Discipling the Next Generation
The sacraments or ordinances given by God and instituted by Christ, namely baptism and the Lord’s Supper, are visible signs and seals that we are bound together as a community of faith by his death and resurrection. By our use of them the Holy Spirit more fully declares and seals the promises of the gospel to us.
With diligence, preparation, and prayer; so that we may accept it with faith, store it in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
The whole Word of God directs and inspires us in what we should pray, including the prayer Jesus himself taught us.
With love, perseverance, and gratefulness; in humble submission to God’s will, knowing that, for the sake of Christ, he always hears our prayers.
Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God in praise, petition, confession of sin, and thanksgiving.
The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, comforts us, guides us, gives us spiritual gifts and the desire to obey God; and he enables us to pray and to understand God’s Word.
That he is God, coeternal with the Father and the Son, and that God grants him irrevocably to all who believe.
All the gifts we receive from Christ we receive through the Holy Spirit, including faith itself.
Ed Willougbhy 