A Prayer for Invitation
By Chelsey DeMatteis
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
I recently read that as a church body, we've abandoned living room gatherings and personal discipleship. While this isn't surprising, it's not something we should feel comfortable with! The modern-day church has quickly chosen following platforms over personal relationships. And chosen to go with surface-level conversation and connection over doing meaningful, at times messy, real life with others.
It's so sad, right? But I have good news to share with you. It doesn't have to be this way! We can bring back living room gatherings, personal discipleship, and meaningful relationships. We can see Jesus from His life that these things were deeply important when it came to sharing the gospel. He told us in Matthew 28:18-20, "And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
The way we get to live this out is by being in real relationships and inviting people in. By in, I mean in our hearts and in our homes. One of the sweetest blessings God has given me is two younger women (who happen to be sisters) to pour into. They are so special to me and my family. They know they are always loved and welcomed - no matter what.
There are times they may step into my home with it looking orderly and times when there's been a toy explosion. There are times I may be cooking, loading dishes in the dishwasher, or folding laundry, and times when the littles are napping and we can enjoy the peace together. Regardless of what is taking place, they know they can have a seat next to me and I'm ready to talk about anything.
My challenge to you and myself is this, let's give God the glory in our homes as we open the doors to host and invite Believers of all ages to spend time with us. No longer can we sink back and think our homes aren't big enough, pretty enough, or we don't have the time or capacity. Whatever lies the enemy has tried to sow, rebuke them in Jesus's name. If you have a roof over your head, a floor for someone to sit on, and a heart willing to extend an invitation...do it! Be on mission for God through relationships. Do not delay! Walk in obedience to the Lord and leave the outcomes up to Him!
Let’s pray:
Lord, I pray for the confidence to invite people into my home and into my heart to be real with. I pray this will be a year when I see fruit from Godly friendships. Thank you Lord for the way you open doors and make connections with people. In Jesus' name, amen.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Phiromya Intawongpan
Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.
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