The Trellis Podcast

Today's Passage: Colossians 4:15-18Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.Today's Prayer: Lord, as we conclude the book of Colossians, plant these truths deeply in our hearts as we go out to love and serve the world. Amen.NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 4:7-14Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. Today's Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the body of believers that surrounds us, the ways you hold us together, and the gift of comfort and encouragement. We pray that you will continue your work in us that we would stand mature and fully assured in the will of God. Amen.NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 4:2-6Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.Today's Prayer: Lord, make our speech clear to those we share your word with today and every day. Give us wisdom to know your will and walk wisely among the people we encounter today. Help us to use the time we have in ways that honor you. We ask these things in your name. Amen.NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 3:22–4:1Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.Today's Prayer: Father you despise slavery and bondage. May we be reminded in this passage of how you parted the Red Sea for Your people to escape from slavery in Egypt. Even more, may we be reminded of how you defeated death on the Cross that we may escape from the ultimate slavery of sin.  Father, many today are still enslaved or labor in menial or humiliating arenas. Would you give any of us who are trapped by others or by our own circumstances to live transcendent above those circumstances knowing that any work we do for You stores into an eternal account that can never be stolen. Lord, help us work for You as our only audience. Whether our plight is from others who have abused power or by our own hands of enslaving debt, give us sincere hearts to know work was given to us before evil entered the world. It is a glorious thing to work with our hands and minds as you've created us to in Your image.  Lord, additionally, help any of us who manage or lead others to do so in a manner that builds them up versus tears them down. Help us to love those under our authority in a way that doesn't promote ourselves or abuse any power we've been given. Rather, help us see our role as helping each of them flourish in God's mission for their lives. NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 3:18-21Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.Today's Prayer: Father, in a world that abuses power at every turn, you've called us to be different. In Ephesians 5:21 you instruct us first to submit to one another in Christ. We pray that, as men, women, and children, you would stir us to humility in heart to show preference to others and serve in our homes, churches, schools, and workplaces. Just like you washed the feet of Your disciples, help us in our marriages and families to take on the posture you modeled—that you would even wash the feet of one who would betray you hours later.  Also, Lord you've given us as men double admonitions in these verses. You tell us twice to not be harsh. Lord, You have set the standard of leadership as the one who gets to sacrifice first. You did this by sacrificing Your life on a cross—to die for us, to sacrifice first.  Father, would you help us as husbands and dads to sacrifice first that everything else flourishes around us. That our wives would feel nurtured, safe, and seen to then grow more into who you've made them to be. That our kids would find comfort, safety, and healthy boundaries to grow into the person you have created them to be. Help us not forget that we, as men, are also your bride as the church and your adopted child.  Help us rest in these with you so we might know better how to lead and love our own. NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 3:15-17And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.Today's Prayer: Father thank you for the joyful elements of worship we have as believers.  You've given us Your word to teach and encourage each other. It is alive, sufficient, authoritative, necessary,  inerrant, and clear. You've also given us music and song.  Lord, allow us to yield to You and be filled with Your Holy Spirit—to partake in this joy by singing and showing gratitude outwardly or inwardly by having a song in our heart.  Help us know that our worship, gratitude, and study of scripture is to also benefit others we are connected to in the Body of Christ. Help us work to live unified with one another and work hard for peace in a world that works hard at dissension. NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 3:12-14Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Today's Prayer: Father, it's been said that unforgiveness is like drinking poison ourselves hoping that someone else might die. Would you help us right now by bringing to mind anyone we may need to forgive, maybe for the first time. To no longer hold them guilty in our own private court of law.  Father, would you also help us continue to re-forgive any time we are triggered over things we've already forgiven. Help us Lord to know we cannot “forgive and forget.” We know in our earthly minds memories can still flood us. Help us use those times to offer those people or circumstances that have wounded us back to You as an offering and reminder of Your forgiveness to us.  