WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.220 Welcome to the Willow Ridge Sermons Podcast, where you can listen to audio from our most 00:00:09.220 --> 00:00:10.300 recent sermons and more. 00:00:10.860 --> 00:00:15.100 Thanks for listening, and be sure to add this show to your library if you'd like to automatically 00:00:15.100 --> 00:00:16.800 receive new episodes each week. 00:00:28.320 --> 00:00:36.160 We want to remember that God is the originator and he is the perfecter of your faith and my faith. 00:00:37.620 --> 00:00:44.620 And in doing that, we want to fix our eyes on Jesus, that author and perfecter of our faith. 00:00:45.440 --> 00:00:49.200 And one of the ways that you and I do that is we spend time in prayer. 00:00:49.940 --> 00:00:53.780 We spend time talking to God, just like I'm talking with you this morning. 00:00:54.280 --> 00:00:59.640 Prayer is nothing that's got a little bit of dust sprinkled on or anything like that. 00:00:59.740 --> 00:01:06.180 Prayer is just simply you and I having a conversation with God, seeking what God's desire is for 00:01:06.180 --> 00:01:14.320 our life, sharing with God what's on our heart and our mind, going before God with the burdens 00:01:14.320 --> 00:01:20.620 not only of our lives, but maybe of our family or of our friends or our neighbors, just simply 00:01:20.620 --> 00:01:23.680 spending time with the Lord in conversation. 00:01:24.240 --> 00:01:25.580 That's what we call prayer. 00:01:26.880 --> 00:01:28.720 And so this morning, that's what we want to do. 00:01:28.820 --> 00:01:34.260 We want to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. 00:01:35.460 --> 00:01:40.100 This morning, we have the privilege as your church staff to guide you through this prayer 00:01:40.100 --> 00:01:40.520 time. 00:01:41.300 --> 00:01:46.280 And each of us will take a specific point in your prayer guide and walk you through that 00:01:46.280 --> 00:01:47.080 time of prayer. 00:01:47.600 --> 00:01:49.060 We'll read a verse of scripture. 00:01:49.960 --> 00:01:52.460 Then we'll share with you what to pray for. 00:01:52.560 --> 00:01:55.100 Then we'll give you time to pray over that item. 00:01:55.660 --> 00:01:58.140 And then each of us will close our time in prayer. 00:02:00.220 --> 00:02:05.200 So many of you, if you don't know me, my name is David Allen, and my ministry focus here 00:02:05.200 --> 00:02:07.580 at Willow Ridge Church is adult ministry. 00:02:08.220 --> 00:02:12.940 And so I have the privilege and the honor to guide our adults through the various aspects 00:02:12.940 --> 00:02:13.880 of ministry. 00:02:15.400 --> 00:02:19.680 And so I'd like for you and I together this morning to pray for our church. 00:02:20.460 --> 00:02:24.540 In Philippians 1, verses 9 through 11, we read these words. 00:02:25.820 --> 00:02:32.100 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more with knowledge and all discernment 00:02:32.100 --> 00:02:38.020 so that you may approve what is excellent and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. 00:02:38.900 --> 00:02:46.060 Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise 00:02:46.060 --> 00:02:46.800 of God. 00:02:48.440 --> 00:02:52.340 So in the first that we're going to pray for, we're going to pray for our church's leadership 00:02:52.340 --> 00:02:59.080 and staff, our elders, our trustees, our small group leaders, our volunteers, and our staff, 00:02:59.640 --> 00:03:05.640 that we will continue to seek the Lord's guidance as we come into 2026. 00:03:07.020 --> 00:03:10.020 So would you pray that prayer at this moment? 00:03:10.020 --> 00:03:11.160 Thank you. 00:03:11.160 --> 00:03:11.160 Thank you. 00:03:11.160 --> 00:03:11.160 Thank you. 00:03:40.020 --> 00:03:47.380 Now I want to encourage you to pray for the engagement within the body. 00:03:48.000 --> 00:03:51.500 How are you connecting with the body of Christ at Willow Ridge Church? 00:03:52.420 --> 00:03:53.920 Is it in a small group? 00:03:54.300 --> 00:03:55.060 Is it serving? 00:03:55.880 --> 00:03:57.260 Is it meeting somebody new? 00:03:58.340 --> 00:04:04.100 Let's spend this time now asking God to guide us in the engagement that we have with the body 00:04:04.100 --> 00:04:05.000 of Christ. 00:04:05.000 --> 00:04:34.980 Let's pray for the rest. 00:04:35.000 --> 00:04:47.200 Now let's pray for our church's commitment and the desire for prayer in 2026. 00:04:48.700 --> 00:04:52.060 That we as a church grow in our prayer life. 00:04:52.920 --> 00:04:55.120 That we grow in our prayer for one another. 00:04:55.380 --> 00:04:58.080 That we grow in our prayer for the ministries of Willow Ridge Church. 00:04:58.080 --> 00:05:03.340 That we grow in our time of praying over our church family and where God would have us. 00:05:04.380 --> 00:05:11.760 Let's also pray that God would increase the depth of your prayers and my prayers as we spend time with him. 00:05:11.760 --> 00:05:41.740 Thank you. 00:05:41.760 --> 00:05:49.660 Lord, thank you so much for the bride, your church. 00:05:51.360 --> 00:05:58.420 Lord, you have put people together to come to worship, to come and grow in their faith, 00:05:59.000 --> 00:06:02.900 to come and grow in their knowledge and understanding of who you are, 00:06:03.460 --> 00:06:06.440 to give us opportunities to serve one another. 00:06:07.720 --> 00:06:10.360 And again, Lord, you call that your church. 00:06:11.640 --> 00:06:18.180 Thank you for loving us so much that you designed the body of Christ to come together, Lord. 00:06:19.900 --> 00:06:23.260 As a church, Lord, we pray that as we enter in 2026, 00:06:23.660 --> 00:06:28.700 that you would just do things in our lives that we've not seen you do before. 00:06:29.660 --> 00:06:34.660 Lord, we pray that you will do things in the life of Willow Ridge Church that we have not seen you do before. 00:06:35.160 --> 00:06:40.340 Lord, that you would make us the light on top of the hill in our community. 00:06:41.160 --> 00:06:43.740 Father, stretch us. 00:06:44.640 --> 00:06:45.640 Lord, grow us. 00:06:46.860 --> 00:06:52.740 Help us to come together as your body, serving here in our community, 00:06:53.660 --> 00:06:55.740 serving where you desire for us to serve. 00:06:56.580 --> 00:06:58.080 Lord, we love you and we thank you. 00:06:58.460 --> 00:07:00.640 And we ask this prayer in your name. 00:07:01.340 --> 00:07:01.680 Amen. 00:07:01.680 --> 00:07:01.820 Amen. 00:07:01.820 --> 00:07:01.860 Amen. 00:07:01.860 --> 00:07:12.260 Good morning, Willow Ridge. 