Journey With Prayer

Leading Differently Together | "Teachers" With Amy-Jo Smith

https://www.careimpact.ca/post/s03e011

English Standard Version

"Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

New Living Translation

"If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness."

New International Version

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."

REFLECT

• Meditate on the qualities of humble and righteous teaching.
• Consider how these characteristics are exemplified in the life of Jesus and in the educators that have positively influenced you.

ENGAGE

• Seek out a teacher or someone with a gift of teaching and acknowledge their contribution.
• Offer words of encouragement and support through a note, conversation, or a prayer to uplift their spirit.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Pray for educators and those graced with the gift of teaching, that they may teach with humility, exude righteousness, and be filled with wisdom from above.
2. Pray for our learning communities to be safe places of peace where teachers and students alike can cultivate and reap the fruits of righteousness and understanding.
3. Pray for your own journey of learning and supporting educators, that you might embody the meekness of wisdom in your interactions and be an empowering presence for the teachers in your life.

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About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

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Editing and production by Johan Heinrichs: arkpodcasts.ca

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Leading Differently Together | "Shepherds"

https://www.careimpact.ca/post/s03e010

https://journey-with-care.captivate.fm/episode/s03e10

1 Peter 5:2-4

English Standard Version

"Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."

New Living Translation

"Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly - not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor."

New International Version

"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."

REFLECT

• Contemplate your experiences under pastoral leadership and how those moments have shaped your spiritual reality.
• Break down instances where pastoral guidance has had a significant impact on your life.

ENGAGE

• Connect with leaders in your spiritual community to express thanks and gratitude for their service.
• Offer your assistance in supporting the vision and mission your church or faith community is pursuing.
• Offer to pray for those shepherds in leadership roles.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Pray for the pastors and leaders that they may shepherd with the heart and attitude of Christ, not leading with a heavy hand, but with love, humility, and a righteous example.
2. Seek God's blessing for growth and the health of the flock, that communities of faith may thrive under wise and nurturing shepherding.
3. Ask the Holy Spirit to cultivate within you the heart of a shepherd, ever growing in compassion and ability to care for those God has placed in your life.

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About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

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Editing and production by Johan Heinrichs: arkpodcasts.ca

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Leading Differently Together | Evangelist

https://www.careimpact.ca/post/s03e09

Acts 1:8

English Standard Version

"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."

New Living Translation

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

New International Version

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

• Reflect on how the Holy Spirit empowers you in your daily life to be a witness of God's grace.
• Identify aspects of your personal testimony that can encourage and inspire others.

• Engage in meaningful conversation with someone this week.
• Seek to understand their story and share an aspect of your own.

1. Pray for the courage and wisdom to discern opportunities to share your faith in a sensitive and responsive manner.
2. Pray for the global church, that believers may be united in spirit and purpose as they proclaim the gospel and serve their communities.
3. Pray for personal transformation, for a heart that reflects God's love, patience, and humility, especially in interactions and engagements with others.

Listen to Journey With Care: https://journey-with-care.captivate.fm/listen

Our Podcasts: https://journeywithcare.ca

About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

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Editing and production by Johan Heinrichs: arkpodcasts.ca

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Leading Differently Together | Prophetic

https://www.careimpact.ca/post/s03e08

1 Corinthians 14:3

English Standard Version

"On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation."

New Living Translation

"But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them."

New International Version

"But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort."

• Reflect on 1st Corinthians 14:3.
• Ponder how the gift of prophecy is designed to strengthen, encourage, and comfort others.

ENGAGE

• Spend time in your local prayer group, house group, or gathering with friends, listening to God and sharing prophetic encouragement with one another.
• Experience firsthand the way that prophecy can build up the church community and strengthen your personal understanding of how God wishes to use you to strengthen, encourage, and comfort others through prophetic insights.

Prayer Points

1. Pray for personal understanding: Seek insight from God on how He wants to use you to strengthen, encourage, and comfort others through prophetic insights.
2. Intercede for the church and broader faith community: Pray for the healthy embrace of prophecy grounded in Scripture, fostering edification for all members.
3. Seek personal refinement: Ask for grace to embody godly encouragement and comfort, reflecting the compassionate heart of Jesus to those around you.