Lord, would you help us also wear the new clothing of the Kingdom that You've given us. Help us live these fruits of the Spirit today in Your power and not our own. Lord, I ask right now that You help us empty ourselves to be filled with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and forgiveness. NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 3: 5-11Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.Today's Prayer: Lord it is tempting to define ourselves now based on what we were before knowing you. It is tempting to live in the shame of our old self, the flesh, the residue that remains of our former life. It is like a weed that can come back even though we thought it had been uprooted.  Father, your word says we once walked in these. Before you, we routinely followed that path with a destination of numbing our pain or seeking pleasure outside of you. But, we thank you Father that through Your power we are no longer slaves to sin, that the Spirit who raised us in Christ now empowers us to live a transformed life.  Help us now choose differently because you've given us a new heart. Psalm 16:2 says that we have nothing good apart from You. Help us today to live renewed in Your image and as our only source of delight and not chase old, earthly pursuits that never satisfy. NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 3: 1-4If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.  For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.Today's Prayer: Father for some reason you've called us into a relationship with You.You want us to be with You, where You are, and about what You are about.Your eternal decree is too marvelous to comprehend.Yet, you've also placed us at Your table to be not only servants but also friends.Here, we are protected and fully alive.Help us today to reflect on the things you are about.Your word says in Philippians 4:8 to think on eight things: whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and anything worthy of praise.Lord, as we are not guaranteed tomorrow, will you help us today to hide in the shadow of Your wings—free to be with You and about Your Kingdom.NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 2: 18-23Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.Today's Prayer: We choose to reject worldly systems and embrace the cross we choose to reject pride and instead Embrace the mercy of God We choose the one mediator who bore our sins on the cross.We confess Christ as the head of the body come in the one who nourishes us. We ask you to knit us together. Holy Spirit, we ask you to make manifests the gifts you've given to our church for the work of equipping and edifying your body. We confess that we are members of Christ and members of one another. Teach us Holy Spirit, the role you have for each of us. May none of us think of ourselves as useless, and without gifting.Rather than focusing on our gifts, we choose to focus on you God, our head.Father, we lift our gaze to you and as we do, we ask that we would be transformed into your likeness. As we look in Your wonderful face, we ask that the things of earth would grow strangely dim, in the light of Your glory and grace.In Jesus name we pray…Amen.NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 2: 13-17And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Today's Prayer: God in our heart of hearts. We confess you did it, and in so doing, you made everything available to us. We thank you for making us alive in Christ. We thank you for canceling our debts. We thank you for the way that you have nailed them to the cross, and for the person who needs to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you have accomplished this.Would you minister to their hearts today? Holy spirit, you make us a different kind of people.You make us the kind of people who walk in the awareness of a God who triumphs over rulers and authorities. We say to you, the substance belongs to Christ. On this day, the substance belongs to you, and it is in your name that we pray. Amen.NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 2: 8-12See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. Today's Prayer: Father, the language of being taken captive is unsettling. Holy spirit, we ask that you would make us a discerning people. We choose against human wisdom in favor of spiritual wisdom and understanding and we pray  the truth of Proverbs 9:10 over our lives today, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Holy Spirit, in the same way we asked you to illumine our hearts to the ways we've been deceived through persuasive arguments, we come to you again today and ask that you show us where we've been taken captive through the philosophy and deception of our time and generation. You have made us a particular kind of. You tell us in 1 Peter that we are… 9 …A CHOSEN PEOPLE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR GOD'S OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. Chosen. Royal. Priests. Holy. Your possession for the purpose of proclamation. We can scarcely wrap our minds around it but It is the truest true! Oh God, life East of Eden threatens to conform us to its patterns, but we choose to be transformed by the renewing of our minds that we might prove what is good, acceptable, and perfect (Romans 12:2).  Our hearts thrill to read of how You have made us complete. We take our place under your headship and authority. On this day, we choose again to put off our flesh and walk as Spirit-people. Again we make our confession that we have been buried with You in baptism, and raised by God in faith.  Our new identity is firm. Our future not up for discussion and secure in You. Move in power in and through us today.  