Our prayer is that you will be encouraged and able to experience the reality of God s grace and the wonder of the gospel in new and different ways.

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3 40 DAYS The next 40 days are an invitation to practice rhythms that will help you Get in the Way of Jesus. We encourage you to choose one or two practices, in a way that invites the Spirit of God to work in your life. The purpose of this 40-day focus is to connect with God in deeper ways and establish rhythms that will help you continue to develop that relationship in an ongoing way. Just as it takes effort and intentionality to develop meaningful relationships with family and friends, it also takes effort and intentionality to develop a meaningful relationship with God. This is why Paul in 1 Timothy 4:7 instructs Timothy to train yourself to be godly. Our prayer is that you will be encouraged and able to experience the reality of God s grace and the wonder of the gospel in new and different ways. This booklet contains ideas and tips as you start practicing these rhythms.

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5 Scripture To prayerfully study and engage Scripture to see how it intersects with my life and calls me to a life of surrender. Quiet your heart, intentionally slow down, and release distractions as you enter God s presence. Listen to a passage or read it out loud. Read a Proverb a day. Choose a Bible character and read passages about that person s life. Choose a Psalm to reflect on for a week. Read the book of Colossians to learn about your identity in Christ. Seek out an accountability partner to share what you re learning and experiencing. Suggested Resource: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart

6 To communicate with God and enter into a place of intimacy with the Father as we listen, express our needs, and intercede on behalf of others. Prayer Read a Psalm and then pray it in your own words. Pray one of the prayers of Paul from the Epistles (e.g., Philippians 1:3-6). Go on a prayer walk, intentionally listening to the Spirit as you pray for neighbors, your church, or your community. Create a prayer journal; write your own prayers, pray in color. Create a weekly prayer chart identifying specific things and people you want to pray for each day. Try utilizing a prayer app like Echo. Suggested Resource: Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer Max Lucado

7 Solitude To free myself from distractions and noise so I can be fully present to the Lord in order to become more aware of the deep needs of my soul and to receive guidance from the Holy Spirit. Drive in the car without any noise. Turn off the TV; reflect, think, and listen. Go for a walk and be with God. Set a timer for 10 minutes and be silent. Use a pad of paper to write down things that distract you so that you can let go of those tasks or thoughts and return to listening to God. Suggested Resource: The Awakened Heart Gerald May

8 Community To connect with other believers in authentic, loving ways that encourage growth in Christ; engaging one another in transparent relationships that foster spiritual interactions and conversations that celebrate Christ s redemptive work in one another s lives. Read the one anothers in Scripture and practice living out one of them every day for a week. Include others in family gatherings and practice what it means to belong to God s family, not just your nuclear family. Create a thank you list and send those people a card. Ask someone to tell you their story. Listen attentively and express how much it means for you to know their story. Join a Live/Love/Lead Group so that you can experience the impact of community with a group of believers. Pray for someone who has hurt you. Meditate on Romans 12:18 to see how you can be at peace with that person. Suggested Resource: The Safest Place on Earth Larry Crabb

9 Service To offer resources, time, treasure, expertise, and influence for the care, protection, justice, and encouragement of others. Service includes a willingness to be interrupted in our daily routine. Ask somebody, What can I do for you today? Consistently do acts of kindness anonymously. Volunteer at the church in a ministry where you wouldn t normally serve. Write notes of encouragement and/or speak encouraging words to individuals who are hurting. Come to an orientation on serving opportunities within Hershey Free Church and how you can best serve through your giftedness (spring date to be announced soon). Suggested Resource: Service & Secrecy Jan Johnson

10 Missional Living Giving witness to the life-changing work of Jesus in your life; more than explaining the gospel, it is the way that you live the good news. Identify family members, friends, neighbors, or co-workers that need to know about the gospel, and look for opportunities to model or share the good news. Begin to build a relationship with a non-believer to show that you care and value that person. Have lunch with them or invite them for coffee. Identify someone that you can mentor in their faith. Invite someone to church. Invite neighbors to your home for a game night. Express words of encouragement to someone whom it is hard for you to like. Investigate the possibility of joining a Global Ministry Team. Purchase a winter coat for a student who needs one in the Derry Township School District (all sizes). Drop it off at Serve Point any Sunday in March. Suggested Resource: Organic Outreach for Ordinary People Kevin Harney

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