Some of the sources of the following edited articles are unnonimous. Please feel free to read them, I find them very helpful to me.

THINGS YOU CAN GIVE EVERY DAY

1. Your Time.
How many of you are too busy with you own lives to give your time to others? Being busy is an excuse and a reason not to go out of your way. People need you and love you. They want to see you. Let them in. Let them have time with you.

2. Your Support.
How many of you really support the people in your life? What I mean by support is encouragement and reasons to try something new, not 10 different reasons why it won't work. Just because it didn't work for you, doesn't mean it won't work for them. And, just because it didn't work for them in the past, doesn't mean that it won't work this time.

3. Your Acceptance.
This may be a toughie for some of you. This means unconditional love and the ability to love someone for who they are and not what you want them to be. It means giving up how you think their life should go, and accepting them for what they want to do with their lives. This is the greatest gift that you can give to the people in your life.

4. Your Attention.
How many of you really listen to the people in your life? For everyone who just said 'of course I do,' then why are the people in your life asking You to repeat what they just said? It's because they know that you didn't hear them. Take a few minutes, stop what you are doing, and focus on the people who you love. Aren't they worth it? And who knows, you may even learn something that you thought you already knew.

5. Your Forgiveness.
Forgiving people for past mistakes and hurts is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. After all they are only human. Plus, I'm sure that you haven't been the perfect human beings either. Keeping hurt and anger in your life is just an excuse not to get close to people for fear that they will hurt you again.

6. Your Patience.
How many of you can't even be with the people you love because they are taking too long to tell a story or are taking longer that 'you think' to complete a project that you think should take less time to get done. How do you know that there isn't a better way to do something if the people around you always have to do it your way? Having patience with people shows them that they are respected and loved. Isn't this a great gift to give for the holidays?

7. Your Love.
People want to know that they are special in your life and that you care about them. If there are things that are keeping you from loving them such as conversations that you want to have with them, but you're afraid, my advice is to say it. Sometimes you have to take a risk to achieve an open and rewarding relationship. Take the risk and give your love.

8. Your Ideas.
Sometimes people want to move forward in their lives but they don't know how. You may know something that they never thought of. And who knows, your ideas may change somebody's life. So go ahead, don't be afraid to share what you know.

9. Your Smile.
There is nothing better than entering a room and seeing someone smile when you walk in. Right then and there you know that your presence makes a difference in their life. A smile is easy. You just grin upward. Plus, you
burn many more calories than from frowning.

10. A Hug.
Human touch warms the heart and keeps us connected. In addition, it doesn't take much effort, it costs nothing, and it makes someone's day. Couldn't you find time in your schedule to hug someone you love today?
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LEADING A PRAYER MEETING.
Leading the prayer meeting is a responsibility which should not be taken lightly-but if the leaders in your church or fellowship have asked you to lead, it is because they believe you can do it. And you can. The Spirit of God in you is the Spirit of prayer, and helps you in this special ministry. If you are preparing to lead for the first time, you can trust Him to help you as you pray and prepare yourself as one of His priesthood of believers (1 Peter 2:9)
Responsibility for the prayer meeting should not be a burden or struggle. Those who will gather with you love the Lord also, and you can ask God to increase your love toward Him, and your eagerness to spend time with Him in prayer.

REST IN HiS PRESENCE
We learned from Ephesians 1:3 that believers in Christ are blessed with every spiritual blessing. As we read His Word and think about Christ, we can enjoy the amazing riches of His glory. We know that God has countless gifts ready to give to His people in answer to their prayers.
But the Giver is much more important than the gifts. Think about Him-He is the King of Kings and the Lord of the universe. Gaze at His beauty, His holiness, His splendor, Fall down and worship, Give Him what is due to Him-power, glory, and honor. In Hebrews 4:16 we are invited to approach the throne of God. If we are trusting in Him, we may come to Him with confidence, and there we will find grace to help in our time of need.

READY TO LEAD
No one can lead in prayer unless he has seen His glory. You can take the congregation only to the heights of prayer which you yourself have reached. If you know the way, those who follow you will not get lost. Spend time daily with God, in fellowship with Him. If your spiritual life is stagnant you will have nothing to share.

