West Park Baptist Church

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Holy Week Prayer Guide 2022

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Jesus invites us to experience life-changing power as we see Him through the eyes of faith. Let’s prepare our hearts in prayer as we focus on the Light of Jesus and celebrate His resurrection during Holy Week.

Palm Sunday

Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-38; John 12: 12-19 
We thank you Lord as we approach this important Passion Week, where you triumphantly rode on a colt into the Holy City not only as King of the Jews but as our coming King. Thank you that our King did not ride in the city on a stallion, but meek and lowly on a colt. Thank you for being compassionate towards hopeless people. The crowds in the Holy City were pleading for salvation from their earthly enemies. The real enemy is not flesh and blood but it is the arch-enemy, the Devil. During this week, the Devil thought he would be the victor, but Jesus crushed his head. Glory and Honor to our King! We are so thankful that the King came not to be served, but to give His life as a ransom for many.

Monday

Matthew 21:12-20; John 12:1-14; Mark 11:11-33           
Hosanna to the highest! Just as the sweet perfume Mary used to anoint your feet filled the air of their home, may our prayer be a sweet aroma of praise to you as you sit at the right hand of the Father. In this solemn resurrection season, unlike the barren fig tree that Jesus cursed, may our lives bear fruit that testifies to your indwelling Spirit in our lives. As we come together to worship you, may our church be a house of prayer that glorifies, honors, and pleases you.

Tuesday

Matthew 21:20-27; Matthew 21:28-23:39; Mark 11:20-12:44              
Thank you, Lord, that the Stone the builders rejected has become the Cornerstone. There is no other name by which man can be saved. As we navigate in this fallen world, help us to look to you as the Cornerstone of our faith. May our hearts be aligned with yours Jesus, so that by your grace, we possess a faith that can move mountains. We are humbled when we consider that you have authority over heaven and earth, and yet you choose us and call us your beloved. We praise you as we sing Hosanna to the King of Kings. You knew what awaited in Jerusalem, and yet you rode the donkey into town in obedience to the Father.

Wednesday

Luke 22:3-6; Matthew 26:14-16
Forgive us Lord Jesus as we are so easily distracted from following you. Judas, your disciple, was possessed by Satan to betray you for 30 pieces of silver. The lure of money and other selfish desires can tempt us too. This fallen world beckons us every day to go astray. Help us to keep our focus on you and to realize our great need for you. Our personal relationship with you is far more valuable than silver or gold or anything this world could offer.   

Maundy Thursday

John 13:12-17, 34; I John 3:16-19a 
To the One who knew that He had come from God and was going to God; to Him who laid aside His garments and took a towel… and began to wash the disciples’ feet; You alone are worthy to mandate, to command, your followers to love in a self-sacrificing way. You gave us an example to live by during that Passover celebration. You want your followers to love not with lip-service but with action! Good Shepherd, help us to love one another in such a way that the world will know that we are members of Your flock.  

Good Friday

John 19; Psalm 22:1-24; Hebrews 10:19-25 
Lord Jesus, God the Son, in whom the very essence of the Holy Trinity exists, you were born into this world as man so that in obedience to the Father, you could lay down your life for man. Your agony was far more than your physical suffering on the cross. You took upon yourself the wrath of God’s justice that our sins might be forgiven and our relationship with our Creator restored. We bless your name as you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life for the world. 

Saturday

Matthew 27:57-65 
Lord Jesus, we can’t begin to imagine what was taking place in the spiritual realm while the body you used in the physical realm lie cold and still behind the sealed stone. We believe that you were spreading the news of your final victory over sin and death among those who had been waiting centuries to hear that good word. While your earthly followers hid themselves out of fear and confusion, your heavenly followers had a joyful celebration because they knew what had taken place. May we, who also share that knowledge, celebrate it and declare it with like passion among those whose hearts are like that sealed stone. 

Resurrection Sunday

Mark 16:1-7; Matthew 28:1-20; John 20:1-21
Father, your gift to us has been opened, complete, and today we celebrate, in awe, the finished work of Jesus. By His resurrection, death was defeated. The grave lost its sting. We have hope and life because on this day, as the angels declared to stunned disciples, and as He, himself, declared to Peter, Cleopas, Mary, Thomas, and all who gathered in a locked room, Jesus is risen. The debt has been paid. Thank you for the Spirit who inspired the writing of the Word and gives us understanding. Thank you that my shackles are gone. Thank you for an empty tomb. Thank you for the mission in the Great Commission. May we shout it from the rooftops, declare it in the streets, and live it out in our lives! Christ is risen!! We praise you for this! And may our lives say, “He is risen, indeed!” AMEN

Global Missions Conference 2022: Prayer Guide

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Missions conference week is an exciting time where everyone feels connected to the cause of global missions. However, we need to foster a culture where prayer is the normal, everyday response to the call of Christ to go to all the world. To pray effectively, how can we start? And for what things should we pray?  