Listen to Journey With Care: https://journey-with-care.captivate.fm/listen

Our Podcasts: https://journeywithcare.ca

About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

DONATE! Help connect and equip more churches across Canada to effectively journey well in community with children and families: careimpact.ca/donate

Email: [email protected]

Editing and production by Johan Heinrichs: arkpodcasts.ca

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Leading Differently Together | Apostolic With Donavan Friesen

https://journey-with-care.captivate.fm/episode/s03e07

English Standard Version

1 Corinthians 12:27-30

"And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?"

New Living Translation

"Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages. Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles?"

New International Version

"And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?"

REFLECT

• Reflect on the diversity of the roles in the church as stated in 1st Corinthians 12:28-29. Examine your personal understanding of the apostolic gift and how it complements the other gifts within the church.

ENGAGE

• Look for opportunities to engage and learn from those who have the apostolic calling. Initiate dialogue with them to understand their vision and challenges and explore how you might be a part of that apostolic mission.
• PRAYER POINTS

1. Pray for the discernment and empowerment of individuals with apostolic gifts in your community.
2. Pray for the church to be receptive to the pioneering work of the apostles and support their ventures.
3. Pray for your personal growth and understanding of your role within the body of Christ.

Listen to Journey With Care: https://journey-with-care.captivate.fm/listen

Our Podcasts: https://journeywithcare.ca

About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

DONATE! Help connect and equip more churches across Canada to effectively journey well in community with children and families: careimpact.ca/donate

Email: [email protected]

Editing and production by Johan Heinrichs: arkpodcasts.ca

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Leading Differently Together | APEST Series Introduction

https://careimpact.ca/post/s03e06

Ephesians 4:11-13

English Standard Version

"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

New Living Translation

"Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ."

New International Version

"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."

REFLECT

• Consider how the diverse giftings mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-13 contribute to the health and unity of the body of Christ.

ENGAGE

• Have conversations with individuals in your community who exercise these gifts and learn from their experiences and insights.

PRAY

1. Pray for the church to recognize and embrace the diverse giftings within the body of Christ, fostering unity and maturity in the faith.
2. Pray for individuals to be open to the Holy Spirit's leading and the discovery of their unique giftings, that they may joyfully and humbly serve their communities.
3. Pray for personal transformation, asking God to renew your heart and mind and guide you in embracing and expressing the diverse giftings within you and within the body of Christ.

Listen to Journey With Care: https://journey-with-care.captivate.fm/listen

Our Podcasts: https://journeywithcare.ca

About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

DONATE! Help connect and equip more churches across Canada to effectively journey well in community with children and families: careimpact.ca/donate

Email: [email protected]

Editing and production by Johan Heinrichs: arkpodcasts.ca

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The Wait Worth It | Part 2: Bringing Sami Home

https://careimpact.ca/post/s03e05

Isaiah 40:31

English Standard Version

"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

New Living Translation

"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."

New International Version

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

REFLECT

• Take time to journal or meditate on the theme of waiting and God's faithfulness. Consider how you can trust in God's perfect timing in your own life and how you can extend support to others who are in a season of waiting.

ENGAGE

• Seek out opportunities to support families or friends who are in a season of waiting. Offer a listening ear or simply be present. Look for ways to show love and care to those on this journey.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Pray for families in the midst of the adoption process that they may experience peace, provision, and a strong support as they navigate the complexities of adoption.
2. Pray for children waiting to be welcomed into forever families that they may be surrounded by love, safety, and hope during their time of waiting.
3. Pray for personal transformation in your own heart, asking God to cultivate a spirit of patience, empathy, and readiness to extend love and support to those in need.

