"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
Cindy's Prayers
John 12:32
Cindy Harding is a Certified Lay Servant and the Director of Helping Hands Ministry which has provided thousands of meals to members of the Hyattsville community and to members of our church family. She offers her heart in prayer, during the Sunday worship service.
November 2023
Oh, most loving, precious, gracious Lord we are gathered together in this, your house, to worship, praise, glorify, and honor you. Thank you for waking us this morning, setting our feet on solid ground, seeing us on our way and ensuring we arrived here safely. For bringing us through another week and seeing us into the start of a new one, we thank you. Lord we are so thankful for the infinite blessings you rain down on u each day, the aroma of fresh air after the rain, the feel of the kiss of a crisp fall morning, the beauty of diversity and languages that make up our world, the amazement of birth and the joy that fill our heart as we watch children at play. As we begin this week, Thanksgiving week, and we consider all we are thankful for let us not forget there are many that find Thanksgiving to be a difficult time so we bring them to you in prayer. For Israel, Palestine, Ukraine, Russia and all countries living amidst war we pray for the realization that the taking of innocent lives and the total destruction of buildings is not solving anything-may leaders say now is the time to put our weapons down, sit down and see how we can work together to bring an end to the unrest, illness, and poverty that plagues so many. To all who have an empty chair at Thanksgiving dinner, who have lost loved ones, may they feel comfort as you wrap them up in your arms of compassion, let your angels walk with them each day and hold them extra tight through the long nights. We lift up all who are suffering with illness-may they be under the care of patient, compassionate caregivers, may they feel your healing touch every day. For those of us living with mental health illness may we be able to find strong support systems, have caring friends to take time to check on us, for empathy when we say we are not okay, and prayers for hope to hang on for just one more day. For all the families who continue to struggle to make ends meet, who can’t afford to have a Thanksgiving feast, who worry how they will keep a roof over their heads we pray for more of us to be their voice to demand a way be made to end their struggles. We lift up our sisters and brothers living on the streets, that won’t have a table to sit at on Thanksgiving-may they be surrounded by your walls of protection wherever they may go, keep them warm during the cold nights, let them be given the news they are being placed in safe, comfortable, affordable, permanent housing. For all of us who are disconnected from family we pray for comfort and strength to get through Thanksgiving, for healing of the ache that fills our heart. As we continue this worship service may the presence of the Holy Spirit fill this sanctuary-may each heart be filled to overflowing with love, let every soul be ignited with a spark that lights a flame that makes each of us walk out of here different than when we came in, ready to go out as your disciples spreading the greatness of Jesus, to share our personal testimony. Let us go to the mountain tops and shout we are on a mission to end injustice, hatred, oppression, and racism and to return safety to our streets. Give us the courage to flood our elected officials with the message that if you can ban books, you can ban assault weapons from our streets. May a song, prayer, or word touch each of us in an extra special way, let us not forget to share a smile, a kind word, a handshake, a hug with others to let them know they matter and are loved. We lift these prayers in the all mighty, all powerful, all loving name of Jesus Christ…Amen.
Oh, most loving, precious, gracious Lord we are gathered together in this, your house, to worship, praise, glorify, and honor you. Thank you for waking us this morning, setting our feet on solid ground, seeing us on our way and ensuring we arrived here safely. For bringing us through another week and seeing us into the start of a new one, we thank you. Lord we are so thankful for the infinite blessings you rain down on u each day, the aroma of fresh air after the rain, the feel of the kiss of a crisp fall morning, the beauty of diversity and languages that make up our world, the amazement of birth and the joy that fill our heart as we watch children at play. As we begin this week, Thanksgiving week, and we consider all we are thankful for let us not forget there are many that find Thanksgiving to be a difficult time so we bring them to you in prayer. For Israel, Palestine, Ukraine, Russia and all countries living amidst war we pray for the realization that the taking of innocent lives and the total destruction of buildings is not solving anything-may leaders say now is the time to put our weapons down, sit down and see how we can work together to bring an end to the unrest, illness, and poverty that plagues so many. To all who have an empty chair at Thanksgiving dinner, who have lost loved ones, may they feel comfort as you wrap them up in your arms of compassion, let your angels walk with them each day and hold them extra tight through the long nights. We lift up all who are suffering with illness-may they be under the care of patient, compassionate caregivers, may they feel your healing touch every day. For those of us living with mental health illness may we be able to find strong support systems, have caring friends to take time to check on us, for empathy when we say we are not okay, and prayers for hope to hang on for just one more day. For all the families who continue to struggle to make ends meet, who can’t afford to have a Thanksgiving feast, who worry how they will keep a roof over their heads we pray for more of us to be their voice to demand a way be made to end their struggles. We lift up our sisters and brothers living on the streets, that won’t have a table to sit at on Thanksgiving-may they be surrounded by your walls of protection wherever they may go, keep them warm during the cold nights, let them be given the news they are being placed in safe, comfortable, affordable, permanent housing. For all of us who are disconnected from family we pray for comfort and strength to get through Thanksgiving, for healing of the ache that fills our heart. As we continue this worship service may the presence of the Holy Spirit fill this sanctuary-may each heart be filled to overflowing with love, let every soul be ignited with a spark that lights a flame that makes each of us walk out of here different than when we came in, ready to go out as your disciples spreading the greatness of Jesus, to share our personal testimony. Let us go to the mountain tops and shout we are on a mission to end injustice, hatred, oppression, and racism and to return safety to our streets. Give us the courage to flood our elected officials with the message that if you can ban books, you can ban assault weapons from our streets. May a song, prayer, or word touch each of us in an extra special way, let us not forget to share a smile, a kind word, a handshake, a hug with others to let them know they matter and are loved. We lift these prayers in the all mighty, all powerful, all loving name of Jesus Christ…Amen.
To all who are suffering with illness we pray they have caring, compassionate caregivers, may they feel the healing touch of your hands each day. For those of us living with mental health illness we pray for strong support systems, caring friends to take time to check on us, empathy when we say no, we are not okay, patience and understanding, and end to the shame and stigma.
October 2023
Oh, most loving, gracious, precious Lord we are gathered together this morning to worship, honor, praise, and glorify you. Thank you for waking us this morning, setting our feet on solid ground, seeing us on our way and ensuring we arrived safely. Thank you for bringing us through another week and seeing us into the start of a new one. For the unlimited blessings you pour down on us every day including the beautiful song of the birds that greet us every morning, the lovely yellow sun that warms us in the day and the gorgeous moon and stars that light the night sky, for the rain that helps to keep the grass, trees, and flowers alive, for the joy that fills our hearts when we hear the laughter of children at play and for the most fantastic, most wonderful, most awesomest pastors we give our thanks. Lord we are so grateful that no matter the time of day we can always be in conversation with you through our prayers. We continue to pray for the citizens of all countries living amidst illness, poverty, unrest, war- let the day come that weapons can be laid down, differences can be put to the side, health care and the means to end poverty can be put in place and all can live in peace. To all who have lost loved ones may they find comfort resting in your arms of compassion, as they go through each day may they feel the presence of your angels walking with them, let them feel your angels holding them extra tight through the long nights. To all who are suffering with illness we pray they have caring, compassionate caregivers, may they feel the healing touch of your hands each day. For those of us living with mental health illness we pray for strong support systems, caring friends to take time to check on us, empathy when we say no, we are not okay, patience and understanding, and end to the shame and stigma. Lord as so many families continue to struggle to make ends meet, juggle their finances to provide for just their basic needs we pray that those who have so much more than they will ever need decide now is the time they will ensure all families will no longer have to struggle. This past week we heard of another mass shooting, this time at Morgan State and while we are thankful there were no deaths we offer our prayers to all students, faculty, and families, may we all continue to demand a change in our gun laws, to shout that assault weapons be banned from our streets. As another threat of a government shut down looms nearer and nearer, we pray our elected officials ensure the government remains open-may they put aside their in-house bickering, put their petty differences to the side and for the left side and the right side to meet in the middle and do what is right for all of us. Lord provide us with the strength and courage to take to our streets to raise our voices loud and clear that we are out to bring an end to the injustice, hatred, oppression, and racism and we are going to restore safety to our neighborhoods. As this worship service continues may each of us be touched in an extra special way by a prayer, song, or word. Let your Holy Spirit fill this sanctuary, filling each heart with love, overflowing so much so that we are ready to go out and share that love. As we leave here let us be able to say we are not the same as we came in, let us always be on the ready to testify to the greatness of the Lord and the awesome difference he can and will make in the life of others. As we go through this week may we always remember to share a smile, a kind word, a handshake, a hug to let others know they matter, and they are loved. We lift these thanks and prayers in the all-powerful, all loving name of Jesus Christ…Amen.
Oh, most loving, gracious, precious Lord we are gathered together this morning to worship, honor, praise, and glorify you. Thank you for waking us this morning, setting our feet on solid ground, seeing us on our way and ensuring we arrived safely. Thank you for bringing us through another week and seeing us into the start of a new one. For the unlimited blessings you pour down on us every day including the beautiful song of the birds that greet us every morning, the lovely yellow sun that warms us in the day and the gorgeous moon and stars that light the night sky, for the rain that helps to keep the grass, trees, and flowers alive, for the joy that fills our hearts when we hear the laughter of children at play and for the most fantastic, most wonderful, most awesomest pastors we give our thanks. Lord we are so grateful that no matter the time of day we can always be in conversation with you through our prayers. We continue to pray for the citizens of all countries living amidst illness, poverty, unrest, war- let the day come that weapons can be laid down, differences can be put to the side, health care and the means to end poverty can be put in place and all can live in peace. To all who have lost loved ones may they find comfort resting in your arms of compassion, as they go through each day may they feel the presence of your angels walking with them, let them feel your angels holding them extra tight through the long nights. To all who are suffering with illness we pray they have caring, compassionate caregivers, may they feel the healing touch of your hands each day. For those of us living with mental health illness we pray for strong support systems, caring friends to take time to check on us, empathy when we say no, we are not okay, patience and understanding, and end to the shame and stigma. Lord as so many families continue to struggle to make ends meet, juggle their finances to provide for just their basic needs we pray that those who have so much more than they will ever need decide now is the time they will ensure all families will no longer have to struggle. This past week we heard of another mass shooting, this time at Morgan State and while we are thankful there were no deaths we offer our prayers to all students, faculty, and families, may we all continue to demand a change in our gun laws, to shout that assault weapons be banned from our streets. As another threat of a government shut down looms nearer and nearer, we pray our elected officials ensure the government remains open-may they put aside their in-house bickering, put their petty differences to the side and for the left side and the right side to meet in the middle and do what is right for all of us. Lord provide us with the strength and courage to take to our streets to raise our voices loud and clear that we are out to bring an end to the injustice, hatred, oppression, and racism and we are going to restore safety to our neighborhoods. As this worship service continues may each of us be touched in an extra special way by a prayer, song, or word. Let your Holy Spirit fill this sanctuary, filling each heart with love, overflowing so much so that we are ready to go out and share that love. As we leave here let us be able to say we are not the same as we came in, let us always be on the ready to testify to the greatness of the Lord and the awesome difference he can and will make in the life of others. As we go through this week may we always remember to share a smile, a kind word, a handshake, a hug to let others know they matter, and they are loved. We lift these thanks and prayers in the all-powerful, all loving name of Jesus Christ…Amen.
To all residents of states that have been devastated by hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, wildfires we pray they are provided with all they need to rebuild, may they be given any and all support needed to get through each day.
September 2023
Oh, most loving, gracious Lord we are gathered together this morning to give you all the honor and glory you so richly deserve, to worship and thank you, and to lift up our prayers. We give you thanks for waking us up this morning, putting our feet on the floor, seeing us on our way and ensuring we arrived here safely. Thank you Lord for the countless blessings you pour down on us every day- for the beauty of the sun as it rises in the morning and sets in the evening, the magnificence of a full moon that lights up the night sky, the loveliness of the clouds as they float through the sky, the joy that fills our hearts as children laugh and play and for our pastors who are such an inspiration and blessing to each of us. We give you thanks for bringing us through another week and month and for seeing us into the start of a new one. We thank you for always being available to hear our prayers. For the citizens of all countries struggling with poverty, illness, unrest, war we pray for leaders to put down their weapons, come together to work to find solutions to end poverty and illness, to reach agreements to bring peace to all. To all who have lost loved ones we ask you to wrap your arms of compassion and comfort around them, may they feel the presence of your angels walking with them each day and holding them extra tight through the long nights. For all who are struggling with illness we pray for comfort, may they feel your healing touch as they rest. To all of us living with mental health illness we pray for understanding, patience, caring friends to take time to check on us, strong support systems, for acceptance when we say we’re not okay and for an end to the shame and stigma. Lord there are still so many families who struggle each day to meet their basic needs, children who go to bed hungry, parents who lose sleep worrying how they are going to pay their bills- let us be their voice that demands there be an end to their struggles, we know the means are there so let today be the day those means are spread out so no family has to struggle anymore. For our sisters and brothers living on the streets may they be protected wherever they may be, let this be the day that they are able to be placed in safe, comfortable, affordable, permanent housing. To all residents of states that have been devastated by hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, wildfires we pray they are provided with all they need to rebuild, may they be given any and all support needed to get through each day. As violence, hatred, injustice, oppression, and racism continue to run rampant on our streets we pray for the strength to be true disciples of Jesus Christ, spreading love wherever we go, letting your light drive out darkness. As we continue this worship service may each of us be touched in an extra special way by a word, song, or prayer. Fill this sanctuary with the Holy Spirit igniting a spark that lights that fire in each of our hearts that spurs us to spread the good news of all you have blessed us with and the difference you made in our lives. As we leave here let us all be able to say we feel different than when we entered. May we not forget to share a kind word, a smile, a handshake, a hug with others to let them know they matter and are loved. It is in the magnificent, mighty name of Jesus Christ we lift our thanks and prayers…Amen.
