What is iCan?

iCan grow in my relationship with the Lord, but I need help.  The goal of the iCan program is to read the Bible for fifteen minutes a day and to pray for fifteen minutes a day.  Since we do need help, the iCan program brings individuals together forming small email accountability groups (if you are part of a small group, this will be your fellow small group members).  At the end of each week, you'll send an email to your group letting them know how many days you read and prayed for fifteen minutes and any prayer requests you might have.  The goal of the group is to encourage and spur one another on, and sometimes to give a little nudge to get you going again.  To be a part, just use one of the sign-up sheets at church, or send an e-mail to office@summitviewcommunity.com.  Please include your small group leader's name and the e-mail address you want to use for the program.

Details and Tips

Read from your Bible for at least 15 minutes every day

• A great way to do this is to get a One Year Bible (or similar Bible plan) that includes a selection from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs for each day.
• If reading your Bible is a new habit in your life, you might want to start with one of the Gospels (John would be a great place to start).  Get one of the newer translations like the New International Version (NIV) or the New Century Version (NCV).  Paraphrasing versions like The Message are great supplements, but for day to day reading and study, you may want to stick to a more literal translation.
• Consider starting a journal and writing down verses that were significant to you or thoughts that God gave you as you were reading.

Pray for at least 15 minutes every day

• Prayer is just a conversation with God, you don't need to be eloquent or use a lot of words, just share with God what is on your heart!  Thank Him and praise Him for what he is doing in the world and in your life, ask for help for you and your family and friends through the struggles of life, and share with him your worries and frustrations.  He is your closest friend, you can share anything with Him!
• Ideally you would find a quiet place to be with God as you pray, but you can pray anywhere.  Go for a prayer walk or pray while you're commuting to work.
• Corporate prayer is a great way to be united with other believers in God's work.  Find out about church prayer meetings and attend, pray with your small group, and pray with your family (or roommates).
• If you are married, pray with your spouse.  It will transform your marriage!  Pray with your kids.

Send a weekly e-mail to your accountability group

• Be honest!
• Be supportive!
• Be prepared to hold accountable and be held accountable (with love and grace)!

Stay Encouraged!

This will be hard, especially at first, but just keep doing your best and God will help you grow!  There is nothing better that we can do with our time than draw closer to God.  Over time, your relationship with God will grow and these times will be transformed from work to habit and from habit to something you look forward to!

15 minutes is:

• Only 1% of a 24 hour day!
• The total length of commercials in an hour of prime-time TV!
• Your total daily commute time even if you just have a 7 and a half minute commute to work!

Sign Up!

If you want to sign up, or if you have questions, please contact office@summitviewcommunity.com or ask your small group leader.

Return to the Summitview Community Church web site.