Scripture
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV).
Decorations
Use fall colored tablecloths. Scatter fall leaves of various sizes on the tables. These can be real or artificial.
Refreshments
Serve warm, spiced apple cider with pumpkin or apple breads.
Craft Project
Prayer Jars
These are very easy to make and will take about an hour to dry. Most of the supplies can be purchased at a Dollar Store.
Supplies Needed
- Silk Fall Leaves
- Mod Podge
- Mason Jars
- Sponge Brush
- Raffia or Ribbon
Directions
Make sure the outside of the jar is clean. Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge on a section of the jar. Once that layer becomes sticky (check by dabbing your finger on it), place a leaf on the jar. Paint more Mod Podge on top of the leaf in thin layers, making sure to smooth out the edges. Start in the center of the leaf, and push it to the edges with your fingers. It may take a few layers, but the leaf should stick to the jar. Don’t be afraid to use your fingers to smooth out the leaf so that it is fully secure. Layer more leaves on top, covering the jar with as many as you desire. Finish off the top of the jar with raffia or ribbon to complete the look. For pictures or more information go to: www.sparkandchemistry.com/blog/leaf-mason-jar-candle-holder.
Encourage the women to use these jars as a place for their prayers, burdens and cares. The leaves will serve as a reminder to “leave” all their cares with Him. Invite the women from time to time to read one of the requests and see how God has answered their prayers.
In his article “Five Ways God Answers Prayer” Luis Palau shares the following possible answers to prayer God gives us. Check the website www.Christianitytoday.com for further information.
- No, I love you too much.
- Yes, but you’ll have to wait.
- Yes, but not in the way you expected.
- Yes, and here’s more!
- Yes, I thought you’d never ask.
As the women make their prayer jars, have them share a time when God answered one of their prayers and how He answered it. Perhaps the answer they received is not one they were expecting but became a huge blessing instead.
The Wonder of Fall
I think fall is my favorite time of the year. I love the changing colors and the wonderful smells and aromas. When we lived in Washington State we loved to drive around and look at all the changing colors or walk through the park to collect leaves. Unfortunately, those beautiful colors don’t last very long and soon the trees begin to release the stubborn hold they have on the heavy, dead leaves.
As I consider the leaves and this process, I am reminded of my own Christian walk. What heavy, dead leaves do I carry around that I just need to let go? As a mom and grandma, I worry a lot about my children and grandchildren. It is not always easy for me to leave them in God’s hands. However, I keep reminding myself that they were placed in God’s hands when they were born and they are still there. But that doesn’t mean that I should stop praying for them!
First Peter 5:7 from the NLT states: “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” “Peter writes that we should take our fear and cast it—throw it—onto our Father God. In fact, he tells us to take all our anxieties, everything that worries us and give it to the God who cares so deeply for us. This is not a promise that God will fix everything that worries us. God is not obligated to follow a script we write for Him. Our mighty God promises that He will receive our worries and care about them. He will carry them for us. He is trustworthy to handle them in the way that is best.
Peter’s words are a command. It is not God’s will for His children to continue to live under those burdens. Believing that God is mighty and cares for us should result in our regularly handing over our worries to Him.”
Just like the trees, we need to be willing to let our leaves, our burdens and cares, fall. The trees get rid of their leaves so that they can flourish in the Spring. In order to flourish when the new season comes, we need to get rid of those things that are weighing us down. As we give God those things, He will prepare our hearts so we too can flourish.
What are you holding onto that prevents you from flourishing? Could it be that the heavy, dead leaves are piling up and your heart needs to let go of them for good? If so, why not reach out to the Lord in prayer? He longs to hear from you. Ask Him to shine light on any thoughts, circumstances, habits or other “heavy, dead leaves” you might be clinging to. As you watch the leaves fall this season, be reminded to let go of anything that would hinder your relationship with God.
Frank Graeff penned the words to this hymn many years ago. May these words encourage you today.
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained?
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press,
And the cares distress
And the way grows wear and long?
O yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary,
The long night dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
