Jesus draws near to those who draw near to Him -JAMES 4:8. But we come from a societal time where we rarely, intentionally prepare for Jesus, or church, or our faith. We don't know how to prepare; we weren't taught. And, we miss out- chaos wins.
The Ascent Project is a starting point to help individuals and families prepare to worship corporately with one another. It follows the old pilgrim way of Ascent found in PSALMS 120-134. Our prayer? Each home will develop unique and personal devotional habits and rhythms- families will unlock the gates of Jesus' grace and be renewed. Let's step together.
Step 1: Saturday at Sunset
- Gather your family around a table or a comfortable place in your home.
- Unplug, turn off devices, light a candle
- LISTEN TO THE RECORDING OR read Psalm 120 with your family a few times
- Review the schedule for the next 24 hours, set alarms, and make space for a patient and non-rushed Sunday morning
- Read and reflect on Scripture
- Push against the chaos, confess your own spiritual needs, ask Jesus to lead you to His peace.
Step 2: Saturday at Bedtime
- Before bed gather your family together again, extinguish your candle,
- LISTEN/ VIEW TO THE RECORDING OR read Psalm 121 with your family a few times
- Pray over your family and home, remembering that Our Father is on guard. You need not worry.
- Sleep in peace.
Step 3: Sunday For Preparing
- Get ready for your day, remembering you are going to the House of God to meet with Jesus and His Family
- LISTEN/ VIEW TO THE RECORDING OR read Psalm 122
- Apply the Step 3 decal in a location where you will see it such as your bathroom mirror.
- Plan to leave for church in time to arrive 10-15 minutes before service begins.
Step 4: Sunday For Driving
- On your drive to our worship gathering, LISTEN TO A RECORDING of Psalms 126-127 and 130.
- Prepare your heart and mind, don't allow the 1,000 cares of the world to crowd out this time of restoration in Jesus' presence.
- Choose a playlist below for the remainder of your drive. Each playlist is approximately 15 minutes with 3 to 4 songs.
Step 5: Sunday in HRF Parking Lot
- Take a moment and breath before getting out of your vehicle.
- Intentionally focus on relaxing your body and mind
- Anticipate meeting with the Holy Spirit in this place.
- Meditate on Psalm 131 as you listen or read it while in your vehicle.
Step 6: Sunday, Before the Worship Gathering
- Place your altar stone in the brazier. You have joined the prayers of the saints.
- Visit the prayer wall to write down any prayer requests you may have.
- Reflect on Psalm 133. Pray for the unity of the whole Church and our own communion of saints.
- Look over those seated around you and ask Jesus to command His blessing on them.
- Check that your children are ready for the gathering; visited the bathroom, have a set of jr. Message Guides, quiet activities, etc
Step 7: Sunday, as the Gathering begins
- You have come to bless your King and be blessed by Him
- Read Psalm 134 for our final ascent, as the countdown completes
- Proclaim the Apostles' Creed with your church Family
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