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From the Pastor's Desk |
Grace to you and peace from God our Creator and our Lord Jesus Christ!
As I sit here, I am watching our second major snowstorm of the year and our third of the season. We have missed one Sunday because of the blizzard of 2010, and I am praying that we don't miss another! I end up praying a LOT in situations like this, so this month I offer each of you a prayer list for your daily devotions. These concerns/issues are not in any particular order, but they are issues which are in my prayers each day.
1. For the pastors and staff, that we might be guided and strengthened by God in each moment of our daily ministry.
2. For our churches, that God might show us how to provide the ministries needed by our people and communities.
3. For particular needs of each church (Gaither and St. Paul's), that God might show us how to meet those needs.
4. Praise God for all the blessings we have received as a church, as families, and individually.
5. For peace in the world, and the welfare of all those in need (here you can list those individual's and situations that are of special concern - my list is rather long).
In everything I pray for you daily. Prayer is a powerful force that many of us neglect. Lent is a good time to renew your commitment to prayer. The power of prayer has been proved in my life, and I hope in yours, over and over again. Prayer is not a bunch of fancy words or phrases designed to persuade God. Indeed, God knows what we need even before we ask. Prayer is a relationship with God in Jesus Christ. When you share your joys and concerns with a friend you build your relationship with that friend. So too, prayer and sharing our lives and listening through prayer strengthens our relationship with God in Christ.
Many people tell me they don't know how to pray. If you know how to talk to a friend you know how to pray. Even though God already knows, share your concerns, hopes, and fears with God just as you would a friend. Pray kneeling, standing, lying down, walking or running. Pray as you are doing the dishes, cleaning house, or sitting in your favorite chair in the evening. Pray together with a spouse, friend or other family member. Just pray until it is as natural as talking. Then you will find the strength of God in Christ - through prayer!
Grace and peace,
Bud