In the strong name of Jesus we prayer…Amen.NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 2: 4-7I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.Today's Prayer: Dear God, would you illumine the places in our lives where we have either been deceived or are at risk of deception from the persuasive arguments of our day and time. Speak to our heart even in this moment, Lord and shine your light on the places we are thinking wrongly…acting wrongly…believing wrongly…We so identify with the people of Colossae and we confess that it our desire to stand firm and steadfast. We want to be an immovable people when it comes to walking in truth. We confess that error will divide us, and it is our desire that truth unite us as a body.Psalm 119:32 says. “I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding” and we ask you to broaden our understanding.Father we come to you in full confidence today asking you to make us a people of stability. As your people, marked by having received Christ Jesus the Lord, we choose to walk in you. Holy Spirit, apply the finished work of Christ to our lives. Root us deeply and firmly. Build us, grow us up in Christ. We reject a life that lulls us to sleep. We reject a life that makes little of you. We reject a faith that is passive. And in its place, we choose a faith that is rooted and established. We bless Your name. We thank you, Christ Jesus, for Your finished work. We praise you because You are exalted far above all powers and principalities and You sit at the right hand of the Father where are right now intercede for us. As we move throughout this day, with all that it holds, both large and small, we do so overflowing with gratitude at the life you make possible for your people. In Christ's name we pray…Amen.NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 2: 1-3For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Today's Prayer: We thank you that Paul was willing to struggle and intercede for your people in Laodicea, that they would grow up in the faith and come into a true knowledge of You. Father, Paul speaks in this passage of the way we are meant to struggle and contend on behalf of those with whom you've placed us.  So today, we sit in silence for a moment and ask your Holy Spirit to search our minds and imaginations for those you've entrusted into our care. As we move throughout today and the days we follow, we choose not to fall asleep to the people You've place around us. People who You will direct across our paths. Even now, allow names and faces to come to mind… Even now, would your Holy Spirit form prayers in us for those you've given into our care… Sons and daughters, parents, friends, colleagues, ministry partners… God, we ask that their hearts would be encouraged. That you could knit them together in love… We ask that they would have an assurance of understanding that results in a full and deep and rich knowledge of the mystery that is You, Father! Oh God, Your Word says that wisdom and knowledge are treasures – and our deep desire is to possess them as gifts made available to us through Christ.  Holy Spirit, as your new covenant people, we ask that you apply these treasures to our lives today. They are our inheritance, and we chose to possess them in all humility and gratefulness. And it is in your name that we pray…Amen.NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 1:28-29Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.Today's Prayer: Lord, your goodness never ends.You are always at work among your people. We ask for wisdom.We ask for more of your Spirit.We ask for the fullness of your power at work in our lives. Help us be a people always growing into your likeness.Create in us a deeper longing to walk closely by your side.Fix our eyes on the power of your presence in each breath we take. We want to proclaim you boldly and in deep love to this broken world.We want to love your church that your body might be encouraged and built up. As we pour out our lives, keep us firmly in your hand.Remind us of who and whose we are. We love you, Lord.Amen.NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 1:24-27Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  Today's Prayer: Lord, you graciously invite your people into your work.You allow us to be a vessel for the work of your hands. When we are faced with suffering, Remind us of who you are.When we're unsure how to persevere,Remind us of your strength in our weakness. Keep our eyes on you.Strengthen our minds for the work you have placed before us.Guide our hands and feet as we care for your beautiful creation. We long to be a people that point the world to your glory.We long to be a people that point to the great hope we have in Christ. You are the hope of glory.We love you, Lord.Amen.NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 1:21-23And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.Today's Prayer: Lord, you have given us all we need.Your provision is perfect, without fault. We came to you in all our messiness.And you offered restoration.You offered healing, And you created a way for us to come before your throne. You call us holy and blameless.And you strengthen us to endure. Remind us today that you are more than enough.Remind us today that the hope we have in you is unshakable. We love you, Lord.Amen.NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 1:18-20And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.Today's Prayer: Lord, you are the one who brings deep, everlasting peace.You are the one who brings healing and reconciliation to your people. You suffered and died that we might have life—That we might know the fullness of your love. You reign supreme,Yet you lowered yourself as a servant to all—That we might know how to follow your ways. One day we will stand before you And know how you have ordered all things for your glory.One day we will see the beauty of your good and perfect ways. We stand in awe today of the gift of your cross.We love you, Lord. Amen.NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 1:15-17He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.Today's Prayer: Lord, you are our creator.You were before all things,And you hold all things together. Let