00:07:12.500 --> 00:07:17.300 For those of you who don't know me, my name is Dawn Coulter, and I am the children's minister here. 00:07:17.300 --> 00:07:23.180 It is an honor and a privilege to help invest in your kids here. 00:07:23.620 --> 00:07:31.780 As 2026 approaches, we want to focus on praying for our families, seeking God's blessings, 00:07:32.780 --> 00:07:35.900 guidance, favor, and protection in this year. 00:07:36.780 --> 00:07:44.620 Our prayer life is not limited to early morning hours, quiet moments, or big life events. 00:07:44.940 --> 00:07:52.540 At any time, in any place, we can freely come to God's throne of grace with our family's needs. 00:07:53.260 --> 00:07:56.160 First, we are going to pray for our marriages. 00:07:56.820 --> 00:07:59.160 Genesis 2, 24 tells us, 00:07:59.640 --> 00:08:09.100 Therefore, a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 00:08:09.900 --> 00:08:15.300 We want to spend time in prayer for our marriages, to be strengthened in the love of God. 00:08:16.520 --> 00:08:20.000 How can you live out true commitment and service to each other? 00:08:21.000 --> 00:08:32.080 Pray for your own heart to become more Christ-like, asking God for guidance to love sacrificially and reflect his unconditional love to your spouse. 00:08:32.520 --> 00:08:40.480 Pray for unity within your home, for a deeper connection, to grow closer spiritually and emotionally. 00:08:41.740 --> 00:08:47.780 And maybe for some, it's a prayer for your spouse's salvation and spiritual growth. 00:08:48.440 --> 00:08:51.900 Let's take a moment to bow our heads and quietly pray. 00:09:02.520 --> 00:09:32.500 Next, we want to pray for our children, that they may grow spiritually as they are raised in godly homes. 00:09:32.520 --> 00:09:36.040 Psalm 127, 3-5 00:09:36.040 --> 00:09:42.880 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. 00:09:43.640 --> 00:09:48.420 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. 00:09:49.640 --> 00:09:52.180 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them. 00:09:52.700 --> 00:09:56.840 He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. 00:09:57.600 --> 00:10:05.480 Pray for their spiritual growth, as well as physical and emotional well-being, their protection and guidance. 00:10:06.400 --> 00:10:14.100 Pray for wisdom, patience, and homes that reflect God's love through a strong biblical foundation 00:10:14.100 --> 00:10:18.120 and are filled with peace, laughter, and encouragement. 00:10:18.120 --> 00:10:23.800 Or maybe it's a prayer for an older child that has strayed from their faith. 00:10:24.740 --> 00:10:28.260 Ask God to soften their hearts and draw them back to him. 00:10:29.060 --> 00:10:31.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:31.100 --> 00:10:32.080 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:32.080 --> 00:10:32.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:32.100 --> 00:10:33.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:33.100 --> 00:10:34.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:34.100 --> 00:10:35.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:35.100 --> 00:10:36.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:36.100 --> 00:10:37.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:37.100 --> 00:10:38.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:38.100 --> 00:10:39.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:39.100 --> 00:10:40.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:40.100 --> 00:10:41.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:41.100 --> 00:10:42.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:42.100 --> 00:10:43.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:43.100 --> 00:10:44.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:44.100 --> 00:10:45.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:45.100 --> 00:10:46.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:46.100 --> 00:10:47.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:47.100 --> 00:10:48.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:48.100 --> 00:10:49.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:10:49.100 --> 00:11:06.100 Would you go before the Lord in prayer? 00:11:06.100 --> 00:11:11.100 Last, we are going to pray for spiritual priorities in 2026. 00:11:11.100 --> 00:11:16.100 That our families would make Jesus their highest priority. 00:11:16.100 --> 00:11:21.100 What steps do you need to take to grow in your faith this year? 00:11:21.100 --> 00:11:22.100 Romans 12:2 00:11:22.100 --> 00:11:29.100 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 00:11:29.100 --> 00:11:34.100 Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is. 00:11:34.100 --> 00:11:38.100 His good, pleasing, and perfect will. 00:11:38.100 --> 00:11:44.100 Here are some areas that you can consider praying over as you discern what God is asking of you. 00:11:44.100 --> 00:11:55.100 If you are not serving within the body of the church, would you consider serving in a ministry using your talents and gifts God has given you? 00:11:55.100 --> 00:12:02.100 Maybe it's being intentional to prioritize daily personal or family devotions. 00:12:02.100 --> 00:12:08.100 Or for some, it might be the step of faith to begin giving financially to the church. 00:12:08.100 --> 00:12:17.100 What is it that God is asking of you to do or change this next year to make Him your highest priority? 00:12:17.100 --> 00:12:22.100 Let's enter a time of prayer and ask God to show and reveal this to you. 00:12:22.100 --> 00:12:24.100 What is it that God is asking of you? 00:12:24.100 --> 00:12:25.100 What is it that God is asking of you? 00:12:25.100 --> 00:12:26.100 What is it that God is asking of you? 00:12:26.100 --> 00:12:27.100 What is it that God is asking of you? 00:12:27.100 --> 00:12:28.100 What is it that God is asking of you? 00:12:28.100 --> 00:12:29.100 What is it that God is asking of you? 00:12:29.100 --> 00:12:30.100 What is it that God is asking of you? 00:12:30.100 --> 00:12:31.100 What is it that God is asking of you? 00:12:31.100 --> 00:12:32.100 What is it that God is asking of you? 00:12:32.100 --> 00:12:33.100 What is it that God is asking of you? 00:12:33.100 --> 00:12:34.100 What is it that God is asking of you? 00:12:34.100 --> 00:12:35.100 What is it that God is asking of you? 00:12:35.100 --> 00:12:36.100 What is it that God is asking of you? 00:12:36.100 --> 00:12:37.100 What is it that God is asking of you? 00:12:37.100 --> 00:12:38.100 What is it that God is asking of you? 00:12:38.100 --> 00:12:39.100 What is it that God is asking of you? 00:12:39.100 --> 00:12:40.100 What is it that God is asking of you? 00:12:40.100 --> 00:13:02.100 Lord, as 2025 comes to a close, we thank you for this past year. 00:13:02.100 --> 00:13:07.100 Regardless of what this year has held, you have brought each of us here today. 