The Art of Childlike Naïve Listening



The Art of Childlike Listening

“I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3

“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it,"

Isaiah 30:21

Journal any words or reflections you sense the Spirit prompting:

“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11

© Citywide Prayer Movement 2015 (Permission to copy for the glory of God!)

A Culture of UNITY

Becoming the One Body of Christ

In our City

‘Culture’ – the way of life, customs, beliefs and language of a particular group of people…

“May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

Jesus in John 17:23 NIV

“[Abraham]…was looking for the city which has foundations,

whose architect and builder is God.”

Hebrews 11:10-11 NASU

To my dear friends,

God the Father is, and always will be the builder and architect of His kingdom purposes in this age and in the age to come. We seem to be living in a season of unprecedented outpouring of prayer and unity on God’s people in cities around the world. This seems to be an unfolding answer to Jesus’ prayer in John 17, that the body of Christ would be one! It is our desire to seek the heart of God together and ask Him what the Spirit is saying to the pastors, spiritual leaders and the body of Christ in our city.

Our prayer is that the Lord would enlighten the eyes of our hearts and allow us to hear what the Spirit is saying to each of us in this awesome time in history. Unity in diversity is a work of the Spirit of God and also involves each of us intentionally reaching out and connecting with others.

May the Lord stir our hearts as we spend time together in His presence!

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from

heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14-15 NIV

“… you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house

to be a holy priesthood”

1 Peter 2:5 NIV

Spend time in quiet waiting in the presence of the LORD.

Meditate on these verses. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you fresh insights and wisdom:

“I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me.”

Psalm 40:1 NKJV

Psalm 133

Blessed Unity of the People of God

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

For brethren to dwell together in unity!

It is like the precious oil upon the head,

Running down on the beard,

The beard of Aaron,

Running down on the edge of his garments.

It is like the dew of Hermon,

Descending upon the mountains of Zion;

For there the LORD commanded the blessing —

Life forevermore.

NKJV

• From this verse WHY does is seem God desires pastors, leaders and churches to serve together?

• Define the “commanded blessing” described in verse 3?

• What do you sense the Holy Spirit is saying to us

About our need to seek to work together in unity

Across race, denomination, age, socio-economic barriers?

Becoming the House of the Lord in our city:

“Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”

Ephesians 2:20-22 NKJV

“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

Ephesians 4:1-6 NKJV

• What is the Holy Spirit saying to you regarding our interdependence and need for others in God’s family?

• Consider practical ways you can respond to this?

Serving in Mission Together:

"Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.

John 5:19-20 NKJV

• Where do you sense God is at work already in our city?

• Where do you sense God might be inviting us to collaborate and serve in mission together as the one body of Christ in the city?

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