Week of Oct 13 - God, as I look around me, I can't help but see all that I have, and I give you thanks. I confess that I can be very possessive of my stuff...my financial resources, my material wealth, my time and my talents. Please forgive me when my grip is so tight on all that I have and when my desire for more is strong; and therefore, I neglect Jesus' teaching to surrender all that is necessary...freeing me to follow him without restraint and to serve others. I pray for those who are poor. I pray for those who don't know you. I ask for your guidance as I seek to give of what I have to help others with these needs. I pray for my church family as we seek to wisely, according to your call, use what is given for your purposes. I pray especially now for those who have experienced great losses due to the recent hurricanes. Comfort them and help them to rebuild their lives. Oh, Lord, hear my prayer. Amen.
Week of Oct 6 - God, I never can be absolutely sure of what each day will bring. I am always hopeful for days full of happy and fulfilling things. Yet, I know, that at any moment, something unexpected and out of my control can happen; or challenges that were present yesterday can continue today…tomorrow…and maybe longer. Remind me to live each moment of each and every day with the assurance that you are with me during the highs and lows of life. I know You are faithful and You walk with me through my challenges. I trust you to guide me and encourage me. I ask now, God, that you will guide, comfort, and heal those I am thinking about...those who may be feeling like Job, because of turmoil, illness and loss they are experiencing in their lives. Help me to be a good friend that offers Spirit led encouragement and support. This is my prayer, in Jesus’ name. Amen.