Oh, most loving, gracious Lord we are gathered together this morning to give you all the honor and glory you so richly deserve, to worship and thank you, and to lift up our prayers. We give you thanks for waking us up this morning, putting our feet on the floor, seeing us on our way and ensuring we arrived here safely. Thank you Lord for the countless blessings you pour down on us every day- for the beauty of the sun as it rises in the morning and sets in the evening, the magnificence of a full moon that lights up the night sky, the loveliness of the clouds as they float through the sky, the joy that fills our hearts as children laugh and play and for our pastors who are such an inspiration and blessing to each of us. We give you thanks for bringing us through another week and month and for seeing us into the start of a new one. We thank you for always being available to hear our prayers. For the citizens of all countries struggling with poverty, illness, unrest, war we pray for leaders to put down their weapons, come together to work to find solutions to end poverty and illness, to reach agreements to bring peace to all. To all who have lost loved ones we ask you to wrap your arms of compassion and comfort around them, may they feel the presence of your angels walking with them each day and holding them extra tight through the long nights. For all who are struggling with illness we pray for comfort, may they feel your healing touch as they rest. To all of us living with mental health illness we pray for understanding, patience, caring friends to take time to check on us, strong support systems, for acceptance when we say we’re not okay and for an end to the shame and stigma. Lord there are still so many families who struggle each day to meet their basic needs, children who go to bed hungry, parents who lose sleep worrying how they are going to pay their bills- let us be their voice that demands there be an end to their struggles, we know the means are there so let today be the day those means are spread out so no family has to struggle anymore. For our sisters and brothers living on the streets may they be protected wherever they may be, let this be the day that they are able to be placed in safe, comfortable, affordable, permanent housing. To all residents of states that have been devastated by hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, wildfires we pray they are provided with all they need to rebuild, may they be given any and all support needed to get through each day. As violence, hatred, injustice, oppression, and racism continue to run rampant on our streets we pray for the strength to be true disciples of Jesus Christ, spreading love wherever we go, letting your light drive out darkness. As we continue this worship service may each of us be touched in an extra special way by a word, song, or prayer. Fill this sanctuary with the Holy Spirit igniting a spark that lights that fire in each of our hearts that spurs us to spread the good news of all you have blessed us with and the difference you made in our lives. As we leave here let us all be able to say we feel different than when we entered. May we not forget to share a kind word, a smile, a handshake, a hug with others to let them know they matter and are loved. It is in the magnificent, mighty name of Jesus Christ we lift our thanks and prayers…Amen.
Lord we are so thankful we can always come to you in prayer.
August 2023
Oh, most loving, precious, gracious Lord we have come together this morning to worship, glorify, praise, and honor you and to show our gratitude to you. Thank you for waking us this morning, setting our feet on solid ground, seeing us on our way and ensuring we arrived here safely. For seeing us through another week and bringing us in to the start of a new one we thank you. For the unlimited blessings you rain down on us every day- for the greeting of singing birds every morning, for the aroma of freshness after the rain, for the sun to keep us warm during the day and the stars to wish upon at night and for the best, most awesomest pastors we give you thanks. Lord we are so thankful we can always come to you in prayer. We continue to pray for all countries whose residents live amidst poverty, illness, unrest, war- may today be the day they are provided the means to end poverty, up to date health care and for their leaders to find the means to work together to brin peace, to do what is best for all. For all who have lost loved ones may they find comfort in your loving arms, may they feel the presence of your angels walking with them every day and holding them tight throughout the long nights. To all who are struggling with illness we pray you feel the touch of God’s healing hands each day, may His angels wrap you in comfort as you rest. To those of us living with mental health illness we pray for understanding and patience, for caring family and friends to take time to check on us, sensitivity when we say we are not okay, for the elimination of the shame and stigma. As so many families continue to struggle to find the means to keep food in their cupboards, a roof over their heads, electricity to keep the lights, stove, fridge, AC/heat on we pray our voices grow even louder that those that have more than enough share with those that don’t have enough. For our sisters and brothers living on the streets may your walls of protection surround them wherever they may go, may they awake tomorrow to the news that they are being provided with safe, comfortable, affordable, permanent housing. As the 2023/2024 school year begins we lift up every child, from day care to college, every teacher from infant to professor, every school staff member from custodian, to cafeteria worker to secretary to nurse, counselor, teacher’s aide, librarian, bus driver and principal- may all be safe each day, let each of them show respect for each other, may every classroom be provided with all that is needed to give the absolute best education. As each day seems to bring severe weather conditions, excessive heat, tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, mudslides, wildfires- we pray for relief and for whatever means are needed for residents to clean up, fix up, rebuild. May we shout even louder, walk even taller to show we are disciples of Jesus Christ, and we are taking back our streets and are bringing an end to the hatred, injustice, oppression, racism, and violence that plagues our neighborhoods. As we continue this worship service may each heart be touched in an extra special way by a song, prayer, or word. May each of us feel the presence of the Holy Spirit so that we can all leave here different than when we entered. Let your love pour down on us, filling us to overflowing so we can share that love, testifying to how good you are to us, to all you have blessed us with. May we not forget to share a kind word, a smile, a handshake, a hug with others to let them know they matter and are loved. We lift these thanks and prayers in the name of the one that loves us unconditionally, Jesus Christ…..Amen.
Oh, most loving, precious, gracious Lord we have come together this morning to worship, glorify, praise, and honor you and to show our gratitude to you. Thank you for waking us this morning, setting our feet on solid ground, seeing us on our way and ensuring we arrived here safely. For seeing us through another week and bringing us in to the start of a new one we thank you. For the unlimited blessings you rain down on us every day- for the greeting of singing birds every morning, for the aroma of freshness after the rain, for the sun to keep us warm during the day and the stars to wish upon at night and for the best, most awesomest pastors we give you thanks. Lord we are so thankful we can always come to you in prayer. We continue to pray for all countries whose residents live amidst poverty, illness, unrest, war- may today be the day they are provided the means to end poverty, up to date health care and for their leaders to find the means to work together to brin peace, to do what is best for all. For all who have lost loved ones may they find comfort in your loving arms, may they feel the presence of your angels walking with them every day and holding them tight throughout the long nights. To all who are struggling with illness we pray you feel the touch of God’s healing hands each day, may His angels wrap you in comfort as you rest. To those of us living with mental health illness we pray for understanding and patience, for caring family and friends to take time to check on us, sensitivity when we say we are not okay, for the elimination of the shame and stigma. As so many families continue to struggle to find the means to keep food in their cupboards, a roof over their heads, electricity to keep the lights, stove, fridge, AC/heat on we pray our voices grow even louder that those that have more than enough share with those that don’t have enough. For our sisters and brothers living on the streets may your walls of protection surround them wherever they may go, may they awake tomorrow to the news that they are being provided with safe, comfortable, affordable, permanent housing. As the 2023/2024 school year begins we lift up every child, from day care to college, every teacher from infant to professor, every school staff member from custodian, to cafeteria worker to secretary to nurse, counselor, teacher’s aide, librarian, bus driver and principal- may all be safe each day, let each of them show respect for each other, may every classroom be provided with all that is needed to give the absolute best education. As each day seems to bring severe weather conditions, excessive heat, tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, mudslides, wildfires- we pray for relief and for whatever means are needed for residents to clean up, fix up, rebuild. May we shout even louder, walk even taller to show we are disciples of Jesus Christ, and we are taking back our streets and are bringing an end to the hatred, injustice, oppression, racism, and violence that plagues our neighborhoods. As we continue this worship service may each heart be touched in an extra special way by a song, prayer, or word. May each of us feel the presence of the Holy Spirit so that we can all leave here different than when we entered. Let your love pour down on us, filling us to overflowing so we can share that love, testifying to how good you are to us, to all you have blessed us with. May we not forget to share a kind word, a smile, a handshake, a hug with others to let them know they matter and are loved. We lift these thanks and prayers in the name of the one that loves us unconditionally, Jesus Christ…..Amen.
Lord we are so thankful for the many blessings you pour down on us every minute of every day...Thank you for hearing our prayers and for answering them at just the right time.
July 2023
Oh, most gracious, loving Lord we have come together this morning to glorify, worship, praise, and honor you. Thank you for waking us this morning, putting our feet on the ground, seeing us on our way and our arriving safely. We give you our thanks for seeing us through another week and bringing us to the start of a new one. Lord we are so thankful for the many blessings you pour down on us every minute of every day, for the sun and the rain that helps things grow, the birds that sing to us every morning, the laughter we hear while children are at play and for the most fantastic caring, hardworking, passionate, awesome pastors. Thank you for hearing our prayers and for answering them at just the right time. We continue to lift up the citizens of all countries living amidst poverty, illness, war, unrest- may the way be made for peace, decent health care, an end to their struggles. For all who are struggling with illness may you be touched by the healing hands of the Lord. To all who have lost loved ones we pray you find comfort in God’s compassionate arms and may they feel the presence of your angels walking with them every day and holding them tight through the long nights. For those of us living with mental health illness we pray for patience and understanding, strong support systems, good friends to take time to check on us, easier, affordable pathways to get help, to understand that it is okay to say I’m not okay, and end to the shame and stigma. We continue to lift up all the families that are still struggling to make ends meet, may tomorrow be the day our elected officials realize that now is the time to do what they know to be the right thing, to put families first and bring an end to their struggles to feed their families and keep a roof over their head. For our sisters and brothers living on the streets, may your walls of protection surround them wherever they may go, may they find relief from the excessive heat, let a way be made for them to find safe, comfortable, affordable, permanent housing. As the news continues to be covered with mass shootings, armed robberies, carjackings, and while we do pray for an end to the violence, may we also find the courage to raise our voices even louder, to let our elected officials know that since they have no issue taking away a women’s right to choose or to ban certain books they should have no issue banning assault type weapons on our streets, weapons that have absolutely no reason to be on our streets. Let us continue to say loud and clear that we will not tolerate hate, oppression, injustice, racism divide us, we will fight to bring it to an end. As we continue our worship service may your Holy Spirit fill this sanctuary and every home of those watching virtually, fill each heart to overflowing so that none of us walk away the same as we came in. May a word, song, or prayer touch each of us in a very special way, so much so that we can’t help but go out and spread your love and light everywhere we go. Let us always be at the ready to testify to the difference you have made in our lives and will do the same for others. Let us not forget to share a kind word, a smile, a handshake, a hug to let others know they are loved, and they matter. It is in the mighty, magnificent name of Jesus we lift these thanks and prayers…Amen.
Oh, most gracious, loving Lord we have come together this morning to glorify, worship, praise, and honor you. Thank you for waking us this morning, putting our feet on the ground, seeing us on our way and our arriving safely. We give you our thanks for seeing us through another week and bringing us to the start of a new one. Lord we are so thankful for the many blessings you pour down on us every minute of every day, for the sun and the rain that helps things grow, the birds that sing to us every morning, the laughter we hear while children are at play and for the most fantastic caring, hardworking, passionate, awesome pastors. Thank you for hearing our prayers and for answering them at just the right time. We continue to lift up the citizens of all countries living amidst poverty, illness, war, unrest- may the way be made for peace, decent health care, an end to their struggles. For all who are struggling with illness may you be touched by the healing hands of the Lord. To all who have lost loved ones we pray you find comfort in God’s compassionate arms and may they feel the presence of your angels walking with them every day and holding them tight through the long nights. For those of us living with mental health illness we pray for patience and understanding, strong support systems, good friends to take time to check on us, easier, affordable pathways to get help, to understand that it is okay to say I’m not okay, and end to the shame and stigma. We continue to lift up all the families that are still struggling to make ends meet, may tomorrow be the day our elected officials realize that now is the time to do what they know to be the right thing, to put families first and bring an end to their struggles to feed their families and keep a roof over their head. For our sisters and brothers living on the streets, may your walls of protection surround them wherever they may go, may they find relief from the excessive heat, let a way be made for them to find safe, comfortable, affordable, permanent housing. As the news continues to be covered with mass shootings, armed robberies, carjackings, and while we do pray for an end to the violence, may we also find the courage to raise our voices even louder, to let our elected officials know that since they have no issue taking away a women’s right to choose or to ban certain books they should have no issue banning assault type weapons on our streets, weapons that have absolutely no reason to be on our streets. Let us continue to say loud and clear that we will not tolerate hate, oppression, injustice, racism divide us, we will fight to bring it to an end. As we continue our worship service may your Holy Spirit fill this sanctuary and every home of those watching virtually, fill each heart to overflowing so that none of us walk away the same as we came in. May a word, song, or prayer touch each of us in a very special way, so much so that we can’t help but go out and spread your love and light everywhere we go. Let us always be at the ready to testify to the difference you have made in our lives and will do the same for others. Let us not forget to share a kind word, a smile, a handshake, a hug to let others know they are loved, and they matter. It is in the mighty, magnificent name of Jesus we lift these thanks and prayers…Amen.
