Ignite Action Guide

Day 1

KINDLE

Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.” John 12:35-36

SPARK

Jesus, you are the light and the life, and I confess that often I don’t notice those around me who are struggling and need to hear of your hope and your love. Instill in me, O Lord, a passion to share your light and life with the people around me. Light my path and guide me to those who are walking in darkness and give me the courage to share with them your love and your light. Amen.

IGNITE

Set aside time to pray for someone new. A great idea would be to pray for the missionaries our church supports. Look at our global missions webpage to learn about some of those missionaries. thewoodlandsmethodist.org/missionsStart praying today and continue throughthis journey.

Day 2

KINDLE

Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength! Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.” Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness. Psalm 96

SPARK

O God who made the heavens and earth and all that is in them, we offer you praise and glory! You alone are the Giver of all that is good. As disciples of Jesus, help us to live each day in ways that honor his sacrifice and exalt his name. Help us to create a legacy of worship within our families and within our communities so that all the earth will know that Jesus is Lord of all and the one who is worthy of all praise. In his name, Amen.

IGNITE

Take a short walk or find a few minutes to sit outside (or by a window) and take in God’s creation. Consider God’s awesomeness in all you see—his love, power, splendor, and his divine genius. Praise him for his goodness and for other things that come to mind.Then, write down ten things for which you are grateful.

Day 3

KINDLE

And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:4-8

SPARK

Gracious Father, we are so thankful that you speak to us, even today. Give us ears to hear your voice over all others and the patience to wait upon you. We ask that the power of your Spirit be upon us this day, helping us not to rely upon our own understanding but trusting you, instead, to guide us as we seek to discern your will. For only then will our words and our lives bring you glory through our witness here at home, in our community, and even to the end of the earth. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

IGNITE

Spend a few minutes today reflecting on ways you have served. What blessings have come from that? Post it on social media or share with someone. Pray that those who read or hear how serving has made a difference in your life that they would be led to do the same and even consider inviting someone to serve with you next time.

Day 4

KINDLE

You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:5-10

SPARK

God of Mercy, thank you that in your great love you have called us to be your people. As such, may we walk in integrity and holiness, that we may be a faithful witness of that love to a world that seems so dark, at times. Give us hearts that refuse to keep your Gospel a hidden secret. Ignite in us a courage and a passion to proclaim your excellencies so that those who still remain in the darkness may be drawn to you and experience your love for themselves. In the name of Jesus, our Cornerstone, Amen.

IGNITE

Find an opportunity this week to show a stranger a great act of mercy. If they ask you why (and be praying all week that they will), take the God-given opportunity to explain how Jesus has given you life-saving mercy and that, as his follower, you want to share that mercy so that others might come to know him.

Day 5

KINDLE

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

SPARK

Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of the disciples who were not perfect, but who followed your example. I pray that at times when I doubt that I would be able to look back at those who walked closest with you and find comfort and inspiration. Give me your eyes to see well beyond my own community, to see you as the God of all nations. Where can I serve, whom can I love in your name, and what can I do for the glory of your Kingdom. I pray that you would give me a chance this week to be obedient and share what you have taught me with someone else. In your name, I pray. Amen

IGNITE

As an individual or as a family, identify five neighbors and pray for them. Pray for their health (physical and spiritual) and pray that their needs will be met. Pray for opportunities to have conversations with them and reflect on how you can meet those needs.

 

Action Guide Downloads

Week 1: (Download PDF)

Week 2: (Download PDF)

Week 3: (Download PDF)

Week 4: (Download PDF)

Week 5: (Download PDF)