GET SET
If you are to lead the meeting you should arrive early. You must see that the song sheets and acetates for the overhead projector are ready and the chairs are arranged to create warm fellowship while allowing room for movement during prayer groupings. It would be helpful if a new Scripture poster or a quotation about the power of prayer and His faithfulness is clearly visible. Gospel music is playing softly, live or from a cassette tape, as people arrive.
Although you can be flexible and sensitive to His prompting during the prayer meeting , it is wise to plan what you will sing before the prayer meeting begins. Make sure that words for hymns or choruses are available, and that musical instrument are available if you have a music group. Give God your best worship with or without musical accompaniment. As His character is magnified, the problems around us grows stronger.
Honor the Lord in your singing. He promised, Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you Exodus 20:24.
Now- the musical instruments and the microphones, if you have them, have been set and tested. The musicians and those who have any part in leading from the platform or using microphones have rehearsed and are ready. Spend perhaps 15 minutes praying with those who will minister during the meeting. Ask Jesus for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Begin to worship God. Maintain the spirit of prayer. The prayer meeting that follows will then be a continuation of your own worship and prayer.

TAKE AIM AND FIRE
Your target is to focus on the Lord and to usher the people into His presence. You must help them turn their thoughts from worries and concerns of this world to the love of God.

HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO START: (Choose one you think fits your situation)
1. Scripture Reading
Read Scripture which emphasize the power of God and love. Passages you might choose:
PSALMS 16, 24, 29, 34, 121
MATTHEW 6:5-13
JOHN 15:1-11
EPHESIANS 1:3-23
COLOSIANS 1:15-20
HEBREWS 10:9-25, 12:1-3
1 PETER 1:24-25, 2:9-10
REVELATION 4:8, 11, 5:12-13
2. Prayer
Lead an opening prayer to exalt the Lord. (You might like to write out your prayer when you prepare-so that you would not get stuck if nervous.)
3. Singing
Sing an aptly chosen hymn or chorus. (Try to have in memory Praise and Worship songs.) They can be useful in prayer meeting occasions. You will need to make your own selection of choruses from those that your group knows well.
4. Exhortation
Read some Scripture verses declaring the greatness of God and the power of prayer. Tell of our privileges as His children-and our responsibility to use the gift of prayer wisely.
5. Testimony
Share and exciting testimony of an answered prayer.
6. Echoes
The leader speaks clearly and the congregation echoes it. The focus is on God, who He is and what He does for us. We find this an effective ice-breaker, and gets the group members actively involved in the meeting.
Example:
HALLELUJAH, JESUS IS ALIVE (repeat 3 or 4 times)
7. Declaration
The same principle as in Echoes. You can use your own words or use Scriptures. You may prepare in advance or speak extemporaneously. If you are new to leading a prayer meeting, it is wise to write out several edifying praise lines so that even if you are nervous the opening part of the meeting moves smoothly.
Example:
I am a child of God.
I am precious in His sight.
God is really good.
God is providing our needs.
To God be the glory.
Echo with clapping of hands for the Lord. Feel the importance of these words and say them with conviction.
It is not wise to open the prayer meeting with scolding or negative comments. Encourage, edify and comfort the people with your words.
Your worship team should be ready or cue so that after your last line there will be no break in the momentum. Go right into worship songs.
8. Confession of sins
Perhaps mature believers will have dealt with sin before coming to the prayer meeting. But what ever the situation, sin should be removed so that the group can be sensitive to the Holy Spirit in prayer. It might be wise then to include confession and repentance in your opening prayer, or to give church members a few moments for personal confession before the meeting begins. Reading a Scripture verse such as PSALMS 51:1 might be appropriate. Sometimes the Holy Spirit works differently and convicts of sin during the other portions of the meeting.

