Your Easter Invitation
OPENING PRAYER:
Holy Spirit, give me boldness and compassion to invite others into an encounter with Jesus. Help me see the people around me through Your eyes, the ones who are thirsty, the ones who are hiding, the ones who need living water.
"Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, 'He told me everything I ever did.' So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, 'We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.'"
The ripple effect of one woman's testimony is staggering. She shared her story, and many believed. Then Jesus stayed with them, and many more believed. What started with one divine appointment at a well resulted in an entire community encountering the Messiah. This is the power of personal invitation combined with personal encounter.
John 4:39-42 (NIV)
REFLECT:
Pastor Carter’s message ended with a powerful challenge: "This week, I really want to encourage you to think about one person in your life who's thirsty. Someone who keeps going back to those same empty wells. Someone who doesn't know Jesus. And then I want you to pray for them. Then I want you to invite them to Easter services." Easter is coming, and it's one of the most natural times during the year to invite someone to church. Todd gave us a simple approach: ask that person what they're doing for Easter, and then after they tell you, tell them what you're doing and invite them to come to church with you.
Here's why this matters so much: the Samaritan woman's story didn't end with her personal transformation. It extended to her entire community. Many Samaritans believed because of her testimony. She didn't have theological training. She'd known Jesus for maybe an hour. But she had a story, and she shared it with passion and authenticity. That's all God needed. And the same is true for you. You don't need to have all the answers. You don't need to be able to defend every doctrine or explain every mystery of faith. You just need to invite someone to "come and see" the One who changed your life.
Todd’s message shared something vulnerable and powerful: "I know for me personally, I've invited that one person in my life. I haven't invited my one for a while. But really, this Easter gives me a natural time and a way to be able to do that. And I can't wait to see what God does as I pray and I ask him to come to Easter services with me." If Todd is taking this step, you can too. And here's the promise: "I know as you take that step of obedience, God's going to do something fresh in you that he wouldn't have done otherwise this Easter, if you take that step." It's not just about the person you're inviting. It's about what God wants to do in you as you step out in faith and engage in His mission.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will stop disqualifying myself and start engaging in God's mission.
Right now, write down the name of one person in your life who's thirsty, someone who keeps going back to empty wells, someone who doesn't know Jesus. Commit to praying for them every day between now and Easter. Then, this week, reach out to them. Ask them what they're doing for Easter. After they respond, tell them you're going to church and invite them to come with you. Don't overthink it. Don't worry about their response. Just extend the invitation. God will do the rest.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for pursuing me when I was thirsty and lost. Thank You for sending someone to invite me into relationship with You. Now give me courage to do the same for others. Bring to mind the one person You want me to invite this Easter. Give me boldness to reach out, wisdom in how to invite them, and faith to trust You with the results. Use me in Your mission.
PRAYER REQUEST:
Share your prayer request and pray for others.