I love the fall! I love the hint of coolness in the breeze and the landscape's slowly emerging colors as the quick growth of spring and summer gracefully glides to a halt. I marvel at the artistry of death as once vibrant, green leaves give way to bold, beautiful colors. I'm reminded of how God's love colored my life the moment I chose to follow Jesus; to die to myself so that he might live glamorously in me. But this period of passing also prompts me to an awareness of the multitude of people that are living a life devoid of a relationship with Christ.
This month, invite your small group members to get out of the living room and take a walk. Start your meeting off by asking each person to share a time in their life when someone "walked the extra mile" for them. Spend some time in worship then send the group out in teams of two to "prayer walk" around several blocks of your host home provider's neighborhood.
Ask each team to begin their walk by praying for an awareness of their surroundings, a discernment of the needs of those living in the neighborhood.
Suggest that each team pray conversationally, speaking out their prayers as the Holy Spirit leads them. Simple prayers such as: "Gracious Father, thank you for the people living in this home. Thank you for the plan and the purpose You have for each of their lives. May the greatness of Your love touch their hearts today in a tangible way. Heal their hurts and bring peace to their lives. May they come to know You in a personal, life-changing way or be strengthened in their commitment to You. Thank You, Father, in Jesus' name. Amen."
Gather back together at a pre-determined time and enjoy refreshments. Pass out index cards and ask each person to write down one significant experience they had on their prayer walk then invite them to share. End your time together in prayer.
Encourage each group member to put their card in their car, on their refrigerator, or bathroom mirror to remind them to continue praying about their experience in the weeks to come.