For our sisters and brothers living on the streets, may your walls of protection surround them wherever they may go, may they find relief from the excessive heat, let a way be made for them to find safe, comfortable, affordable, permanent housing.
June 2023
Oh, most gracious Lord we are gathered together this morning to give you all the honor, glory, and praise you so richly deserve. We give you thanks for waking us this morning, gifting us with another day, putting our feet on solid ground, seeing us on our way and ensuring our safe arrival. Thank you for bringing us through another week and seeing us into the start of a new one. Lord we are so thankful for the many blessings you pour down on us every day, the rising and setting of the sun, for the moon and stars that fill the night sky. We give thanks for the blessing of our awesome pastors whose passion, compassion, and love continue to touch all of our lives in so many special ways. Thank you for always listening to our prayers, we continue to pray for all countries whose citizens continue to live amidst unrest, war, illness, poverty- may tomorrow bring peace, and end to all their struggles. For all who have lost loved ones we ask they find comfort in your loving arms, may they feel the presence of your angels walking with them each day and holding them extra tight throughout the long nights. We pray for all who are struggling with illness, may they feel your healing hands carrying them through each day. For those of us living with mental health illness we pray for easier, affordable pathways to help, for caring friends to take time to check on us, strong support systems, to understand that it’s okay to say I’m not okay, for understanding and patience, and end to the shame and stigma. We lift up all families who continue to struggle to keep a roof over their head, food on their table and to pay their bills, may our elected officials wake tomorrow and realize it takes more than $15/hour to meet a family’s every day basic needs and to live comfortably. To our sisters and brothers who live on the streets, in their cars, or in shelters may your walls of protection surround them wherever they go, may they wake tomorrow to find safe, comfortable, affordable permanent housing. We pray for the residents of the many states that have been experiencing excessive heat and devastating storms, may they be provided with all they need to rebuild. We lift up the families of the five who lost their lives in Oceangate. As violence continues to plague our streets, we pray for guidance on what we can do to keep our neighborhoods safe. Let our voices grow even louder to let all know that we are going to do all we can to spread light and love to stomp out all hatred, injustice, racism, and oppression that continues to try and divide us. As we continue this worship service may each of us here and watching virtually feel the presence of the Holy Spirit igniting a spark that will light a fire that causes us to spread the good news of what the Lord can and will do. May we all feel different leaving here than when we came in, ready to testify of how we have been blessed since we have accepted Jesus in our life. Let us not forget to share a smile, a kind word, a handshake, a hug to let others know they matter, and they are loved. It is in the magnificent, mighty name of Jesus Christ we lift these thanks and prayers…Amen.
Oh, most gracious Lord we are gathered together this morning to give you all the honor, glory, and praise you so richly deserve. We give you thanks for waking us this morning, gifting us with another day, putting our feet on solid ground, seeing us on our way and ensuring our safe arrival. Thank you for bringing us through another week and seeing us into the start of a new one. Lord we are so thankful for the many blessings you pour down on us every day, the rising and setting of the sun, for the moon and stars that fill the night sky. We give thanks for the blessing of our awesome pastors whose passion, compassion, and love continue to touch all of our lives in so many special ways. Thank you for always listening to our prayers, we continue to pray for all countries whose citizens continue to live amidst unrest, war, illness, poverty- may tomorrow bring peace, and end to all their struggles. For all who have lost loved ones we ask they find comfort in your loving arms, may they feel the presence of your angels walking with them each day and holding them extra tight throughout the long nights. We pray for all who are struggling with illness, may they feel your healing hands carrying them through each day. For those of us living with mental health illness we pray for easier, affordable pathways to help, for caring friends to take time to check on us, strong support systems, to understand that it’s okay to say I’m not okay, for understanding and patience, and end to the shame and stigma. We lift up all families who continue to struggle to keep a roof over their head, food on their table and to pay their bills, may our elected officials wake tomorrow and realize it takes more than $15/hour to meet a family’s every day basic needs and to live comfortably. To our sisters and brothers who live on the streets, in their cars, or in shelters may your walls of protection surround them wherever they go, may they wake tomorrow to find safe, comfortable, affordable permanent housing. We pray for the residents of the many states that have been experiencing excessive heat and devastating storms, may they be provided with all they need to rebuild. We lift up the families of the five who lost their lives in Oceangate. As violence continues to plague our streets, we pray for guidance on what we can do to keep our neighborhoods safe. Let our voices grow even louder to let all know that we are going to do all we can to spread light and love to stomp out all hatred, injustice, racism, and oppression that continues to try and divide us. As we continue this worship service may each of us here and watching virtually feel the presence of the Holy Spirit igniting a spark that will light a fire that causes us to spread the good news of what the Lord can and will do. May we all feel different leaving here than when we came in, ready to testify of how we have been blessed since we have accepted Jesus in our life. Let us not forget to share a smile, a kind word, a handshake, a hug to let others know they matter, and they are loved. It is in the magnificent, mighty name of Jesus Christ we lift these thanks and prayers…Amen.
As violence continues to plague our streets, we pray for guidance on what we can do to keep our neighborhoods safe.
May 2023
Oh, most loving and gracious Lord we have gathered together this morning to honor, praise, worship, and glorify you. We give you thanks for waking us this morning, for seeing us on our way and ensuring we arrived safely. We thank you for bringing us through another week and seeing us into the start of a new one. For the countless blessings you have poured down on us including the absolute best pastors anywhere and for the blessings that you continue to rain down on us we are very thankful. On this Pentecost Sunday, the birth of your church, we are so thankful for the diversity of this congregation, we have many cultures but we serve just one Lord. We give thanks for the young ladies and gentlemen that will come forth this morning to become full members, who are continuing to commit their lives to be disciples for you. For the many, many men and women who have lost their lives defending us and for the many that continue to serve in the military we are forever grateful. We thank you for listening to and answering our prayers. We continue to pray for the many countries that are in the midst of unrest, poverty, illness, war- may a way for an end to these struggles come soon, let the citizens wake to peace. We lift up all who have lost loved ones, may they find comfort in your arms of compassion and may your angels continue to walk with them every day and hold them tight all night, every night. For all who are struggling with illness we pray for comfort and healing. We lift up those of us living with mental health illness, let there be an end to the shame and stigma, may we find strong support systems, friends willing to take time to check on us, patience and understanding and awareness that it is okay to say I’m not okay. We continue to lift up all families that still struggle to put food on their table, keep a roof over head and juggle their bills, we pray that our elected officials stop putting politics before families, that it is time to ensure that a living wage be more than $15/hour. For our sisters and brothers living on the street, in their cars, in shelters, we pray for your walls of protection be formed all around them and may a way be made for them to find safe, comfortable, affordable, permanent housing. Lord the news continues to be filled with violence, we are hearing of children being shot, of scheming to hurt other children and we can’t help but ask where and when did we go wrong. We pray, oh Lord, for the strength to stomp out hatred, racism, injustice, and oppression that is plaguing our neighborhoods, our workplaces, our schools and yes even our churches. As we continue this worship service may the presence of the Holy Spirit fill this sanctuary and every home of those watching virtually. May each heart be touched in an extra special way by a word, song, or prayer. May your light and love fill us all to overflowing and may we take that light and love with us everywhere we go in the week ahead. May we always be ready to testify to your greatness and to all you have done for us, letting others know you can and will do the same for them. Let us always remember to share a smile, a kind word, a handshake, a hug to let others know they matter, and they are loved. This is our prayer in the name of the one who loves us unconditionally, the mighty and marvelous name of Jesus Christ…Amen.
Oh, most loving and gracious Lord we have gathered together this morning to honor, praise, worship, and glorify you. We give you thanks for waking us this morning, for seeing us on our way and ensuring we arrived safely. We thank you for bringing us through another week and seeing us into the start of a new one. For the countless blessings you have poured down on us including the absolute best pastors anywhere and for the blessings that you continue to rain down on us we are very thankful. On this Pentecost Sunday, the birth of your church, we are so thankful for the diversity of this congregation, we have many cultures but we serve just one Lord. We give thanks for the young ladies and gentlemen that will come forth this morning to become full members, who are continuing to commit their lives to be disciples for you. For the many, many men and women who have lost their lives defending us and for the many that continue to serve in the military we are forever grateful. We thank you for listening to and answering our prayers. We continue to pray for the many countries that are in the midst of unrest, poverty, illness, war- may a way for an end to these struggles come soon, let the citizens wake to peace. We lift up all who have lost loved ones, may they find comfort in your arms of compassion and may your angels continue to walk with them every day and hold them tight all night, every night. For all who are struggling with illness we pray for comfort and healing. We lift up those of us living with mental health illness, let there be an end to the shame and stigma, may we find strong support systems, friends willing to take time to check on us, patience and understanding and awareness that it is okay to say I’m not okay. We continue to lift up all families that still struggle to put food on their table, keep a roof over head and juggle their bills, we pray that our elected officials stop putting politics before families, that it is time to ensure that a living wage be more than $15/hour. For our sisters and brothers living on the street, in their cars, in shelters, we pray for your walls of protection be formed all around them and may a way be made for them to find safe, comfortable, affordable, permanent housing. Lord the news continues to be filled with violence, we are hearing of children being shot, of scheming to hurt other children and we can’t help but ask where and when did we go wrong. We pray, oh Lord, for the strength to stomp out hatred, racism, injustice, and oppression that is plaguing our neighborhoods, our workplaces, our schools and yes even our churches. As we continue this worship service may the presence of the Holy Spirit fill this sanctuary and every home of those watching virtually. May each heart be touched in an extra special way by a word, song, or prayer. May your light and love fill us all to overflowing and may we take that light and love with us everywhere we go in the week ahead. May we always be ready to testify to your greatness and to all you have done for us, letting others know you can and will do the same for them. Let us always remember to share a smile, a kind word, a handshake, a hug to let others know they matter, and they are loved. This is our prayer in the name of the one who loves us unconditionally, the mighty and marvelous name of Jesus Christ…Amen.
Oh, most loving and gracious Lord we have gathered together this morning to honor, praise, worship, and glorify you.
April 2023
Easter Sunday
Oh, most loving, most gracious, most precious Lord we have gathered together on this very special day, this Resurrection Sunday, to shout PRAISE GOD, THE TOMB IS EMPTY! To raise our voices in victory because we know Jesus is alive. We thank you for waking us this morning, for seeing us on our way and for bringing us here safely. Lord there are so many things, so many, many blessings you have gifted us with including the most fantastic, super awesome pastors who have touched each of us in so many special ways and we thank you for each and every blessing from the bottom of our hearts. We thank you for the many different opportunities we have to be in service in the community, to make a difference in the lives of others. We are so thankful that you always hear and answer our prayers right on time. We continue to pray for all countries that are in the midst of war, unrest, illness, poverty- may tomorrow be the day they wake to peace, an end to the strife they endure each day. We lift up all who have lost loved ones, may they find comfort in your loving arms, may your angels walk with them every day and hold them extra tight each night. We pray for healing and comfort for all who are struggling with illness. For all of us who live with mental health illness we pray for a strong support system, for compassionate, caring friends to check on us, for understanding, an end to the shame and stigma, for the awareness that it is okay to say I’m not okay. We pray for the many, many families that continue to juggle their bills, doing all they can to keep a roof over their head and food on their table, may a way be made from no way like only you can do. For our brothers and sisters who live on the street we pray for protection, keep them safe Lord and may they find comfortable, affordable, permanent housing. Lord, there is so much hatred on our streets, in our neighborhoods, in our schools, and even in our churches. We pray for an end to this hatred. We lift up the three legislators in Tennessee who had the courage to let their voices be heard, to demand gun reform, for action to be taken to protect innocent lives, children’s lives. May we all find the courage to be disruptive, to say enough- we demand an end to the racism, an end to punishment just because of the color of one’s skin. Let us shout from the mountain tops that the time is now that no parent gets the news their child was murdered, that no more parents be awakened to the screams of their child having a nightmare of their friends dying all around them. Let us lift our voices loud that our babies should not have to be taught how to shelter in place at their day care center. As we continue this worship service may your presence be felt by everyone here and at home. May a word, song, or prayer touch each heart in an extra special way. As we leave this sanctuary let us leave with our hearts overflowing with your love, may we spread your love to all we encounter in the week ahead. Let us not forget to share a kind word, a smile, a handshake, a hug to let others know we care, and they matter. In the all-powerful, all mighty name of Jesus Christ we pray…Amen.
