Prayer Tip--The Baptism of Jesus
Daily Scripture
Matthew 3:13-17 (NRSV)
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
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.
After VBC, 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!
Jesus was baptized. I encourage you to pray for the children (and those who are beyond childhood) who have followed Jesus’ example and been baptized recently.
Prayer
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. He first wrote this prayer tip for a sermon about baptism in 2023.
