A PERSONAL PRAYER
God of light,
Another mass shooting, God. I wonder how many times I will lift up to you families of people killed for no good reason. As always, I pray for comfort and strength for them, and for a community of love to surround them and share in their pain. And I grieve that it has become so common that we simply gasp one more time and then move on with life. Is there something we can do about it, God? Can you do something about it, God? Or maybe we will just glance at it once again and move on, hoping the problem goes away because it seems so intractable…
God of light, there are things in my life I would rather not address, things I would prefer to remain in the darkness. Problems which I hope just go away. Feelings which I pretend I don’t have. Mistakes I have made for which I have failed to take responsibility. I have become pretty good at avoiding these issues. I think that if nobody knows about them, they won’t hurt anybody. Like the stacks of paper on my desk, I think if I just ignore them long enough, they will solve themselves. Who am I fooling? I am only fooling myself, God. I am certainly not fooling you.
I saw a little video going around this week of a two-year-old girl, denying eating chocolate, all the while with chocolate covering her face. Her parents found it amusing. I wonder if you just laugh at my little efforts at denial and self-deception.
God, help me move past my denial to admit to you, and to myself, who I really am. Confront me with my self-righteousness that I might humble myself before you. Peel away the masks of my pretense, that I might be courageous enough to show both you and the world who I really am, knowing that in your eyes, I am already enough and that your love can heal the broken places and be the transforming power in my life.
In the name of Christ, the light of the world, I pray,
Amen.
SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE
Thanks to everyone who has made your financial commitment to St. Luke’s for our 2019 ministries. We currently have received 764 commitments toward our goal of 1320 for 2019. Every amount matters, because it is the strength of shared commitment that makes things happen. If you are a member of St. Luke’s and have not had a chance to make your commitment, you can view some important information and make a commitment online here. We use all of the information to make decisions about ministries and projects we want to undertake, and we very much want this to be a time in which we are all working together to accomplish our goals.
This Sunday, November 11, we continue our sermon series titled “Stop It!” During the month of November, we will look at four habits that rob our lives of both meaning and joy, and consider how we might replace them with something positive. Last week we said we would stop running and start experiencing. This week, our message is “Stop Avoiding; Start Facing.” Please join us.
This Wednesday, November 14, at 5:30 p.m., St. Luke’s is sponsoring our Newcomers Thanksgiving Dinner in Canterbury Hall on our Westheimer campus. Welcome students and their families who are new to the United States with a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Help is needed with cooking and serving the meal. Contact Amy Kelley: akelley@stlukesmethodist.org.
PRAYER CALENDAR
Sunday, November 11
Almighty God, giver of every good thing, thank you for the mercies of a new day. In times when it feels like we cannot go on, you sustain us with your Holy Spirit, giving us endurance and comfort. Thank you for the blessing of your presence. Amen.
-Prayer by Rev. Katie Montgomery Mears
Monday, November 12 – Veterans’ Day Observed
Lord, thank you for letting us live in a country where we have so much freedom. Please bless and be with those individuals who choose to fight for and protect our country. Please give comfort to the families and friends of those individuals who are away protecting our country. Amen.
Tuesday, November 13
Dear God, We praise you and are thankful for your daily gifts to us. Thank you for the gift of family and the joy of children and grandchildren. Thank you for the freedom to worship and live in a country that allows our freedom of religion. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
-Prayer from Koinonia
Wednesday, November 14
Thank you, Jesus, for the powerful gift of music. The words, rhythms, and sounds touch our hearts in the most intimate way. It revives our souls. Amen.
-Prayer by Mary Jane Covington
Thursday, November 15
Dear Lord, Thank you for the gift of family and especially children. We know all children are yours and you’ve chosen the parents and families to teach and guide them throughout their lives. Thank you for providing us that opportunity. Amen.
-Prayer from Koinonia
Friday, November 16
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the Woodshop Ministry. We thank you for the way the volunteers use their gifts and talents of craftsmanship to serve you. Thank you, Lord, for their dedication to serve in this way and make toys for children, beautiful furniture for our church, and crosses to welcome our new members. Please bless these special volunteers. Amen.
Saturday, November 17
Lord, we are thankful for the farmers who have taken the time to learn about soil biology. This biology translates into greater food that helps us be strong and think more clearly. Thank you for your gift of creation, giving us the ability to work the soil, and provide food. Amen.
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