Prayer Tip: The Purpose and Power of Baptism
Daily Scripture
Luke 3:3, 3:21-22 (CEB) and Matthew 28:18-20a (CEB)
John went throughout the region of the Jordan River, calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins.
When everyone was being baptized, Jesus also was baptized. While he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit came down on him in bodily form like a dove. And there was a voice from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I find happiness.”
Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you.”
Daily Reflection & Prayer
My granddaughter Laiklyn was baptized at Resurrection West when she was one year old. Per our tradition, the congregation was asked if they would come alongside our family to help love and care for Laiklyn; if they would help her grow in her faith by being her teachers and mentors in Sunday School, Vacation Bible Camp, youth group, serve trips and more; if they would walk beside her through the ups and downs of life and be her church family.
Laiklyn loves coming to church at Resurrection West! She loves the people and the music and just being there. Instead of going to Sunday school, though, she usually wants to stay in worship with grandma (my wife, Lisa) or me. A turning point came this summer at her first VBC. She had an absolute blast! She enjoyed the crafts, stories, songs and of course, the Friday night water and shaving cream fun. She also got to know and feel more comfortable around many of the teachers, helpers and staff. Many high fives and smiles were received and given.
This past weekend on promotion Sunday, we encouraged Laiklyn to go to Kindergarten Sunday School instead of staying in the worship service with us. She was a little unsure, but willing to give it a try because she’d had such a great experience at VBC. Well, she loved it and will be back for more!
You, her church family, made that possible. You’ve stayed true to the promises you made at her baptism. You’ve offered Laiklyn and our family support and care in so many ways over the years. You’ve been a safe place for her to learn and grow in her own time and space. And now, after giving your time and resources to create such an awesome VBC experience, she’s ready and excited about the next step in her faith journey. And we are grateful!
Today, I encourage you to pray for the children who have been baptized recently:
Prayer
Ask God to bless and keep them and their families. Pray that our church might be a safe place for them to learn, ask questions and grow in their faith. Ask God to show you how to come alongside them to offer care and support (maybe by volunteering in children and student ministries, praying for them consistently or being the greeter who gives them high fives on Sunday). And pray that they may always know they are precious children of God, holy and loved forever. Amen.
GPS Insights
Chris Holliday
This week's prayer tip is by Chris Holliday. Chris joined the Resurrection staff in 2009 and currently serves as the Connection and Care Pastor and Director of Adult Discipleship at Resurrection West.
