Church at Prayer                MAGNETIC                   August 18, 2015
Ever been a part of a really big pushing, shoving, somewhat out-of-control crowd?
Think about this remarkable moment in the middle of the ministry of Jesus, “Meanwhile, when the crowd gathered by the thousands, so that they trampled on one another, he began to speak…”                                                                                                                                                                                                                               (Luke 12:1)
The crowd sounds like the stories you hear of crowds trampling each other at international soccer matches and at rock concerts.
By Luke 12 Jesus has been healing and teaching around the country and has just sent 70 disciples to spread the Good News even further. The whole country was astir to see him, touch him, hear him. His magnetic presence drew them.
The word spread by mouth alone. There was no Twitter, Facebook, television or Internet. As John quotes the Pharisees, “The whole world has gone after him.”  (John 12:19)
The magnetic presence of Jesus drew people to be near him, hear him, and be dear to him. Jesus still draws people to himself and changes them in wonderful ways. He is drawing you!
Hear the word of Jesus and go to him, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy               burdens, and I will give you rest."  (Matthew 11:28)                                                            Joy to  you – E. Stanley Ott, September 9, 2014  Vol 13, No. 15, MAGNETIC  
Prayer Suggestions
    This morning I’m suggesting that our personal prayer time be spent in thanksgiving to God for JESUS and all He means to you.  As you read the questions that follow, my hope is that you will find ample opportunities to express your gratitude anew to Him.  
•    What is it about Jesus that make His presence ‘magnetic’ to you?
•    When were you first drawn to Jesus?  In what way?
•    When and where do you feel closest to Jesus?
•    How is Jesus drawing you right now?
•    Who have you invited to come to Jesus lately?

      (over)
   


Concluding time of worship … As you read the words to the
familiar hymn that follows, think of at least one time in your life
when Jesus most assuredly touched you.  Will you share that
experience with someone?


            HE TOUCHED ME

      Shackled by a heavy burden,
      'neath a load of guilt and shame.
      Then the hand of Jesus touched me,
      and now I am no longer the same.

                    Refrain
        He touched me, O, He touched me,
        And O, the joy that floods my soul!
        Something happened, and now I know
        He touched me and made me whole.


        Since I met this blessed Savior,
         since He cleansed and made me whole;
        I will never cease to praise Him –
         I’ll shout it while eternity rolls.


Words and Music by William J. Gaither, 1963