1. Loving God & loving others – prayer & spiritual gifts The basic Jewish Creed – the “Shema” – “Hear” Dt.6:4-9 The basic Christian calling – Mk.12:28-31 - Love God with all your being - Love God with all your being - Love your neighbour as yourself - Love your neighbour as yourself How can we do this? a. By praying b. By using our spiritual gifts

2. 1. By praying – Mt.6:9-13 a. Loving God as we pray 1. We come to our father 1. We come to our father 2. We want him to be honoured 2. We want him to be honoured 3. We want his will to be done 3. We want his will to be done

3. b. Loving others as we pray 1. We think of others 2. We pray for physical needs 3. We pray for spiritual purity 4. We pray for moral stability

4. 2. By using our spiritual gifts a. Loving God When we use our gifts we:- 1. Declare Jesus is Lord – 1Cor.12:1-3; Rom.12:1,2 - The gifts are to do his will & for his glory - He directs us, as the Head - We work together with the rest of his body

5. 2. Display the character of God – 1Cor.12:4-6 a. The spiritual gifts are gifts of grace –v.4 No arrogance – humility & joy No arrogance – humility & joy b. The gifts are for service –v.5 - to serve Christ - to serve Christ - to serve others - to serve others Jesus is our model – John 13, the Cross c. God works through the gifts –v.6 When we actively use our gifts as one body - We display the unity & diversity of God - We display the unity & diversity of God - We display the character of God - We display the character of God

6. b. Loving others – 1Pet.4:8-11 The gifts include:- 1. Speaking gifts 2. Serving gifts These gifts are needed to serve those inside & outside the Church

7. You, prayer and your gift/s 1. How can I make prayer more of a priority – to know & enjoy God more & to see his will more clearly? 2. What has happened in my life – good & bad? 3. What natural abilities do I have? What do I enjoy doing? 4. Where can I be ME as I use my gift?