Once a week early in the morning, I have the privilege of gathering with a group of women for Bible study. Our time begins with prayer - adoration, thanksgiving, supplication. Admittedly, I am often still a bit groggy at that time in the morning; it is so refreshing to wake up to the voices of my sisters recalling the attributes of God as we pray popcorn style:
God, You are Almighty.
Holy, holy, holy
You are the Alpha and the Omega.
You are a good, good Father.
There is no shadow of turning with You.
You are my rock, my fortress.
Our Good Shepherd.
You are loving.
You discipline us as a Father disciplines a son.
....
The list could go on indefinitely. These distinctive and familiar voices speaking truth about Father God in community, in unity of heart, are a weekly reminder of God's grace in bringing people of all backgrounds together to worship Him.
So it is when we meet with the children in weekly Bible Club. Our Bible lessons are short. This week, we talked about Jesus' prayer for the disciples and for future disciples at the last supper. John 17:21: "Father, I pray they will be one, just as you are in me and I am in you. I want them also to be in us. Then the world will believe that you have sent me. " The children and I talked about how God wants His children to live in unity. The result? Then the world will believe that God sent Jesus. Unity is a testimony.
As we meet, what an encouragement it is to hear these little ones affirm their faith in God and recall the attributes of God. May these children never lose their childlike faith, and may they develop a lifelong practice of worshiping in community.
God, You are Almighty.
Holy, holy, holy
You are the Alpha and the Omega.
You are a good, good Father.
There is no shadow of turning with You.
You are my rock, my fortress.
Our Good Shepherd.
You are loving.
You discipline us as a Father disciplines a son.
....
The list could go on indefinitely. These distinctive and familiar voices speaking truth about Father God in community, in unity of heart, are a weekly reminder of God's grace in bringing people of all backgrounds together to worship Him.
So it is when we meet with the children in weekly Bible Club. Our Bible lessons are short. This week, we talked about Jesus' prayer for the disciples and for future disciples at the last supper. John 17:21: "Father, I pray they will be one, just as you are in me and I am in you. I want them also to be in us. Then the world will believe that you have sent me. " The children and I talked about how God wants His children to live in unity. The result? Then the world will believe that God sent Jesus. Unity is a testimony.
As we meet, what an encouragement it is to hear these little ones affirm their faith in God and recall the attributes of God. May these children never lose their childlike faith, and may they develop a lifelong practice of worshiping in community.