Just a few thoughts.
 
WASTING TIME ON GOD
Last Sunday, I challenged everyone who isn't already wasting time on God to start. If you already have a healthy prayer routine, don't let me ruin it, but here is something that has blessed Anamarie and me (see attached prayer guide). Here are some suggestions in how to use it.
1. If possible, pray together with others every morning. Try to choose a peaceful place to pray that is conducive to focusing your soul on God.
2. Pray before you get on your computer or listen to the news. Come with an uncluttered mind. We want God to "fill the cup," but even He can't fill a cup that is already full.
3. Pray the prayers out loud and slowly, pausing between each section.
4. Read aloud the Scripture passages for each day. Lectio Divina (Divine Reading) is an ancient practice of simply reading aloud and listening to the Word of God. Listen, as if God is speaking, because He is. If you want to study the passages go ahead, but the goal is simply to listen. He may speak through only one short phrase.
5. Take time to pause between each reading or prayer. You should be able to do all of this in about 10-15 minutes.
6. You may want to journal some of your thoughts or write down some of the phrases God is speaking to you.
7. After you finish reading the Scriptures, you may want to take a moment to offer up spontaneous prayers for those people or situations on your heart. Then you can offer up the "Closing Prayer."
 
Feel free to rewrite the prayers to fit your style or family, especially if you have young kids. You may prefer the traditional "Lord's Prayer" to the one paraphrased here. The goal is not to conform to a rigid format, but to develop a life-giving habit or discipline.
If you want to go deeper into his type of prayer, check out the Ann Arbor Vineyard. They post a daily liturgy from "The Divine Hours" by Phyllis Tickle. Go to annarborvineyard.org/tdh/tdh.cfm They post morning, afternoon, and evening prayers to help you practice God's presence.
 
HARVEST CRUSADE CARPOOLING
It starts on Saturday night at 6:00 pm at Dodger Stadium, September 10. A group of us will meet at the Vineyard at 4:45 pm and leave at 5:00 pm sharp. We'll figure out who can drive and who can ride in the parking lot. We can all meet and sit together. It will be a great night. Parking is $15, but the event is free.
There is also a prayer rally at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, September 8. There is no charge for parking.
 
DALLAS WILLARD
We have the wonderful privilege of having Dallas speak to us on Sunday, September 11. Invite your friends. Dallas is in high demand around the world and we are always blessed to have him speak to us. The following Sunday, Josie Coleman will begin a class, "Celebration of Discipline," using material from Dallas Willard and Richard Foster. The class is aimed at helping you form a richer spiritual life. 
 
Bill Dwyer, Senior Pastor