First, start with a time – 9:38.  

It can be either AM or PM or both.  

Why 9:38? It’s a time reminder based on Matthew 9:38, where Jesus says,  

“Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” 

This prayer initiative, started by the staff at ABWE, invites us to intentionally pray each day for missionaries to be sent out into all the world.  

As Pastor Sam Polson recently reminded us, when we pray this, expect God to move in our hearts. God will respond by sending laborers out, but He will likely work on your heart and mine to perhaps send us out in fields he’s prepared for us! 

How to Pray During This Conference 

Much hard work by our faithful staff members has gone into making this week possible. We would ask that you join us in praying some specific requests outlined below, for all our hard work is only possible by the grace of our Lord, and we need His help in every way that this week would be a blessing to our missionaries and church body.  

1) Pray for the Sunday preachers: David Woodard (2/27) and Paul Davis (3/6). Pray that they would depend on the Lord; pray that they would communicate God’s message to West Park. Pray that they would be kept from spiritual warfare and frustrations in ministry that often come and distract from the preparation that goes into preaching God’s Word. Pray that they would be personally challenged and encouraged by God’s Word.  

2) Pray for our missionaries: David and Debbie Woodard, Gary and Marty Crawford, and George Romeos and his son William. Pray that they are enriched spiritually, materially and physically while they are with us. Ask God to supply all their needs, as many face transitions and difficulties right now in their primary ministries. Pray that they would truly reconnect with the pastors and staff at West Park, and that they would be assured of our love for them.  

3) Pray for our church staff. Pray for healthy communication between staff members as they manage many fine-tuned details this week. Pray for their growth in grace and teamwork this week. Ask God to help them manage the communication details, particularly for the communication team. Ask God to help Pastor Joe and Debbie Trotter to oversee the various behind-the-scenes work of serving the missionaries this week.  

4) Pray for our church. Pray that all coming would experience the joy of seeing God work in the world. Pray that we would also be awakened from spiritual lethargy (sleepiness) that is causing us to be apathetic about evangelism. Pray that each person this week would be open to missions and to grow in areas of prayer, giving and going.    

How to Pray for West Park’s Missionaries 

We currently have 23 Missionaries (whether singles, couples or families) as well as the 6 organizations West Park is privileged to support. The money we are able to give is not the most important thing we can share – prayer is even more powerful! If you ask them, missionaries will tell you that they live by prayer. So, how can you pray? 

  • Read 1 Missionary Bio a day, and pray for that missionary. The details they share in their bio help you to know what types of things to pray about: the country in which they serve, the people they are reaching, and the types of ministries they are leading. In one month’s time, you could pray for each missionary and organization 1 time.  
  • Pick up the monthly Missions prayer focus and pray the specific requests that our missionaries communicate to us. The Prayer focus can be found in the Welcome Center, the Grand Foyer, and on the missions table in the passageway where the new church member photos are located.  
  • Pray the scripture for them. Often our requests become routine. As you read God’s Word, pray the Word for our missionaries. Some passages are prime examples of how to pray and give us ready-made requests to take to God. For example, see Nehemiah 1:3-11; Colossians 4:2-3; and 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5.  

A Personal reflection for Martin Luther King Day- 2022

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I have a hobby collecting the writings of Dr. Martin Luther King.  One of his most impactful writings is his 1963, “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”.   Of the many notable things Dr. King wrote, the following resonates often with me:

“Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.”


“Understanding vs. misunderstanding.” “Good will vs. ill will.” “People vs. people.”

I grew up in the Jim Crow era of institutionalized segregation in Louisiana.  I was nine years old when Dr. King was assassinated in 1968.  It was not until 1998 that the last vestige of legalized segregation was finally struck down by the courts in my home state.  By that time I had transitioned to living in Tennessee, and in the most unpredictable of circumstances, I inexplicably became a member of West Park Baptist Church.

Since becoming a covenant member of WPBC, one of the things that I have come to love and appreciate deeply is this:  West Parkers are by far people of love, understanding and good will!

