1. Invite — Welcome Our Savior’s Presence “Jesus will be called Immanuel” (which means “God is with us”). — Matthew 1:23 What we are doing: Addressing Jesus personally. Honoring Him as present Lord — not speaking generally “to the room,” but to Him. Language we can use: - “Jesus, we welcome You.”
- “We worship You and recognize Your authority over this time.”
- “Our desire is to listen, learn, and follow Your lead.”
Practice: Worship — brief, focused, Christ-directed. Outcome: A gathered awareness that Jesus is not an idea we discuss but a Lord we encounter. 2. Invoke — Petition Holy Spirit Participation “The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” — Acts 13:52 What we are doing: Yielding control. Asking the Holy Spirit to guide, convict, clarify, unify, and empower. Language we can use: - “Holy Spirit, fill us — give us ears to hear and hearts to obey.”
- “Guide our conversation; shape our motives; interrupt us if needed.”
- “Intercede with us and teach us how to pray.”
Practice: Fellowship — shared yielding and shared listening. Outcome: A posture of dependence replaces self-direction, and the gathering becomes Spirit-led rather than leader-driven. 3. Investigate — Probe & Ponder Holy Scripture “Keep on asking… seeking… knocking …” — Matthew 7:7 What we are doing: Letting Scripture set the agenda. Asking better questions. Seeking discernment before decisions. Language we can use: - “Lord, help us ask the right questions.”
- “Grant us discernment as we seek Your will in Scripture.”
- “Show us the next faithful step.”
Practice: Discipleship & Leadership — obedience-based discernment. Outcome: Decisions are shaped by the Word of Christ, producing clarity, courage, and concrete obedience. 4. Involve — Participate in Christ’s Ongoing Work “Remain in Me… and you will bear much fruit.” — John 15:5 What we are doing: Moving from insight to obedience. Aligning our plans with what Christ is already doing. Participating rather than merely planning. Language we can use: - “Lord, where are You already at work?”
- “How do You want us to join You?”
- “What step of obedience are You calling us to take now?”
Practice: Mission & Implementation — responsive action. Outcome: Ministry shifts from activity for Christ to participation with Christ — bearing fruit that reflects His life and leadership.
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