EC Week 46-Making Disciples-Intercession

Ever Closer Episode 271: The Rescuer’s Heart

Moving beyond personal provision, we now intercede for others as Jesus taught in Matthew 9:37-38, praying that the Lord of the harvest would send laborers into His fields—for people’s greatest need is salvation in Jesus. Our compassionate King demonstrates through His wondrous ways that when we prioritize relationships and make the most of our present time praying for and serving others, God works through us to meet needs in ways that accomplish His greater purposes. As we unwrap each day with intentionality and wonder at God’s faithfulness, we become conduits of His grace, extending mercy to others while trusting Him to meet people’s needs in miraculous ways.

Here is today’s song:

The Rescuer’s Heart
God is good, loving, and always at work saving. Those who turn to him in faith experience his abundant life. Believers inherit God’s rescuer heart to intercede for others, so they can come to know God as their savior also.

(Verse 1)
In shadows deep, where doubts prevail
A light breaks through the darkest veil.
His eyes see all, his heart beats true
God’s love is reaching out to you.

(Chorus)
He knows, he cares, he acts with might
Turning darkness into light.
His saving grace, a gift so free
Abundant life for you and me.

(Verse 2)
Through ages past and present day
His steadfast hand has made a way.
For those who turn to him in need
His faithful love will never cease.

(Chorus)
God knows, he cares, he acts with might
Turning darkness into light.
His saving grace, a gift so free
Abundant life for you and me.

(Bridge)
Lay down your burdens, all your shame
He’ll wash you clean and break sin’s chains.
Give him your heart, your faith renew
His healing power will see you through.

(Verse 3)
Step into grace, embrace his call
His perfect love will conquer all.
In him you’ll find your truest home
Where God adopts you as his own.

(Verse 4)
Now rescued souls with hearts made new
We share the hope that carried us through.
Our Father’s heart beats in us now
Compelled by love, each day, each hour.

(Verse 5)
We lift our voices, bend our knees
Interceding for the lost to see.
As heirs of grace, we join his plan
Extending mercy, hand in hand.

(Outro)
God knows, he cares, he acts with might
Turning darkness into light.
His saving grace, a gift so free
True life to share with all we meet.
God knows, he cares, he acts with might
Turning darkness into light.
His saving grace, a gift so free
True life to share with all we meet.

Ever Closer Episode 272: In Your Tears

God grieves with you in this fallen world of broken people. But for those who trust him, in time he heals their pain and suffering.

(Verse 1)
Silent tears fall like rain.
God catches each one that drops.
Christ wore your grief like a crown
When he died upon that cross.

(Verse 2)
Every ache that pierces through
Every wound that won’t quite heal
Jesus felt them as his own.
His scars prove his love is real.

(Chorus)
You are not alone in pain
God sees through your broken parts.
He understands and cries your tears.
Take his hand, he’ll guide your heart.

(Verse 3)
When darkness seems too thick
And breath comes hard and slow
His strength becomes your own
His grace helps you to grow.

(Verse 4)
Like dawn that conquers night
His healing comes in time.
The wounds may leave their marks
But his love and light outshines.

(Bridge)
Eden once bloomed perfect
Till pride led us astray.
We chose to be our masters
And paradise slipped away.
Our hands that reached for power
Grasped only dust and shame.
Our hearts that yearned for freedom
Found only grief and pain.

(Verse 5)
But Jesus offers mercy
A path through stormy seas
A glimpse of coming glory
When every soul finds peace.

(Verse 6)
Soon he’ll return in splendor
To wipe away all tears
No sickness, sin or sorrow
No death, no grief, no fears.

(Chorus)
You are not alone in pain
God sees you, broken, true.
He understands and cries your tears.
Take his hand, he’ll carry you through.

Ever Closer Episode 273: Fueling Faith

Joyfully walk with God in loving trust so that you invest all he does in you and through you for the benefit of others.

(Verse 1)
Drowning in excess, starving for meaning
Mountains of treasures, yet hearts still searching
For something deeper than wealth can provide
Abundance surrounds us, yet purpose has died.

(Verse 2)
The cares of this world like weeds entangle.
Busyness blinds us, while souls still wrangle.
Step back from the chase of more to acquire.
Draw near to God, to his pleasure aspire.

(Chorus)
Your walk with God, that’s your greatest gift.
Let his love flow through you, let your spirit lift.
All he’s placed in you was never yours to keep.
Sow what he has given, a harvest you’ll reap.

(Verse 3)
Blessed with abundance to be a blessing
Time, talent, treasure worth investing
Not hoarded or wasted, but given in love
Reflecting the heart of your Father above.

(Verse 4)
These gifts aren’t just yours to consume and enjoy
But seeds to be planted, tools to employ
In service of others, meeting their needs
Fueling their faith, that it might increase.

