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Here's a FUN FACT for you: January wants to make sure that you experience all 31 of its days. ???? Whether you're looking forward to February or not, we're glad you're here! Without further adieu, let's return to our weekly series, Investigating Prayer!
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The Who of Prayer
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As a kid, I wanted to grow up to be a detective. I loved Encyclopedia Brown books, Agatha Christie novels, The Westing Game, and more. And to this day, I still love a good mystery book or spy story. (Sadly, I've never gotten to fulfill my childhood dream of detective-ing... other than my one-night job as a private eye, but that's a story for another time.)
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When I watch a spy movie, it is common to see a folder or paper on the screen labeled "Top Secret" or "Eyes Only." These documents are supposedly only to be read by certain people with a certain level of security clearance. Without that vetted clearance, you are not the "who" those documents are intended for.
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The Wrong and Right Who
Some religions or faith groups encourage their adherents to pray to ancestors, saints, or various gods. But like people without the proper security clearance, ancestors and false gods are the wrong "who" when it comes to prayer.
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Who #1
The first "who" is you. Notice how Jesus starts off his teaching on the topic...
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"And when you pray..." (Matthew 6:5a)
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Jesus acknowledges that the pray-er is you. While others can pray for you (like for your health), they can't replace you. No saint gone before you will pray in your place. Rather, you are invited to "draw near the throne of grace" with "confidence" (Hebrews 4:16) because of what Christ did through the cross and empty tomb.
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Who #2
The second (and most important) "who" of prayer is the recipient - God! Notice how Jesus instructs us to begin our prayers...
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"Our Father in heaven," (Matthew 6:9a)
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Like an earthly dad who loves to be greeted by his kids after a long day at work, God delights in receiving your prayers. Prayer reminds us of our dependency upon Him, and so we are invited to bring our prayers directly to the Father. After all, as Jesus says in verse 8, God already "knows what you need before you ask" because He knows you and cares for you.
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So even though our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting ended ten days ago, may you continue to come to your Heavenly Father in prayer day after day after day. He wants to hear from you!
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Food Pantry
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On Tuesday, Feb 11th, the mobile Food Pantry will be at Waverly City Hall. This is just one of the ways that the Riverwood family can tangibly be the hands and feet of Jesus to our community, so we invite you to sign up to serve during the 4:30 pm setup shift and/or 5:30 pm distribution shift right here! And if you or someone you know is in need of food, please come by!
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Gather25 Event in Waverly
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Be part of a global Church gathering in Waverly for Gather25 on Friday, February 28th—Saturday, March 1st. Beginning at the W-SR Middle School, doors open at 6:00 pm, with the service beginning at 6:30 pm. Join us for worship through song, the Word, and messages being shared worldwide for the glory of God! We are in need of volunteers, so please explore these various needs to help us pull off this effort!
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Volunteer Appreciation
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Mark your calendars, Riverwood Volunteers! You are invited to a special evening of good company, delicious food, and a fun time! Join us on Friday, February 21 @ 5:30 PM for mouth-watering chili and soups, followed by exciting entertainment. It’s our way of saying THANK YOU for all you do to bless Riverwood—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
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Just for Fun
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Sometimes, pastors and preachers slip up and say just the darnedest things, even during prayer...
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