In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. Mark 1:35-36 NRSV
It Happened at Peter's House in Capernaum
“There Are No Atheists in Foxholes” Anonymous saying that apparently originated during World War I
Over the years and around the globe, human societies have developed a wide variety of cultural norms, legal structures, economic systems and spiritual beliefs. Despite the wide variety, there are a large number of common touchpoints. For example, cultural anthropologists tell us that the overwhelming majority of people say they engage in prayer. A 2016 Baylor University study reported that over 90% of Americans have specifically prayed for physical healing at one point or another in their lives.
Why do we pray? Do we think we’re going to tell God something that He doesn’t already know? Do we think we can offer persuasive arguments that will change His mind on a certain matter? Or are we asking Him to bless OUR plans, multiply our efforts or guide our thinking?
Prayer is clearly important to us. We’ve all probably engaged in all of these kinds of prayers. Even Jesus found the need to get away from the crush of the crowds and spend time alone with God in prayer.
If you are “in a foxhole” right now, facing real difficulties, making hard decisions, or struggling with an emotional burden that’s dragging you down, you will find that Jesus’ power, authority and wisdom are just what you need. If you are carrying around feelings of insecurity, if you are afraid that someday someone is going to find out that you really don’t have it all together, then you’re a perfect candidate for Jesus. He specializes in impossible situations and creating options out of thin air.
This weekend at Trinity Downtown, we’ll be continuing our series titled “It Happened at…” that follows the physical journey that Jesus took leading to his death and resurrection in Jerusalem. This weekend we’ll be focusing on Jesus’ visit to Peter’s home at Capernaum, and how news of His power caused villagers to line up at Peter’s door wanting Jesus’ intervention in their circumstances.
Come join us as we watch Jesus demonstrating His authority over physical sickness coupled with His dogged determination to bring spiritual redemption to the world He created. This weekend, give Him the opportunity to re-position your heart, redeem your circumstances and deepen your recognition that you are totally dependent upon Him. Join us in-person at our contemporary worship service on Saturday at 5:00 pm or our traditional worship service on Sunday at 9:00 am. Reservations are required to attend either in-person worship service; you can see the details at www.trinitydt.org. You may also make a reservation by calling Stefanie at 713.224.0684 from 8:30-2:30 each weekday. If you are not comfortable attending an in-person service, you can watch the “live stream” of our Satellite Service at 5:00 pm on Saturday, or our traditional service on Sunday at 9:00 am by clicking here. And, of course, you may also participate by watching either of these services “on demand” by clicking here.
On Saturday, February 6th, we’ll be joining churches across the country with our annual Superbowl-related outreach event at our Satellite worship Service. The “Football Saturday” event will be centered around a video-based sermon that will be attractive to football fans and feature several high-profile Christian NFL players and their spouses. They’ll be discussing how faith in Jesus has impacted their family and career. Everyone is welcome, so please use the excitement of the Superbowl to invite your friends and neighbors who might need to hear a crystal-clear presentation of the Gospel to either attend in-person or watch the live stream.
Due to COVID restrictions, we will be limiting the number of in-person attendees at Saturday’s Satellite Service to a maximum of 50. In addition, while we will be able to live-stream the video featuring the NFL players, due to copyright limitations we will NOT be allowed to have this Saturday’s Satellite service available “on-demand” after the live stream has ended. Early next week, we WILL be able to provide an on-demand video that incorporates Trinity’s Satellite worship band and an abbreviated NFL video. Therefore, if you want to see the full video featuring the NFL players, you’ll need to watch the live stream of Saturday afternoon’s worship service.
Set aside time this weekend to learn how to follow Jesus’ footsteps, and in doing so find out how you can live a life of significance, filled with meaning. His calming presence, love and wisdom will make a tremendous difference in your life.