A PERSONAL PRAYER
Gracious God,
“Sometimes I’m up; sometimes I’m down. Oh, yes, Lord. Sometimes you know…almost to the ground. Oh, yes, Lord.”
The old spiritual is a pretty good prayer, God. How can I say “yes” to the ups and the downs of life? How can I not wish away a single moment, missing whatever opportunities and challenges you have for me in each minute? I want to embrace with gratitude the whole enchilada, the good parts and the bad parts, the tears and the laughter.
Looking back, God, I can say thank you for so many of the times that I thought were awful when I was going through them. (There are some times that I am not yet to the place I can say thank you for them, but I am getting there.) And there are times, looking back, that I was too busy and distracted to fully experience anything going on around me, and I missed the joy of the moment.
God, thank you for everything… for joy and sorrow, tears and laughter. I say yes to all of it.
Amen.
KEY VERSES FOR THE WEEK
For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, provided it is received with thanksgiving… 1 Timothy 4:4
QUESTIONS FOR CONVERSATION AND REFLECTION
Looking back on your life, are there times you wished away moments, and missed something important?
SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE
If you missed our All Church Board of Stewards meeting on Wednesday night, you can go online here and see information about our upcoming five year plan, changes to our governance structure, and proposed renovations to the Fellowship Hall. A church conference is planned to vote on these on June 25 at 6:30 pm., and we would love to have you present.
During the Month of May, all of our one dollar bills in the plate will go to support Sole Hope, a ministry that takes old blue jeans and turns them into shoes for vulnerable children in Africa, helping to prevent parasitic diseases while teaching and employing local Africans to make the shoes. Find out more about Sole Hope and how you can be involved here.
This is an ongoing plea to respond to our Summer Bible Study Challenge: Find a way to be in regular Bible Study with others this summer! Here at St. Luke’s you can do that in one (or more) of four ways:
1. Read the daily Bible readings in your Scripture + Shared app. Download the app here.
2. Sign up for the Bible in 90 days! You can do that here.
3. Take the“Bible 101” class to learn foundational information about the Old Testament.
4. Find a Bible Buddy, and if you didn’t do it before, go through the Journey to Jerusalem Study. The materials can be found on the Scripture + Shared app or on the website here.
We say “We study the Bible” is a habit, so let’s start a good habit this summer.
PRAYER CALENDAR
Sunday, May 28
Heavenly Father, please watch over those feeling uncertain, feeling vulnerable, or feeling anxious. Give them strength, confidence, and peace. Guide them forward and help them to feel your presence and your love. Amen.
Monday, May 29 – Memorial Day
Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the brave military men and women who sacrificed their lives for the freedoms that we enjoy. We pray that you would send special blessings to their families who have lost so much. We ask that you would be at work in our world to bring about peace among the nations, and we pray for safety and protection for our military men and women who are now serving. Amen.
Tuesday, May 30
Lord, help me to grow everyday as I adapt to the ever-changing world we live in. I trust in you Lord Jesus, Amen.
Wednesday, May 31
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of families and the bond that we share. Let us love and honor each other in good times and tough times in your holy name. Amen. -Prayer by Kimberly Van Belle Porterfield
Thursday, June 1
Dear Lord, please help us appreciate everything you have given us and understand why you do not give us all that we ask for. Ensure that we direct all glory to you. Thank you for your love always. Amen.
Friday, June 2
Dear God, thank you for this beautiful earth. Thank you for the sunny days when we can play outside and the sunrises and sunsets that come every day without fail. Amen.
Saturday, June 3
Lord, I pray for healing for those who are diagnosed with cancer. Send your healing presence to each of them as they go through this difficult time. Amen.
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