00:13:07.100 --> 00:13:14.100 Thank you for a new year, for new beginnings, and for your faithfulness. 00:13:14.100 --> 00:13:19.100 We pray for restoration and renewal in every area of our lives. 00:13:19.100 --> 00:13:24.100 You know the weight, trials, and blessings that we have carried in 2025. 00:13:24.100 --> 00:13:30.100 And as we enter into 2026, will your favor go before us? 00:13:30.100 --> 00:13:33.100 We lift up our marriages to you. 00:13:33.100 --> 00:13:38.100 May our homes be filled with love, unity, and your presence. 00:13:38.100 --> 00:13:40.100 Strengthen and protect our marriages. 00:13:40.100 --> 00:13:45.100 Help us to become more Christ-like in our relationships. 00:13:45.100 --> 00:13:51.100 We pray for our children, for your wisdom and guidance in our role as parents. 00:13:51.100 --> 00:13:59.100 Give us the patience, love, and understanding needed to raise our children in a way that honors you. 00:13:59.100 --> 00:14:04.100 Give us discernment to make decisions that are in their best interest. 00:14:04.100 --> 00:14:09.100 And surround our children with your protection and draw them close to you. 00:14:09.100 --> 00:14:13.100 May our parenting reflect your mercy and grace. 00:14:13.100 --> 00:14:18.100 And as our children grow, may they desire to know and love you more. 00:14:18.100 --> 00:14:22.100 Thank you for the precious gift of our children. 00:14:22.100 --> 00:14:27.100 Lord, I pray that you will remove the things that hinder our connection with you. 00:14:27.100 --> 00:14:30.100 And fill us with a hunger for more of you. 00:14:30.100 --> 00:14:37.100 I pray for a renewed sense of spiritual priorities that you will help us to grow in our faith. 00:14:37.100 --> 00:14:43.100 May we be reminded that true hope can be found nowhere else but in you. 00:14:43.100 --> 00:14:51.100 Give us a sense of urgency to live with purpose and focus on what matters most this coming year. 00:14:51.100 --> 00:14:54.100 In your holy and precious name I pray. 00:14:54.100 --> 00:14:55.100 Amen. 00:14:55.100 --> 00:15:08.100 Good morning, church. 00:15:08.100 --> 00:15:10.100 I'm Joel Van Ham. 00:15:10.100 --> 00:15:15.100 I'm your pastor of business, finance, and let's be honest, the best students in the world. 00:15:15.100 --> 00:15:21.100 This morning I am excited to lead us in prayer as a congregation for evangelism. 00:15:21.100 --> 00:15:24.100 Scripture tells us in 1 Peter 3:15, 00:15:24.100 --> 00:15:36.100 "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for the reason of hope that you have in you. 00:15:36.100 --> 00:15:40.100 Yet do it with gentleness and respect." 00:15:40.100 --> 00:15:46.100 Evangelism is our response to God's command to go and tell. 00:15:46.100 --> 00:15:48.100 We are called to spread the gospel. 00:15:48.100 --> 00:15:49.100 The good news. 00:15:49.100 --> 00:15:50.100 That Jesus came. 00:15:50.100 --> 00:15:52.100 That he lived a sin-free life. 00:15:52.100 --> 00:15:54.100 That he died for our sins. 00:15:54.100 --> 00:15:55.100 That he rose again. 00:15:55.100 --> 00:15:58.100 And that he's coming back for those who believe in him. 00:15:58.100 --> 00:16:01.100 So how do we pray for evangelism? 00:16:01.100 --> 00:16:06.100 We, as believers, know the story of truth and we've accepted it. 00:16:06.100 --> 00:16:08.100 Our next step is to share it. 00:16:08.100 --> 00:16:10.100 But that's not always easy. 00:16:10.100 --> 00:16:13.100 For some of us, sharing our faith is difficult. 00:16:13.100 --> 00:16:16.100 For some of us, just talking to somebody is difficult. 00:16:16.100 --> 00:16:20.100 Some of us don't know the right words to say or when to say them. 00:16:20.100 --> 00:16:21.100 So we pray. 00:16:21.100 --> 00:16:30.100 But before we think about how and who to share the gospel with, we must pray for a desire in our own hearts to share with others. 00:16:30.100 --> 00:16:34.100 Our first prayer is that God will give us the heart for evangelism. 00:16:34.100 --> 00:16:36.100 The heart to share what we know. 00:16:36.100 --> 00:16:45.100 I have no doubt that every believer in here knows about Jesus because someone else was willing to share with them. 00:16:45.100 --> 00:16:47.100 Maybe it was a Sunday school teacher. 00:16:47.100 --> 00:16:50.100 Maybe it was your mom or your dad, a grandma or a co-worker. 00:16:50.100 --> 00:16:55.100 Someone told you about the love of Jesus and you accepted it. 00:16:55.100 --> 00:16:58.100 They did it because they care about you. 00:16:58.100 --> 00:17:00.100 Like we care for others. 00:17:00.100 --> 00:17:05.100 Paul in Romans 10:15 reminds us of Isaiah the prophet's statement saying this. 00:17:05.100 --> 00:17:10.100 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? 00:17:10.100 --> 00:17:15.100 As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news. 00:17:15.100 --> 00:17:19.100 Church, we are the sent that he's talking about. 00:17:19.100 --> 00:17:25.100 God, you and I are sent into a world that needs the message of hope. 00:17:25.100 --> 00:17:41.100 For our first prayer, we're going to pray in our hearts that God will give us the desire or the want to tell others about Jesus, to offer them his salvation, that the Lord will give us courage and strength to start the conversation. 00:17:41.100 --> 00:17:47.100 So we're going to pray for desire, courage, and strength to share the gospel. 00:17:47.100 --> 00:17:48.100 Let's pray. 00:18:11.100 --> 00:18:31.100 As we heed the calling to obey God in sharing the gospel, we must also pray for those who are going to receive it. 00:18:31.100 --> 00:18:36.100 Each of us has a sphere or an area of influence in our life. 00:18:36.100 --> 00:18:38.100 For some of us, it's our workplace. 00:18:38.100 --> 00:18:39.100 For some of us, it's our school. 