WORSHIP FIRST.
We cannot just barge into His presence. God is our Father, but He is also our King. We ought to give Him the worship that is due to Him. Taking time to sing and speak out our worship is one way of showing that we love Him more than the blessings that we want from Him. If your singing voice is not so good, ask one of your music ministers to lead the singing.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS IN CHOOSING THE SONGS TO SING.
Choose songs or choruses that your congregation can sing with understanding. (Have the words available on duplicated sheets, on the board, on charts or use your over head projector to enable newcomers to join in the singing)
Introduce new songs in order to express your love for God. (Again, have the words written out so that everyone can join in the singing.)
Start with songs that talk about God and songs that express invitation and intention to worship God. Continue with songs that actually express worship to God. Songs that address God in the first person, You..Thee
If you sense that one particular song is being used by the Holy spirit to speak to the group, you may decide to repeat the song several times as the message sinks deep into their hearts. In a meeting there may be one or two songs that the Lord will use in a special way. Try to be sensitive to His prompting.
KEEP FOCUSING ON THE LORD.
As the meeting goes on, be aware of the spiritual level of the group. Is the group ups or downs? bored or excited? Comfortable or restless? If you sense that your companions need more encouragement, continue to focus on the Lord.

WHAT NEXT?
Sharing? Message? Prayers? There are no rules. But nothing except PRAYER should occupy the biggest portion of you meeting. Remember it is time for prayer, a time for God. It is good to talk about His blessings and to hear about prayer requests, but in the Prayer Meting we are there primarily to pray, talk with God and hear Him speaking. As the leader, be sure to control the time.

SHARING.
Everybody should be encouraged to tell what they see God doing in their lives. But you can introduce some variations. One evening you may suggest that people share only on specific topic. You may want to choose only four or five to speak about that particular topic. On another occasion, one person can be given more time to share about an exciting experience. One night several members may explain about their ministries. But most meetings you will probably want to have free-wheeling sharing times, open to everybody, on any topic.

YOU MAY GIVE THESE GUIDELINES.
S - Short, so others can have a part too.
H - Helpful, with lessons to be learned.
A Alive, so those who listen would not sleep.
R Recent, relevant, not a replayed history.
E Edifying to the listeners.
These guidelines could be written up on a poster or on board and displayed in the
room where you meet.

BE THANKFUL
Because we have true faith in God, we will watch out for His answers to our prayers. Perhaps records will be kept by your prayer secretary. Or as the leader you might list down answers to previous prayers. Simply invite church members to speak up about the way God has worked. And do not forget to thank and glorify the Lord by prayers or by songs.

WAYS OF PRAYING.
In the prayer meeting most of the praying will be out loud. When you speak to the group be sure that everyone can hear you. Remind the group that when they pray they must speak loudly and clearly if others are to join in the prayer saying, Amen.
A variety of styles in prayer may help you to keep the meeting fresh. Of course, His word instructs us to pray relying on the guidance of the Spirit, and the presence of the Lord in our praying is what matters most. Nevertheless the leader of the prayer meeting can use variety to stir peoples interest when concentration is flagging.

CONSIDER SOME OF THE FOLLOWING STYLES OF PRAYER.
1. Standing up of Sitting down
In our fellowship, we have found that standing up is better for us, but if you want to pray sitting down, the Lord still hears and answers.
2. Korean Style
In Korean style prayer, everyone prays aloud at the same time. We may adapt this in our prayer meeting. The leader may announce topics and give some information, and then the group may pray together for these matters.
3. Ones, twos or threes
You may have a variety of different sized prayer groups in one meeting. But there should be no fuss about moving together. Try to ensure that prayer can proceed smoothly without losing too much time in the rearrangement of seating. Give your instruction for grouping briefly and clearly. For example, say In twos and threes where you are sitting, pray for a few minutes about these matters and then I will mention another item for prayer. Make it clear too when each period or session of group prayer is finished- perhaps playing a chord or two on the guitar- or saying Amen loudly.
There is no need to break into small groups for every prayer session. Sometimes it is good to stand together as a fellowship, with a Number of prayers praying out loud in turn on behalf of the whole Group.
4. Long or Short Prayers
Our prayers can reach God no matter how long or short they may be. But we should remember some guidelines as we allow the Spirit to lead us in public or group praying. When we are praying privately, we have all the time alone with God. However, when praying as a group, everybody should ha a slice of the prayer time. But be flexible.
Usually peoples minds wander away during long prayers. Nevertheless, short prayers do not always guarantee spiritual life and depth. God looks on our hearts and motives. Our praying must be guided by the Holy Spirit.
5. Popcorn or One Bunch.
Popcorn style is another word for conversational praying, where several prayers each contribute one or two thoughts in prayer. One way to encourage beginners in the prayer meeting is to restrict everyone-to one-sentence. Thank you prayers, or one-sentence popcorn prayers on a certain topic. One bunch means that only one person is assigned to pray for a particular item and the rest of the group or bunch say their Amen. Freely use combinations of these styles.

