Introduction to 7 weeks of Carrying Hope
Carrying Hope Across Generations
Sometimes we give up on dreaming. Not any particular dream but dreaming altogether. Our souls’ hope-spaces have emptied for so long that we’d rather stay empty.
Over the next several weeks, will you join me in asking God to fill you with a vision that requires hope? And this week, will you join me in praying a prayer like Hannah’s? To pray for people to nurture, to the glory of God?
Hannah may have felt desperate that her dream purpose was not happening. Yet she gave her soul-chasm to God:
“…and in due time she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I asked the Lord for him.” 1 Samuel 1:20
Hannah prayed to God for a son. And one way we carry hope is across the generations.
I treasure my mug that says, “Best Bonus Mom Ever,” and the young woman who gave it. It reminds me I can spread hope to women younger than me.
I can also spread hope “upward.” Do you have a spiritual mother? I have my amazing mom, Donnie, a spiritual mom Joanna, whom I call “Mom 2,” and so many Stonecroft women.
This Mother’s Day, I can encourage my spiritual mamas and daughters, reminding them of how God sends hope through them. And asking to hear what they’re dreaming about, so I can carry their hopes with them, in prayer.
Hannah reminds us God births things. He plants visions and relationships, and purposes. For us to receive, and to carry.
Pray:
What hope do you want to ask God to birth in you or through you in the coming weeks?
Father, in my empty places, place something of Yourself to bring forth into this world.
Sow:
This week, will you join me and take 30 minutes to carry hope to two women—one a spiritual sister or daughter, the other a spiritual mom?
P.S. I’m praying God will show me how to use my ordinary for His extraordinary hope. To show me first who these two women are, and then what to do. Will I schedule a call, grab a coffee or a walk, give a single flower, deliver a donut to their doorstep, send a box of tea for us to sip together long-distance?
What ideas do you have? What did you do and how did it go? Take a moment and smile. 😊 You are a hope-carrier!
Discussion Questions
- What fears keep you from following the Holy Spirit as you wait for God to fill your heart and mind with possibility?
Prepare for Prayer
Take a moment and ask God to fill your empty spaces with His Spirit and to give you hopes and dreams that bring Him glory.
Our guide to prayer is “Fulfill.”
Read: Ephesians 1:18
“I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.”
Pray: Dear Lord, God of our salvation, we come to You with broken hopes and dreams. Take them from us, and give us the confident hope we have in Christ Jesus.
Pray:
- Tell God your broken hopes and dreams and give them to Him
- Ask God to replace those broken hopes and dreams with His hope and visions
Pray for Your Group’s Upcoming Outreach Event
Read: Matthew 28:8-9
“The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him.”
Pray: Father God, give us the same joy and courage as the women at the tomb to tell others about Your power and resurrection despite all our fears. Use the upcoming outreach event to make Your name known.
Pray:
- Ask God to remove obstacles and overcome any disappointments as we seek to lead an event that will reach women for His glory.
- Ask God to bring women with broken hopes and dreams to the event and to use us to show them Jesus, the greatest hope.
Sharing Your Faith
Read: Acts 18:26
“He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.”
Pray: Dear Lord, give us the boldness, the discernment, and the hospitality to invite lost women into our lives and homes so that they may understand the hope and power of the Gospel.
Pray for:
- Ask that God would release you from the pressure of perfection and entertainment, so that you can truly welcome a lost and searching woman into your life.
- Ask God to give you the words to say and the questions to ask that would lead the lost woman to a better understanding to the Gospel of Christ.
Pray for our Nation and Leaders
Read: Psalm 2:10-11
“Now then, you kings, act wisely!
Be warned, you rulers of the earth!
Serve the LORD with reverent fear,
and rejoice with trembling.”
Pray: Lord, You are the great God, mighty and awesome. We ask that our nation’s leaders would serve You and remember that they only have power because You allow them too.
Pray specifically for:
- Ask God that our leaders would recognize their brokenness and emptiness and seek to fill it with God’s hope and vision.
- Ask God that he would work His purpose and will despite those leaders in power who strive to promote evil.
Pray for the Stonecroft Family
Read: Romans 16:7
“Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did.”
Pray: Dear Lord, I ask that you give those in Stonecroft the same perseverance in the faith Andronicus and Junia had. May they be respected in the community so that Your hope and glory may be known and that women would grow in Your truth and grace.
Pray for:
- Ask that God give His hope and vision to the leaders of Stonecroft so that they may fulfill His purpose, not their own.
- Ask God that the leaders of Stonecroft would remember to seek Him first and to give over their fears.
Share Personal Requests
Pray for each other’s personal needs and remember that God brings to life visions and ministries and relationships.
Closing Prayer
Savior God, we are so grateful that You do not leave us empty and broken. We praise you for the hope and joy we have in Jesus and for the purpose we have in fulfilling Your will. Grant these ladies here Your visions for their lives. May they further Your glory and Your name as Your rich and glorious inheritance.