The Joy of Asking (40Day Prayer, Week I)

December 3, 2009

The joy of asking is not only based on receiving what we have asked God for.

The joy of asking God something in prayer also comes from having asked in “Jesus’ Name”!

People are deepening their understanding of the mystery of prayer, and are consequently becoming motivated to pray more deeply. The study guide, ‘The Joy of Prayer’ will continue to be available on Wednesday nights and at the Forest Lake Church office. Readers who have been touched by its content have offered extra donations so that others may benefit from the material*. -*5$donation was requested.

On this particular evening, people who attended H.o.P.E were invited to prepare their heart and mind for an encounter with God as they participated in a personal moment of ‘confession’. Although not always a popular concept in this day in age, they realized that confession creates space for more of God’s presence in their lives!

‘Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.’ (See John 16: 23-24)

Could it be that simple? Come and find out more next Wednesday night, as we learn about what it means to pray to a “triune God”.

Praying for our joy…and hope for the journey.
-Pastor Sabine


Here, groups coming forward as a symbol of praying for the joy of asking and thanking God for the assurance that He is listening!

PRAYER AND BLANKETS FOR OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
Our local agency for Homelessness is running out of blankets to give out to men, women and children who come off the street asking for help. As the temperature is dropping, the need to keep warm increases. If you live in the Orlando area, you can help by bringing clean blanket (s) with you when you come to House of Prayer Experience this Wednesday night. They will be delivered downtown the next day. Thank you for caring. (AP Photo below/J Pat Carter/DailyProgress)

I Will Praise God… with My Whole Heart!

November 25, 2009

Hanna just turned 6!

Her grandmother Barbara was present to give God praise and report that her granddaughter was declared 95% cancer free. Charlie had also submitted Hannah’s name for prayers when she was first diagnosed with cancer of the kidney.

The little girl had declared that she was healed when she was preparing for a scan. Her grandmother remembers how it was not the case at first, but as Pastor Derek pointed out, the little girl was being prophetic after all!

Pat had good news of her own and explained why she was thankful.

She was radiant when she shared that her husband had changed and accepted Jesus as His Savior and Lord. He no longer ‘persecutes’ her for her faith, but instead their relationship has blossomed. She had prayed for him for sixteen years. Pat remembered how the people of H.o.P.E joined her in praying for him when the group first met in one of the church’s classrooms.

‘Thank you for praying for him before you’ve known him’, she told her listeners.

A young woman who was visiting from Ontario, Canada had contacted Pastor Derek. She was suffering from a painful illness called scleroderma. She came for the first time to House of Prayer Experience because she had heard that it was a community of ‘pray-ers’. She didn’t expect the prayer quilt nor the wave of people who came to surround her. Another young adult, Esther had a friend on her mind and asked for prayers on his behalf as his life hung on the balance.

We remembered once more how H.o.P.E is a house of prayer for all people…and that joy is possible despite tough situations.


Daniila Dideko is pictured here helping lead worship in songs through inspiring (and inspired!) piano playing!

In between the testimonies and times for reflection, we sang Scripture Songs. The tunes composed by Bodil Morris have helped people draw closer to God and memorize His Word. The words from Psalm 9:1-2 have become somewhat of a theme for the Wednesday night’s gathering!

I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

-Pastor Sabine