“In 1864 Jules Verne published ‘Journey to the Center of the Earth,’ the charming narrative of the adventures of a party of three…who have lowered themselves into an extinct volcanic crater.” Their goal? To reach the center of the earth. (You can find the book at Amazon.com…or your local library.)

A journey to the center of the earth: what would possess someone to try it? What made them think it was possible? Or that they would survive? And would any of them have dared to try it alone?

Beginning in January, 2011, our congregation is going on a journey as well. It’s not a science fiction journey to the center of the earth; it’s not an extreme vacation journey to a far-off land; it’s a journey to the heart of God.

The idea for the Ninety-Day Adventure in Prayer originally came from Vital Churches Institute. We’re modifying it to fit our congregation, but the basics are the same:

The practice of daily prayer. When we practice a new habit ninety days in a row it more easily becomes part of our ongoing lifestyle. To help in this, Rob Braun is working on a daily devotional based on the Heidelberg Catechism that not only teaches us what prayer is but encourages us to practice prayer. Each day, you will have questions that will help you to reflect on Scripture, respond to what God is saying to you and to pray.

The practice of praying in very small groups. We would also like to encourage you to be involved with 2 others in a prayer trio. The trios meet weekly for twelve weeks, in person if possible, to share what you have been learning in your personal times of prayer and to pray with and for each other.

During this 90 days, we anticipate that those who get involved will establish a habit of prayer AND form new and lasting friendships.

I’d like to invite you to join together on Sunday night, January 2 at 6:00 pm to hear more about this 90-day adventure in prayer…and to take the first step on the journey by committing yourself to daily prayer on your own and weekly prayer in a very small group.