Help!

A PERSONAL PRAYER

God of my salvation,

Some days, I think I have it all pretty well under control. I face my challenges head on, without wavering. I make decisions – some of them good ones even – and I learn from the ones that are not as good that I might not make the same mistakes again. I prioritize life according to values that I have chosen intentionally, hopefully led by the Holy Spirit. I have it together. I run my life well.

But there are other days, Lord… Oh My God… those other days. There are days the only prayer I can pray is “Help!” When I fall to my knees and can’t even find the words to articulate my prayers, or to describe the threats from which I need saving.  

It seems, God, that I am closer to who you want me to be on those other days than on the ones I feel so under control. God, remind me, all the time, that I need a savior, and that I need to turn over sovereign control of my life to you.

Help me, God. Save me.

Amen.

KEY VERSE FOR THE WEEK

The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!” — Matthew 21:9 Read the whole passage for Sunday’s sermon here: Matthew 21:1-11

QUESTIONS FOR CONVERSATION

From what do you need to be saved? What has become sovereign in your life right now? What needs to change?

SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE

This Sunday, we will be hearing in worship the passage about Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the Palm Sunday story. Ok, I know it isn’t Palm Sunday this Sunday… (not that I am beyond making such a mistake, but I think our staff would call it to my attention.) We are tying the sermon series with the Scripture+Shared Bible Study, and I am hoping you might join us so that you can get a whole broad look at the events leading up to and including Holy Week. This means that we have to do the Palm Sunday story earlier so we have time before Easter to consider the other events during that week in Jerusalem. The whole schedule is below, and there is still time to join in and even go back and review the Bible Study lessons and sermons from previous weeks. Find a Bible Buddy and study Journey to Jerusalem here.

·  Sunday, 3/26 – Jesus authorizes his church and turns toward Jerusalem

·  S+S study week 7: Jesus predicts his suffering, death, and resurrection

· Sunday, 4/2 – Jesus enters Jerusalem

· S+S study week 8: Jesus cleanses the temple (Sun-Wed of Holy Week)

· Sunday, 4/9 – Jesus is denied by Peter

· S+S study week 9: Jesus has his last supper (Thurs-Fri of Holy Week)

· Friday, 4/14 – Jesus is Crucified

· Sunday, 4/16 – Easter Celebration!

· S+S study week 10: Jesus is resurrected.

· Sunday, 4/23 – Jesus appears to disciples

· S+S study week 11: Walk to Emmaus

This week is the Pure Sound spaghetti lunch from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Activity Center. It will help fund their trip to Canada this Christmas. Make sure and come and support this great ministry.

Next Sunday is our Palm Sunday Family Picnic and Easter Egg Hunt on the Blanton field, also from 11-1. Pray for good weather, and join the fun.

Finally, note our Holy Week and Easter service schedule here. In addition to Sunday morning, I encourage you to join us on Thursday for the Lord’s Supper, and on Friday for the service of the Tenebrae, one of the more powerful services of the whole year. 

PRAYER CALENDAR

Sunday, April 2
Lord, I pray for single parents who are raising young children. Give them the patience and peace to know that they will get through the difficult times in your strength. May they also enjoy the many blessings that come from their children. Amen. -Prayer by Anonymous

Monday, April 3
I thank you, Lord, for the gift of life, for the beautiful things life brings to me each day, and for the life of love in Jesus Christ. Guide me in my daily walk to the end that I may be worthy to be called your child. As the song we sang at Emmaus, “I am no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God.” Amen. -Prayer by Charley Echols

Tuesday, April 4
Jesus you are my champion! I turn to you first thing in the morning. I know as I take my first steps that morning you will champion me through any challenges I may encounter that day! I know this because of your unbinding love which you continuously bestow on all your children. In your name, Amen. -Prayer by Darleen Danney

Wednesday, April 5
I pray for those who have been unemployed long term. May they find jobs that would lead to resuming, successful careers and remove the stress that comes from financial uncertainty. Bring them peace Lord that they might find comfort in your provision. Amen. -Prayer by Anonymous

Thursday, April 6
Dear God, we praise you for your beautiful creation and your everlasting love for each one of us. You have loved us since before we were even born. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to be with us always, and give us the peace that passes understanding. What a comfort! In Jesus’ holy name we pray, Amen. -Prayer by Lavonne Baker

Friday, April 7
Dear God, help us to know that you love all people in all circumstances. Help me to live my life as Jesus taught and lived. And help me to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit within me along the way. Amen. -Prayer by Ted Weiss

Saturday, April 8
Lord, give me the patience and understanding you demonstrated to the scribes and Pharisees as they tested you with their questions and comments. Help me to continue to see and love others they way that you do. Amen. -Prayer by Anonymous

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