Young People's Ministries | The United Methodist Church

Read 1 Corinthians 9:23-25
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Cor. 9:24-25

            We all love to win, don’t we? When I think of winning, one young university student comes to mind. I enjoy listening to her voice as she says, “We are winning!” when her team is leading at a football game. Even when the game is in the first quarter, she gives the good report, “We are winning!” as long as her team is ahead.

            One Saturday evening as she monitored the game on her computer because her team had traveled to another state to play, I called and asked her how the game was going. In a sad, trembling voice, she responded, “We are losing”. I asked her which quarter it was and she said, “The second”. I responded, “Well, there is still plenty of time. The game just started. Your team will come back.” Indeed, her team scored more points and they ended up winning the game. Once again the student was ecstatic that she supported a “winner”.

            Ask yourself the questions, Who is the winner in and of my life? Is Jesus the winner in my life?” Jesus died on Calvary so that humanity could be reconciled to God. Because Jesus rose from the dead, we are victorious.

          When we examine our own lives, who is winning? Is Jesus winning or are other things or people the winners? If Jesus is not occupying the first position, we are losing. If Jesus is not the focus in our lives, the loss is ours whether we are in the first or fourth quarter.
            Before Jesus’ death, his last words, were, “It is finished” (Luke 19:30). This means that he had done all that needed to do to win the race. We do not have to fear defeat because our leader has already won.

            Let us make haste to run to the source of life. As football players, or players of any sport like to win, let us also be winners in Christ. The trophy is ours to take home if we allow Christ to score and make the winning “touchdown” or “goal” in our lives.

Prayer

Forgive us Jesus for shutting you out of our lives. Reopen our hearts to your love. Be the winner in our lives. Amen.

Prayer During Examinations

book God of wisdom, be with us during this time of exams. Focus our minds and calm our nerves. Holy Spirit, be near us. Be our guide, counselor and friend. Gently remind us of what we have learned. Help us to understand the questions and be with us as we provide the answers.

We learn, not for ourselves, but as a means to better serve your creation. We learn to glorify your name. We learn because you give us the ability to do so. All glory, honor and praise are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Worship for the College Community — September 2008

Freshman Prayer • Welcoming International Students • Fall Orientation Order of Worship
Personal Prayer of Orientation • Public Prayer of Orientation

A Service of Celebration & Welcome For New Campus Ministry or Chaplain • Prayer During Examinations • Prayer For Athletes

Service of Healing & Remembrance • Labryrinth Reflection Walk

Commencement Benediction • Commencement Invocation

HOW DO YOU WORSHIP?
In young people's ministries there are a variety of preferences for worship styles, music genres and written content. This diversity offers us a great opportunity to learn from each other around worship practices that are meaningful in our communities. Are there liturgies, prayers, poems, songs, or whole services that you, a youth, young adult, or group, have written? Share it with us and we may post it on the web! All submissions must be original compositions. By submitting your work to GBOD, you're giving us permission to reproduce your work.