9/3/24 Prayer

Your Peace, Lord, surrounds us, yet we don’t always see or experience it. Open our eyes to Your Peace, Gracious Spirit.

It’s in the beauty of the natural world that surrounds us, should we stop to look and take it in. It’s in the smile or simple gesture of a stranger opening a door when our arms are filled to capacity. It’s in the moment of sharing something we have with another, and our hearts well up with simple joy.

You tell us “Peace I leave with you; My peace give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Maybe we need to look for peace, and be at peace differently than we do now? Maybe we need to seek it in You and in Your ways? Maybe that disagreement with a family member or friend is really unimportant in the grand scheme of life? Maybe in the chaos of our busy lives, we can set 5 minutes aside to spend in solitude with You, just being and not doing? Maybe we can think about what we have instead of what we don’t?

Lord, you want us to live into the full measure of what You have for us. May we remember that You gave the Ultimate Sacrifice for us to be free of sin and to live in peace. You did it out of love for us and not to get anything in return. Not even for us to live in peace as obligatory. It’s our choice.

Please open our eyes, ears and heart to the peace You have for us each day, living one day at a time. May we live into the full measure of peace and life you lovingly want for us.

In the Peace Giving Name of Jesus we pray. Amen

8/26/24 Prayer

Your love, God Almighty, is immeasurable. It engulfs our universe and beyond. It’s infinite. Our mind can’t wrap itself around how wide and long, high and deep is your love. Our heart can’t receive nor contain the love You have for us. It’s that deep!

Who are we that You should love us this way? We’re nothing really in the great expanse of what You created. But You tell us we’re special. You created and breathed life into us for that reason—to be with You.

Yes, You are (or should be) the Lord of our lives, but we are also Your Sons and Daughters, and even Friends. You’ll meet us wherever we are, whether we’ve been “good” or “bad,” whether we’ve been talking to You or not, no matter what is going on in our lives. Your love is unconditional.

While we need to be loved, there are times we don’t fully feel it or even deserve it. Thank You that we can always count on You to be loved. You are so faithful!

We are fully known and fully loved.

In the Loving Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

8/19/24 Prayer

Dear God,

We lift up our students to You as they step into a new year. Guide them as they learn, grow, and make new friends. Fill their hearts with excitement for the days ahead, and give them the courage to face any challenges.

We pray for teachers and administrators, who dedicate themselves to shaping young minds. Grant them wisdom, patience, and strength as they inspire and lead. May they find joy in the difference they make every day.

Bless the parents as they help their children navigate new routines and challenges. Give them peace and the ability to provide the support their children need.

For all the new friendships that will form, may they provide a source of strength, love and encouragement.

As we settle into new routines, we ask for Your guidance to help us find balance and peace in our daily lives. Remind us that You are with us in every moment, bringing comfort and clarity.

We place this school year in Your hands, trusting in Your care and love.

Amen.

8/12/24 Prayer

Thank You for walking with us through life. Thank You for the new day. Thank You that You don’t leave us to our own devices, but are eternally faithful and good.

As we look at a small plant, a tree or a flower, may we remember that You created it. As we look at the sky, the sun, the clouds, the moon and the stars, may we remember that You hung them.

As we look at a stranger, a friend, a child or a family member, may we remember that You created each one. And not only did You create them, You did so lovingly and with express intention. May we remember that when we interact with them.

You love us unconditionally. You pursue us patiently. You seek a relationship with us. You want to be part of our daily life. You created us for that.

May we live this week remembering these things and that You are always good.

In our Beautiful Jesus name. Amen

8/5/24 Prayer

Thank You God for this new day. Praise God that Your mercies are new every day! I need this!!

You are so good, even when my circumstances are not. I have so much to be grateful for. Sometimes I just need to stop, take a moment and think about them. When I do that, I recognize how blessed I am. The fact that I am Your beloved child is, in and of itself, an incredible blessing! The Creator of all that exists, knows me—little ole me—and tells me that I’m beloved and that He delights in me! Really…wow, cool.

Please remind me to walk into tomorrow with expectations of You showing up in my life. Help me Holy Spirit to think of You first thing when I wake up. That’ll start my day with hope!!

You’re always with me, but dagonne it, I don’t always feel like it. Maybe it’s because I’m not looking for You. I remember reading in your Word that You want us to seek You. I pray to do that!!

Thank You that You’re with me no matter what. Your love is unconditional!! Praise God! I need that…something I don’t work for or earn. Hmmm…another blessing to add to my list.

