The Rock Weekly – October 4, 2023

 

A Heart Of Desperation

“O LORD, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning.
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you.
Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD.
Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.”   Psalm 5:1-3 NLT

Going through difficult times is never fun, but if we have the right heart (and the right view of God) it will push us to prayer. During hard days the best place to be is on our knees crying out to God. 

Like the Psalmist references in this passage, there’s something special about the morning time. Something powerful happens when we wake up early, and before we do anything else, we bring our requests to God; then–full of faith–we believe and trust Him to act. 

But what about when things are going great? What about the days or weeks when we feel we can manage things? That’s what the Lord has been speaking to me about lately. As we finish up our monthly 3-days of corporate prayer and fasting time, I’ve sensed the Holy Spirit lead me to ask for the empowering grace to remain in a heart posture of desperation even if my situation isn’t desperate. 

Over the last few months, when things were stressful, I’d set the alarm extra early and spend time in prayer. But as the pressure lifted and the situations found resolution, I noticed my alarm got set differently, and my prayer time felt less necessary. Perhaps you’ve experienced a similar phenomenon. 

But that is not the life we’re called to. I believe God is calling The Rock to the position of intercession.  Not just a few people who attend The Rock, but all of The Rock. To the position of praying desperately, and relying entirely on God, and not on our own strength or understanding (Prov 3:5). 

When needed, God will use difficult seasons to strengthen our prayer muscles and fortify our resolve. But how wonderful it is when we practice prayerfulness even when not facing troubles. What if we could be a people who prayed desperately, even when our situations aren’t desperate? What if we could have a heart so dependent on God that we would wake up early to cover our day in prayer, even when we’re on vacation? By God’s grace we can! 

Father God, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to lead us, prompt us, and guide us deeper into the place of prayer. Thank you for calling us a people of prayer, and a house of prayer. We sign-up again to commit those early morning hours to you and to praying for your Kingdom. We choose to give you our early morning time to connect with you and remind ourselves of your great power and our great dependency on you.
Help us to live humbly in Jesus’ name,  Amen

I look forward to seeing you tonight at our Prayer & Worship service.
Pastor Andrew Nemeth

 

 

IMPORTANT SERVICE & WEEKLY INFORMATION:

WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORSHIP & PRAYER SERVICE  7:00pm * In-Person & On-Line *
Facebook Live:  https://www.facebook.com/rockchurchco
The Rock Online Livestream:  https://www.therock.org/live/

 

YOUTH ~ BASE CAMP (6th – 12th Grade) – WEDNESDAY NIGHT – 7:00pm
Invite a friend and come have a great time. If you have any questions, email jaden@therock.org

 

EMBER – Young Adults (Ages 18-29) – Friday Nights at 6:30pm
https://www.therock.org/ember/
Meet in the Chapel for a time of worship, prayer, teaching, and connection.

 

FOOD BANK DISTRIBUTION – 1st & 3rd Saturday of the Month
https://www.therock.org/foodbank/
Email Lindy@therock.org if you would like to volunteer or have questions.

 

SUNDAY MORNING PRE-SERVICE PRAYER  8:15-9:15am – *In-Person & On-line*
ZOOM Direct Video Link:
           https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85340164797?pwd=V0lmWFRRL0R6Tm56QTdRUHNoMWI3QT09
ZOOM Meeting ID: 853 4016 4797
          ZOOM Phone Option +12532158782,,85340164797#

 

SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE 9:45am  *In-Person & On-line*
           Facebook Live:  https://www.facebook.com/rockchurchco
The Rock Online Livestream:  https://www.therock.org/live/

 

OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE  Here are some ways you can partner with The Rock as you practice generosity – our regular tithe/giving, compassion help, missions, and our food bank.  Click on the following link or graphic.  www.therock.org/give

 

Have a Question, Need Prayer, Help, Feel Alone, or Disconnected?

Please email us at family@therock.org and put QUESTION, PRAYER, NEED HELP, or CONNECT ME at the top of your email.