00:18:39.100 --> 00:18:46.100 For some of it, it's chat groups, sports teams, gaming groups, business meetings, hunting clubs. 00:18:46.100 --> 00:18:50.100 Wherever it is, God has prepared a place for you to share. 00:18:50.100 --> 00:18:54.100 We must not discount our influence that we have on other people. 00:18:54.100 --> 00:19:01.100 So next, we are going to pray for those that God has allowed to be in our lives that don't yet know him. 00:19:01.100 --> 00:19:08.100 John 16:8 tells us that the Holy Spirit is preparing the hearts of non-believers to hear the gospel. 00:19:08.100 --> 00:19:09.100 We believe that. 00:19:09.100 --> 00:19:17.100 It says, "And he, when he comes, will convict the world regarding sin and righteousness and judgment." 00:19:17.100 --> 00:19:21.100 Next church, we're going to pray for the hearts of the non-believers in our lives. 00:19:21.100 --> 00:19:28.100 As the Holy Spirit will prepare their hearts to hear what God has laid on our hearts to share with them. 00:19:28.100 --> 00:19:36.100 That not only can we be bold to share that with those that don't know, but they will be open to hear the good news. 00:19:36.100 --> 00:19:41.100 So let's pray now for the hearts of the unbelievers in our lives. 00:19:41.100 --> 00:19:42.100 Let's pray now for the hearts of the unbelievers. 00:19:42.100 --> 00:19:43.100 Let's pray now for the hearts of the unbelievers. 00:19:43.100 --> 00:19:44.100 Let's pray now for the hearts of the unbelievers. 00:19:44.100 --> 00:19:45.100 Let's pray now for the hearts of the unbelievers. 00:19:45.100 --> 00:19:46.100 Let's pray now for the hearts of the unbelievers. 00:19:46.100 --> 00:19:47.100 Let's pray now for the hearts of the unbelievers. 00:19:47.100 --> 00:19:48.100 Let's pray now for the hearts of the unbelievers. 00:19:48.100 --> 00:19:49.100 Let's pray now for the hearts of the unbelievers. 00:19:49.100 --> 00:19:50.100 Let's pray now for the hearts of unbelievers. 00:19:50.100 --> 00:19:51.100 Let's pray now for the hearts of unbelievers. 00:19:51.100 --> 00:19:52.100 Let's pray now for the hearts of unbelievers. 00:19:52.100 --> 00:19:53.100 Let's pray now for the hearts of unbelievers. 00:19:53.100 --> 00:19:54.100 Let's pray now for the hearts of unbelievers. 00:19:54.100 --> 00:19:55.100 Let's pray now for the hearts of unbelievers. 00:19:55.100 --> 00:19:56.100 Let's pray now for the hearts of unbelievers. 00:19:56.100 --> 00:19:57.100 Let's pray now for the hearts of unbelievers. 00:19:57.100 --> 00:20:16.100 Let's pray now for the hearts of unbelievers. 00:20:16.100 --> 00:20:20.100 Finally, when Jesus is about to send out his disciples into the world, 00:20:20.100 --> 00:20:24.100 he explains the need for the disciples to share, 00:20:24.100 --> 00:20:28.100 but he also explains the need for non-believers to hear it. 00:20:28.100 --> 00:20:31.100 We read in Luke chapter 10 verse 2, Jesus says, 00:20:31.100 --> 00:20:35.100 The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 00:20:35.100 --> 00:20:40.100 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out the workers into the harvest field. 00:20:40.100 --> 00:20:43.100 We all know the statistics about this world. 00:20:43.100 --> 00:20:49.100 More and more people are deciding to follow themselves or their own selfish desires 00:20:49.100 --> 00:20:51.100 and no longer follow Jesus. 00:20:51.100 --> 00:20:54.100 They are our harvest. 00:20:54.100 --> 00:20:57.100 We have prayed that God will give us strength to open our mouths. 00:20:57.100 --> 00:21:00.100 We have prayed that the Holy Spirit will prepare their hearts 00:21:00.100 --> 00:21:02.100 and give us the opportunity to reach. 00:21:02.100 --> 00:21:07.100 Now we're going to pray that God will bring specific people into our minds 00:21:07.100 --> 00:21:12.100 in our sphere of influence that God would have us share the gospel with. 00:21:12.100 --> 00:21:18.100 Let's pray that God will open our eyes to those we are to speak to preparing us. 00:21:18.100 --> 00:21:19.100 Let's pray. 00:21:19.100 --> 00:21:20.100 Let's pray. 00:21:20.100 --> 00:21:21.100 Let's pray. 00:21:21.100 --> 00:21:23.100 Let's pray. 00:21:23.100 --> 00:21:28.100 Lord, it might be difficult, scary, or uncomfortable. 00:21:28.100 --> 00:21:33.100 For some of us to share the gospel, you know our hearts, so you know that's true. 00:21:33.100 --> 00:21:34.100 But it is so worth it, Lord. 00:21:34.100 --> 00:21:34.100 Let us remember, Lord, what we are sharing. 00:21:34.100 --> 00:21:35.100 Let us remember, Lord, what we are sharing. 00:21:35.100 --> 00:21:36.100 Let us remember, Lord, what we are sharing. 00:21:36.100 --> 00:21:37.100 Let us remember, Lord, what we are sharing. 00:21:37.100 --> 00:21:38.100 Let us remember, Lord, what we are sharing. 00:21:38.100 --> 00:21:39.100 Let us remember, Lord, what we are sharing. 00:21:39.100 --> 00:21:40.100 Let us remember, Lord, what we are sharing. 00:21:40.100 --> 00:21:41.100 Let us remember, Lord, what we are sharing. 00:21:41.100 --> 00:21:42.100 Let us remember, Lord, what we are sharing. 00:21:42.100 --> 00:21:43.100 Let us remember, Lord, what we are sharing. 00:21:43.100 --> 00:21:46.100 Let us remember, Lord, what we are sharing. 00:21:46.100 --> 00:21:55.100 Lord, it might be difficult, scary, or uncomfortable for some of us to share the gospel. 00:21:55.100 --> 00:21:58.100 You know our hearts, so you know that's true. 00:21:58.100 --> 00:22:00.100 But it is so worth it, Lord. 00:22:00.100 --> 00:22:03.100 Let us remember, Lord, what we are sharing. 00:22:03.100 --> 00:22:10.100 A life on this earth with Jesus, who loves us, cares for us, wants what's best for us. 00:22:10.100 --> 00:22:14.100 But, Lord, it's so much more than that because it doesn't end when we pass. 00:22:14.100 --> 00:22:21.100 Lord, your gospel promises us eternal salvation, a knowledge of what happens to us when we die. 00:22:21.100 --> 00:22:23.100 The glorious promise of heaven. 00:22:23.100 --> 00:22:29.100 God, we are so thankful the promise that you have given us, your son, Jesus' death on the cross for our sins. 00:22:29.100 --> 00:22:33.100 His resurrection and the promise that he will return. 00:22:33.100 --> 00:22:39.100 We are so grateful we have received this promise, Lord, but don't let this be the end for us. 00:22:39.100 --> 00:22:44.100 What you have done for us, let us be bold to share that with others. 