Praise You God, You’re awesome. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen

6/3/24 Prayer

Truth to remember when the day before you feels too daunting to face:

God is always with me and never leaves my side. (See Joshua 1:9)

God has given me all I need in Christ. (See Philippians 4:19)

God is my strength when I am weak. (See 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

God's Word lights my path and directs my steps. (Psalm 119:105)

God is glorified when I do small things with great love for him. (See Matthew 22:37)

Written by Gretchen Saffles (Well-Watered Women Co.)

5/20/24 Prayer

Precious Lord Jesus,

Thank you for who you are! Protector, Shield, Provider, Savior, Healer, Comforter, Prince of Peace, Shepherd, the Lord who prays for us! You never give up on us. Thank you Jesus! You fill us and provide all we need. Thank you Lord God! We long to be made right; for our hearts to beat with yours! Thank you Jesus for enduring the cross, defeating death once and for all! We love you and need you! As we walk, or run through this life, help us live the abundant life you came to give us. We need you Lord. Left on our own, we tend to mess things up. Thank you that you never mess up or leave us! Help us quickly forgive wrongs to be forgiven. Shine your light so brightly in our hearts that people see you. For yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory now and forevermore. Amen

Lindy Bettis

5/13/24 Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are majestic, all-powerful, yet gentle and humble. How beautiful that You can hold all good together. You don’t lord Your power over us, in fact, You give us free will. And when we come to You, Your arms are wide open, ready to receive us just as we are.

We pray that You draw us to You, that You lead us into a closer more intimate relationship with You. Please help us Holy Spirit invite You into our daily lives, thinking of You more frequently—giving You thanks, asking for help in even the most small and menial tasks, and seeking Your counsel and direction in decision making. There is nothing too small or big for You; there is nothing outside of Your purview. And why wouldn’t we, You care so much about us.

Well…

Sometimes we are scared. We may not like what You want or where You are leading us. We may want to be the “bosses” of our own lives. We may fear losing our own identities.

Yet, you are gentle and humble. You are for us. You want good for us. You hold all good together. You can be the boss of our life and do so in a way that is good for us and glorifying to You. And we are fearfully and wonderfully made, each of us unique. You don’t want to change the essence of what You made. And since You made us and the world around us, You would know how best it works together. Help us trust that and You.

We pray this in Your Holy and Gentle Name, Jesus Christ.

Patty Covington

5/6/24 Prayer

Almighty and gracious God, thank you for the gift of a new day and a new week! Your goodness and greatness is all around us in the beauty of the flowers, the warmth of the breaking sun and the drizzle that is replenishing the earth. Although so much of our world, community and church can seem unsettled, it is wonderful to experience the stability of your presence, for you are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. You are all-wise, faithful, dependable and reliable, so we lean on you to guide and direct us in the way that is best for us today. There is no one who knows better, has more experience, or has better intentions for us than you. May your love, joy, and peace fill us to overflowing. We long to point others to you and through our thoughts, words and actions bring you glory, honor and praise! We pray all this In the marvelous name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Pastor Mike Maxwell

4/29/24 Prayer

There is so much hope for those of us who believe. You are our God, the only One True God. And You are for us! How awesome is that!

The Creator of everything that exists cares for each one of us, so much so, You know how many hairs we have on our head.

It still blows my mind that in carrying out Your will, You do it in a way that is also for our good. We should be constantly praising and worshipping You because You created us. And yet we don’t. Thank You for caring for us so much!

A person can love someone but not extend care for him or her. Love and caring are two very different things. You tell us in Your Word to cast all our anxiety on You because You care for us. (1 Peter 5:7). Thank you for telling us this.

In caring, You are constantly interested in us and in being in relationship with us. If we only understood how much so!

This world and our sin distorts our view of Your goodness and the good things You give. Our viewpoint is self-directed, self-centered, revolving around what we think, feel or want. You have the bigger picture in mind—our entire lives as well as those around us, as coalesced with Your Glory and Your Good Plan.

If we think about it, how small minded are we to just think of ourselves.

But we do—at least I do. But You get it. You understand and forgive us. Thank You Jesus!! You came to this earth to walk as a mere man, to experience what we experience. Not only do You know as God, the Omnipotent, but as a man who experienced.

You also tell us that Your Power is best expressed in our weakness. We don’t like having weaknesses or vulnerabilities. We like to be in control. That coupled with our self-centeredness is a recipe for not wanting to be in need, not wanting to make room for You to do Your work.

We need You whether we realize it or not. We’re blind to see that or even to want it. But there is so much beauty and richness in experiencing Your Presence and provision.