MESSAGE.
Perhaps you have prepared a short message or have invited someone else to bring His Word to the group. Or it may be that the Pastor has assigned the responsibility to speak to another member to your fellowship. Meet the speaker before the meting and agree on how long he or she will speak. Remember to reserve the larger part of the prayer meeting for prayer.
Some prayer meetings may not have an official speaker at all. Teaching here from His Word or exhortation comes by way of sharing or study groups. Sometimes even during the worship time, you will know that His message has been given through the songs and exhortation of the worship leader. It might be appropriate to simply elaborate or expand the message already given by the Spirit.
You may also have spontaneous short readings from the Scriptures. Announce that anybody may stand up and read aloud the portion of Scripture that the Lord has brought to his mind. Others may follow and there you have a feast in His Word.
During the meeting always give your Pastor time to say anything he would like to contribute.

PRAYER ITEMS
The Holy Spirit helps us know when to pray for. God speaks to us through His Spirit. We should be a hearing people. He speaks to groups through individuals. The leader should not monopolize the time when suggesting or proposing the prayer items.
Get everybody involved. As your spiritual leader your Pastor gets most of His instructions for your church. He also knows the prayer priorities of your church. But also ask the elders. Ministry heads, the ordinary members. This is a group work.
Gathering of prayer requests may be done in advance. But in our fellowship we find this works better when done right there during the prayer time. After each request, give time for prayers. Then proceed with the next request. You do not have to write down everything on the board which takes a lot of time and sows boredom.
If it is necessary for the items to be written or typed, prepare the outlines of prayer topics in advance, or have them written quickly.
Avoid long reports on prayer requests. God knows everything even before we say it. But if there are visitors or newcomers in the group it might be helpful and will encourage participation in praying out loud if you explain the prayer request briefly.

MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM.
Through all this process of giving out prayer items and getting into prayer groups, maintain the spirit of enthusiasm and expectancy. If you sense that the momentum is dropping off, pick it up by way of songs that magnify the Lord or by a brief exhortation about standing as a priesthood in His presence. Never allow boredom or passivity to creep in. Continue to stir up the group-not to emotionalism but to love, faith in the Lord and prayer.

PRAY WITH CARE.
Although prayer is everybodys business and we are free to pray about anything, we must be wise. There are certain items that are best prayed for privately, while other matters can be prayed for in public. All things are permissible, but not all things are edifying.
Controversial issues should be left for the Pastor to tackle. Examples include disciplinary measures on members and relationship problems.
Gossip and hearsay should have no part in prayer meetings. And if we are not sure about certain details, we should not mention them as if they were fact.
Destructive or negative items about people or other churches should be eliminated.
Avoid prayers where people will be placed in an embarrassing situation. For example, avoid praying for relationship problems of those in your fellowship (in-laws, employer-employee, parent-children) unless the parties have asked for or consented to public prayer. Avoid praying in such a way that would embarrass any present in the meeting.
Do not pray publicly about the weaknesses of other people unless you have asked their permission. Examples might concern stewardship, pride, jealousy, etc. It would be better to pray for these more personal requests in the privacy of your own devotional time, or in prayer triplets* with the Christian concerned.
* Prayer Triplets: a group of three who agree to meet regularly, say- every week- to pray for friends to come to know Christ, or for personal needs, or for other agreed prayer priorities.