00:22:44.100 --> 00:22:46.100 Even if it's a little uncomfortable. 00:22:46.100 --> 00:22:48.100 Lord, prepare us to speak. 00:22:48.100 --> 00:22:50.100 Prepare those who will hear. 00:22:50.100 --> 00:22:52.100 Show us the opportunity. 00:22:52.100 --> 00:22:54.100 And let us know who to share it with. 00:22:54.100 --> 00:22:57.100 Lord, the harvest is plentiful. 00:22:57.100 --> 00:23:01.100 Let us be the workers you have called us to be. 00:23:01.100 --> 00:23:02.100 Amen. 00:23:15.100 --> 00:23:16.100 Good morning. 00:23:16.100 --> 00:23:19.100 My name is Josh Nix. 00:23:19.100 --> 00:23:23.100 I lead our young adult ministry here at Willow Ridge Church. 00:23:23.100 --> 00:23:26.100 I've got a wife, Kim, and three kids. 00:23:26.100 --> 00:23:31.100 It's kind of cool to sit here and pray over the different areas of ministry in our church. 00:23:31.100 --> 00:23:40.100 I look at the table that's got my wife and kids at it, and I just think of how each and every ministry is just filled each and every cup that sits at that table. 00:23:40.100 --> 00:23:43.100 So it's cool to sit here this morning and do this. 00:23:43.100 --> 00:23:49.100 You know, moving into a new year, we often find ourselves making new commitments, right? 00:23:49.100 --> 00:23:51.100 Resolutions, if you will. 00:23:52.100 --> 00:23:55.100 Things that will make us better versions of ourselves. 00:23:55.100 --> 00:24:02.100 And so as we enter into a season where we often set goals and expectations for the year to come, 00:24:03.100 --> 00:24:09.100 my prayer for our church is that the word "discipleship" would be on the forefront of our minds. 00:24:10.100 --> 00:24:15.100 Not just a word that we associate with the 9 o'clock hour here on Sunday mornings. 00:24:16.100 --> 00:24:22.100 Not just something that we show up to with hopes that it would pertain to our lives as believers. 00:24:24.100 --> 00:24:31.100 So this morning, my time with you will be spent praying over discipleship within our church and how that impacts each and every one of us. 00:24:33.100 --> 00:24:39.100 In Psalm 119:105, it says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my path." 00:24:40.100 --> 00:24:47.100 So first this morning, I'd like for us to pray that God would give you and I a heart of passion for his word. 00:24:48.100 --> 00:24:52.100 A passion that leads us to want to gain more from our time in his word. 00:24:54.100 --> 00:25:03.100 A passion that leads us, not just for more understanding, but a passion that leads us to invite accountability into our lives when it comes to his word. 00:25:03.100 --> 00:25:14.100 What would discipleship in my life and in your life look like if I and you took time to better understand his word? 00:25:15.100 --> 00:25:22.100 So if you would take a moment with me and pray that God would give you a passion in 2026 for his word. 00:25:23.100 --> 00:25:25.100 So if you would take a moment with me and pray that God would give you a passion for your life. 00:25:26.100 --> 00:25:29.100 So if you would take a moment with me and pray that God would give you a passion for your life. 00:25:30.100 --> 00:25:33.100 So if you would take a moment with me and pray that God would give you a passion for your life. 00:25:34.100 --> 00:25:37.100 So if you would take a moment with me and pray that God would give you a passion for your life. 00:25:38.100 --> 00:25:41.100 So if you would take a moment with me and pray that God would give you a passion for your life. 00:25:42.100 --> 00:25:45.100 So if you would take a moment with me and pray that God would give you a passion for your life. 00:25:46.100 --> 00:26:04.100 In Proverbs chapter 3 it says trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. 00:26:06.100 --> 00:26:08.100 And this morning as we take time to pray about discipleship. 00:26:09.100 --> 00:26:13.100 Let's also take a moment and pray that God would give you and I a heart of obedience. 00:26:13.100 --> 00:26:19.100 Obedience and trust in him and in the plans and the purpose that he has for us. 00:26:43.100 --> 00:27:10.100 And last but certainly not least I'd like for us to pray that God would give you and I opportunities to disciple one another. 00:27:11.100 --> 00:27:17.900 In 2 Timothy chapter 2 it says you then my child be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 00:27:18.100 --> 00:27:27.000 And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust the faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 00:27:27.100 --> 00:27:33.700 You see one of the greatest beauties in discipleship is that God uses us right. 00:27:34.100 --> 00:27:42.040 He uses us as individuals to participate in the discipleship of our friends and our family members and other believers in our lives. 00:27:43.640 --> 00:27:52.300 He uses us in the discipleship of our kids, our co-workers, just anybody we come into contact with that's a believer. 00:27:53.100 --> 00:28:00.100 Would you take a moment with me and pray that God would give you and I opportunities to disciple others. 00:28:00.100 --> 00:28:30.080 Thank you. 00:28:30.100 --> 00:28:41.380 God, I thank you for 2025. 00:28:43.820 --> 00:28:50.340 And God, as we look into 2026 and in the anticipation of all that you have for us, 00:28:51.180 --> 00:28:55.240 Lord, I pray that discipleship would be on the forefront of our minds. 00:28:58.380 --> 00:28:59.720 God, give us a passion. 00:29:00.100 --> 00:29:02.380 To know you and your word. 00:29:04.360 --> 00:29:08.440 God, surround us with believers that are passionate about it as well. 00:29:09.420 --> 00:29:17.000 And I pray that we would seek to hold one another accountable when it comes to our growth and knowledge of you and your word. 00:29:19.020 --> 00:29:22.660 Lord, give us a heart of obedience and trust in you. 00:29:24.240 --> 00:29:26.520 Help us trust your ways and your plans. 00:29:27.280 --> 00:29:29.420 Help us trust that they have no rival. 00:29:31.460 --> 00:29:37.880 God, I pray that whatever plans and positions we are holding on to, I pray that we would surrender it to you and your will. 00:29:40.680 --> 00:29:45.720 God, I pray that you would open our eyes and our hearts to see those that we can pour into. 00:29:47.180 --> 00:29:49.780 Give us opportunities to disciple others. 00:29:51.200 --> 00:29:53.620 And when those moments come, help us be ready. 