nearness when we steward one another’s stories well. We ask that you would deepen our current relationships, and help us to form new relationships in the coming days. We trust that as we grow in love for one another, the world will see and will be drawn to You.
Amen.
Sermon Summary
Christ’s power is channeled through us as we intercede for one another through prayer, presence, and healing.
Conversation Starters
Kids
Prayer is talking to God. We can talk to God about anything! God wants us to pray for one another. He says that our prayers have power, because we are asking our powerful God for help. Have you ever prayed for someone else? What happened? Has anyone ever prayed for you?
Students
Most of us know that God wants us to pray for one another (Eph. 6:18, Col. 1:9). But what is the impact of praying for one another? Have you seen God answer your prayer for someone else? How does it feel when you know someone is praying for you? Do you regularly pray for other people? Is it an area you think you could grow in?
Adults
Reflect on the past year. Have you seen God answer a prayer you prayed for someone else, or a prayer someone else prayed for you? Do you believe - deep down - that prayer really channels God’s power through us? Who can you be praying for in the coming days, weeks, and months? Is there a routine, reminder, or tool that can help you to be more faithful in praying for that person/those people consistently (ie- pray for them at the same time every day, set a reminder in your phone, pray for them while brushing your teeth, etc.)?