Easter Sunday
Oh, most loving, most gracious, most precious Lord we have gathered together on this very special day, this Resurrection Sunday, to shout PRAISE GOD, THE TOMB IS EMPTY! To raise our voices in victory because we know Jesus is alive. We thank you for waking us this morning, for seeing us on our way and for bringing us here safely. Lord there are so many things, so many, many blessings you have gifted us with including the most fantastic, super awesome pastors who have touched each of us in so many special ways and we thank you for each and every blessing from the bottom of our hearts. We thank you for the many different opportunities we have to be in service in the community, to make a difference in the lives of others. We are so thankful that you always hear and answer our prayers right on time. We continue to pray for all countries that are in the midst of war, unrest, illness, poverty- may tomorrow be the day they wake to peace, an end to the strife they endure each day. We lift up all who have lost loved ones, may they find comfort in your loving arms, may your angels walk with them every day and hold them extra tight each night. We pray for healing and comfort for all who are struggling with illness. For all of us who live with mental health illness we pray for a strong support system, for compassionate, caring friends to check on us, for understanding, an end to the shame and stigma, for the awareness that it is okay to say I’m not okay. We pray for the many, many families that continue to juggle their bills, doing all they can to keep a roof over their head and food on their table, may a way be made from no way like only you can do. For our brothers and sisters who live on the street we pray for protection, keep them safe Lord and may they find comfortable, affordable, permanent housing. Lord, there is so much hatred on our streets, in our neighborhoods, in our schools, and even in our churches. We pray for an end to this hatred. We lift up the three legislators in Tennessee who had the courage to let their voices be heard, to demand gun reform, for action to be taken to protect innocent lives, children’s lives. May we all find the courage to be disruptive, to say enough- we demand an end to the racism, an end to punishment just because of the color of one’s skin. Let us shout from the mountain tops that the time is now that no parent gets the news their child was murdered, that no more parents be awakened to the screams of their child having a nightmare of their friends dying all around them. Let us lift our voices loud that our babies should not have to be taught how to shelter in place at their day care center. As we continue this worship service may your presence be felt by everyone here and at home. May a word, song, or prayer touch each heart in an extra special way. As we leave this sanctuary let us leave with our hearts overflowing with your love, may we spread your love to all we encounter in the week ahead. Let us not forget to share a kind word, a smile, a handshake, a hug to let others know we care, and they matter. In the all-powerful, all mighty name of Jesus Christ we pray…Amen.
May we all find the courage to be disruptive, to say enough- we demand an end to the racism, an end to punishment just because of the color of one’s skin.
March 2023
Oh, most gracious, most precious, most loving Lord we have gathered this morning to praise, worship, honor, and glorify you. We give you thanks for gifting us with another day, for waking us, seeing us on our way and for our safe arrival. Thank you for bringing us through another week and another month and seeing us into the start of a new one. We thank you for blessing us with the most awesome pastors, for the caring and love they show to each of us and for the passion they bring in sharing your word. As we begin the month of March, Women’s History Month, we give thanks for all the women who have made and continue to make a difference in all our lives. For all the blessings you have given us and will continue to give us, we thank you from the very bottom of our hearts. Lord, we thank you for hearing and answering our prayers. We continue to pray for an end to the wars, unrest, illness, and poverty that plagues so many countries. We lift up all who have lost loved ones, we pray they find comfort in your loving arms, may your angels walk with them each day and hold them tight through each night. We pray for comfort and healing for all who are suffering with illness. We pray for compassion and understanding for those of us living with mental health illness. We pray for an end to the shame and stigma, we ask for support, for caring friends to help us hold on to hope, and we pray for the strength to hold on for one more day, to take it one day at a time, to not give up. For families who continue to struggle to keep ahead of their bills we pray for tomorrow to be the end of those struggles, we pray for a way to be made from no way. Lord, we continue to lift our sisters and brothers living on the streets- keep them safe and warm, we pray for the day they will have permanent housing. As we continue through this Lenten season let us take time to reflect on how we can work harder to bring an end to injustice, racism, oppression, hatred. May we reflect on ways to teach others that violence is not the solution to solve disagreements, help us to find ways to bring an end to the loss of innocent lives. Let us reflect on the fact that human life is way more important than any material things we can purchase and let us take time to teach this to our children, as well as to teach them their voice counts, and it is alight for them to speak up. Lord at the end of this time of reflection give us the courage to act for the change we know needs to happen. As we continue this worship service may your loving presence fill each heart. May a song, word, a prayer touch each of us in an extra special way. As we leave this sanctuary let us take your love and spread it everywhere we go. Let us remember to take the time to share a kind word, a smile, a handshake, a hug to let others know they matter. It is in the almighty name of Jesus Christ we pray…Amen.
Oh, most gracious, most precious, most loving Lord we have gathered this morning to praise, worship, honor, and glorify you. We give you thanks for gifting us with another day, for waking us, seeing us on our way and for our safe arrival. Thank you for bringing us through another week and another month and seeing us into the start of a new one. We thank you for blessing us with the most awesome pastors, for the caring and love they show to each of us and for the passion they bring in sharing your word. As we begin the month of March, Women’s History Month, we give thanks for all the women who have made and continue to make a difference in all our lives. For all the blessings you have given us and will continue to give us, we thank you from the very bottom of our hearts. Lord, we thank you for hearing and answering our prayers. We continue to pray for an end to the wars, unrest, illness, and poverty that plagues so many countries. We lift up all who have lost loved ones, we pray they find comfort in your loving arms, may your angels walk with them each day and hold them tight through each night. We pray for comfort and healing for all who are suffering with illness. We pray for compassion and understanding for those of us living with mental health illness. We pray for an end to the shame and stigma, we ask for support, for caring friends to help us hold on to hope, and we pray for the strength to hold on for one more day, to take it one day at a time, to not give up. For families who continue to struggle to keep ahead of their bills we pray for tomorrow to be the end of those struggles, we pray for a way to be made from no way. Lord, we continue to lift our sisters and brothers living on the streets- keep them safe and warm, we pray for the day they will have permanent housing. As we continue through this Lenten season let us take time to reflect on how we can work harder to bring an end to injustice, racism, oppression, hatred. May we reflect on ways to teach others that violence is not the solution to solve disagreements, help us to find ways to bring an end to the loss of innocent lives. Let us reflect on the fact that human life is way more important than any material things we can purchase and let us take time to teach this to our children, as well as to teach them their voice counts, and it is alight for them to speak up. Lord at the end of this time of reflection give us the courage to act for the change we know needs to happen. As we continue this worship service may your loving presence fill each heart. May a song, word, a prayer touch each of us in an extra special way. As we leave this sanctuary let us take your love and spread it everywhere we go. Let us remember to take the time to share a kind word, a smile, a handshake, a hug to let others know they matter. It is in the almighty name of Jesus Christ we pray…Amen.
As we go through each day may we remember to take time to share a smile, a kind word, a handshake, a hug with others to let them know they matter, they are cared for.
February 2023
Oh, most gracious, loving Lord we have come together in this sanctuary to give you all the praise, honor, worship, and glory that you so richly deserve. We thank you for waking us this morning, for seeing us on our way and ensuring we arrived here safely. For gifting us and bringing us through another week, and seeing us into a new one we give you thanks. For all the blessings you rain down on us every day, from the biggest to the smallest, we can never thank you enough for each and every blessing. We thank you for the best pastors anywhere, hands down, for their caring, passion, love, and compassion they show each of us every day we are and will be forever grateful, may they continue to be blessed in all they do. Lord we are thankful for all you do including listening to our prayers. We continue to lift and pray for an end to all the unrest, war, illness, and poverty that continues in so many countries. We pray that all who have lost loved ones will find comfort in your loving arms, we ask for your angels to walk by their side every day and hold them tight through each night. We lift the residents of California who have experienced everything from drought to wildfires, to heavy snow, to heavy rain and flooding- we pray for their safety and for an end to such extreme weather conditions. For all who are suffering with illness we pray for strength and healing. To all of us who live with mental health illness we pray for caring friends to check on us, for understanding that it is okay to not be okay, for an end to the stigma and shame, for strength to not give up, to hold on for just one more day. Lord it hurts our hearts that today, in 2023, we are still experiencing so much hatred, injustice, oppression, and racism- we pray for harden hearts to be softened, for tomorrow to be the day we accept and embrace each other no matter our differences, where we come from, the language we speak, our sexual orientation, our social status, the color of our skin. As we continue this worship service may each person here and at home be filled with the Holy Spirit. May a word, song, or prayer touch each of our hearts in a very special way and may we take that special feeling with us as we go through the week. Let us be a testimony to how great you are, sharing your love with all we encounter. As we go through each day may we remember to take time to share a smile, a kind word, a handshake, a hug with others to let them know they matter, they are cared for. It is in the magnificent and marvelous name of Jesus we pray…Amen.
Oh, most gracious, loving Lord we have come together in this sanctuary to give you all the praise, honor, worship, and glory that you so richly deserve. We thank you for waking us this morning, for seeing us on our way and ensuring we arrived here safely. For gifting us and bringing us through another week, and seeing us into a new one we give you thanks. For all the blessings you rain down on us every day, from the biggest to the smallest, we can never thank you enough for each and every blessing. We thank you for the best pastors anywhere, hands down, for their caring, passion, love, and compassion they show each of us every day we are and will be forever grateful, may they continue to be blessed in all they do. Lord we are thankful for all you do including listening to our prayers. We continue to lift and pray for an end to all the unrest, war, illness, and poverty that continues in so many countries. We pray that all who have lost loved ones will find comfort in your loving arms, we ask for your angels to walk by their side every day and hold them tight through each night. We lift the residents of California who have experienced everything from drought to wildfires, to heavy snow, to heavy rain and flooding- we pray for their safety and for an end to such extreme weather conditions. For all who are suffering with illness we pray for strength and healing. To all of us who live with mental health illness we pray for caring friends to check on us, for understanding that it is okay to not be okay, for an end to the stigma and shame, for strength to not give up, to hold on for just one more day. Lord it hurts our hearts that today, in 2023, we are still experiencing so much hatred, injustice, oppression, and racism- we pray for harden hearts to be softened, for tomorrow to be the day we accept and embrace each other no matter our differences, where we come from, the language we speak, our sexual orientation, our social status, the color of our skin. As we continue this worship service may each person here and at home be filled with the Holy Spirit. May a word, song, or prayer touch each of our hearts in a very special way and may we take that special feeling with us as we go through the week. Let us be a testimony to how great you are, sharing your love with all we encounter. As we go through each day may we remember to take time to share a smile, a kind word, a handshake, a hug with others to let them know they matter, they are cared for. It is in the magnificent and marvelous name of Jesus we pray…Amen.
May your love fill each heart to overflowing and may we take that love and spread it everywhere we go.
January 2023
Oh, most precious and gracious Lord we have come together this morning to give you all the glory, praise, and honor and to give our thanks. We thank you for waking us this morning, for the gift of another day and for ensuring our sage arrival here. We give thanks for bringing us through another week and seeing us into the start of a new one. We have been blessed with so much in so many ways and we thank you for each and every blessing. We thank you for our fantastic pastors who have done so much for our church and have touched each of us in a very special way. Thank you for always being so good to us, for carrying us through difficult times and for providing us with everything we need. As we are giving thanks, we also lift our prayers to you. We continue to pray for an end to the unrest, unsettlement, and wars that are happening in so many countries, we pray for hearts of stone to be turned to hearts of love and peace. For all who are suffering with illness we pray for compassionate, caring caregivers and for healing. For families who continue to stretch their money as far as they can as they juggle their bills and food prices, we pray for a way to be made from no way. For our sisters and brothers whose home is a bench, a cardboard box, a tent, or the cold ground we pray they find safety and warmth and for an end to homelessness. For those of us living with mental health illness we pray for strength, for understanding, for support, for an end to the shame and stigma, and we pray to be able to hold on for one more day. Lord this year is barely under way and there has already been several lives lost to gun violence including children. We hear on the news of a 12-year-old that was caught with a gun at school, a 6-year-old that took a gun to school and shot a teacher, a 6-year-old is just a baby Lord, what are we becoming? Help us to let our voices come together as one to demand an end to the hatred, racism, oppression, injustice, and poverty that leads to the violence that is plaguing our streets, our neighborhoods, let this be the time we come together to win back our streets making them safe for our children to play and for us to walk. We pray that your presence is felt by every person here and at home, may a word, prayer, or song touch them. May your love fill each heart to overflowing and may we take that love and spread it everywhere we go. Let us be intentional in letting others know they are cared about that they matter by sharing a kind word, a handshake, a smile, a hug. This is our prayer in the powerful, almighty name of Jesus Christ…. Amen.
Oh, most precious and gracious Lord we have come together this morning to give you all the glory, praise, and honor and to give our thanks. We thank you for waking us this morning, for the gift of another day and for ensuring our sage arrival here. We give thanks for bringing us through another week and seeing us into the start of a new one. We have been blessed with so much in so many ways and we thank you for each and every blessing. We thank you for our fantastic pastors who have done so much for our church and have touched each of us in a very special way. Thank you for always being so good to us, for carrying us through difficult times and for providing us with everything we need. As we are giving thanks, we also lift our prayers to you. We continue to pray for an end to the unrest, unsettlement, and wars that are happening in so many countries, we pray for hearts of stone to be turned to hearts of love and peace. For all who are suffering with illness we pray for compassionate, caring caregivers and for healing. For families who continue to stretch their money as far as they can as they juggle their bills and food prices, we pray for a way to be made from no way. For our sisters and brothers whose home is a bench, a cardboard box, a tent, or the cold ground we pray they find safety and warmth and for an end to homelessness. For those of us living with mental health illness we pray for strength, for understanding, for support, for an end to the shame and stigma, and we pray to be able to hold on for one more day. Lord this year is barely under way and there has already been several lives lost to gun violence including children. We hear on the news of a 12-year-old that was caught with a gun at school, a 6-year-old that took a gun to school and shot a teacher, a 6-year-old is just a baby Lord, what are we becoming? Help us to let our voices come together as one to demand an end to the hatred, racism, oppression, injustice, and poverty that leads to the violence that is plaguing our streets, our neighborhoods, let this be the time we come together to win back our streets making them safe for our children to play and for us to walk. We pray that your presence is felt by every person here and at home, may a word, prayer, or song touch them. May your love fill each heart to overflowing and may we take that love and spread it everywhere we go. Let us be intentional in letting others know they are cared about that they matter by sharing a kind word, a handshake, a smile, a hug. This is our prayer in the powerful, almighty name of Jesus Christ…. Amen.
