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

A PERSONAL PRAYER
God, why have you blessed me so much? Why have you poured so much goodness into my life – great friends, more than enough food and provision, a wonderful family, a marvelous church? I hear that I am “blessed to be a blessing.” Am I doing that, God? Am I accomplishing the purposes you have for me? Am I doing all that you want me to do with the life you have given me?

I am comforted, God, when I read the stories of the people in the Bible. Boy, do they make mistakes. I am often embarrassed for them, even offended by them. And yet, you still work through them and in spite of them to accomplish your purposes, to bless all the people of the world, and to show all people everywhere the kind of amazing God you are, to draw all people to you. You refuse to let our brokenness and sin defeat your goodness. What an incredible God you are.

So God, show me how to be used by you, broken and sinful as I am. Do not let your unwavering love be an excuse for my continuing sin, but work within me that I might be just a small part of what you are doing in the world. And if I am standing somehow in the way of your purposes, then just put me aside, and I know you will bring about your vision without me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE
This Sunday, June 2, we begin a new series of sermons entitled “Father Abraham Had Many Sons (and Daughters),” learning about the patriarchs and matriarchs in the families of Abraham and Sarah, Rebekah and Isaac, Jacob and Rachael, and Joseph. This week we will learn together about the covenant established with Abraham and his family in Genesis 12, in a sermon entitled “Promises to Keep.”

I want to encourage you not to let the summer be a time in which you drop away from Bible Study and spiritual growth. You can be a part of Bible 101, or Through the Bible in 90 days, or the Men’s Downtown group (sign up for these here) or come to the Pastor’s Sunday School class that meets in the Fellowship Hall at 9:55.

If you haven’t signed up for Vacation Bible School, June 10-14, now is the time! You can register here.

PRAYER CALENDAR
Sunday, June 2
Dear God, some days I feel more grateful than others. Some days I get more of what I need to do, done. Some days I reach out to people I’ve missed. Some days I spend time serving others. On the other days, I don’t do those things I intended to do. Help me to be more consistent in my life. I need guidance from distractions toward purpose. I know I am a happier, more fulfilled person when I am more grateful; I get more done, connect with people I miss and serve others. Holy Spirit, work in me for change in my life that will bring about more gratefulness, take more items off my list, connect me with people I miss, and serve You through others. And I will give you the glory! Amen. -Prayer by St. Cecilia Member

Monday, June 3
Lord, thank you for being here and letting us feel your presence. We know that there are many people in the world who feel alone and cut off from society. Lead us, Lord, to reach out to them and show them your love and kindness. Let them feel a part of your holy family. Amen.

Tuesday, June 4
Dear Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I pray for your caring arms to be with all your children. Guide and protect those in need. Let everyone share your love when necessary. In Christ’s name, Amen. -Prayer by St. Cecilia Member

Wednesday, June 5
Oh Lord, You give special skills and talents to our doctors, nurses, EMTs, and other healthcare workers. We give you thanks for these people and the services they provide. Please grant them wisdom, strength and compassion in the treatment of their patients and in working with one another. Amen.

Thursday, June 6
Dearest God, Busyness fills our lives. Distractions are all around us, consuming us and keeping us from you. Quiet our minds and let us hear your word. Grant us peace and wisdom so that we may be true disciples that walk in your path. Amen.

Friday, June 7
Oh Father, You have bestowed on us so many talents, including the talent to be creative. It can manifest itself in so many ways, like composing, writing, acting, and painting. Thank you for the Arts and for those that share their gifts with others. Amen.

Saturday, June 8
Dearest Lord, Isaiah writes “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Many of us are facing challenges that seem exhausting and overwhelming. We pray that you give them strength and perseverance. Amen.