Dear Father in Heaven, Blessed be your name. Thank you for having prayer be a part of our day and making sure we know YOU are always including us. Our stewardship drive has started. You know the health and welfare of our church. You know all of our members personally, past, present and future. Let this be a time of connection... that we will truly met our goal of meeting and talking with each other, even when it is just a moment exchanging the basket that we will feel the touch of another, the smile, the handshake, the word will have meaning.
At Sunday School this week... Oops Faith Journeys, such a defining name, but I am still having lots of trouble using it. Am I old and too set in my ways? I think I'm mostly keeping up with the times and that I can learn and grow and make changes.. God, make me aware of your timing, often different than mine. Help me to know you are always patient with me. You do understand when I don't do something or when it takes longer than I would like. I really could use a helpful "kick in the pants" sometimes. Thank you for all those people that you have put in my life to help with that one! But God, we know that I am mostly alone, even when family and friends are around. Keep me open to know that handling lives does take a community and that church is a part of your plan.
Help me to see the person you see me to be. I want to love the way my dogs do, unconditional. Fill me with joy, sharing and caring. Be humble and know God knows the real you. Help me Lord, that my outside, my thoughts, words and deeds will reflect what You have placed inside of me. And from one of Jenny's closing scripture prayers: Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice. Let your patient spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let our requests be known to God.
And the peace of God, which passes all understanding shall guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, let our minds dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in Christ, practice these things and the God of peace shall be with you. AMEN.
Don't forget to VOTE and really look at your time and talent sheet when you fill it out. Give God the opportunity to provide you with some refreshment, not just what you think you can do for your church, but what your church can do for you!! Look forward to the great week you will be having!