Point of Grace Worship 10.9.22 Sermon Notes – “B.L.E.S.S. – Begin with Prayer 3x5”

Restoration and Mission: Twin Essentials for Following Jesus

Restoration (Daily Pause) and Mission (B.L.E.S.S.): Twin Essentials for Following Jesus

“BLESS” - an idea to own and an acronym to live - B.L.E.S.S

for joining Jesus on his Mission.

The Idea

Genesis 12 The Lord had said to Abram, 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

“BLESS” is a better idea for joining Jesus on His mission!

How do we live it?

B.L.E.S.S – 5 everyday practices to love our neighbors and change the world

B-egin with Prayer

L-isten

E-at

S-erve

S-tory to Share

Begin with Prayer to:

• Listen - for “orders and intel” – Jesus, what are you up to and how can I join you?

• Ask - for others as a “friend in the middle” – “calling in the coordinates” of God’s blessing for specific people

Luke 11 One of Jesus’ disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray,……. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ 7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.

3x5 Praying

3 People far from God but close to me (that I could potentially BLESS) that I pray for 5 times a week

Jesus, who can I begin to pray for?

The Lord’s Prayer is a great way to “Begin to Pray” for people I know who don’t know Jesus well!

Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed Be Your Name That __ (name)__ would know You by name for who You really are as Father in heaven who truly loves them.

Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven That Your life-giving presence reigns over ______’s life today overcoming all that would prevent Your good will and blessing for them.

Give us this day our daily bread Father, meet all _________’s physical, financial, mental and relational needs today so they know You as the gracious provider.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us That _______ would repent and receive complete forgiveness and in turn enjoy a lifestyle of forgiveness with all others

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one Father, lead ________ away from going down the paths that bring more brokenness, pain and sin into _______ life. Deliver them from evil’s attacks and influences this day. Deliver Father – Deliver!

Imagine what might happen if every Jesus follower

began praying like this

for 3 people who don’t know Him well,

5 times a week!

Imagine if I did!

PoG Vision “Pause to BLESS” 2022

Every PoG’er is equipped to B.L.E.S.S. by Fall 2022 and able to confidently and enthusiastically respond, at any time, to two questions: “Whose on my 3x5 list?” (3 people far from Jesus I am praying for 5 times a week.) “How am I practically getting to B.L.E.S.S. them?”