Dr. Tom Pace, Dr. Tom Pace lll, Senior Pastor St. Lukes UMC, Sr Pastor St Lukes

A PERSONAL PRAYER

God,

Who do I think I am? Some days, I must think I am in charge of everything, and if I don’t do it, the world will fall apart. Forgive me, God, for forgetting that you created the world without me, and it can go on without me. I can’t seem to stop and trust you. Some days, I am a slave to my calendar and my task list, to the lifestyle I have chosen. I determine my self-worth based on how much I get done. Forgive me, God, for returning to slavery when you have set me free. Some days, I forget that this Sabbath Day is for me, to let me know that you love me and want only good things for me. I turn your commandments into burdens rather than gifts. Forgive me, God, and let me relax and enjoy the goodness and blessings you provide for me.

This week, God, I am especially thankful for this nation, for those who have made so many sacrifices over the centuries that we might be free, for the things we value together – that all of us are created equal, that every person must have the freedom to believe or not to believe, that every person must have the opportunity to flourish. I pray for that patriot’s dream, for alabaster cities undimmed by human tears. I pray for our president and for all of our leaders, that they would lead us in the way you would have us go. 

This is what I ask, God. But what matters most is what you want. May your will be done.

Amen.

SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE
This week, we continue our sermon series discussing the Ten Commandments. We will be looking throughout the summer at the Ten Commandments and what they mean for Christians who live by grace instead of law. Here is what we have learned so far (check them out on the podcasts here). In the commandments, God says…

  1. Commandment 1: I am your God. You are my people. We have a special deal. Don’t cheat on me with any other gods.
  2. Commandment 2: Don’t box me in, or treat anything you made as a god.
  3. Commandment 3: Don’t trivialize me, or use my name for your own selfish purpose.

We will take a look this Sunday at the fourth commandment, “Remember the Sabbath Day, and keep it holy.” How is your work/life balance? What is the purpose of the Sabbath, and why is it important? If you are out of town for the Independence Day holiday, watch us on LiveStream, watch the replay of the sermon online, or listen to the podcast. Just stay connected through the summer.

We had such a great church conference last Sunday night, with great thoughts and questions shared together. We approved our five-year plan, a new governance structure, renovations to the Fellowship Hall/Encounter Worship Venue, and the candidacy of Katie Montgomery Mears for ordained ministry. I am so grateful to all those who participated, and to those who led us through the process. We have great amazing lay people in leadership here at St. Luke’s. Of course, the approval of such things is just the first step, and the hard work is yet to come. Take a look at the five-year plan or the renovation plans here.  

PRAYER CALENDAR                                                                                               
Sunday, July 2 

Dear Lord, we pray for little children who are facing heart surgery. Comfort their families with your grace and love. Guide and strengthen the surgeons. Amen. -Prayer by Loretta Shick 

Monday, July 3 

Prayers for those who are suffering today. May they find happiness and move beyond the pain inflicted upon them. In your grace, may they find peace, Lord Jesus. Amen. 

Tuesday, July 4 – Independence Day 

God, you have been with us from the beginning, and we are one nation under you. We pray that you would continue to guide and direct our country so that we demonstrate your compassionate ways. Bless our nation with peace, unity, and safety. Help us to remember that we answer to you. Amen. 

Wednesday, July 5 

Prayers for safety during the summer traveling season. Amen. 

Thursday, July 6 

Thank you, God, for all you give us. I pray for those who are in need and help us to meet that need in our community and around the world. Amen. 

Friday, July 7 

God, you have blessed me in so many ways. Thank you. I pray for the gift of your presence in my heart. May you live in me and be at work through me to show the world your love. Please bless me with opportunities to be a part of your amazing work. Amen. 

Saturday, July 8 

Heavenly Father, we pray for those who have lost loved ones. We pray that you comfort them and hold them close. We know you grieve when we grieve and rejoice when we rejoice. Give strength to those who are not sure how they can go on. Amen. 

 

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