As we stand on the threshold of a new year, Erin welcomed everyone to the last Sunday of 2024 with a heartfelt prayer, setting a tone of gratitude and hope. This gathering was not just a routine service; it was a moment to reflect on the past year and prepare for the spiritual journey ahead.
In the spirit of community, Erin shared updates about members facing health challenges. Jake and his family were recovering from the stomach flu, while John Post had undergone emergency surgery for a kidney stone. Erin led the congregation in prayer for their healing and for the well-being of the entire Riverwood family, emphasizing the importance of support and connection within the church.
Erin highlighted several important announcements, including the availability of connection cards for first-time guests, which would contribute to a donation to Compassion International. He encouraged everyone to consider end-of-year gifts, reminding them of the upcoming 21 Days of Prayer starting January 7th. This initiative will include morning and evening prayer sessions on Tuesdays, along with corporate prayer gatherings at 7:00 and 8:00 PM.
Devotional booklets will be available to guide participants through this period of prayer, and Erin urged everyone to consider joining growth groups or volunteer teams in the new year.
Erin acknowledged the unique timing of this Sunday, nestled between Christmas and the New Year. He shared his family's experience of celebrating Christmas and reflected on the low church attendance typical of this season. Despite the challenges, Erin remained committed to leading the congregation into a focused time of prayer, having planned the 21 Days of Prayer over a year ago.
This year, the focus will be on Psalm 119, a passage rich in wisdom and guidance. Erin expressed initial doubts about starting with this particular Psalm but ultimately felt it was fitting for the theme of prayer and reflection.
In his sermon, Erin turned to the Book of Joel, a Minor Prophet known for its bleak yet profound messages. He highlighted the themes of darkness and calamity in Joel's writings, but also the hope and call for repentance found in Joel 2:12-16. Erin emphasized that God offers mercy and a path back to Him, even amidst warnings of judgment.
The call to action in Joel resonates deeply with the upcoming 21 Days of Prayer, where Erin encouraged the congregation to engage in fasting. He explained that fasting, a practice often involving the abstention from food, serves as a powerful tool for spiritual growth and reliance on God.
Erin provided practical suggestions for fasting, including various durations and types, such as skipping meals or abstaining from specific foods. He also encouraged fasting from non-food items like social media to create space for deeper connection with God. The essence of fasting is to replace the time spent on these items with prayer, scripture reading, and devotional activities.
He urged the congregation to disrupt their routines, whether by waking up earlier for prayer or attending corporate prayer sessions. This disruption is not merely for the sake of sacrifice but to refocus hearts and minds on God.
Transitioning to the theme of mourning, Erin invited listeners to consider what they might need to let go of in their lives. Mourning, he explained, is not limited to loss through death but encompasses any significant change or loss that impacts us deeply. Erin encouraged the congregation to mourn the loss of their relationship with God and to seek a deeper connection with Him.
He challenged everyone to reflect on their distractions, particularly the role of technology in their lives. Setting limits on phone usage can help create a more conducive environment for spiritual growth.
Erin concluded with a powerful reminder that God desires genuine repentance and emotional openness. He shared a story of a pastor who, after a significant fast, followed God's call to the mission field, illustrating the transformative power of surrendering to God's will.
As we prepare for 2025, Erin encouraged the congregation to shed burdens, submit to God, and embrace the challenges of the 21 Days of Prayer. He prayed for each person to experience spiritual growth and joy through this intentional time of seeking God.
As we step into the new year, let us embrace this opportunity for reflection, prayer, and renewal. The 21 Days of Prayer is not just a program; it is a chance to deepen our relationship with God and align our lives with His purpose. May we all commit to this journey with open hearts and minds, ready to experience the transformative power of prayer.