us not lose sight of this incredible gift—The gift of serving the one true God,The firstborn of all creation. Let us not lose sight of the beauty of serving a Good FatherWho chose us as His people before the foundations of the earth. Let us not lose sight of the joy that is ours as we rest in knowing that We were created for your glory alone. You are good and holy and worthy of our praise.We love you, Lord.Amen.NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 1:9-14And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.Today's Prayer: Lord, you are our deliverer.Our great hope and our redeemer. We pray for your church today—That we might know the fullness of the hope we have in you.That we might be filled with spiritual wisdom and understanding.That we might walk before you in a manner worthy of your presence. We choose to be a people who endure, Strengthened by your power alone.We choose to give thanks in all circumstances, Resting in the joy that is ours in Christ Jesus. You have delivered us from darkness and called us your own.You have redeemed us and brought us into your Kingdom.You have forgiven our sins past, present, and future. We stand forever in awe of your sacrifice.We love you, Lord.Amen.NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage: Colossians 1:1-8Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:Grace to you and peace from God our Father.We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.Today's Prayer: Lord, we thank you for your beautiful Word,Your Gospel truth that brings hope and life.Your Word is alive and active,Bearing fruit and reaching to the end of the earth. We thank you for your church,The saints who continue to lay down their lives before you,Your sons and daughters who are chosen and dearly loved. As your people meditate on your Word—Keep our hearts ever on fire for more of your Spirit.Remind us of the hope that we have in Christ Jesus.Bring clarity and light to where you are at work.Strengthen us for the path you have laid before us. We love you, Lord.Amen.NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

We long to be a people who know our Father deeply—who remember that He has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints (Colossians 1:12), rescued us from the domain of darkness, and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son (1:13). We long to be a people who trust that the Father's ways are true and better, who seek the things above, where Christ is seated at His right hand (3:1), and who grow in wisdom and spiritual understanding (1:9–10).Throughout the month of May—a time when life can feel rushed and scattered—our prayer is that the book of Colossians would draw us closer to the Father, rooting us in His presence, forming us in His truth, and reminding us that our lives are now hidden with Christ in God (3:3).NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer Study Information about the Men's Summer Study Reach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Today's Passage and Prayer: Colossians 1: 9-14 9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.NOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Today's Passage: Ezekiel 36:25-27I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. Today's Prayer: Almighty God, Creator of Heaven and earth, author and perfecter of our faith, holy is Your name. Lord it is by grace and grace alone that you transformed us from a people who once rebelled against you into a people who now live to glorify you and to bring you praise. And so Father today we are grateful, grateful because the work you began in us is being seen through to completion by the power of your Spirit. Lord with each passing day like a potter shapes clay you are shaping us into a people who resemble you. And so as we take this time to fast and to seek Your face, we pray that you would open our eyes to the formative work that you're doing within us. Continue to cleanse us and to make us holy as we surrender ourselves over to you daily. Lastly, God we pray that we would not rely on our own strength but on you and you alone. It's in your holy and precious name that we pray all these things, Amen.NOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Today's Passage: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 And I, when I came to you brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.  For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.  And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.Today's Prayer: Father, would you give us more of your Spirit that allows us to become more like your son Jesus.  May we feel your presence that directs our path towards life.  As we encounter so much that today brings allow the power of the Spirit shine through. So that when people see us, they see you.  O Lord, not to us, and only to your name be the glory.  AmenNOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Today's Passage: Romans 8:26-27Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.Today's Prayer: Father, thank you for always being with us, your Spirit never leaves us alone, even in our darkest moments you are there.NOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Today's Passage: John 7:37-3937 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.Today's Prayer: Lord, thank you. Thank you for this river of living water, and that out of your abundant love this river flows through us.As we continue on today, through this week, and the rest of the 21 days, father would you open our eyes? Help us to pay attention, to be in tune with your spirit and catch a glimpse of the river and where we see life spring up in the spaces around us. You have been so good to include us in this sharing of life. Lord we love you. Amen.NOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Today's Passage: Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.Today's Prayer: Dear God,Will you give us more of these Fruits of the Spirit?  