We pray. We study the Bible. We make friends. We tell our stories. We give ourselves away in generosity and service.

A PERSONAL PRAYER

Gracious God,
Sometimes, it seems like I am gripped by fear. I watch the terrorist attacks, and I find myself playing out terrible scenarios in my mind. I look at my children and grandchildren, and am afraid for them and their futures. When I am faced with a difficult decision, I worry that I will make the wrong choice. Those demons, fear and anxiety, sometimes rule the day. I know that this is no good way to live.

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear…

Philippians 4:6-7 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

OK, I hear you, God. By the power of your love, cast out those demons of fear in my heart. Give me the peace of God, that surpasses all understand.
In Christ, my only real security, I pray,
Amen.

KEY VERSE FOR THE WEEK

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit…” Matthew 1:20.  Click here to read the full text.

QUESTIONS FOR CONVERSATION

Of what are you most afraid? Who gives you a message of hope and peace in the midst of fear? Why and how?

SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE

Friends,
I hope your Thanksgiving has been a blessing, and that you have worked on both your attitude of gratitude, and your practice of giving thanks, both with words and deeds. This Sunday, we begin a series titled Voices of Angels. The word “angel” means “messenger.” Each Sunday’s message will have two facets. First, we will look at the words of the angels in the scriptures that surround Jesus’ birth, and see if we can understand what those messages mean for us. Second, we will consider who have been the angels in our lives, those who have delivered messages of hope for each of us, and how we might be messengers of hope for others. On Sunday, November 29, we will hear the words of the Angel of the Lord, “Do Not Be Afraid,” and consider ways we deal with our fear in the midst of troubling times.
We are also focusing on ourselves as messengers, and encouraging Advent to be a time of invitation for you. I really do hope you will consider inviting someone to worship on one of the Sundays of Advent, or Christmas Eve. The Kingdom of God is a party, and we don’t want anyone to miss it.

Tom Pace

PRAYER CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK

Sunday | November 29
Advent Begins
God, this is a special time of year. Please renew our faith and fill us with your passionate Holy Spirit that our faith might be contagious to others. Please bless this season and help us to make it holy. Amen.

Monday | November 30
Heavenly Father, thank you for a blessed month. We pray that you would continue to guide us and encourage us in your ways. We pray that you would bless us with many opportunities to serve you in the coming month, and we pray that you would help us to be all that you have planned for us to be. Amen.

Tuesday | December 1
Lord, I pray that we in your family of faith will be bold to invite others to come to church events to experience your great love and your message of amazing grace this Advent. Amen.

Wednesday | December 2
God, you are always there for me, and I trust you. You know my pain and my fears. I pray that you would take care of my most fervent prayer. Amen.

Thursday | December 3
Personal Prayer Day
People you know are struggling in life. They are struggling with divorce, addictions, job layoffs, financial problems, broken relationships… the list goes on. Pray for them today by name. Ask God to give them strength, to open new doors, and to heal their pain.

Friday | December 4
God Almighty, you have blessed us with another amazing week. Please help us to focus on all of the good things you are doing in our lives. Please prepare our hearts and our minds for worship on Sunday. Amen.

Saturday | December 5
God, you have given us the greatest gift of all… your son, our Savior. As we make preparations for Christmas, help us to focus on you. Give us the opportunity to show the world your love. Amen.