A PERSONAL PRAYER
God, I am ready to receive your Holy Spirit.
I like to think that I am doing the best I can do. I am trying to be a good husband, a good father, a good son, a good friend, a good citizen, a good neighbor, a good pastor, and overall just be a good person. Yes, I probably can try a little harder and do a little more. But honestly, I feel like I have been trying harder and doing more, and I am not making a lot of progress. It can be pretty frustrating, trying to be a disciple of Jesus. I bet your first disciples felt the same way.
So remind me, God, of what you are really asking of me, what you are really offering me.
You don’t ask me to work. You ask me to let you work through me.
You don’t ask me to try harder. You ask me to trust you and step out in faith.
You don’t ask me to do more. You ask me to open myself to your direction and leadership.
You breathed on your disciples, and they received your Holy Spirit so that they might be your instruments of grace and peace. Breathe on me like you did them, God, and then use me as you see fit.
Amen.
SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE
During the season of Lent, there is so much going on to help you focus on our inside-out habits. We have a prayer service every Wednesday night at 7:00 pm, music for meditation and reflection at 12:05 every Thursday, experiential Lenten calendar (Daily Acts of Grace and Mercy), and see the details for all our Lenten possible experiences here.
This week, we continue our sermon series “The Book of Glory,” looking at the last half of the gospel of John, which outlines the last few days Jesus spends with his disciples before the crucifixion. This week, we will look at the third person of the Trinity, considering Jesus’ promise in John 14 to ask God to send the Holy Spirit. Come and join us!
Don’t forget to bring a bag of non-perishable food items (Canned fruit, canned hearty soup, canned peas or carrots are particularly good) this Sunday. Let’s help the Christian Community Service Center’s food pantry restock their shelves. Drop off food donations in the Activity Center on Sunday. If time permits, stay and volunteer to sort food.
Pick up a Lenten Prayer Egg at the Connection Desk after worship on Sunday, and join us and pray for one of our children or children’s leaders during the season of Lent!
PRAYER CALENDAR
Sunday, March 24
O Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings that you have bestowed on me, especially the love and support of my family and friends. I am thankful, Lord, for the peace that comes from feeling your presence and knowing that I am never walking alone. At times I feel overwhelmed and unworthy of the sacrifice that your son made on the cross for us. What an amazing gift you gave to us! Please fill me with the Spirit and strength to share this gift with all whom I meet so that all may know of your wondrous presence. Amen. -Prayer by Michael Stryker, Genesis Sunday School Class
Monday, March 25
Amazing God, when I study your word and focus on you, I feel your powerful goodness, and it changes me. Thank you, God, for that amazing feeling when I am with you. Guide me and draw me closer to you. Amen.
Tuesday, March 26
Dear Father God, I thank you for this wonderful world and this church and my friends in the Prayer Shawl Ministry. You have showered me with your blessings – especially the friends and family whose hugs have helped me through the tough times. May the shawls made by our group spread the love and care of our Lord to whoever needs them the most. Amen. -Prayer by Kathy Cowan, Genesis Sunday School Class and Prayer Shawl Ministry
Wednesday, March 27
Gracious God, thank you for loving me and living in me. Thank you that I can feel your presence in my life and that your Holy Spirit guides me. Thank you that you hear my prayers and care about what is on my heart. I believe in you, and I trust in you. Amen.
Thursday, March 28
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of faith. Thank you that I don’t have to be anxious or afraid because you will ease my burdens. Thank you that you love me no matter what. Thank you that I can come to you with anything. Thank you for always being there for me. Amen.
Friday, March 29
Loving God, thank you for saving the day. Thank you for all of the little things that went well for me today. Thank you for the unexpected blessings and people who encouraged me today. Thank you for carrying me through the hard things today. Thank you for loving me and taking care of me today. Amen.
Saturday, March 30
God of grace and mercy, hear our prayers for peace in the midst of the world’s chaos. Hear us when we pray to you for guidance. Walk with us when we feel we are standing alone. Come into our hearts and give us the peace that passes all understanding. We put our faith and trust in you, Lord, each day. We praise your name. Amen. -Prayer by Lavonne Baker, Genesis Sunday School Class
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