We give you thanks for seeing us through another week and bringing us into a new one.
December 4, 2022
Oh, most gracious and precious Lord, we have come together to worship, praise, honor, and glorify you. We give you thanks for waking us this morning and for ensuring our safe arrival. Thank you for seeing us through another week and another month and bringing us into a new one. For all the blessings you so generously pour down on us everyday we thank you with all our heart. For our pastors we give thanks for their dedication, passion, and compassion. For all who volunteer their time to help others, we thank you for them and for all they do. Lord this is just a few of the so many, many things we are thankful for, we do thank you for everything. Now we ask to hear our prayers: for all countries that are struggling with poverty, unhealthy living conditions, unrest, upheaval, war, we pray for peace, for changes to make for better days. For all who have lost loved ones we pray they find comfort in you, may your angels help to carry them through each day and to hold them through the long nights. For those who are struggling with illness, may they find the strength to get through another day, to not lose hope. While the holidays are a joyous time for most, we pray that we also remember that many have a difficult time finding that same joyous feeling. Help us to be mindful of what we say around others. We don’t always know what someone is going through, and words can be a dangerous weapon that causes deep hurt. For our sisters and brothers living on the streets we pray for protection and for an end to homelessness. For the families who are doing all they can to stay afloat, that worry how the bills will get paid and food be on their table we pray that whatever they need is given to them. We continue to pray for our pastors, may all the blessings and love they give us be returned to them tenfold. Lord, we know that you are here among us, for you say wherever two or more are gathered in your name, you are there. May each person here and at home be touched in a special way by a prayer, word, or song. May each heart be touched by the Holy Spirit and filled with your love. May we leave this sanctuary today ready to share that love, may we take time to share what you have done for us. Let us share a smile, a handshake, a kind word, a hug with others to let them know we care about them, that they matter. In the mighty majestic name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Oh, most gracious and precious Lord, we have come together to worship, praise, honor, and glorify you. We give you thanks for waking us this morning and for ensuring our safe arrival. Thank you for seeing us through another week and another month and bringing us into a new one. For all the blessings you so generously pour down on us everyday we thank you with all our heart. For our pastors we give thanks for their dedication, passion, and compassion. For all who volunteer their time to help others, we thank you for them and for all they do. Lord this is just a few of the so many, many things we are thankful for, we do thank you for everything. Now we ask to hear our prayers: for all countries that are struggling with poverty, unhealthy living conditions, unrest, upheaval, war, we pray for peace, for changes to make for better days. For all who have lost loved ones we pray they find comfort in you, may your angels help to carry them through each day and to hold them through the long nights. For those who are struggling with illness, may they find the strength to get through another day, to not lose hope. While the holidays are a joyous time for most, we pray that we also remember that many have a difficult time finding that same joyous feeling. Help us to be mindful of what we say around others. We don’t always know what someone is going through, and words can be a dangerous weapon that causes deep hurt. For our sisters and brothers living on the streets we pray for protection and for an end to homelessness. For the families who are doing all they can to stay afloat, that worry how the bills will get paid and food be on their table we pray that whatever they need is given to them. We continue to pray for our pastors, may all the blessings and love they give us be returned to them tenfold. Lord, we know that you are here among us, for you say wherever two or more are gathered in your name, you are there. May each person here and at home be touched in a special way by a prayer, word, or song. May each heart be touched by the Holy Spirit and filled with your love. May we leave this sanctuary today ready to share that love, may we take time to share what you have done for us. Let us share a smile, a handshake, a kind word, a hug with others to let them know we care about them, that they matter. In the mighty majestic name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Help us to be mindful of what we say around others. We don’t always know what someone is going through, and words can be a dangerous weapon that causes deep hurt.
November 27, 2022
Oh, gracious and precious Lord, we are gathered together this morning to honor, glorify, praise, and worship you. We thank you for waking us this morning and for our safe arrival here. We give you thanks for seeing us through another week and bringing us into a new one. For all the blessings we have received we thank you. We give thanks for our pastors, for all they do for this church and for each of us. We do have so much to be thankful for, but we also have prayers to lift up to you. We continue to pray for all countries that are struggling with poverty and unhealthy living conditions and for those in the midst of war. Lord, we lift up the family of the man who was stabbed in the heart as he walked across a bridge as well as the families of the victims of the stabbing at the University of Idaho. There has been yet another mass shooting in Colorado and Virginia, we pray for the victims, their families as well as the shooters and their families. There have been over 600 mass shootings in the US this year and while yes, we send our thoughts and prayers that is not enough to solve this serious problem. We don’t know when the value of anothers life became so insignificant so let us, as disciples of Jesus band together and change this, to spread love to overcome hate, to shine your light to drive out darkness. For all who have lost loved ones we pray they find comfort in your arms. For all who are suffering with illness we pray for healing. For those of us living with mental illness we pray for understanding and compassion. Let us find hope to get through another day, to not give up. For our sisters and brothers living on the streets we pray for their safety and that solutions to end homelessness come soon. For families who are robbing Peter to pay Paul to keep up with paying rent, utilities, putting food on the table, we pray that their incomes increase to meet these basic needs.
As the holidays approach we pray for the understanding that it is better to give than to receive no matter what the gift is. We continue to lift up our pastors, may you continue to bless them every day. As we begin this worship service, we pray that each of us are touched in a special way by a word, prayer, or song. May everyone be moved by the Holy Spirit, so moved that we carry our worship and testimony with us throughout the coming week. Let us be intentional in sharing light and love to others by offering a smile, a kind word, a handshake, a hug that says, “I care about you, I am so glad you are here because you matter.” This is our prayer in the name of Jesus…Amen.
Oh, gracious and precious Lord, we are gathered together this morning to honor, glorify, praise, and worship you. We thank you for waking us this morning and for our safe arrival here. We give you thanks for seeing us through another week and bringing us into a new one. For all the blessings we have received we thank you. We give thanks for our pastors, for all they do for this church and for each of us. We do have so much to be thankful for, but we also have prayers to lift up to you. We continue to pray for all countries that are struggling with poverty and unhealthy living conditions and for those in the midst of war. Lord, we lift up the family of the man who was stabbed in the heart as he walked across a bridge as well as the families of the victims of the stabbing at the University of Idaho. There has been yet another mass shooting in Colorado and Virginia, we pray for the victims, their families as well as the shooters and their families. There have been over 600 mass shootings in the US this year and while yes, we send our thoughts and prayers that is not enough to solve this serious problem. We don’t know when the value of anothers life became so insignificant so let us, as disciples of Jesus band together and change this, to spread love to overcome hate, to shine your light to drive out darkness. For all who have lost loved ones we pray they find comfort in your arms. For all who are suffering with illness we pray for healing. For those of us living with mental illness we pray for understanding and compassion. Let us find hope to get through another day, to not give up. For our sisters and brothers living on the streets we pray for their safety and that solutions to end homelessness come soon. For families who are robbing Peter to pay Paul to keep up with paying rent, utilities, putting food on the table, we pray that their incomes increase to meet these basic needs.
As the holidays approach we pray for the understanding that it is better to give than to receive no matter what the gift is. We continue to lift up our pastors, may you continue to bless them every day. As we begin this worship service, we pray that each of us are touched in a special way by a word, prayer, or song. May everyone be moved by the Holy Spirit, so moved that we carry our worship and testimony with us throughout the coming week. Let us be intentional in sharing light and love to others by offering a smile, a kind word, a handshake, a hug that says, “I care about you, I am so glad you are here because you matter.” This is our prayer in the name of Jesus…Amen.
For those of us that live with mental illness, we pray for strength to not give up, for understanding, for easier ways to get help and for the end of the stigma that comes with mental illness.
November 20, 2022
Oh, gracious and precious Lord, we have come together to worship, glorify, magnify and praise you. We thank you for giving us another day, for waking us this morning and for ensuring our safe arrival. For all the blessings you have poured down on us and for the blessings yet to come we thank you. We give thanks for children for the joy they bring to us. We thank you for teachers, school staff, tutors, mentors, and bus drivers, who help shape children’s lives. For Janitors, custodians, maids, maintenance workers we thank you for all they do to keep our buildings clean and ensure everything is working properly. We thank you for our pastors who are so passionate and caring. Lord while we have given our thanks, we also bring our prayers to you. We continue to pray for all countries who are in the midst of unrest, upheaval, war, let peace come soon. For all who are struggling with illness we pray for healing. For the families of the three VA tech students whose lives were taken from them. We lift them up and we pray for the shooter and his family. For the four families that lost children at the university of Idaho we pray for comfort. For all who have lost loved ones we ask for your angels to be with them, to hold them. For those of us that live with mental illness, we pray for strength to not give up, for understanding, for easier ways to get help and for the end of the stigma that comes with mental illness. We lift up our sisters and brothers whose streets are home, we pray they are able to find warm places to stay. Lord there are so many families that are struggling to stay above water we pray for lower prices, lower rent. We pray for an end to oppression, injustice, hatred, and racism, help us to always remember we are all your children, that even though we look different on the outside we are the same in the inside. Lord, we know your presence is in this sanctuary. We pray that every person here is touched by a song, word, or prayer. We pray that you continue to bless our pastors. As we go through this worship service may we find a fire in us, a fire that causes us to go out and share what you have done for us, to share love with all we encounter in the week ahead. Let us be proud to share our testimony to show your power to help us overcome. Let us be proud to share our testimony to show your power to help us overcome. Let us be intentional in sharing a handshake, a smile, a hug, a kind word to make a difference in the lives of others, to let them know we are glad they are here, that they matter to us. This is our prayer in the mighty and majestic name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Oh, gracious and precious Lord, we have come together to worship, glorify, magnify and praise you. We thank you for giving us another day, for waking us this morning and for ensuring our safe arrival. For all the blessings you have poured down on us and for the blessings yet to come we thank you. We give thanks for children for the joy they bring to us. We thank you for teachers, school staff, tutors, mentors, and bus drivers, who help shape children’s lives. For Janitors, custodians, maids, maintenance workers we thank you for all they do to keep our buildings clean and ensure everything is working properly. We thank you for our pastors who are so passionate and caring. Lord while we have given our thanks, we also bring our prayers to you. We continue to pray for all countries who are in the midst of unrest, upheaval, war, let peace come soon. For all who are struggling with illness we pray for healing. For the families of the three VA tech students whose lives were taken from them. We lift them up and we pray for the shooter and his family. For the four families that lost children at the university of Idaho we pray for comfort. For all who have lost loved ones we ask for your angels to be with them, to hold them. For those of us that live with mental illness, we pray for strength to not give up, for understanding, for easier ways to get help and for the end of the stigma that comes with mental illness. We lift up our sisters and brothers whose streets are home, we pray they are able to find warm places to stay. Lord there are so many families that are struggling to stay above water we pray for lower prices, lower rent. We pray for an end to oppression, injustice, hatred, and racism, help us to always remember we are all your children, that even though we look different on the outside we are the same in the inside. Lord, we know your presence is in this sanctuary. We pray that every person here is touched by a song, word, or prayer. We pray that you continue to bless our pastors. As we go through this worship service may we find a fire in us, a fire that causes us to go out and share what you have done for us, to share love with all we encounter in the week ahead. Let us be proud to share our testimony to show your power to help us overcome. Let us be proud to share our testimony to show your power to help us overcome. Let us be intentional in sharing a handshake, a smile, a hug, a kind word to make a difference in the lives of others, to let them know we are glad they are here, that they matter to us. This is our prayer in the mighty and majestic name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
For our pastors who continue to teach and challenge us we thank you.
November 13, 2022
Oh, precious and gracious Lord, we are gathered together in this sanctuary to worship, glorify, honor and praise you. We thank you for waking us this morning, for gifting us another day. We give thanks for ensuring we arrived safely. For all the blessings you have bestowed upon us and for the blessings yet to come, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. For the farmers that provide our food, for the grocery store workers that stock our shelves and ring up our merchandise, we thank you. For the doctors and nurses who work hard to keep us healthy, and to the firemen and police that work to keep us safe we give you thanks. For our pastors who continue to teach and challenge us we thank you. Lord we now bring our prayers to you. For our countries that are at war we pray for peace. For all who have lost loved ones we pray for your angels to be with them, to help them get through the long days, wrap them in your arms of compassion. We lift up all who are suffering with illness, we ask for comfort healing. We pray for those of us that live with mental illness, help them to hold on to hope to continue going on and we ask for an end to the stigma.