00:29:53.620 --> 00:30:03.820 God, I pray that discipleship would not just be a fancy word on some signage, but it would speak to our desire as believers to help unbelievers. 00:30:04.660 --> 00:30:07.920 That it would speak to our desire to help other believers. 00:30:08.880 --> 00:30:14.100 And it would speak to our desire to grow from the help of the community that is the church. 00:30:15.980 --> 00:30:20.300 God, let 2026 be a year that doesn't just grow us in number. 00:30:20.960 --> 00:30:23.160 It doesn't just grow us in programs. 00:30:24.080 --> 00:30:26.920 But let it be a year that grows us in closeness to you. 00:30:27.680 --> 00:30:30.540 And let that fruit be evident in our discipleship. 00:30:31.400 --> 00:30:32.420 In your name I pray. 00:30:33.140 --> 00:30:33.360 Amen. 00:30:37.480 --> 00:30:38.140 Thank you, buddy. 00:30:40.800 --> 00:30:41.440 Good morning. 00:30:41.540 --> 00:30:44.980 I want to thank you guys for coming out and for being with us this morning. 00:30:45.980 --> 00:30:50.200 It's been amazing what God has done in this service. 00:30:51.000 --> 00:30:56.860 I'm standing over here praying with my wife and was just thinking through several years ago before this. 00:30:56.960 --> 00:31:00.180 This was the lowest attended Sunday in our church. 00:31:01.180 --> 00:31:04.200 Less than 100 people usually on the Sunday after Christmas. 00:31:05.100 --> 00:31:14.920 And then to gather together and to pray and to fellowship and what God has done and what God has set in our hearts each year and how to pray. 00:31:15.320 --> 00:31:23.900 I want to encourage you, if prayer is something that you're constantly, you know you should do it, but you wonder how, what you should do, put this in your Bible. 00:31:24.480 --> 00:31:34.340 A great reminder of the different things that you can pray for with biblical examples to kind of walk you through and then commit to praying through this over the course of this upcoming year. 00:31:35.740 --> 00:31:37.840 I want to close this time in prayer. 00:31:37.840 --> 00:31:43.560 I've got a few things I want to say afterwards, but I do want to talk for us to pray for our missions that we partner with. 00:31:44.300 --> 00:31:57.480 God has given us the wonderful blessing not to just partner with missionaries, but to go and work alongside them, to support them financially, and to pray for them. 00:31:58.740 --> 00:32:03.860 Jesus, in the heart of the gospel in Matthew 28 and 19 through 20, says, 00:32:03.960 --> 00:32:13.280 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I've commanded you. 00:32:13.960 --> 00:32:31.180 And God has allowed us unique opportunities at our church to be a part of that, not just here in our community and in our neighborhoods, but across our country and across this world. 00:32:31.180 --> 00:32:53.880 I often think about our missionaries and are reminded of the apostle Paul where he writes in Romans 10, starting in verse 14. 00:32:54.660 --> 00:33:05.800 How then will they call on him and who they have not believed, and how are they to believe in him of whom they have not heard, and how are they to hear without someone preaching, and how are they to preach unless they are sent? 00:33:06.740 --> 00:33:11.480 As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news. 00:33:12.740 --> 00:33:20.400 And we as a church partner with those people who are sent to go, and so we want to pray for them now. 00:33:21.060 --> 00:33:32.720 Would you join me in prayer first as we pray for our missionaries, many of them in areas of great difficulty, and who are currently experiencing persecution and suffering. 00:33:33.340 --> 00:33:37.980 Would you pray for our missionaries that they would endure through these difficult times? 00:33:51.060 --> 00:33:52.060 Thank you. 00:34:21.060 --> 00:34:34.060 While all of our missionaries trust on the power of God to provide and to enable the work they are doing, they also need support. 00:34:34.980 --> 00:34:42.500 They need support from churches to come alongside and support them hand-in-hand and arm-in-arm in ministry. 00:34:43.320 --> 00:34:53.260 They also need financial support to be able to pay their bills and provide for their family, to put away for retirement, and to fund the ministries that they do. 00:34:54.280 --> 00:34:57.500 So during this time, we want to pray for our missionaries. 00:34:58.080 --> 00:35:05.420 We'll get the community of fellowship support, but also financial support as they need. 00:35:05.420 --> 00:35:05.440 Thank you. 00:35:05.440 --> 00:35:05.500 Thank you. 00:35:13.320 --> 00:35:41.640 And lastly, 00:35:41.640 --> 00:35:45.400 whether it's New York City, 00:35:47.640 --> 00:35:48.480 Jaipur, India, 00:35:49.680 --> 00:35:52.320 different islands in the Philippines, 00:35:53.760 --> 00:35:56.140 Black Mountain, North Carolina, 00:35:57.840 --> 00:35:59.280 Salt Lake City, Utah, 00:36:01.700 --> 00:36:03.200 Lexington, South Carolina, 00:36:03.200 --> 00:36:07.060 or downtown Columbia. 00:36:08.440 --> 00:36:11.420 There are people who need to hear the gospel 00:36:11.420 --> 00:36:14.220 and pray that our missionaries 00:36:14.220 --> 00:36:17.200 would have ample opportunities 00:36:17.200 --> 00:36:18.980 to share the gospel 00:36:18.980 --> 00:36:20.040 where God has placed them. 00:36:20.040 --> 00:36:20.080 Amen. 00:36:20.080 --> 00:36:20.080 Amen. 00:36:20.080 --> 00:36:22.080 Amen. 00:36:22.080 --> 00:36:24.080 Amen. 00:36:52.080 --> 00:37:01.260 Lord, we thank you for each and every one of our missionaries. 00:37:02.920 --> 00:37:05.100 We thank you for the sacrifice that they've made. 00:37:06.120 --> 00:37:07.840 We thank you for their faith in you. 00:37:09.240 --> 00:37:11.200 We thank you for their boldness to go. 00:37:12.500 --> 00:37:19.740 And God, what a privilege and honor it is to be their partner, to be their friend, to be their co-laborer in Christ. 00:37:23.080 --> 00:37:36.820 God, may you continue to work and move in them and amongst them, in their marriages, in their families, in their ministries, where you have called them and placed them. 00:37:39.080 --> 00:37:41.540 Lord, where there is fear, give them courage. 00:37:42.660 --> 00:37:44.900 Where there is worry, give them confidence. 00:37:45.960 --> 00:37:48.300 Where there is frustration, give them peace. 