PRAYER AND THEN ACTION.
Only God can answer prayer. But when He does, He uses people. Sometimes He uses us to answer prayer. There are also occasions when God seems to set some conditions before we will receive the answers to our prayers. HERE ARE SOME POSSIBILITIES FOR YOUR ACTIVE PRAYING, PUTTING ACTION INTO OUR PRAYERS.
1. Praying for unbelievers. Do not just pray, Lord save them. After you have prayed, why do not you go out the next day or at the weekend and explain the Gospel to the people you prayed for. Perhaps also give them some tracts or booklets.
2. Financial needs. Why not collect an offering to give to those people you prayed for. Even if the amount collected is small, the person will be touched by the gestures of love. The Lord will be pleased and both the giver and the receiver will be blessed.
3. Praying for the sick. Assign a team to visit the sick friend you prayed for. The friend as well as the other members of his family will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
4. Praying for those away from home. Those who attend the prayer meeting can sign a greeting card to send to your missionary or overseas worker. Others may want to enclose pictures or a voice tape. Those who are away will be assured that you are truly praying and caring for them.
5. Praying for the nation. Invite Christians in the government, perhaps your mayor or a barangay official, to come to a meeting. Listen to their testimony. Then encourage that brother or sister to stand firm in the faith and win others for Christ. Build a linkage with him-to pray, support and encourage in this difficult task.

WAITING UPON THE LORD.
There are times when the presence of the Lord is so tangible that you will just want to be quiet before Him. No music, No talking. Just a silence before the Lord. This can be the wonderful time of simply enjoying His love or listening to Him. This is something that cannot be forced through methods or gimmicks. He comes when there is a genuine seeking, hungering and thirsting for God, and all you want is just to worship Him. When He comes in this way, do not panic. You may just announce- I know His wonderful presence is here with us. Let us be still before Him, listen to Him and worship Him.
End this time with a worship song. Or share briefly about what you sensed the Lord was saying. There are times when you will not want to bring the meeting to a close. All you want to do for the rest of the evening is worship God, through songs and prayers of thanksgiving, praise and blessings to God.

CLOSE THE MEETING.
Generally, the clock will say when to stop. A one-and a half hour meeting works well for many fellowships, beginning at 6:30 0r 7:30 p.m. It is not a sin to have a time-frame for your prayer meeting. But you may be led by the Spirit to continue praying for a time. Some needs cannot be left hanging over to the following week.
Sometimes it is best to close the meeting, announcing that those who wish to may stay behind with some of those in leadership, and continue praying.
End up with the same fire as when you started. Declare assurance of His answers to prayers by faith. Those who have received instant answers to prayers may give thanks to the Lord. Close with a song or prayer. Bless one another.
If your church does not have a custodian or janitor, see that the room is left tidy, with chairs and songbooks put back where they belong.

A GROWING PRAYER MEETING.
People will keep coming back as they see His power at work during prayer meetings. They will not want to miss a night because God might just do something exciting. Prayers are answered. Love is evident among His people. Members prayer horizons are expanded as they see the needs beyond themselves and the four walls of the church.
Keep growing in your own prayer life. Learn to listen to God moment by moment. And every prayer meeting that you lead be anointed by the Spirit.
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Choosing Right Choises
Making the Right Choice
Joshua 24:15
I. The duration of our stay on Earth.
a. James 4:14
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away
b. I Peter 1:24
For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
II. Making A Right Choice:
A. To have an Eternal Life is a choice. John 3:16
Deuteronomy 30:18-19. Choose LIFE therefore that you will live.
B. Mathew 16:24-25. To Follow the Lord
C. Matthew 6:33. Seek ye FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
D. John 21: 15-17 Loving others more than Loving the Lord.
E. Mathew 7:13-14 Our Way and Walks in Life
13. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few
there be that find it.
III. Making this Right Choice has Timer.
A. The hunter and the wild chicken eggs.
B. If you are late in choosing the right choice you maybe late forever.
C. Making the Right Choice is not for always.