The Rock Weekly – October 18, 2023

  • Tonight – Prayer & Worship – 7pm in the Chapel.  Growing in the Word – 6pm in the Prayer Room.
  • Lighthouse Coffee: Now Hiring – Our Coffee counter is expanding to Mon-Fri mornings and we’re hiring staff that would serve up coffee, smiles, and prayer weekday mornings from 7am-9am.  Reach out to Andrew (andrew@therock.org) for more info  
  • River of Life – 4th Tuesdays (Oct 24th) 6:30pm in the Chapel. Together fulfilling the God dreams on our hearts with the Lord www.riveroflife.online
  • Sunday, Oct 29th.  Special guest Leif Hetland and worshiper Jake Hamilton will be joining us!

  • REFRESH Conference 10/26-10/28 at Bridgeway Church Tickets are Free. Space is limited. REGISTER

 

The Intercession of Our Lord Jesus

“Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” (Rom 8:34 ESV)

Hebrews 7:25 tells us that Jesus, “…always lives to make intercession for us,”. As you reflect on those two passages, does it make you wonder what He’s praying over you? In John 17 we get some insight into what Jesus is praying for us: 

  • John 17:11 – That God would keep us in His name (preserve our salvation)
  • John 17:11 – That we would be one (unity)
  • John 17:15 – That God would keep us from the evil one (fortify our faith)
  • John 17:17 – That God would sanctify us in the truth (becoming more like Jesus)
  • John 17:19 – That we would be sanctified in truth (behaving more like Jesus)
  • John 17:21 – That we may all be one so the world will believe in Jesus (unity & evangelism)
  • John 17:24 – That we would be with Jesus and see His glory (perfect reconciliation)

This is good for me to read because it helps redirect my personal prayer time. It’s easy to get caught up in wants (“Lord, give me a nicer house,”), comforts (“God, help me to have a pleasant day,”), or routines (“Father, bless this food to my body,”).  And while none of those prayers are sinful, they seem like they would sound out-of-place if they were coming from Jesus’ mouth, or from the Apostolic prayers we read in the Bible. 

It is safe to say that Jesus, and His apostles, understood God’s priorities and the power of prayer better than we currently do. But as we mature, and learn to know God’s heart better, and witness the power of God through answered prayers, our prayers begin to shift their focus. 

I hope today and this week, as we carve out time to pray and connect with God, we allow the Holy Spirit (our teacher) to teach us more about prayer; not just how to pray, but also what to pray. 

Father God, we invite Holy Spirit to take us beyond our own understanding and help us to pray (Rom 8:26). We see that Jesus is an intercessor, and because we want to be more like Him, we know that we need to grow in the place of prayer. Help us to mature, not just asking for simple or temporal things, but that we would connect with Your heart to pray the things that are in Your will, with heaven’s perspective.
Help us to become powerful in the Kingdom of God as we wage war in the heavenlies with your divine weapons (2 Cor 10:4) of prayer and intercession.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

If you want to grow in prayer, two great ways are at our Wednesday night prayer and worship service (7pm-8:45pm), or our Tuesday morning prayer (7am-8am). 

I look forward to seeing you soon,
Andrew Nemeth and your Rock Staff

 

 

 

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.