That makes all the difference in the world to me. Why?  Because of…

“Understanding vs. misunderstanding.”  You know what drives the gulf between these two extremes?  It’s not facts or a stronger position.  It’s much simpler than that.  It’s about “five seconds”.  That’s the amount of time it takes to make the choice to listen or not.  When you are in the right, and your brother (or sister) is wrong, the first step to helping them move to a better place is to demonstrate that you are willing to listen.  Listening enriches dialogue.  We desperately need more dialogue.

“Good will vs. ill will.”  How have we allowed this gulf to become so wide in the Church of Jesus Christ?  We must reclaim, and own, the sphere of good will.  Good will is a fruit of the love that Jesus declares is the greatest of all—that we would lay down our lives for one another.  I am afraid that if Jesus came back at this moment, he would declare how have you become people of ill will vs. good.  We must continue to fight to reclaim this space.

“People vs. people.” “Imago Dei” Made in the image of God.  First used in Gen. 1:27, this little phrase represents a powerful truth.  When people are divided because of sin, it stains the beauty of God’s design.  People of understanding and good will are resolute in their desire to stop pitting people against people.  When Jesus declared what does it profit someone to gain the whole world and lose their soul, I think of the evil fruit of people vs. people. 

So as we think about Dr. King’s vision, we certainly have come a long way.  And while there is still a long way to go, if people, united by understanding and good will, resolve to live in the hope that we have in Jesus, progress will continue to the glory of God.  It’s a legacy Dr. King would appreciate.

Day 9: Monday, December 6th

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Family devotions and personal worship are great spiritual disciplines to embrace in this Advent season and continue year-round.

  1. Gather with those in your home to set apart a daily time together (15 minutes or more is fine…right after a meal is ideal).
  2. Have someone read the passage for that day.
  3. Discuss what it means in light of Jesus.  What does it say about Him or His coming?
  4. Pray in response to the passage.  Thank God for fulfilled prophecies, answered prayers, renewed hopes, etc.  Ask the Holy Spirit to keep your hearts focused on His Word.
  5. Sing a hymn or carol of the season.

Week Two – The Bethlehem, The Way (Faith)

Psalm 72:18

Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous things.

Suggested hymns: O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Do You Hear What I Hear

Global Perspectives on Coronavirus – Pt 6

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Friends, I realize it’s been many days now of social distancing. I hope among many ways you are seeking encouragement that these articles with Global Perspective have served you well. Today we get a glimpse into the risks the Covid-19 virus has on the refugee community in Europe and ways believers need to focus no matter what challenges they face. Read on for today’s Global Perspective.

The Refugee Community and the Corona Crisis

Over the past several years, God has given me the privilege of working with the refugee community in Greece. Within this community, a minimum of 7-8 nationalities are all blended together at any given time.  Languages, cultures, religions and traditions swirl around me and watching these people work to find their feet in their daily uphill climb has impacted me in more ways that I will ever be able to write.

When the crisis of COVID19 began to reach Greece, its spread to the refugee camps became a major concern. They have lost so much already and often live in crowded conditions with lack of access to consistent proper nutrition, and a sickness like this could spread like wildfire. With great sadness, we proactively decided to close our day centers and gatherings during the last three weeks and limit our movements in and out of the camps to protect them from contamination.

Tonight, I sit here at home beginning week 3 of restricted activity, and, like so many of you, it feels strange to have so little control over my schedule, work, social activities and travel with no guarantee these conditions won’t last for many more weeks to come. Some moments this feels like a great chance to “catch my breath” or work through the growing list of things that always seem to be piling up. Other moments, it can start to feel like everything is out of control and things will never feel “normal” again.

God is using this time, though, to remind me of the lessons He’s taught me as I’ve had a front row seat to witnessing human response to crisis within the work and ministry He’s called me to…here are just few lessons that are hitting home right now:

Lesson 1 – Hospitality and sharing with others is not only possible, but actually an essential part of life even during times of crisis. Yes, we may have to be careful with our resources, learn to waste less, and streamline our spending to what’s truly essential, but at the end of the day, finding a way to share something of ourselves or a portion of what we have with someone else brings true joy…to all involved.

Hebrews 11: 16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Lesson 2 – A positive outlook and proper focus may not change your circumstances, but it will change how you experience them. When times are hard, it can take a lot of energy and emotion to process even the simplest of daily activities…and there’s no shame in that.  But as we are walking through difficult circumstances, it is crucial to find ways to still find things that we are thankful for and create ways to laugh and enjoy moments with those around you (at a proper distance, of course!). My friends here have taught me that when all else fails…ending the day with music and a bit of dancing can always put a smile on your face.