I live that way now. I need and my life has been so enriched. I’ve experienced tremendous overwhelming beauty in it. You’ve brought so many people into my life, from my church family, to co-workers, to close as well as long lost friends, to HVAC workers, to call center representatives, to random people I’ve talked with on the phone to take care of bills, to medical professionals—the list goes on and on.

We’ve talked about You, we’ve lifted up Your name up, prayed for each other, shared life experiences, helped and encouraged each other. Beautiful. Your power is truly best expressed in our weakness.

And in these experiences, You’ve provided all that I need. I no longer fear needing because in that weakness, You will show Your strength and provide.

So, let us all say “help me, Lord.” Let us not want to be self-centered or self-dependent. Let us delight in seeing You show up. Let us share these experiences with others to encourage and spur each other along. This journey on earth is hard. But, You are there and provide if only we ask.

Let us praise You. Let us delight in You. You are always good. Let us invite You into our lives more and more.

In our Precious Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

Patty Covington

4/22/24 Prayer

Majestic Lord,

Thank you for who you are! Thank you that your eyes are on all the earth! Thank you for your finished work on the cross! Thank you for your Holy Spirit! We need you so! There are so many times that we have not honored you. Please forgive us and lead us in your way everlasting. Search us and know our hearts. Show us what we need to change and give us all we need to do it! Thank you Lord God that you are the Lover of our souls!  When the circumstances of life seem too much for us to handle,  help us turn to you, for you are our strength and our hope and our peace. Your Word says, blessed are those who hunger for righteousness, the miraculous healing of our hearts and souls. Help us understand our need for your healing presence in the here and now so that somehow we bring more friends to you. In your loving spirit, send us and always bring us home to you. 

For your honor and glory and praises for all time. 

Amen

Lindy Bettis

4/15/24 Prayer

“Through Jesus we discover, by faith, absolute trust: that which we turn over to God is secure. He is not careless or absent-minded with the precious treasure of our lives. God takes care of that which we give Him. I commit myself and those I live with into your safekeeping, dear Father. Permit no evil to ruin our faith, no testing to damage our obedience, no unbelief to diminish our love, no anxieties to weaken our hope. You bought us with a great price; now keep us for eternity. Amen.” 

Eugene Peterson 

4/8/24 Prayer

Dear Lord, it’s been a hard week. There have been lots of ups and downs, joys and disappointments, strong moments of faith and weak moments of worry. But nonetheless, it’s been good. Not because of me, but because of You. You have walked with me through each day and each moment. You’ve held me and You’ve led me. You’ve brought me peace in the midst of challenges, and times of joy where You’re light and love have shone through.

This is not just my story, it’s that of every one of Your believers—those who follow You.

We must cling to You. We must rest assured that You will carry us through. We must count on You showing up. It won’t be easy. We’ll have times of worry and doubt—however, we are never alone. Thankfully, You’ve shown us this in Your Word. There are so many life stories in The Bible of people who struggle like us. We just need to read and remember.

You instruct us to read and know Your Word. You’re not a teacher giving us homework or being a demanding God who wants us to prove that we obey You. No, it’s so that we learn and know that You are there with us, that we can lean on You and count on You for coming through for us.

You tell us in The Bible—You are “for us”! We cling to that! You tell us that You’ll work everything together for our good according to Your purpose. We’re counting on it!

Help us remember and believe these promises. And help us be okay with Your plan, however it works out.

Our hope is in You. You are our true source of strength and joy.

In the Precious Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Patty Covington

4/1/24 Prayer

Dear amazing, almighty and marvelous Lord!

Thank you for the ways you continue to delight, dazzle and inspire us! We join our voices to that of all creation that sings your praise! You are so worthy and full of glory!

What a blessing to be in relationship with the God who raises the dead! We don't fear sin and death any longer! We rest in the work you did on the cross and how you have left the grave empty! Your resurrection changes everything!

We acknowledge that in many ways, the struggles, challenges, frustrations, disappointments and discouragements remain real and all around us. However, because of you we have hope! Because of you we have salvation! Because of you we have freedom! 

In these days following Easter, we know they are the days of Peter's reinstatement (John 21:15-19), the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), the Ascension (Luke 24:50-51), Pentecost and the birth of your Church (Acts 2:1-13). We marvel at how you continued to meet and encourage people and it reminds us of how you continue to do so today!

Thank you for your presence, power and promises. As we cling to you, help us to know how to faith-fully represent you in all we think, say and do. In all our encounters, guide us in demonstrating your love, grace, mercy and compassion. Help us to share your strength, peace and hope. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and lead us into the beautiful unknown of the days ahead. We are committed to follow you!

We pray all this In the name of the risen Christ!

Amen!

- Pastor Mike