by Matt Huey

This week 19 men from West Seattle gather to pray in the name of Jesus, and began with sharing the conversation conversations we had this week with unbelievers and those we met at Mars Hill for the first time.

We then turned our attention to Colossians 3:18-4:1 (below):

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

We then used the principles of the Delta Model to help us meditate on this passage, especially focusing on aspects of how God calls men to love our wives. As we considered this passage, we went through the following:

1. What is the will of God?
2. In light of God’s will, what is he like?
3. What are practical ways that we can put the will of God into practice?
4. In light of God’s will, what are practical ways that we blow it?
5. What thoughts are revealed by these actions?
6. What beliefs about God are revealed by these actions?
7. How are you doing in this area?

Whether men were married, in a relationship but yet to be married, or single, it was a great discussion of what it means to live for Jesus in each of these contexts.

We then gathered in smaller groups to pray for the needs of our church and community.

Prayers this week:

• That the doctrine of Christ would be clearly studied and known at Mars Hill
• Continue to pray for a spirit of humility and unity among the leadership and staff at Mars Hill
• Pray for Pastor Mark and Grace as they are up in front during the Q&A. Pray against any fear and discouragement.
• Pray for the single people and the hurting people during this SOS series that they would experience the peace of Christ through Mark’s teaching
• Pray for the marriages in our church that there would be intimacy and oneness in Christ. Pray that priorities would be based on an identity in Jesus. Pray that men would lead well and cover the family.
• Continue to pray for the Song of Solomon series. Pray that all believers will seek to pursue their primary identity in Christ, that marriages will be strengthened, and that those yet to be married will pursue relationships that are honoring to Jesus.
• Continued prayer for the Equip classes that people will grow through the process and remain faithful to attend and do the work
• Pray for the Apprentice training of potential community group leaders that competent and committed leaders come out of the class
• Pray against Satan, his tricks, and divisive attempts to hamper the mission of Mars Hill and lead people astray from the truth of the gospel.