Listen to Journey With Care: https://journey-with-care.captivate.fm/listen

Our Podcasts: https://journeywithcare.ca

About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

DONATE! Help connect and equip more churches across Canada to effectively journey well in community with children and families: careimpact.ca/donate

Email: [email protected]

Editing and production by Johan Heinrichs: arkpodcasts.ca

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The Wait Worth It | Part 1: Kathy's Path to International Adoption

https://careimpact.ca/post/s03e04

James 1:27

English Standard Version

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

New Living Translation

"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."

New International Version

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

REFLECT

• Set aside moments for contemplation regarding the obstacles confronted by those grappling with infertility and adoption. Explore tangible ways to extend support and compassion within your community.

ENGAGE

• Connect with nearby charitable organizations or support groups committed to helping individuals navigate the adoption journey. Alternatively, contemplate contributing to entities that provide assistance to families in such circumstances.

PRAY

• Allocate time in your schedule this week to offer prayers for individuals enduring the challenges of infertility and embarking on the path of adoption.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Pray for a passionate and empathetic heart within yourself and others to recognize and respond to the challenges faced by individuals dealing with infertility, and for those going through the adoption or fostering process.
2. Pray for communities and churches that embody understanding, support, and inclusivity for those navigating these challenges, offering kindness and practical assistance.
3. Pray for endurance, peace, and provision for those in the midst of the adoption journey, and pray for a profound sense of God's presence to surround them.

Listen to Journey With Care: https://journey-with-care.captivate.fm/listen

Our Podcasts: https://journeywithcare.ca

About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

DONATE! Help connect and equip more churches across Canada to effectively journey well in community with children and families: careimpact.ca/donate

Email: [email protected]

Editing and production by Johan Heinrichs: arkpodcasts.ca

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Choosing Kin | Part 3: Embracing New Family Dynamics with Danika

https://careimpact.ca/post/s03e03

1 John 4:19

English Standard Version:

"We love because he first loved us."

New Living Translation:

"We love each other because he loved us first."

New International Version:

"We love because he first loved us."

REFLECT

• Take time to reflect on 1 John 4:19 and consider how God's love for us inspires and informs our capacity to love and include others in our families and communities.

ENGAGE

• Purposefully reach out to someone who may be feeling lonely or overlooked, offering them a gesture of inclusion and warmth.

PRAY

• Set aside dedicated time to pray for individuals who are seeking a sense of belonging.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Pray for individuals who are feeling lonely, asking God to lead them to communities and families where they will find love, acceptance, and belonging.
2. Pray for open hearts and compassion within families and communities, that they may become places of refuge and inclusion for those who are lonely or feeling hidden.
3. Pray for personal transformation, seeking to reflect God's love by actively reaching out to those who need acceptance and care, demonstrating the love of Christ by being present for them.

Listen to Journey With Care: https://journey-with-care.captivate.fm/listen

Our Podcasts: https://journeywithcare.ca

About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

DONATE! Help connect and equip more churches across Canada to effectively journey well in community with children and families: careimpact.ca/donate

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https://careimpact.ca/post/s03e02

Psalm 27:10

English Standard Version

"For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in."

New Living Translation

"Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close."

New International Version

"Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me."

Reflect

Delve into your own childhood memories and assess how they have shaped your connections with family members. Explore the lasting effects these experiences may have had on your sense of self and worldview.

Engage

Initiate meaningful conversations with friends and family members about the significance of understanding and supporting individuals who have undergone trauma in their early years. Share this episode with them and actively listen to their perspectives, fostering open dialogue.

Pray

Incorporate intentional prayer into your week, focusing on the following prayer points

Prayer Points

1. Pray for the ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with those around us, whether through blood ties or chosen family.
2. Pray for those who have been struggling with strained family relationships, that they may find peace, healing, and restoration.
3. Pray for a transformation of your heart and mind that you might embody the love and care of family and community towards those in need.

Listen to Journey With Care: https://journey-with-care.captivate.fm/listen

Our Podcasts: https://journeywithcare.ca

About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

DONATE! Help connect and equip more churches across Canada to effectively journey well in community with children and families: careimpact.ca/donate

Email: [email protected]

Editing and production by Johan Heinrichs: arkpodcasts.ca

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