As colder temperatures come, we ask for protection of our brothers and sisters living on the streets and an end to homelessness. For the families who are doing all they can to keep a roof over their heads and pay their bills and struggle to put food on the table we pray for lower prices and higher wages. Lord, we continue to hear of gun violence including the death of the 13-year-old who was shot while raking leaves in his own yard, we are pleading for an end to all the violence that seems to be taking over our streets. As racism, hatred, injustice, and oppression continue we pray for an end, help us to be the disciples you have called us to be, to love others no matter where they are from, their sexual orientation, the color of their skin. We pray for you to continue blessing our pastors, give them strength as they go through each day. For all you have experienced, hurricanes, flooding, and tornadoes, we lift them up and pray they receive all the resources and help they need to rebuild. And now Lord, as we begin this worship service, we pray that all are touched by a word, a song, a prayer. As we leave this sanctuary let us also take your love with us to spread to all we encounter, may your light shine through us. Let us take time to share a handshake or a hug to let others know that their life matters and we are glad they are here. It is in the name of Jesus we ask you accept our thanks and prayers…Amen.
Oh, precious and gracious Lord, we are gathered together in this sanctuary to worship, glorify, honor and praise you. We thank you for waking us this morning, for gifting us another day. We give thanks for ensuring we arrived safely. For all the blessings you have bestowed upon us and for the blessings yet to come, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. For the farmers that provide our food, for the grocery store workers that stock our shelves and ring up our merchandise, we thank you. For the doctors and nurses who work hard to keep us healthy, and to the firemen and police that work to keep us safe we give you thanks. For our pastors who continue to teach and challenge us we thank you. Lord we now bring our prayers to you. For our countries that are at war we pray for peace. For all who have lost loved ones we pray for your angels to be with them, to help them get through the long days, wrap them in your arms of compassion. We lift up all who are suffering with illness, we ask for comfort healing. We pray for those of us that live with mental illness, help them to hold on to hope to continue going on and we ask for an end to the stigma.
As colder temperatures come, we ask for protection of our brothers and sisters living on the streets and an end to homelessness. For the families who are doing all they can to keep a roof over their heads and pay their bills and struggle to put food on the table we pray for lower prices and higher wages. Lord, we continue to hear of gun violence including the death of the 13-year-old who was shot while raking leaves in his own yard, we are pleading for an end to all the violence that seems to be taking over our streets. As racism, hatred, injustice, and oppression continue we pray for an end, help us to be the disciples you have called us to be, to love others no matter where they are from, their sexual orientation, the color of their skin. We pray for you to continue blessing our pastors, give them strength as they go through each day. For all you have experienced, hurricanes, flooding, and tornadoes, we lift them up and pray they receive all the resources and help they need to rebuild. And now Lord, as we begin this worship service, we pray that all are touched by a word, a song, a prayer. As we leave this sanctuary let us also take your love with us to spread to all we encounter, may your light shine through us. Let us take time to share a handshake or a hug to let others know that their life matters and we are glad they are here. It is in the name of Jesus we ask you accept our thanks and prayers…Amen.
We pray that all who are eligible to vote do vote – let us always remember all who have given their lives, who still risk their life to give us the right to vote.
November 6, 2022
Oh, most gracious and precious Lord. We have come together to give you all the glory, honor, and praise you so richly deserve. We thank you for this day, for waking us this morning, for an extra hour of sleep, and for ensuring our safe arrival here. We give you thanks for bringing us through another week and month and seeing us into a new one.
For all the blessings you have given us we thank you, for all the difficulties you have brought us through, for the roadblocks and detours you have moved from our path we give thanks to you. And now Lord, we ask you to hear our prayer. We continue to pray for the so many countries that are in the midst of war, upheaval, unrest we pray for peace. For those who have lost loved ones we pray the find comfort in you, please send your angels down to be with them, to help through each day and to hold them tight through the dark nights. We pray for healing for all who are suffering with illness. For those who are homebound, feeling alone we ask that there are special angels that will take time to be with them. For those of us who live with mental illness everyday we pray for the strength to continue on, to not lose hope. We plead for answers on how to stop all the violence that plagues our streets, our neighborhoods, the shootings, the stabbings, the carjackings, help us Lord to all work together to bring an end to all of it.
We pray that our voices be the ones to bring an end to racism, oppression, and hatred by spreading the love of Jesus, the love that says it doesn’t matter the color of your skin, your sexual orientation, or your social status – that you are loved for just being you. For our brothers and sisters who are living in cars, tents, benches, cardboard boxes we pray for permanent affordable housing. For the families who have found that going to the grocery store is now a luxury, we ask that our voices be heard when we demand action because food is a necessity not a luxury. Lord as another election day nears, we pray for a smooth transition for whomever wins, let there be acceptance of election results with no threat of violence. We pray that all who are eligible to vote do vote – let us always remember all who have given their lives who still risk their life to give us the right to vote. As we proceed through this worship service may you all be touched by a scripture, a word, a prayer, a song. May our pastors be touched in a special way, and may you continue to bless them in all they do. As you leave here today, make sure you take the love of Jesus with you, let others know they matter by sharing a smile, a handshake, a hug…In the magnificent, might, marvelous name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Oh, most gracious and precious Lord. We have come together to give you all the glory, honor, and praise you so richly deserve. We thank you for this day, for waking us this morning, for an extra hour of sleep, and for ensuring our safe arrival here. We give you thanks for bringing us through another week and month and seeing us into a new one.
For all the blessings you have given us we thank you, for all the difficulties you have brought us through, for the roadblocks and detours you have moved from our path we give thanks to you. And now Lord, we ask you to hear our prayer. We continue to pray for the so many countries that are in the midst of war, upheaval, unrest we pray for peace. For those who have lost loved ones we pray the find comfort in you, please send your angels down to be with them, to help through each day and to hold them tight through the dark nights. We pray for healing for all who are suffering with illness. For those who are homebound, feeling alone we ask that there are special angels that will take time to be with them. For those of us who live with mental illness everyday we pray for the strength to continue on, to not lose hope. We plead for answers on how to stop all the violence that plagues our streets, our neighborhoods, the shootings, the stabbings, the carjackings, help us Lord to all work together to bring an end to all of it.
We pray that our voices be the ones to bring an end to racism, oppression, and hatred by spreading the love of Jesus, the love that says it doesn’t matter the color of your skin, your sexual orientation, or your social status – that you are loved for just being you. For our brothers and sisters who are living in cars, tents, benches, cardboard boxes we pray for permanent affordable housing. For the families who have found that going to the grocery store is now a luxury, we ask that our voices be heard when we demand action because food is a necessity not a luxury. Lord as another election day nears, we pray for a smooth transition for whomever wins, let there be acceptance of election results with no threat of violence. We pray that all who are eligible to vote do vote – let us always remember all who have given their lives who still risk their life to give us the right to vote. As we proceed through this worship service may you all be touched by a scripture, a word, a prayer, a song. May our pastors be touched in a special way, and may you continue to bless them in all they do. As you leave here today, make sure you take the love of Jesus with you, let others know they matter by sharing a smile, a handshake, a hug…In the magnificent, might, marvelous name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Lord, you have blessed us in so many ways and with so many things and we are forever thankful for those blessings. In fact we could never thank you enough.
October 9, 2022
Oh precious Lord, we have come together in the sanctuary to honor, praise, worship, and glorify you. We give you thanks for waking us up this morning and bringing us here safely. We thank you for seeing us through another week and bringing us to the start of a new one. Lord, you have blessed us in so many ways and with so many things and we are forever thankful for those blessings. In fact we could never thank you enough. Lord, we know you hear and answer our prayers so we are coming to you with our prayers. There is so much violence all over the world: the war in Ukraine, the Civil War in Ethiopia, Mali and Somalia, the terrorist insurgencies in Nigeria and Sudan, the drug war in Mexico. We pray for an end to these wars, we pray for peace. We heard about the violence in Thailand, a mass shooting at a daycare center where over 30 lost their lives, 22 of those were children. We lift each and every family that lost a loved one. There's nothing more heartbreaking to parents than losing their child. We pray for an end to the violence that is plaguing our streets. We lift up all families that have lost loved ones, wrap them in your arms of compassion. May they feel your angels holding them and wiping their tears. We pray for all who are dealing with illness and we pray for their healing. For all who struggle with mental health issues we pray for strength every day. Strength to not lose hope, to not give up. Lord, we continue to pray for our sisters and brothers who are homeless. Let there be enough caring in all of our hearts to find a solution. We pray for the families who continue to struggle every day to make their money stretch as far as they can. Lord, we ask for special blessings for our pastors as they continue to lead us, teach us and challenge us. When this worship comes to an end, let there be a song, a prayer, or a word that lights the spark to go out and share your power and your light to everyone. Lord, we need You and we need each other. Let us go out and share a handshake, a smile, a hug, to make a difference in the lives of others. Let them know that someone cares, and that they matter. It is in the almighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Oh precious Lord, we have come together in the sanctuary to honor, praise, worship, and glorify you. We give you thanks for waking us up this morning and bringing us here safely. We thank you for seeing us through another week and bringing us to the start of a new one. Lord, you have blessed us in so many ways and with so many things and we are forever thankful for those blessings. In fact we could never thank you enough. Lord, we know you hear and answer our prayers so we are coming to you with our prayers. There is so much violence all over the world: the war in Ukraine, the Civil War in Ethiopia, Mali and Somalia, the terrorist insurgencies in Nigeria and Sudan, the drug war in Mexico. We pray for an end to these wars, we pray for peace. We heard about the violence in Thailand, a mass shooting at a daycare center where over 30 lost their lives, 22 of those were children. We lift each and every family that lost a loved one. There's nothing more heartbreaking to parents than losing their child. We pray for an end to the violence that is plaguing our streets. We lift up all families that have lost loved ones, wrap them in your arms of compassion. May they feel your angels holding them and wiping their tears. We pray for all who are dealing with illness and we pray for their healing. For all who struggle with mental health issues we pray for strength every day. Strength to not lose hope, to not give up. Lord, we continue to pray for our sisters and brothers who are homeless. Let there be enough caring in all of our hearts to find a solution. We pray for the families who continue to struggle every day to make their money stretch as far as they can. Lord, we ask for special blessings for our pastors as they continue to lead us, teach us and challenge us. When this worship comes to an end, let there be a song, a prayer, or a word that lights the spark to go out and share your power and your light to everyone. Lord, we need You and we need each other. Let us go out and share a handshake, a smile, a hug, to make a difference in the lives of others. Let them know that someone cares, and that they matter. It is in the almighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Lord, we need You and we need each other.
October 2, 2022
Oh precious and gracious Lord, we have come together to worship, praise, honor and glorify you and to express our gratitude. We thank you for this day for waking us this morning and for ensuring our safe arrival. We give thanks for seeing us through another week and another month and for bringing us into a new one. We have been blessed with so much, with so many things. And for each and every blessing we thank you. While we have so much to be thankful for, we also have prayers to lift up to you. We continue to pray for Ukraine for all countries, struggling with war, upheaval and unrest. We ask for peace for all. We lift up all who have lost loved ones, may they find comfort in you and may they feel your angel's presence in the dark hours of the evening and help them get through each day. We pray for all who are suffering from illness of any kind, be with all who care for them, bring them healing. We lift all who are living with mental health issues, give them strength to get through another day, give them hope for better days. Lord, we have heard of more violence at schools and we pray for a way to end this violence, for more constructive ways to deal with anger. We all have seen the devastation of Florida due to hurricane Ian and our hearts are broken. We pray for every resident as they now find ways to rebuild. During the difficult days that lay ahead, let this be the time we bury hatred, oppression, injustice, and racism, and come together to help Florida and other states rebuild. As this worship service begins, we pray that someone will be blessed by a prayer, a song, a word. Be with and bless the messenger of your word this morning. May her words bring us comfort and hope. May each person here and at home be blessed by something in this service. May they be touched so that they leave here today taking this worship with them. Let us all take Your light out with us to be willing and ready to share our testimony of the love of Jesus, and how he has made a difference in our lives. As we go through this week, let us make it a point to share a smile and a hug, to let others know they are loved and cared for, they are important, and they matter. It is in the name of Jesus Christ we pray amen.
Oh precious and gracious Lord, we have come together to worship, praise, honor and glorify you and to express our gratitude. We thank you for this day for waking us this morning and for ensuring our safe arrival. We give thanks for seeing us through another week and another month and for bringing us into a new one. We have been blessed with so much, with so many things. And for each and every blessing we thank you. While we have so much to be thankful for, we also have prayers to lift up to you. We continue to pray for Ukraine for all countries, struggling with war, upheaval and unrest. We ask for peace for all. We lift up all who have lost loved ones, may they find comfort in you and may they feel your angel's presence in the dark hours of the evening and help them get through each day. We pray for all who are suffering from illness of any kind, be with all who care for them, bring them healing. We lift all who are living with mental health issues, give them strength to get through another day, give them hope for better days. Lord, we have heard of more violence at schools and we pray for a way to end this violence, for more constructive ways to deal with anger. We all have seen the devastation of Florida due to hurricane Ian and our hearts are broken. We pray for every resident as they now find ways to rebuild. During the difficult days that lay ahead, let this be the time we bury hatred, oppression, injustice, and racism, and come together to help Florida and other states rebuild. As this worship service begins, we pray that someone will be blessed by a prayer, a song, a word. Be with and bless the messenger of your word this morning. May her words bring us comfort and hope. May each person here and at home be blessed by something in this service. May they be touched so that they leave here today taking this worship with them. Let us all take Your light out with us to be willing and ready to share our testimony of the love of Jesus, and how he has made a difference in our lives. As we go through this week, let us make it a point to share a smile and a hug, to let others know they are loved and cared for, they are important, and they matter. It is in the name of Jesus Christ we pray amen.