00:37:49.440 --> 00:37:52.100 And may you be glorified in all that is done. 00:37:53.080 --> 00:37:54.640 And it's in Jesus' name we pray. 00:37:55.800 --> 00:37:56.120 Amen. 00:37:56.660 --> 00:37:56.840 Amen. 00:37:57.520 --> 00:38:00.360 Well, I promise in just a moment you guys will be dismissed. 00:38:00.720 --> 00:38:01.820 Thank you guys for being here. 00:38:01.880 --> 00:38:03.180 But I do have a couple of things. 00:38:04.220 --> 00:38:07.840 But as we're out here this morning cooking and talking and fellowship, God just laid on my heart. 00:38:08.380 --> 00:38:09.720 And I want to be able to share with you guys. 00:38:10.440 --> 00:38:18.280 A word that we've been using as your church staff lately in how we function and operate with one another. 00:38:18.660 --> 00:38:25.720 And as we look to this upcoming year, as God continues to give us this word, engage, engage, engage. 00:38:26.720 --> 00:38:31.920 Both engagement into the world that he's called us to go and to share and to serve. 00:38:32.360 --> 00:38:39.440 But also engagement into one another's lives as a community, as a body of believers. 00:38:40.120 --> 00:38:53.040 To not just know one another, but to continue to grow, to engage in service and sacrifice, in fellowship, in community, and in discipleship, and in prayer with one another. 00:38:53.840 --> 00:38:57.060 And so we've set that as a goal for us as a church staff. 00:38:57.660 --> 00:39:02.200 To dig deeper into relationships with one another, but also with you. 00:39:02.760 --> 00:39:14.120 One of the things, one of the areas that we look the most forward to doing, I want to share this with you in 2026, is we pray for you constantly and continually. 00:39:14.680 --> 00:39:16.460 We pray for requests that we know. 00:39:16.580 --> 00:39:18.580 We pray for requests that we don't know. 00:39:19.300 --> 00:39:27.700 But one of the things that God has set on our heart to do is to be more intentional and engaging in prayer with him for you. 00:39:28.780 --> 00:39:38.440 And so you guys know we've been passing out the cards to get your information to make sure that we have an updated database so that we can reach out and contact you. 00:39:38.860 --> 00:39:41.660 And here's what you'll begin to see in January of 2026. 00:39:42.400 --> 00:39:49.860 That you, as a part of Willow Ridge Church, will be reached out to monthly from at least one of our staff members. 00:39:50.640 --> 00:39:52.560 To check on you, to see how you're doing. 00:39:53.380 --> 00:39:56.420 To see if there's anything that we can specifically be praying for you. 00:39:56.880 --> 00:39:59.160 To encourage you to walk alongside you. 00:40:00.180 --> 00:40:00.880 And so two things. 00:40:00.940 --> 00:40:06.440 We want to encourage you to make sure that we have your proper information so that we can reach out to you. 00:40:06.580 --> 00:40:08.620 But then secondly, when we do, let us know. 00:40:09.240 --> 00:40:10.560 Let us know how we can pray. 00:40:10.900 --> 00:40:12.340 Let us know what we can pray for. 00:40:13.740 --> 00:40:23.600 And God will bless that as we come before him, setting our hearts before him in prayer. 00:40:24.800 --> 00:40:28.880 We want to encourage you to continue to engage more. 00:40:29.360 --> 00:40:30.660 To take another step. 00:40:31.120 --> 00:40:31.940 We all look forward. 00:40:31.940 --> 00:40:33.820 I was talking to somebody earlier this morning. 00:40:34.220 --> 00:40:35.240 And I'm there with them. 00:40:35.340 --> 00:40:38.940 We've kind of hit our max peak of 2025 weight. 00:40:39.380 --> 00:40:42.060 And now we need to move forward to our 2026 weight, right? 00:40:42.740 --> 00:40:43.760 We set the goals. 00:40:43.880 --> 00:40:44.600 We set the agendas. 00:40:44.740 --> 00:40:46.600 We set the things that we want to do. 00:40:46.960 --> 00:40:47.920 That we want to accomplish. 00:40:48.000 --> 00:40:48.840 That we want to become. 00:40:50.160 --> 00:40:52.900 And what if it wasn't just financial goals? 00:40:53.020 --> 00:40:55.140 What if it wasn't just physical goals? 00:40:55.560 --> 00:40:57.460 What if it was spiritual goals as well? 00:40:57.780 --> 00:41:01.860 To take another step of faithfulness in discipleship. 00:41:02.140 --> 00:41:03.140 In serving. 00:41:03.760 --> 00:41:04.560 In giving. 00:41:05.160 --> 00:41:08.020 We want to encourage you to take those steps. 00:41:08.480 --> 00:41:10.900 To not just attend a church. 00:41:11.880 --> 00:41:16.360 But to invest and to engage in a life of a church. 00:41:17.080 --> 00:41:19.280 We've got so many ways that we can help connect you. 00:41:19.380 --> 00:41:23.560 One is through our discipleship studies that will be starting at the first of the year. 00:41:23.760 --> 00:41:24.720 Getting involved. 00:41:24.860 --> 00:41:26.500 Getting connected in a small group. 00:41:26.800 --> 00:41:27.440 Getting involved. 00:41:27.560 --> 00:41:28.880 Getting connected into serving. 00:41:29.140 --> 00:41:30.560 So many ways that you can. 00:41:30.560 --> 00:41:34.560 But you have to be willing to take that step. 00:41:35.380 --> 00:41:36.720 And we want to encourage you to. 00:41:37.880 --> 00:41:40.800 I'm going to ask Berger and our worship team if they'll come back on stage. 00:41:40.880 --> 00:41:43.760 We're going to sing one more song before we leave. 00:41:44.420 --> 00:41:46.160 But I'd like to do something in closing. 00:41:46.240 --> 00:41:46.840 Number one. 00:41:47.040 --> 00:41:47.420 Number one. 00:41:47.440 --> 00:41:48.080 Let me say this. 00:41:48.200 --> 00:41:48.620 Let me say this. 00:41:49.360 --> 00:41:50.220 First and foremost. 00:41:50.660 --> 00:41:55.180 I'm so glad that I'm at a church where we hear children. 00:41:56.380 --> 00:41:57.500 We hear them laugh. 00:41:58.360 --> 00:41:59.360 We hear them run. 00:42:00.060 --> 00:42:01.160 We hear them cry. 00:42:01.920 --> 00:42:04.440 We hear them make noises and drop things and spill things. 00:42:05.440 --> 00:42:07.600 And so if you're here and you're a parent of a young child. 00:42:07.700 --> 00:42:08.180 Number one. 00:42:08.540 --> 00:42:10.620 Thank you for being here and for bringing them with you. 00:42:11.340 --> 00:42:14.040 What you're doing right now and modeling for them. 00:42:14.200 --> 00:42:14.720 We know. 00:42:14.940 --> 00:42:16.660 All of us who have been there and done that. 00:42:16.760 --> 00:42:17.700 We know that it ain't easy. 00:42:18.560 --> 00:42:22.700 But we're so glad that you love the Lord enough. 