A friend asked me to describe crave in a little more detail…I thought some of you might like to know what it is as well…here’s sort of an “explanation” by way of an information sheet that first time crave-ers can pick up. Maybe you can have your own taste of crave today...or you can stop by CCC around 11 on wednesdays...or you can start something similar in your church or circle of friends...oh the possibilities. May YOU receive what our Father has for you today...
"We’re so glad you’re here! More importantly, God is glad you’re here…He has gifts that He wants to give you during this time. Maybe that gift will be a word from Him…or refreshment…or rest…or just the gift of being still and quiet….may you receive what our Father has for you today.
Simply put, Crave is a set aside time to come into the presence of God. This world is busy, noisy, crazy. It’s essential to have time to sit and be still and quiet…to have time to fully concentrate on God…to worship…to pray…to listen…to rest. This time is for Him and for you. Let Him lead you.
The general format each week is that we come in around 11:00 and pick up the “guide” that is available on the counter. Then we come into the sanctuary and settle – in a chair, on the floor, at the altar, wherever. If you need to walk or move around, feel free to do so.
Around 11:40, we’ll gather back together (usually in the back of the room) to share and pray. There is no pressure for you to have to share anything – but if the Lord has spoken to you and you want to share, we’d love to hear it. Sometimes the very words God has spoken to you are the ones that someone else needs to hear – so your sharing may not be for you but for someone else in the room! We also share prayer requests with one another and then spend some time praying together. Please don’t feel any pressure to say anything….but, at the same time, there’s freedom for you to share whatever the Lord has put on your heart to share.
Here are some ideas for how to spend this time:
· Use the scripture given as a starting point for reading His word. Let the Spirit guide you to other scriptures that the Lord may want you to read today.
· Listen. Ask God a question and just quietly wait for a response. Here are some possible questions:
o God, is there anything you want to say to me today?
o What are your thoughts towards me?
o Do you have a word you’d like to give me to share with someone else?
· Pour out your heart and mind to the One who can handle it all.
· Worship. There’s music playing in the back...feel free to worship as you’d like. You’re also welcome to use your own ipod/earphones if you have them. Music is such a wonderful tool to help us enter the presence of God!
May God bless you as you give Him this time. May His refreshment be yours…may His love be real to you…may you hear His voice and respond…He loves you – how He loves you – and He is delighted to be spending this time with you."