We lift up all who have lost loved ones, may they find comfort in you and may they feel your angel's presence in the dark hours of the evening, and help them get through each day.
September 25, 2022
Oh most gracious Lord, we have come together this morning to glorify, honor, praise and worship you. We thank you for waking us this morning and for our safe arrival to the sanctuary. We give thanks for seeing us through another week and bringing us into a new one as this month comes to an end. We thank you for the cooler temperatures and for the beauty of your handiwork, the changing colors of the leaves. The beautiful reds, yellows, and oranges can only be done by you. We are so thankful for all the blessings you bestow on us each day. Lord, as we celebrate this special service we give thanks for all the women, the moms and grandmas, the sisters, aunts, nieces and daughters for all they do every day, for the difference they make in so many lives. We thank you for our guest speaker today and for all our guests. Bless them and all they do. Now we ask to hear our prayers. We continue to pray for Ukraine for an end to this war. We also lift up all countries that are struggling in any way, we pray for peace and strength. We pray for all who have suffered losses due to hurricanes, fires, flooding. We pray for all who have lost loved ones, may they find comfort in you. Let them feel the presence of your angels carrying them through each day and the long nights. We lift all who are dealing with illness of any kind. We pray for their healing. We pray for all who live with mental illness, for an end to the stigma. Lord, there has been another shooting, this time it was at a Chuck E. Cheese’s, a place where children go to have fun. Their fun ended in fear. No child should have to experience violence of any kind. We pray for an end to the hatred, injustice and racism that plagues our neighborhoods. Help us to always remember we all are made in your image. We are all sisters and brothers no matter the color of our skin. As temperatures drop more and more each night we pray for those whose home is the street. We ask you to find ways to keep them warm and safe. For the families that are struggling to make it through another day, as they are doing all they can to keep food in their cupboards, and a roof over their heads, we pray for hope for better days to come. As we worship today, may someone be blessed by a word, song, scripture, or prayer. As we leave this place, let our worship not end here. May we go out and share the good news of salvation. May our actions and words show we are your disciples. May we spread kindness everywhere we go. Let us take time to share a smile, a handshake, a hug, to let others know they matter, they are loved. This is our prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Oh most gracious Lord, we have come together this morning to glorify, honor, praise and worship you. We thank you for waking us this morning and for our safe arrival to the sanctuary. We give thanks for seeing us through another week and bringing us into a new one as this month comes to an end. We thank you for the cooler temperatures and for the beauty of your handiwork, the changing colors of the leaves. The beautiful reds, yellows, and oranges can only be done by you. We are so thankful for all the blessings you bestow on us each day. Lord, as we celebrate this special service we give thanks for all the women, the moms and grandmas, the sisters, aunts, nieces and daughters for all they do every day, for the difference they make in so many lives. We thank you for our guest speaker today and for all our guests. Bless them and all they do. Now we ask to hear our prayers. We continue to pray for Ukraine for an end to this war. We also lift up all countries that are struggling in any way, we pray for peace and strength. We pray for all who have suffered losses due to hurricanes, fires, flooding. We pray for all who have lost loved ones, may they find comfort in you. Let them feel the presence of your angels carrying them through each day and the long nights. We lift all who are dealing with illness of any kind. We pray for their healing. We pray for all who live with mental illness, for an end to the stigma. Lord, there has been another shooting, this time it was at a Chuck E. Cheese’s, a place where children go to have fun. Their fun ended in fear. No child should have to experience violence of any kind. We pray for an end to the hatred, injustice and racism that plagues our neighborhoods. Help us to always remember we all are made in your image. We are all sisters and brothers no matter the color of our skin. As temperatures drop more and more each night we pray for those whose home is the street. We ask you to find ways to keep them warm and safe. For the families that are struggling to make it through another day, as they are doing all they can to keep food in their cupboards, and a roof over their heads, we pray for hope for better days to come. As we worship today, may someone be blessed by a word, song, scripture, or prayer. As we leave this place, let our worship not end here. May we go out and share the good news of salvation. May our actions and words show we are your disciples. May we spread kindness everywhere we go. Let us take time to share a smile, a handshake, a hug, to let others know they matter, they are loved. This is our prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Help us to always remember, we all are made in your image.
September 11, 2022
Oh most glorious Lord, we have gathered this morning to worship, honor, praise and glorify you and to thank you. We give thanks for waking us this morning and for bringing us together safely. We thank you for seeing us through another week and bringing us into a new one. We give thanks for the opportunity to partner with others to provide free services to the community, we give thanks for so many that gave their time yesterday to ensure we had a successful health fair, Lord. We thank you for children that brighten our days and lift our spirits. We thank you for each and every blessing you pour down on us and for any blessings that are yet to come. As you listen to our thanks we ask that you please hear our prayers. We continue to pray for all countries that are in the midst of war and upheaval. We lift all you who are suffering illness and we pray for healing. We pray for Queen Elizabeth's family as they grieve her death. We also pray for the citizens of the United kingdom as a new leader takes over the monarchy. May the transition be smooth. We pray for all who are coping with emotional or physical issues. May they find the strength and courage to get through another day. We lift up all who have lost loved ones, wrap them in your arms of compassion. Send your angels down to hold them, to hug them, to help them not to feel so alone. 9/11 is a day that will forever be etched in our minds, so on this 21st anniversary of 9/11, we pray for all the victims and their families and the first responders. We pray for all who their home is the street, in their car or in a shelter. Help us to use our voices to demand stable, safe affordable housing. Lord, encourage us to stand up to racism and hatred, to let others know we won’t tolerate it. Bring the violence in our neighborhoods to an end so we don’t have to fear coming out of our homes or to let children play outside. As we begin, this service, we give thanks for each person under the sound of my voice, fill us with the knowledge of truth, and give us the spirit of understanding. Give us the wisdom that comes from you so that we can know how to love each other. Be with us from start to finish when we walk out of here today. Let us be prepared to be a witness to Your Greatness and to be ready to help someone in need, to share a smile, handshake or hug, to let others know that they matter, that they are loved, that we care about them. This is our prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Oh most glorious Lord, we have gathered this morning to worship, honor, praise and glorify you and to thank you. We give thanks for waking us this morning and for bringing us together safely. We thank you for seeing us through another week and bringing us into a new one. We give thanks for the opportunity to partner with others to provide free services to the community, we give thanks for so many that gave their time yesterday to ensure we had a successful health fair, Lord. We thank you for children that brighten our days and lift our spirits. We thank you for each and every blessing you pour down on us and for any blessings that are yet to come. As you listen to our thanks we ask that you please hear our prayers. We continue to pray for all countries that are in the midst of war and upheaval. We lift all you who are suffering illness and we pray for healing. We pray for Queen Elizabeth's family as they grieve her death. We also pray for the citizens of the United kingdom as a new leader takes over the monarchy. May the transition be smooth. We pray for all who are coping with emotional or physical issues. May they find the strength and courage to get through another day. We lift up all who have lost loved ones, wrap them in your arms of compassion. Send your angels down to hold them, to hug them, to help them not to feel so alone. 9/11 is a day that will forever be etched in our minds, so on this 21st anniversary of 9/11, we pray for all the victims and their families and the first responders. We pray for all who their home is the street, in their car or in a shelter. Help us to use our voices to demand stable, safe affordable housing. Lord, encourage us to stand up to racism and hatred, to let others know we won’t tolerate it. Bring the violence in our neighborhoods to an end so we don’t have to fear coming out of our homes or to let children play outside. As we begin, this service, we give thanks for each person under the sound of my voice, fill us with the knowledge of truth, and give us the spirit of understanding. Give us the wisdom that comes from you so that we can know how to love each other. Be with us from start to finish when we walk out of here today. Let us be prepared to be a witness to Your Greatness and to be ready to help someone in need, to share a smile, handshake or hug, to let others know that they matter, that they are loved, that we care about them. This is our prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Fix our eyes on you, and let our ears be attentive to your voice. Restore to us the joy of our salvation as we worship you. May we grow in the grace and knowledge of you, Lord.
August 28, 2022
Oh most gracious Lord, we have gathered together in the sanctuary to worship, honor, and praise you and to give you our thanks. We thank you for waking us this morning. We know you didn’t have to, and we thank you for ensuring we arrived safely. we thank you for seeing us through another week and bringing us into a new one. We give you thanks for all the blessings you’ve given us and for blessings yet to come. While we are giving our thanks we petition you to hear our prayers. We continue to pray for Ukraine, and we lift all countries that are suffering from upheaval and war, we plead for peace. We lift all who have lost loved ones. We ask you to send down your angels to just hold them, may they find comfort in your loving arms. We pray for all who are suffering with illness, we appeal to you for healing. We lift all who suffer physically or emotionally, help them to hold on for another day. As students, teachers, school staff, and bus drivers are embarking on a new school year we pray for their safety, that they are excited to learn new things, that they have a productive year. Lord, we see new apartment buildings going up everywhere yet we still see so many living in their cars, or on the streets or in shelters. Help us to be the advocates for them to demand affordable housing. We are pleading for an end to the violence on our streets, and for an end to the hatred, injustices and racism that plagues our neighborhoods, but that we instead remember to always love others, as you have loved us, no matter the color of our skin, our sexual orientation, how much money we do or don’t have. As we begin this worship service let us remember your promise, when we have gathered together in your name, you are here with us. Fix our eyes on you, and let our ears be attentive to your voice. Restore to us the joy of our salvation as we worship you. May we grow in the grace and knowledge of you, Lord. To You be all the honor and glory for today and always. This is our prayer in the name of Jesus, amen.
August 21, 2022
Oh gracious and precious Lord, we have come to this place to worship you, to give you all the honor to magnify Your name. We also come with Thanksgiving in our hearts. We thank you for this day, for waking us up this morning and for a safe arrival. We thank you for bringing us through another week and for being with us as we start a new one. We give thanks for the many blessings you pour into our lives every day. As you hear our thanks, which we can never say enough, we plead for you to listen to our prayers. We continue to pray for Ukraine, and for all countries that are experiencing war and turmoil, may they find peace. We lift up those who lost loved ones and comfort and those struggling physically or emotionally. Help them to hold on for another day. We are pleading for an end to violence that is occurring everywhere, including right here, now in our backyard. We ask you to be with the family of the young man that lost his life while in the food court of the mall. We continue to pray for those who are living on the streets and their cars and in shelters. Protect them every day. Help them to find the means to find affordable housing. We lift up the families who struggle every day to meet their basic needs, needs so many of us take for granted, food, shelter, and clothing. Please help us to find the strength to stand up against hatred and racism and injustice. Help us to always remember that, even though we all look different on the outside, we are all the same on the inside. As we begin this worship service, teach us truth that we may walk with courage, teach us mercy that we may walk with humility. Teach us forgiveness that we may walk with compassion, teach us grace that we may walk with strength. Teach us wonder that we may walk with praise. Teach us goodness that we may walk with those in need. Let our prayers be heard in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
July 17, 2022
Lord, we have gathered in this place to praise, worship, and honor you, and to give you thanks. We thank you for waking us this morning, for a safe arrival. Thank you for seeing us through another week and bringing us to a new one. You’ve blessed us with so much, all of which we are extremely thankful for. While we are giving you all of our thanks we also ask to hear our prayers. We continue to pray for Ukraine for all the people that had to flee their homes and their country, not knowing if they will ever be able to return. We lift up all who are struggling, physically or emotionally, comfort and heal them. Lord, we pray for all who have lost loved ones, wrap them in your arms of compassion, send your angels down to be with them when they feel alone. we lift up the 10 year old girl and her family, who had to endure being raped, became pregnant and then had to cross state lines to end the pregnancy. For at 10 she is still a baby herself, by no means ready to become a mother. We continue to lift up the families of Robb elementary school, who are still looking for answers. We pray for your protection to those who live on the streets. We pray for all who have to decide if they should pay rent, buy groceries, or get medicine. Lord, as we begin this worship service, we ask that you strengthen us, restore us and inspire us with your love. Fill us with your peace so as we go into a new week, we pour out your love and grace on others. We ask that our souls will catch the wind of your spirit so that we take your promises to all the earth. It is in the name of the powerful, majestic, ever-loving Jesus, we pray, amen.
June 19, 2022
Glorious Lord, we have gathered together to praise, honor, and worship you and to give you thanks. We thank you this day for waking us up and ensuring our safe arrival. We thank you for the oh so many blessings you pour onto us each day and for the blessings that are yet to come. Thank you for seeing us through another week and bringing us into a new one on this Father’s Day. We give thanks not only for fathers, but also for all moms that are dads as well as brothers, uncles, grandfathers and mentors, who have stood in the gap for fathers who aren’t able to be in their child’s life. As we are giving you thanks, we also lift our prayers to you. We pray for all the fathers that have lost a child, and for the children that have lost a father. Lord, we continue to pray for those who have lost loved ones due to gun violence, for the church in Alabama who had their potluck end at the hands of a gunman. We continue to lift all who are suffering, emotionally or physically. We pray for our brothers and sisters whose home is the streets and for the family struggling to make it through each day. We give thanks for the recognition of Juneteenth, a day we celebrate the freedom of slaves. We also lift our prayers to you, prayers to end racism, hatred, injustice, oppression, unequal pay for the same work, promotions passed because of the color of one’s skin. We ask you to give us the voice to demand equal rights and freedoms to all people no matter the color of their skin, or where they came from. As we worship you today, we pray that you fill our hearts, mind, and soul with your abundance. Transform us that we may be more like you. Let your presence in our worship be evident. May you open our ears to hear from you in our hearts, to receive from you. Accept our sacrifice of worship this day. It is in the name of the One who loves us unconditionally, Jesus Christ, we pray amen.
