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, I need to put on some perspectacles today.
Some problems seem like mountains, when they are really challenges that give life meaning and purpose.
Some situations (yes, even some people) seem like interruptions, when they really are opportunities to serve or to share.
Some days go on and on, and seem like they will never end. Why do I want to wish away the few days you have given me to enjoy and rejoice?
Some events seem like obligations and burdens. Each one of them is the chance to learn and to meet new people, but I can’t seem to view them that way.
Some days, I seem to see the dark side of everything that comes my way.
You spoke words through an angel to a young girl more than two millennia ago, a girl who would have to face ridicule and grief. “Hail, O favored one, “ you said. “the Lord is with you.” And then you told her about her future. And she answered by singing a song of praise.
O God, change my perspective that I might understand myself as favored, and my life as a wonderful gift, and respond with a song of praise. 

In Christ,
Amen. 

KEY VERSE FOR THE WEEK

And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” –Luke 1:29
Click here to read the full text for Sunday.

 

QUESTIONS FOR CONVERSATION

Is God mostly disappointed in you (and in us,) or mostly full of joy over us? Is that your usual “walking around” feeling of what God is like? What might God do in your life in the future?

 

SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE

Friends,
Don’t miss the amazing music in the Sanctuary this week during worship. Invite someone to come with you. It is always the highlight of the season for me, and I’ll bet it will be for your invited friend, too!
Tom

PRAYER CALENDAR

Sunday | December 13
Loving Lord, I want to scatter your seed of love and generosity, regardless of where they fall. You are forever giving love and grace to me. Let me be an overflowing fountain of your love and grace not only supplying the needs of the saints but also in Thanksgiving. Amen.
Prayer by Martha Loyd

Monday | December 14
Loving Father, it’s that happy and humbling season of the year, a special time to acknowledge Your priceless gift for all your children. Bolster our wavering courage to testify to Your love in this fallen and secular world. May we find and abide in Your peace through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer by Laura Denham

Tuesday | December 15
Personal Prayer Day
God has blessed us with an amazing church family. Pray for your friends in Sunday School class, small group friends, fellow committee members, friends in the congregation, new church friends and church friends you haven’t met yet. Pray for them by name and ask God to bless them and to bless your time together. Amen.

Wednesday | December 16
…“Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.”… Amen.
Prayer of Jabez, 1 Chronicles 4:10

Thursday | December 17
Personal Prayer Day
God is the almighty, all powerful, great physician, and there are many people in our lives who are sick and battling against illness. People are having surgery or going through rehabilitation. Pray for the people you know who are sick. Lift them up to God by name today. Ask God to strengthen them, to heal them, to bless them and to encourage them. Amen.

Friday | December 18
Faithful God, grant us your favor, and bless us that we may be a blessing to others. Open our minds and our hearts, and fill us with your passionate Holy Spirit. Prepare us to hear your message in church on Sunday, and give us the courage to act on our faith on Monday. Amen.

Saturday | December 19
God, we are busy preparing to celebrate the gift of Jesus. Please bring our family together and bless us with good family memories. Please help us to remain focused on you through all of the preparations, and please give us opportunities to show your love to the world. Please help us to boldly proclaim the Good News in our words and actions. Amen.