00:42:23.280 --> 00:42:25.440 And you love your church enough. 00:42:25.720 --> 00:42:31.400 And you love your kids enough where you're modeling for them what this looks like. 00:42:31.480 --> 00:42:32.240 So thank you. 00:42:32.700 --> 00:42:33.260 Thank you. 00:42:33.320 --> 00:42:33.720 Thank you. 00:42:34.640 --> 00:42:35.300 But then number two. 00:42:36.220 --> 00:42:40.560 We want to specifically pray for you today if you have a specific need. 00:42:41.480 --> 00:42:42.840 So I'm going to do something a little bit different. 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.960 Now I'm not going to ask you. 00:42:44.000 --> 00:42:48.460 We've got too many of us here to know what each individual need is. 00:42:49.360 --> 00:42:53.240 But before we close in worship, we're going to close in one more time of prayer. 00:42:54.240 --> 00:42:59.680 And if you're here today and you have something on your heart that you want us to pray for. 00:43:00.800 --> 00:43:02.680 Maybe it's a financial struggle. 00:43:02.840 --> 00:43:06.160 Maybe it's a spiritual struggle. 00:43:07.360 --> 00:43:08.520 Maybe it's a sickness. 00:43:09.720 --> 00:43:15.000 Maybe it's someone that you know and that you love and they're at a hard time and you want someone to pray for them. 00:43:16.260 --> 00:43:17.080 Here's what I ask you to do. 00:43:17.100 --> 00:43:19.040 In just a moment, I'm just going to ask you to stand. 00:43:19.980 --> 00:43:22.100 I'm going to ask you to stand right where you're at. 00:43:23.460 --> 00:43:24.800 And we're going to pray for you. 00:43:25.700 --> 00:43:30.020 And we don't have to know what it is because God knows. 00:43:31.060 --> 00:43:38.420 But those that are around you will have the opportunity to pray for you specifically as they can look and see you. 00:43:39.300 --> 00:43:41.360 And that's how we'll end our time in prayer. 00:43:42.320 --> 00:43:42.940 So would you do this? 00:43:42.980 --> 00:43:44.120 I know it takes a lot of courage. 00:43:44.280 --> 00:43:47.180 I know it takes, you didn't know that we were going to do this when you got here. 00:43:47.420 --> 00:43:49.140 It might be uncomfortable for you. 00:43:49.260 --> 00:43:53.740 But if you're here today and you have something very specific that you would like us to pray for, 00:43:53.920 --> 00:43:55.780 just right where you're at, would you just stand? 00:44:19.260 --> 00:44:28.820 If you guys would remain standing. 00:44:29.080 --> 00:44:33.760 And if you're near someone standing, would you let them know that they're not alone? 00:44:34.320 --> 00:44:36.120 Would you just reach out and just put your hand on them? 00:44:37.260 --> 00:44:38.040 Grab their hand. 00:44:39.280 --> 00:44:40.500 Let them know that they're there. 00:44:40.800 --> 00:44:42.160 You may have to move around. 00:44:42.620 --> 00:44:43.840 I want to encourage you to do that. 00:44:49.260 --> 00:45:01.020 Let's go to the Lord in prayer. 00:45:06.980 --> 00:45:09.920 God, you know everything. 00:45:12.260 --> 00:45:14.380 You know the day before it begins. 00:45:15.520 --> 00:45:17.440 You know the thought before it's had. 00:45:18.440 --> 00:45:21.040 You know the need before we even realize it. 00:45:21.840 --> 00:45:26.480 And you know the burden that each person in this room is carrying right now. 00:45:28.460 --> 00:45:30.880 God, I lift up every individual in here. 00:45:31.740 --> 00:45:36.660 Lord, especially those who have stood to say, I'm not okay. 00:45:37.620 --> 00:45:38.740 It's not okay. 00:45:39.640 --> 00:45:41.260 The situation's not okay. 00:45:43.540 --> 00:45:48.200 God, first and foremost, God, for each person here, 00:45:48.440 --> 00:45:53.440 we pray for the comfort and peace that comes in Christ and Christ alone. 00:45:55.340 --> 00:45:58.160 God, while we may not know what tomorrow holds, you do. 00:45:58.780 --> 00:46:01.300 And we know that you hold us in your hand. 00:46:02.080 --> 00:46:04.040 And while tomorrow may be tough, 00:46:04.600 --> 00:46:06.740 Lord, we know that your word tells us, 00:46:07.140 --> 00:46:09.140 as hard as it is sometimes, 00:46:09.340 --> 00:46:11.560 that you are working all things for the good 00:46:11.560 --> 00:46:14.100 for those who are called by your name 00:46:14.100 --> 00:46:16.380 and who are known and loved by you. 00:46:18.720 --> 00:46:20.620 Lord, may we rest in that confidence. 00:46:23.220 --> 00:46:25.220 God, may we pray for your will to be done. 00:46:27.900 --> 00:46:29.560 Whether it's a health situation, 00:46:29.680 --> 00:46:30.900 a finance situation, 00:46:31.380 --> 00:46:33.360 a relationship situation, 00:46:33.780 --> 00:46:35.120 a job situation. 00:46:37.040 --> 00:46:38.540 God, may your will be done. 00:46:49.300 --> 00:46:51.960 God, may whatever we're walking through, 00:46:53.120 --> 00:46:57.600 may we not be consumed with bitterness, 00:46:57.840 --> 00:46:59.420 with worry, with anger, with fret. 00:47:02.540 --> 00:47:06.400 But may we grow in confidence, 00:47:08.400 --> 00:47:11.520 faith in you. 00:47:14.800 --> 00:47:15.840 Lord, we love you. 00:47:20.380 --> 00:47:21.280 May this year 00:47:21.280 --> 00:47:27.160 be a year for us 00:47:27.160 --> 00:47:29.080 of growth, 00:47:30.200 --> 00:47:31.280 of faithfulness, 00:47:31.540 --> 00:47:32.760 of love, 00:47:33.420 --> 00:47:34.820 of evangelism, 00:47:35.560 --> 00:47:36.760 of discipleship, 00:47:37.220 --> 00:47:38.280 of worship, 00:47:39.320 --> 00:47:40.060 of missions, 00:47:40.800 --> 00:47:41.920 of service, 00:47:42.620 --> 00:47:43.740 of sacrifice, 00:47:44.440 --> 00:47:45.120 of giving, 00:47:46.200 --> 00:47:47.500 all for your name, 00:47:48.260 --> 00:47:48.960 for your glory. 00:47:51.980 --> 00:47:53.300 And it's in Jesus' name we pray. 00:47:54.420 --> 00:47:54.780 Amen. 00:47:56.480 --> 00:47:58.260 That's it for this week's message. 00:47:58.720 --> 00:48:00.220 Be sure to check back next week 00:48:00.220 --> 00:48:01.040 for a new episode. 00:48:01.620 --> 00:48:02.400 And in the meantime, 00:48:02.640 --> 00:48:03.880 you can visit us online 00:48:03.880 --> 00:48:05.840 at willowridgechurch.org 00:48:05.840 --> 00:48:07.940 or by searching for Willow Ridge Church 00:48:07.940 --> 00:48:08.700 on Facebook, 00:48:09.040 --> 00:48:09.480 Instagram, 00:48:09.760 --> 00:48:10.260 and YouTube. 00:48:10.260 --> 00:48:11.660 Thanks again for listening.