10/11/24 Prayer

Beautiful God, it’s so good to call you Immanuel, God with us! Jesus spoke of His yoke and that it was easy. Oh, how life here on earth doesn’t feel easy! 

You are gentle and humble in heart and want us to live with You, the way You intended, giving You our burdens and allowing You to lighten our loads. We praise You for that and pray that You teach us how, how to take on Your yoke. 

Jesus, You never hurried while You walked the earth, though You had so much to do. It’s hard to slow down with so many demands being made of us and our time. Help us identify what is truly necessary and what is not. Give us discerning eyes and hearts. 

Help us let go of our ego and the need to do it all and to be content with less—less activity, less needing to accomplish, less desire to get more stuff, and probably most importantly, less of a need to control it all. You’ve got it! You know what’s going to happen before it does and You are FOR us! Let us truly believe that and let it sink into our hearts, souls and beings. Let us be fully saturated in that truth! Then we can slow down. And with that slowing down, let our hearts, minds and souls turn to You, to praise You and spend time with You. 

You are a Beautiful and Good God, we pray to see who You are—Your character—more and more.

With love for and in Jesus Name we pray.

Amen.

10/1/24 Prayer

Heaven. We have a desire—really a need—to live a life without problems, without pain, without sickness and suffering, without sadness and fear. We want peace and joy, wellness and security, to have all we need to live meaningful lives, for us and for all those around us.

All of the world craves peace.

We were wired for this, for shalom—wholeness, completeness, soundness, health, safety and prosperity, and permanently. That was the state for which we were created to live. That’s what You intended in the garden of Eden. And this world ain’t it.

But shalom—heaven—awaits us. You promise it. We pray Lord to remember and not expect that this life is heaven. We pray to be filled with hope knowing that someday we will experience heaven, and not to let this world and our situations rob of us that knowledge and truth.

There is hope in You God, always, in this life and the life to come. While we wait to enter heaven, may we live expectedly of it. May it soften the blows of this world. May it mute the angst we experience. May it fill our hearts with a contentment and joy that can’t be shaken.

In our Savior Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

9/23/24 Prayer

Our Beautiful God, the Creator of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We praise You! You are a good God, You are a mighty God, You are the only true God. We praise You!

You knit us together in our mother’s womb. You made us in the secret place. You wrote us in Your book—all our days—even before we were conceived. You know us inside and out—loving and meeting us just where we are. 

May we walk and live confidently with You, trusting as You transform us more and more into the children of God You made us to be. It’s a journey; not an instant process, and it’s painful at times. Yet the reward and freedom it produces is more than worth it.

Help us surrender to You and live out that surrender in our found freedom. Give us the courage to live as Your children in this fallen world. It’s difficult because this world is constantly enticing us to be “of this world” and to be like others. But You’ve set us apart to be a light, a light that shines brightly Your love, Your truth, Your grace and Your mercy. May others see us as we truly are, Your children. And may they marvel in Your mighty work in our lives.

In the Precious Name of Jesus we pray.

Amen.

9/16/24 Prayer

Heavenly Father, Protector and Provider, thank You for caring for Your creation. You tell us that You are our refuge and shield. You tell us to cast all our anxieties on You. You don’t promise a problem free experience, but You do tell us that You’ll walk with us through it, that You go before us and that You will not forsake us.

We are so grateful that in Your Word there are so many promises and encouragements of Your faithfulness. You desire us to live in communion with You, leaning on You and trusting that You’ll provide.

You tell us “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” Help us remember this promise and truly believe it. Your awesome Word even helps us in our doubt. You tell us that we can say to You “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

We pray that we go to Your Word for strength and encouragement, not to muscle our way through a problem or life. We weren’t made to go it alone; we were made to go through life walking with You and with our community. Help us share with someone in our community our struggles so that we can experience the fullness of the body of Christ that You intended us to live in.

You are FOR us. You are “broadening the path for our feet, so that our ankles do not give way.” You tell us that in the Psalms. So, even while we are stepping into difficulties, You make them more bearable and take away other difficulties that would make our experience even harder and possibly crush us. Thank You!

May we be encouraged by Your continual Presence with us through The Holy Spirit. May we trust You and go to You first when a challenge arises. And may we give You all the glory as we look back and see how You worked in our situation and how You redeemed our pain for good.

You are faithful always!

In the Beautiful Protecting and Providing Name of Jesus we pray.
Amen

9/9/24 Prayer

Holy Father, thank You that You are always with us through The Holy Spirit and that You want us to live in community just as You do in The Holy Trinity.

Thank You for the communities You’ve placed us in. We have our families, our church, our friends, our co-workers, the groups in which we participate, and even those who we see frequently in the living of our daily lives. Draw us together to live in community, and not as an island unto ourselves. Reveal to us ways to live as a cohesive group. 

Open our hearts to be vulnerable with each other, sharing our needs and dreams—living invested in each other.

You’ve surrounded us with opportunities, open our eyes to see them, the courage to act, and the strength to move us when we don’t want to.

In The Precious Name of Jesus we pray.

Amen.

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