How to Keep Your Hearts Burning Together
How do you keep your heart on fire for Christ with others? How do you make prayer and worship a regular part of life with your friends, community, or church? Here’s are some simple steps, guides, and resources:
1. First things first, PRAY!
Ask God when and how often to meet: daily? weekly? If you want to cultivate a culture of prayer and worship, daily is best, but commit to meeting at least once a week. The goal is to move from an event or program to God shaping us into His dwelling place, just as Ephesians 2:22 says.
2. Find a Space
Pray for a place to gather, maybe a church room, coffee shop, business, apartment, or even home to home. God will provide. Remember, He desires a dwelling place more than you desire to gather. Be grateful for the space He gives, and keep in mind that some meet under trees or in underground churches, God’s presence isn’t limited by the location.
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3. Invite People
Whether it’s two or 200, God will be present when your desire is to worship, pray, and meet with Him. Invite those who will commit to gathering regularly, and make a commitment before God and one another to show up faithfully.
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4. Be Consistent
Show up! Tired, joyful, sad, full of faith, or with just a mustard seed of faith. Half the battle is showing up. God fills the rest.
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5. JESUS IS THE WHOLE POINT
All your prayers, worship, and attention should focus on Jesus. He is the reason we gather. Keep Christ at the center and partake in communion often. Avoid gatherings centered on talent, events, or programs. Ask yourself: Why are we here? If it’s not to encounter Jesus, consider waiting until your hearts are aligned with Him.
We gather for one reason: to glorify Christ.
Tips:
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Create a Vertical Song Bank: Focus on songs about Jesus, His glory, holiness, Gospel, and throne room, not on ourselves. When in doubt, sing His Word! Lifting our eyes off ourselves and onto Jesus changes the atmosphere. Check out the YouTube playlists below for ideas of vertical songs.
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Keep a Visual Reminder of Christ’s Presence: Maybe place a communion table in your gathering as the focal point, or a cross in the center of your meeting. These simple reminders help keep your focus on Jesus.