Will you grow them all?  Will you give us such a portion that the boughs of our lives will bend under the weight of so much fruit… so much love, so much joy, so much peace and patience, kindness and goodness, so much faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  And God, I pray for every specific fruit that you brought to mind to every specific person listening to this podcast.  I pray that you would grow that Fruit in them today.  We love you.It is in the name of our Lord and our Savior Jesus Christ that we pray,Amen.NOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Today's Passage: Ephesians 3:14-19 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.Today's Prayer: Spirit, would you move upon our hearts, even now in this moment. Would you allow each of us to experience your goodness and your affection in a deeper way - one that goes beyond mere information. Let us know the length, the width, the depth, and the height of the love of Christ. Would you unlock our hearts, free us from shame, and fill us with all the fullness of God.NOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Today's Passage: Ephesians 5:13-14 and Romans 8:6. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible. For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says, Awake O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. - Ephesians 5:13-14For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. - Romans 8:6 Today's Prayer: Lord make us white-hot for the Gospel, Your Kingdom, Your work, and Your love. Help us to love the people of this world, but not to love the things of this world too much. Lord, wake us up from any slumber that gets in the way of being desperate for you. AmenNOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Today's Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:5-9. And [the Lord] said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind, an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, the sound of a low whisper.Today's Prayer: Lord, I pray that you would give us the ability to notice how your Holy Spirit is moving in our lives in this season of prayer and fasting. Help us to understand our circumstances through the lens of your truth and interpret our present experience in light of your eternal perspective. Allow our longings to lead us into deeper relationship with you and each other. Give us grace to love and serve you, now and forever. Amen.NOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Today's Passage: 1 Kings 19:11-12And [the Lord] said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind, an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, the sound of a low whisper.Today's Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit who comforts and guides us. Lord, I confess that I often expect dramatics when anticipating your voice and can overlook the quiet ways you speak to me. Forgive us for the times we let noise, distractions, and fear drown out Your voice. I ask that you continue to teach us to discern Your voice amidst the noise of life. Help us to quiet our hearts and listen for the still, small whisper of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. NOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Today's Passage: Psalm 105:37Then he brought out Israel with silver and gold, and there was none among his tribes who stumbled.Today's Prayer: Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. - Jude 1:24-25NOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Today's Passage: 2 Corinthians 3: 17-1817 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.Today's Prayer: Holy Spirit, we pray today that you would remind us that you are the very freedom that we thirst and hunger for. Through you, we are reminded of who we are – who we belong to – and the truth about us. We are free. Having been rescued out of the obligation and slavery and consequence of sin.And you, Holy Spirit, are changing us. Day by day. Degree by degree. Moving us towards glory until we are fully home with you. We offer you the places that we do not feel free, God. The places that we feel stuck. Or sideways. Polluted or perplexed. The places we feel fake or like an imposter. Take all of these and do that thing you always do where you remind us again of your mercy and grace. And help us to recall, today, that our freedom was a gift that was offered to you in great delight. You saw us at our very worst and moved into rescue us. May our life be lived in the freedom and truth of that great love. To you be the Glory, God. We pray this through the power of your very present Spirit. Amen.NOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Today's Passage: Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Today's Prayer: Thank you God for being our Source of Hope and ready to fill us with joy when there seems to be anything but joy. Thank you for peace in the midst of chaos. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is powerfully working within us so we may overflow with Hope! We believe and hold tightly to this Truth today! In your name we pray AMEN! NOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Today's Passage: Genesis 1:1-3 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.Today's Prayer: Jesus, In the beginning, You spoke, and from the void, You brought forth all that is. From the formless, You shaped the heavens and the earth,  Calling forth light from the darkness, and filling the deep with Your presence. Jesus, today we confess that we too, at times, are formless and void,  Lost in the darkness of confusion, fear, and doubt.  