Face to Face With God
Focus for the Month: RENEWAL IN WORSHIP
Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. James 4:8
Date Prayer
1. May my
heart become one with yours, Lord Jesus.
2. I take
rest and refreshment in your loving presence, Living Lord.
3.
Risen Savior, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Thank you, Lord, your mercy
knows no bounds and I am filled with gratitude.
4. Loving Lord God, even in the midst of
our confusion and doubt (Mark 9:24), your
constant and unconditional love never ceases.
We humbly thank you.
5.
We come before you at our healing worship service this
evening, Lord Jesus, longing to “touch the hem of your robe.” (see Matthew 9:20-22)
6.
I long to be fully present to you in prayer, O God. Banish all extraneous and unnecessary
thoughts.
7. Great Provider, on this Labor Day we give
you thanks for fruitful occupation and pray especially for the unemployed and
for those facing economic challenges.
8. Lord, so
often I complicate my life; help me to simplify once again.
9. Lord Jesus, as you walked the earth, it
pleased you to heal as you moved among the people. There are those among us who are hurting in mind, body and
spirit. Touch them with your healing
hand, especially: ________. ________ & ________.
10. Gracious One, we hold the ELCA, its
leadership, membership and ministries before you in earnest prayer. May healing, unity and faithfulness prevail.
11. Jesus, our
true Source of hope and joy, help us to see that you alone can fulfill our deepest needs. Touch the hearts of those struggling with
fear, anxiety and despair.
12. Gracious one, I have gotten caught up
in the excesses of life again. Free me
from this hold that I may love and serve you once more with complete abandon.
13. As we celebrate Rally Sunday and our
ministry fair, we ask, Lord, that you renew us in our ministry to others. We rejoice as Sunday School classes and
Confirmation begin as well.
14. Lord Jesus, I’ve often wondered what I
would say to you if I would meet you in person. I choose to give that earnest thought at this moment. Having pondered this, may I tell you now,
Holy One, ____________________________________.
15. As our adult education courses begin this
day to equip us for your work, Gracious Lord, we ask that you impart your
wisdom that we might be fruitful in mission.
16. Check the seeds of negativity that loom in
my thinking that they not emerge into weeds that choke off my love for you and
for others, Lord God.
17. Dear Lord, as we pray that all war cease,
we ask your guidance and protection for our armed forces in their mission to
build peace in your world. We pray for
their spiritual well being, their speedy return home and the healing of mind,
body and spirit for all. Thank you,
Gracious God.
18. “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on
every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers
everywhere.” (Ephesians 6:18 NLT)
Make us mindful of Paul’s words to the Ephesians, O
Lord.
19. God of Wholeness, break the chains of
addiction for those bound by this affliction.
Send them helpers, mentors, and those gifted with the ability to
encourage.
20. As we gather in worship today, Lord Jesus,
we ask that you draw us near to you, renew us and lead us into active
participation in ministry to the world.
21.
Be with our pastors who are away participating in
education and renewal. May they be
blessed with insights and be refreshed by your presence with them.
22. Lord God,
help us to keep our eyes on Jesus, especially when trouble emerges.
The
psalmist wrote, "In the day of my trouble I call on you, for you will
answer me. Psalm 86:7 (NRSV)
23. Lord of Peace, be with our senior citizens
who face dramatic changes in health, mobility, lifestyle, etc. Grant us patience and understanding in our
dealings with them and let them feel your loving arms about them.
24. “He that cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would reach heaven; for everyone has need to be forgiven.” Lance Morrow, Time Magazine, January 9, 1984. (See Mark 11:25-26) Holy Spirit, prompt us to reflect deeply upon these words.
25. Continue
to grant us the courage, O God, to proclaim the Good News to the lost.
26. As we witness the changing color and the
leaves falling with Autumn approaching, remind us, Holy God, that as nature
becomes dormant and is renewed so, too, are we, your people.
27. Holy Spirit, bless our 41 young people
preparing for Confirmation (the affirmation of their faith) in October, as they
gather at banquet this evening. We give
you thanks for the commitment and faithfulness of their parents, adult guides,
mentors and prayer partners.
28. As OSLC Church Council meets, Holy Spirit,
enlarge our vision for ministry to others as we work together in this place.
29. God of peace, may there be reconciliation of conflict in the family, the neighborhood, the workplace, the government, the church and the world. "Make me a channel of your peace." (St.Francis of Assisi)
30. God of Life and Celebration, we thank you
for Cheryl Boncher, our church office manager,
especially on this, her birthday. Bless
her with good health and trust in your loving, faithful care.