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

A PERSONAL PRAYER

God of everything good,

Your Scripture tells us that “no one can see God.” (1 Timothy 6:16). Sometimes, though, when I see something incredibly amazing and beautiful, I wonder if maybe I have seen you after all. Yes, God, I can hear your warning now. I know I must be careful not to confuse you – the creator, with things of the world — your creation. The pagans worshipped the forces of creation as if they were gods themselves, and I don’t want to do that. Instead, I love and worship you, the one who existed long before there ever was a creation. I remember that “In the beginning, God…”

OK, so, when I see something beautiful, help me to simply enjoy it as your creation, and let it turn my mind to think of you, the creator of all things beautiful. I will think of you when I …

…see a magnificent sunset

…behold the mountains, anywhere, any time

…taste a delicious meal

…glimpse a lush valley that looks green as a postcard photo

…discover the work of an artist that reaches past my eyes into my heart

…hear music that takes me somewhere else

…observe an act of kindness that reveals a beautiful spirit

There is everyday beauty all around me, God. It is, I know, only an echo of who you are, but in that loveliness, I can a see a reflection of you. Yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, because if we don’t look for it, we will miss your presence in it. I confess that most of the time, I take the small wonders around me for granted, and therefore I take you for granted. I pray that I might wake up and join the beauty of creation in giving praise to you. Amen

SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE

Sermon Series continues: “Focus On These Things.”

This week, we continue our sermon series based on Philippians 4:8: “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is beautiful, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, focus on these things.” This week, “whatever is beautiful” is our theme.

You can still see Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “State Fair Musical” by St. Luke’s Tapestry Players! There are three more performances this weekend, August 3-5. More information here.

PRAYER CALENDAR

Sunday, August 5

Dear God, thank you for wanting to spend time with us. You let us have quiet time with you in prayer where we can bare our souls to you and be confident you will hear us. Open us up to hearing you when you answer. Thank you for being so close to us. Amen.

Monday, August 6

Father, be with the leaders of our country and guide them as they make important decisions of policy both foreign and domestically. Help us as a country to come together and not be so divided on everything. We long to be the nation you are calling us to be. Help us to see what is right and give us the boldness to follow your will. Amen.

Tuesday, August 7

Dear Heavenly Father, you remind us to be subject to authorities. Let them fear you Lord and lead according to your way. Guide them so that those under them will be able to do your will and live up to their full potential under your authority, as all authority and power come from you. Amen.

Wednesday, August 8

O God, thank you for all the bright things of life. Help us to see them and to count them and to remember them, that our lives may be given to you in praise, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thursday, August 9

God, let your fatherly hand be over us, let your Holy Spirit be within us and lead us in the knowledge and obedience of your word. Thanks for your eternal blessing, Jesus. Amen.

Friday, August 10

Dear God, we lift up the leaders of our church. Give them hearts full of love and compassion for their people and for the gospel as they live in service to you. Provide for them and equip them with everything they need to do your work in your world. Fill them with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Saturday, August 11

Lord, we need you. Open our hearts to you and guide us. Lead us in humble prayer. Accept our repentance from evil ways and forgive us. Have mercy on us and heal us. Let us serve you with love and share that love with others. Amen.