Psalm 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”

Lesson 3 – When life seems out of our control, what we truly believe will be tested. In times like these, life’s distractions fade away and what or who we are truly trusting in becomes evident. If our faith is grounded in Christ, then these times can work to refine us and deepen our belief. But if our faith has been in something or someone other than the God of the universe, we can find ourselves feeling lost and in search of what truth we’ve been missing. God very well may be using this time of crisis to affect many for eternity!

1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Lord, help us to see these days through your eyes. Give us peace that you are in control, and always have been. Give us compassion for others and use us as salt and light in these trying times. Show us how to not just survive the weeks ahead only to return to “normal life” but help refine us and change us for your glory.

Written by S.

Week 1-Day 1: Family Tensions Around the Table

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The holidays usher in a time of family connection and renewal of our closest relationships. Our hope is for a Norman Rockwell-style perfect family gathering.

But what if the reality is closer to WWIII for you and your parents?

What if your adult children won’t even send you a Christmas card let alone come visit you for the holidays?

Maybe a prophet like Elijah could help you.

As the Old Testament draws to a close, God says these final words through Malachi to a people at war with him and with one another:

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction” (Malachi 4:5-6).

God will win in the end.

That’s a great source of hope for all who put their trust in Him and a source of terror for those who tragically do not.

But before the end, God shows mercy again and again. He calls us to Himself in special ways. One such way was a prophet who was to come before the final day: Elijah. Ultimately I believe this coming of Elijah will be in two stages: First in John the Baptist (see Luke 1:17) and much later second at the end of history (see Matt 17:11).

What does the ministry of Elijah or John the Baptist or any other prophet have to do with your family tensions and mine?

God aims to capture the hearts of fathers and children.

In Malachi’s day parents were estranged from children. Children, younger and older, were not respecting or honoring their parents. In our day not much has changed, and you may either be feeling that estrangement or perhaps even the cause of it.

Please pause today and pray to God once again. Seek Him humbly.

Every prophet truly sent from God calls the parents, the children and everyone else to repent before Him, to humbly fear Him (Mal. 3:16). When John the Baptist came, he called on people to look to the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who came to die for those who had rejected Him and rebelled against Him. He is the hope the prophets point us to. Jesus Christ is the answer to our family tensions and troubles.

So, friends, I don’t have any practical tips for how to manage your family tensions around the table. But I know the one who can transform the hearts of all in your family. Will you yield to Him this December? Will you seek Him for the heart transformation that will unite you and your estranged family members around the worship of the King?

Through Christ, God has proven that He’s already turned His merciful heart toward you.

Why Community?

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As we begin the new ministry year, we want to emphasize the importance of being in community. Community is essential to the life of a spiritually healthy believer for at least four reasons.

Community reflects the nature of God

God is himself a person in community. As Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we see that God exists in relationship. Since we are created in His image, we are made to exist in relationship, too. We are not meant to be alone. In fact, from the beginning, God saw that it was not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18), so he created the family. In the New Testament, we see this idea of family now extending to the church (Ephesians 2:19). The church is meant to be a global, timeless family, and we are invited to contribute to and enjoy our new forever family.

Community reflects the work of Jesus

Our forever family came together at a great cost to Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:16 reminds us that Jesus lived, died, and rose again to “reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross.” The “both” mentioned there refers to Jews and Gentiles, two people groups who lived in opposition to one another. No one could bring them together. However, Jesus broke down the barriers between people groups by taking the penalty for their sin and removing the greater barrier between all people and God. True, healthy, growing community is the fruit of what Jesus has done for us, and our communities are at their best when we remind each other of Him.

Community helps others

When we participate in community, we participate in helping others. Being “in community” is synonymous with sharing each other’s burdens and blessing. The word for community or fellowship in the New Testament is “koinonia,” which at its root has the verb “to share.” This is exactly what the early church did. We read, “And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship (koinonia), to the breaking of bread and the prayers . . . and all who believed were together and had all things in common (koina). And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need” (Acts 2:42, 44-45, ESV). In Acts, community took on very real and practical dimensions, and it should today as well.

Community helps us

Finally, we should remember that community helps us, too. We need the love and support of others (Galatians 6:2). We need the accountability and challenge of others (Galatians 6:1). Even the Apostle Peter needed this (Galatians 2:11). To practice the “one anothers” of the Bible, we need others. To experience the “one anothers” of the Bible, we need others. Jesus himself prepared his disciples through life together in community. So, it must be essential to our own development.

This year we want to encourage you to engage deeply in community. Be it an Adult Bible Fellowship, a Growth Group, a D-Group, or some other community group, don’t sit on the sidelines and miss out on the gift God has for you in his community, the church.

~Pastor Derek