Our inside-out habits: We pray. We study the Bible. We make friends. We tell our stories. We give ourselves away in generosity and service.
A PERSONAL PRAYER
God,
Last night, I lay awake and couldn’t sleep. There was this concern spinning around in my head, and I couldn’t seem to shake it. It wasn’t a really big deal, but it got bigger the more I worried about it. And then today, I thought it would just resolve itself. But it is still there. I can’t do anything about it, so I guess I will just worry. I wonder… why haven’t I shared the problem with you? Why did I worry instead of pray?
I try to put away my anxiety, God. I try not to get too worked up about things. Sometimes, though, I just can’t seem to shake it. And sometimes, my worry paralyzes me, and I can’t seem to take whatever actions I should be taking to deal with a problem.
God, I pray today that you will take away my worry, and fill me with trust in you. Give me a peace that passes all understanding. You are what matters most, and as long as I have you, I will be ok. Nothing… “neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38)
So, I will keep my focus on you and your kingdom, and let you take care of the details.
In the name of Christ, 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 18, 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. We have learned to stop running and stop avoiding, and this week we will stop worrying and start trusting! Please join us.
Put dinner on Monday, December 3, 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall on your calendar. St. Luke’s will be launching a preschool on our Gethsemane campus, and I am excited to tell you all about our Early Childhood Education Project! It will be our Christmas offering this year. Watch for an email invitation if you haven’t received it already!
PRAYER CALENDAR
Sunday, November 18
God of abundance, all good things come from you. You give me all that I need and then some. Give me a spirit of gratitude, so that I want what I have, give to those who don’t have, and in all things, send praises up to you, my Creator, my Provider, my Redeemer. Amen. -Prayer by Rev. David Horton
Monday, November 19
Heavenly Father, from the beginning you gave us the gift of family so that we would not be alone. Thank you, Lord, for loved ones who bless our lives in special ways. Lord, we pray for those family relationships that are broken; show us how to set aside our differences and how to come together in love. Please bring about healing and forgiveness and bless our family time together in the coming holidays. Amen.
Tuesday, November 20
Dear Lord, Thank you for the wonderful choir and Sid’s leadership. Amen. -Prayer from Koinonia
Wednesday, November 21
Most Gracious Heavenly Father, We come to you today to praise you for your care. We thank you for always being with us through good and hard times. Your love never ends. Thank you, Lord. In your Son’s holy name we pray. Amen.
Thursday, November 22 – Thanksgiving Day
Gracious God, How can I say thank you for all of the ways you have blessed me? How can I say thank you for my gift of salvation of life that is abundant today and eternal forever? I will say thank you with my life. May all I do be done in gratitude for you. Amen. -Prayer by Dr. Tom Pace
Friday, November 23
God of abundance, Thank you for taking care of our needs and blessing us with many things. Especially today, we pray that you would help us keep our focus on you and not the things of the world. Help us to find new ways to serve you and to bless those who are in need of basic things. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Saturday, November 24
Heavenly Father, We thank you for all of the staff and volunteers who serve in the Children’s Ministries. Thank you, Lord, for their dedication to growing our children in their faith. Thank you for the countless hours they give to serve our children. Please multiply their efforts and bless them. Amen.
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