Scripture: 

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him” Ps. 37:7 (NIV).
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” Phil. 4:6 (NIV).

Introduction

The goal of this program is for women to have a greater sense of how to practice patience.

Program Outline

Welcome

Worship Songs –

• ‘You are my Strength’ from the Hillsong Worship album “Savior.”
• ‘Still’ by Hillsong United with Lyrics (https://youtu.be/pSZH4d8UfEs)

Arise For the Light Has Come (by Major Paula Pyle):

We dream to arise to lift the hurting, lost, and fallen
With clear vision and passion, to show the way to heaven
We pray to arise and tell them there is healing
A spiritual balm in Gilead, who knows their inner being.
We chose to arise from all the ills of the past.
The light has surely come and is always shining very fast
We pledge to arise and stand for healthy living
For the wellness of the mind, spirit, soul and body.
We dare to arise and let the Holy Spirit lead us
As our faith is awakening in Him, we surely trust
We resolve to arise and fear no disappointment
For we have victory in Jesus, who gives us the enlightenment.

Decorations and Visual Aids

Set up the main worship center or use centerpieces on each table with the word Patience. Incorporating the following, which will be used during the interactive prayer time.

• Praying bear
• An hourglass
• Tablecloth
• Inkpad and craft stamps
• Earpiece (to represent listening)
• Notebook and pens
• Candle (different colors or just white if using a colored tablecloth)
• Envelope with card

Cell Group/Prayer Walk

Play worship music. Create scripture cards using the verses mentioned in the devotion. These can be used to give to a shut-in women’s ministries member or during Community Care visitation.

Slow Down

How often do we seem to be in a hurry to complete a list of daily tasks? When was the last time we slowed down to spend an intimate time with God? Often at the start of the New Year, we set New Year’s resolutions promising to make a fresh start and spend more time with God.

During the pandemic, many of us were forced to slow down due to either contracting the COVID-19 virus or because we were taking care of someone close to us who was infected. God sometimes causes situations in our lives to slow us down. If we are not deeply rooted in Him, we can feel dejected, depressed, frustrated, and hopeless. It will seem like each day, we get up and say, “Are we there yet? When is this ever going to end?”

In Psalm 46:10, David reminds us to “Be still and know that I am God.” We find it hard to wait on people; often, it is even harder to wait upon God. However, in Philippians 4:6, we are reminded. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

In the Poem “Arise for the Light has Come,” the actions can only be achieved if we spend quality time with God so we can be “Deeply Rooted in Him.” This acrostic can assist us as we practice patience.

P – is for Prayer

Make it a habit each day to devote yourself to personal prayer time. Matthew 6:6 says, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

A – is for Acceptance

Learn to accept the trials that God is taking you through. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

T – is for Time

Take time to smell the roses. God created a beautiful world for us to see and enjoy. Incorporate getting out of our comfort zone and breathing in free air each day. Do some simple exercises that fit your physique or even a short walk around the house or block to see something different and give your eyes something positive. Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

I – is for Ignoring Distractions

Sometimes we’re so consumed with technology we only acknowledge God right before we go to sleep with a quick 20-second prayer.

N – is for No Negativity

Keep thinking positive thoughts; don’t let the enemy steal your joy. Ephesians 6:10, 11 says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

C – is for Calmness

Try to be calm in your situations and let God fight your battles for you. Ecclesiastes 10:4 states, ‘If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest.

E – is for Empowerment

Let God empower you with His Holy Spirit and teach you, His Word. When you seek His face and confess your faults and weaknesses, He will purity you and give you the patience to persevere in your Christian walk.

Closing Exercises

Label a basket “Patience.” Invite the women to place a card in the basket of an area in their lives where they need God to help them have patience.

Play the song “God Will Make a Way” during this time –  https://youtu.be/1zo3fJYtS-o

Conclude the time together by praying over the cards.