Yet even now, Your Spirit hovers near, Ready to bring light into the deepest parts. Would you speak, Jesus, that we might hear.     In the strong name of Jesus, Amen.NOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Today's Passage: John 14: 25-27These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.Today's Prayer: Oh Lord, we love you. We acknowledge that you are the same yesterday and today and forever. Our circumstances cannot and will not change you or surprise you. We praise you for your spirit that has been poured out on us. We confess that we forget you and we need your Spirit to help us remember you in all things. As we pray and fast today, remind us of your words & the ways in which you have taught us. Fill us with hope knowing that you will never leave us or forsake us and you will continue to teach us as we walk along. Give us peace where we feel hopeless or afraid or restless. Give us joy where there is sadness or longing. Help us to look to you in all things & for all things. We love you.Amen.NOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Today's Passage: Acts 2: 38-39And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.John 14: 25-26 These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.Today's Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the gift of your spirit. We are in awe of how your plan from the very beginning was to lavish us in kindness, love, mercy, and grace. We praise you for equipping us with the very spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, and we ask that you help us to believe and trust in that power. Would your spirit call to our remembrance your truth as we engage with the practice of fasting. You are the bread of life. May we find deep comfort in knowing you, far beyond what physical sustenance can provide. We ask for the same renewal of spirit that was sought in Psalm 51. Thank you for the scriptures and how they give us such deep insight into your heart and our purpose. Give us a craving to know you more through your word, and engrave what we learn on our hearts that we may echo the heavens that declare your glory. We love you, and we ask these things in confidence- not in our abilities- but in your everlasting love, power, and glory. AmenNOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Today's Passage: John 15:26-27But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness because you have been with me from the beginning.Today's Prayer: Father, help us to be a people who rely on the Spirit to hold our eyes up. Protect us from forcing life to happen, and instead put us in a place of submission and humility. Please inspire us to be on mission in a way that points other to Christ. AmenNOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Today's Passage: Romans 8:1-11There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.Today's Prayer: Father, you are the one who brings us from death to life.You release us from the failures of our flesh And freely give us the life and peace that is ours in the Spirit. You sent your Spirit as our Helper and our Advocate.You promised that he would dwell within us And intercede on our behalf according to your will. Lord, increase our desire for your Spirit today.Your Word tells us in John 6 “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said,Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” We thirst for your living water today.Strip away the things that distract us.Help us understand that only the water of the living God will satisfy. We need more of you today. Amen. NOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Today's Passage: Ephesians 4:1-16 4 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says:“When he ascended on high,    he took many captives    and gave gifts to his people.”9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)  11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.Today's Prayer: Lord, we submit today to you once again. We know that it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can live our lives in ways that are worthy of all that you have done for us. We ask that you fill us again with your power and that you work in and through us. Help us to be humble and gentle and patiently help one another with our burdens.  We recognize that you have gifted us, and all of your people uniquely and also designed local churches such that we can only function by using our gifts together. Would you give each of us individually a clear view of how you have gifted us and the work that you intend for us to do in your power and in collaboration with your people. We ask that you empower us and give us clear vision to equip your people here in this time at this place we call Fellowship Church to do the work of ministry you intend for us to do together. We ask that you mature us and draw us in to Yourself so that we might know You more and more each day. Help us to reflect your glory in this church; knit us together so that we would grow together and build each other up in your love as we each do the work you have prepared for us to do. In all things, God, let us be for the praise of your glory!  NOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Today's Passage: Galatians 5: 16-18 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.Today's Prayer: Father, we love you, Lord. Today we give you thanks that you have filled us with your Spirit, that you have invited us to take up a burden that is easy and is light. Lord, today I ask that you would teach us to walk with your Spirit, to trust in you, to rely on you. To empty ourselves of any desire to prove ourselves and to trust you instead. Would you teach us to live out of the posture Not by might, not by power, but by your Spirit. May we be a people of radical trust and dependance on you. Amen.  NOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.