(Bridge)
Even the suffering, pain and the tears
God can redeem them through all of your years.
Surrender your burdens, your will, and your shame
He’ll transform your story for his holy name.

(Verse 5)
Each breath is a gift, each moment divine
Each talent entrusted, purposefully designed
To mirror God’s image in all that you do
Stewarding faithfully all he’s given to you.

(Chorus)
Your walk with God, that’s your greatest gift.
Let his love flow through you, let your spirit lift.
All he’s placed in you was never yours to keep.
Sow what he has given, a harvest you’ll reap.
Sow what he has given, a harvest you’ll reap.

Ever Closer Episode 274: Unwrap Today

Make the most of the present time you’re given. Prioritize relationship-building, which is the most important aspect of life.

(Verse 1)
Chasing distant horizons, we often forget
The beauty that surrounds us, in moments unmet.
Step back from your tasks, delay your dreams
The present’s filled with people, longing to be seen.

(Verse 2)
Plant your seeds of kindness in the here and now.
Watch them bloom and grow, from what you sow.
Serve with open hands, love with all your soul.
Every life you touch becomes more whole.

(Chorus)
Life’s not waiting for the next big thing
It’s the laughter and the love we bring.
Don’t miss what makes others’ hearts beat
Gain the most of now, engage those you meet.

(Verse 3)
Tune into the rhythm of another’s heart.
Ask questions and listen, what sets them apart.
Spark the flame of passion, fan it ever higher.
Challenge and inspire, set the world on fire.

(Bridge)
Don’t let life slip by while making other plans.
The present is a gift, unwrap it while you can.
Every soul’s a story waiting to unfold.
Step onto the stage, share in what’s told.

(Verse 4)
Value each person, whoever they are
Discover their treasure, what makes them a star.
May all who come to you, in some way leave better.
Put people first and find great pleasure.

(Chorus)
Life’s not waiting for the next big thing
It’s the laughter and the love we bring.
Don’t miss what makes others’ hearts beat
Gain the most of now, engage those you meet.

(Outro)
Make the most of now, don’t let life slip away.
Every moment counts, seize each precious day.

Ever Closer Episode 275: Aging Away

Although caring for elderly parents is a challenge, give yourself to taking care of those who took care of you. You will be blessed to honor your father and mother in this way.

(Verse 1)
Silver hair and wrinkled hands, a sight I’ve come to know.
Mom and Dad, once so strong, now fragile and slow.
They left the home they built, a lifetime of memories.
Since age has caught up, they moved in to live with me.

(Chorus)
Though the days are long and tiring, I choose to be grateful.
For every moment spent together, a bond unbreakable.
Their love has carried me through life, and now it’s my turn,
To care for them with grace, as they navigate their last turn.

(Verse 2)
Mom needs assistance to bathe and wash her hair.
Dad’s hands shake, so I guide his spoon with care.
The newspaper print too small, I read to them out loud.
I help mom with her walker as she moves about the house.

(Bridge)
I’m drained after my job and then caring each day.
I wish my sister, could help in some way.
But I know this time, is limited and fleeting.
So I treasure each moment, each heart-to-heart meeting.

(Verse 3)
Loading them into the car, for doctor’s visits galore.
Unloading and guiding them, through each revolving door.
These small acts of love, a reflection of their care.
When they raised me with devotion, always there.
When they raised me with devotion, always there.

(Chorus)
Though the days are long and tiring, I choose to be grateful.
For every moment spent together, a bond unbreakable.
Their love has carried me through life, and now it’s my turn,
To care for them with grace, as they navigate their last turn.

(Outro)
Getting old, a journey of love and sacrifice.
Caring for parents, a blessing in disguise.
Limited time, makes each day a treasure to hold.
A love that endures, as we all grow old.

Ever Closer Episode 276: Reflection for Week 46

Reflect on God working through you to meet the needs of others as you pray and serve. Our scripture focus this week is an instruction from Jesus to his followers in Matthew 9:37-38. “Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest, that he will send out laborers into his harvest.”

Here are three areas to think about:

1. Who in your life needs you to intercede for them right now? As you reflect on Jesus’ compassion for the “harassed and helpless” crowds (Matthew 9:36), identify 3-5 specific people—family members, neighbors, coworkers, or strangers—whose spiritual, physical, or emotional needs burden your heart. How will you commit to regularly praying for God to send “laborers” into their lives this week? What role might God be calling you to play in their journey toward Him?

2. God grieves with us and is always at work saving. When have you experienced God’s healing in your own pain, and how does that personal testimony fuel your compassion and intercession for others who are hurting, vulnerable, overlooked, or in need?

3. What does it look like practically to “unwrap today” by prioritizing intercessory prayer and relationship-building over your usual routines? Examine your daily schedule and energy investments. Are you making the most of the present time God has given you to invest in others’ spiritual well-being? What specific changes might you need to make?