June 12, 2022
Oh precious Lord, we thank you for this day and seeing us through another week. Thank you for getting us here safely to worship praise and glorify you. Thank you for each and every blessing you bestow on us each day. Thank you for always being there when we need you the most and we are so very grateful for the opportunity to serve our community providing boxes of food and diapers to those in need. We ask you to be with each person that took a box home. Bless them and their families. While we are giving you our thanks we also have prayers to lift up. We continue to pray for all the families who have lost loved ones in mass shootings. We ask for your presence as our elected officials come together to bring the nightmare of gun violence to an end. We continue to pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia for an end to a senseless war. We lift all who are ill, we ask for healing. We pray for all who are hurting emotionally and physically. We pray for all who are graduating, may their future be bright and their dreams come true. We bring to you the families who are struggling to make ends meet and keep a roof over their heads. We continue to lift up all who find the streets, their car, and their home shelter. We ask you to give us the voice to demand affordable housing, end the struggle to pay rent, other bills and food. We pray that something in the service, a word, a song, a handshake, a hug touches each of us in a special way. As we leave this worship service we ask for the Holy Spirit to come and equip us in our workplace, guide us in our school life, and inspire us in our neighborhoods. May we be the hands and feet to the needy, your words of affirmation to the oppressed, and your arms to comfort the lonely. In the wonderful majestic name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
May 22, 2022
Oh precious and gracious Lord, we have gathered together once again to give you all honor, praise and glory. We give you thanks for waking us up this morning for getting us here safely. We thank you for all you do for us each and every day, for the blessings that you have poured down on us. We thank you for the opportunity to worship you through music and scripture readings. We give thanks for the blessing of age. Well, we have been blessed in so many ways. We are still aware of the struggles that continue for us for so many each day, those who are involved in war, for the over 5 million residents of Ukraine, whose lives have been completely uprooted and turned upside down. Violence continues to plague our communities, the senseless taking of anothers life. We continue to see apartments being built all over, yet the streets are becoming more populated with folks who can’t afford to keep a roof over their heads. Parents try to stretch their money as far as they can, only to find they’re still behind on their bills and the cupboards are empty. There’s so many that are ill and while we noticed those that are hurting physically, there are so many that are hurting inside that go unnoticed. As we lift all these to you in prayer every day let us also take time to hear you, to find ways to make a difference in the lives of others. As we start this service may you be glorified from the beginning to the end. Allow your Holy Spirit to touch each of us, so that we leave the sanctuary better than we came in. In the powerful, loving name of Jesus, we pray amen.
May 15, 2022
Oh precious and gracious Lord, we have come to the sanctuary this morning to glorify praise worship and honor you and to give you thanks. We thank you for waking us this morning and for bringing us here safely. We give thanks for gifting us with another week and another month. Thank you Lord for all the blessings we have received and for all the ones that are yet to come. As we are giving our thanks we also lift up our prayers. We continue to pray for Ukraine, for an end to the senseless loss of innocent lives. We lift up the families of the 53 migrants who lost their lives after being abandoned in a semi, and we continue to pray for an end to the violence on our streets. We pray for all women who have lost the right to decide what to do with their own bodies. As prices continue to rise, we lift up those families doing everything they can to stay afloat. We pray for those that see housing popping up all over yet they continue to live on the streets in their car or in shelters because they can’t afford the rent. We lift up all who are struggling with physical or mental health issues. We pray for an end to the hatred and racism that divides our country. May this worship service ignite a fire in each of us. Help us to be a light in every place we walk and aid us to look to anothers' needs before our own. As we leave the sanctuary today let us not leave our worship here instead let us take worship to make a difference in the life of others. This is our prayer in the glorious mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
April 10, 2022
Oh, gracious and precious Lord, we have gathered together in the sanctuary to give you all our praise and worship. We give you thanks for this day, for waking us up and getting us here safely. We thank you for bringing us through yet another week. We thank you for all the blessings you have given us, blessings from the smallest to the biggest, the seen and unseen. Lord, we give you all the thanks honor and glory for providing us with the opportunity to provide food to those in need in our community and we ask for you to bless each family that received a box yesterday Lord, we awaken another day, knowing war continues in Ukraine, and we continue to pray for a peaceful resolution. We go about our days still seeing people sleeping on the street, on benches, in cardboard boxes, in tents, and we pray for them, for their safety and for affordable housing. We pray for families that are trying to make ends meet who will go to bed hungry tonight. We pray for an end to the violence on our streets healing for those who are sick while we know we can always lift all these things in prayer. We need to also realize we need to take action to help even if it’s only small steps. Those small steps lead to big steps. Lord, make something in the service today light a fire in all of us, a fire that causes us to go out and make a difference in the lives of others. It is in the powerful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
February 27, 2022
Oh, precious and gracious Lord, we thank you for giving us another day, another week, and another month. As February comes to a close, we pray that celebrations of Black history continue for every month. We lift up in prayer the people of Ukraine and Russia we pray for a peaceful resolution. We pray for protection of those that are living on the streets. For those that are hungry, comfort to those that have lost loved ones. Thank you for your promise that where two or three are gathered you are there in their midst. We welcome you amongst us, Lord, and we celebrate the gift of life that you’ve given each of us. We ask that you open our ears that we may hear your voice. Open our minds that we may receive your wisdom. Open our spirit so that we may know your guidance and leading. Open our hearts that we may receive your wonderful love. Help us to remember that when we are blessed, it isn’t just for us, that we need to go out and share those blessings, as well as the love of Christ. This is our prayer in the magnificent name of Jesus. Amen.
January 2, 2022
Oh, gracious and Heavenly Father, thank you for this day and for the opportunity to gather together to worship you. thank you for seeing us through another week and another year. as we begin 2022 to let this be the year, we are more compassionate and caring and loving of one another. Let this be the year we help each other more. Let this be the year that no one fears leaving their house, normal everyday things because of the color of their skin, let this be the year we are more welcoming to everyone no matter where they are from, the language they speak or the lifestyle they choose. Let this be the year that we slow down to take time to talk to our neighbors, to be more patient with one another, and to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. This is our prayer in the name of the one who is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and who is worthy of all the honor and praise and glory, Jesus Christ. Amen
Oh most gracious Lord, we have gathered together in the sanctuary to worship, honor, and praise you and to give you our thanks. We thank you for waking us this morning. We know you didn’t have to, and we thank you for ensuring we arrived safely. we thank you for seeing us through another week and bringing us into a new one. We give you thanks for all the blessings you’ve given us and for blessings yet to come. While we are giving our thanks we petition you to hear our prayers. We continue to pray for Ukraine, and we lift all countries that are suffering from upheaval and war, we plead for peace. We lift all who have lost loved ones. We ask you to send down your angels to just hold them, may they find comfort in your loving arms. We pray for all who are suffering with illness, we appeal to you for healing. We lift all who suffer physically or emotionally, help them to hold on for another day. As students, teachers, school staff, and bus drivers are embarking on a new school year we pray for their safety, that they are excited to learn new things, that they have a productive year. Lord, we see new apartment buildings going up everywhere yet we still see so many living in their cars, or on the streets or in shelters. Help us to be the advocates for them to demand affordable housing. We are pleading for an end to the violence on our streets, and for an end to the hatred, injustices and racism that plagues our neighborhoods, but that we instead remember to always love others, as you have loved us, no matter the color of our skin, our sexual orientation, how much money we do or don’t have. As we begin this worship service let us remember your promise, when we have gathered together in your name, you are here with us. Fix our eyes on you, and let our ears be attentive to your voice. Restore to us the joy of our salvation as we worship you. May we grow in the grace and knowledge of you, Lord. To You be all the honor and glory for today and always. This is our prayer in the name of Jesus, amen.
August 21, 2022
Oh gracious and precious Lord, we have come to this place to worship you, to give you all the honor to magnify Your name. We also come with Thanksgiving in our hearts. We thank you for this day, for waking us up this morning and for a safe arrival. We thank you for bringing us through another week and for being with us as we start a new one. We give thanks for the many blessings you pour into our lives every day. As you hear our thanks, which we can never say enough, we plead for you to listen to our prayers. We continue to pray for Ukraine, and for all countries that are experiencing war and turmoil, may they find peace. We lift up those who lost loved ones and comfort and those struggling physically or emotionally. Help them to hold on for another day. We are pleading for an end to violence that is occurring everywhere, including right here, now in our backyard. We ask you to be with the family of the young man that lost his life while in the food court of the mall. We continue to pray for those who are living on the streets and their cars and in shelters. Protect them every day. Help them to find the means to find affordable housing. We lift up the families who struggle every day to meet their basic needs, needs so many of us take for granted, food, shelter, and clothing. Please help us to find the strength to stand up against hatred and racism and injustice. Help us to always remember that, even though we all look different on the outside, we are all the same on the inside. As we begin this worship service, teach us truth that we may walk with courage, teach us mercy that we may walk with humility. Teach us forgiveness that we may walk with compassion, teach us grace that we may walk with strength. Teach us wonder that we may walk with praise. Teach us goodness that we may walk with those in need. Let our prayers be heard in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
July 17, 2022
Lord, we have gathered in this place to praise, worship, and honor you, and to give you thanks. We thank you for waking us this morning, for a safe arrival. Thank you for seeing us through another week and bringing us to a new one. You’ve blessed us with so much, all of which we are extremely thankful for. While we are giving you all of our thanks we also ask to hear our prayers. We continue to pray for Ukraine for all the people that had to flee their homes and their country, not knowing if they will ever be able to return. We lift up all who are struggling, physically or emotionally, comfort and heal them. Lord, we pray for all who have lost loved ones, wrap them in your arms of compassion, send your angels down to be with them when they feel alone. we lift up the 10 year old girl and her family, who had to endure being raped, became pregnant and then had to cross state lines to end the pregnancy. For at 10 she is still a baby herself, by no means ready to become a mother. We continue to lift up the families of Robb elementary school, who are still looking for answers. We pray for your protection to those who live on the streets. We pray for all who have to decide if they should pay rent, buy groceries, or get medicine. Lord, as we begin this worship service, we ask that you strengthen us, restore us and inspire us with your love. Fill us with your peace so as we go into a new week, we pour out your love and grace on others. We ask that our souls will catch the wind of your spirit so that we take your promises to all the earth. It is in the name of the powerful, majestic, ever-loving Jesus, we pray, amen.
June 19, 2022
Glorious Lord, we have gathered together to praise, honor, and worship you and to give you thanks. We thank you this day for waking us up and ensuring our safe arrival. We thank you for the oh so many blessings you pour onto us each day and for the blessings that are yet to come. Thank you for seeing us through another week and bringing us into a new one on this Father’s Day. We give thanks not only for fathers, but also for all moms that are dads as well as brothers, uncles, grandfathers and mentors, who have stood in the gap for fathers who aren’t able to be in their child’s life. As we are giving you thanks, we also lift our prayers to you. We pray for all the fathers that have lost a child, and for the children that have lost a father. Lord, we continue to pray for those who have lost loved ones due to gun violence, for the church in Alabama who had their potluck end at the hands of a gunman. We continue to lift all who are suffering, emotionally or physically. We pray for our brothers and sisters whose home is the streets and for the family struggling to make it through each day. We give thanks for the recognition of Juneteenth, a day we celebrate the freedom of slaves. We also lift our prayers to you, prayers to end racism, hatred, injustice, oppression, unequal pay for the same work, promotions passed because of the color of one’s skin. We ask you to give us the voice to demand equal rights and freedoms to all people no matter the color of their skin, or where they came from. As we worship you today, we pray that you fill our hearts, mind, and soul with your abundance. Transform us that we may be more like you. Let your presence in our worship be evident. May you open our ears to hear from you in our hearts, to receive from you. Accept our sacrifice of worship this day. It is in the name of the One who loves us unconditionally, Jesus Christ, we pray amen.
June 12, 2022
Oh precious Lord, we thank you for this day and seeing us through another week. Thank you for getting us here safely to worship praise and glorify you. Thank you for each and every blessing you bestow on us each day. Thank you for always being there when we need you the most and we are so very grateful for the opportunity to serve our community providing boxes of food and diapers to those in need. We ask you to be with each person that took a box home. Bless them and their families. While we are giving you our thanks we also have prayers to lift up. We continue to pray for all the families who have lost loved ones in mass shootings. We ask for your presence as our elected officials come together to bring the nightmare of gun violence to an end. We continue to pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia for an end to a senseless war. We lift all who are ill, we ask for healing. We pray for all who are hurting emotionally and physically. We pray for all who are graduating, may their future be bright and their dreams come true. We bring to you the families who are struggling to make ends meet and keep a roof over their heads. We continue to lift up all who find the streets, their car, and their home shelter. We ask you to give us the voice to demand affordable housing, end the struggle to pay rent, other bills and food. We pray that something in the service, a word, a song, a handshake, a hug touches each of us in a special way. As we leave this worship service we ask for the Holy Spirit to come and equip us in our workplace, guide us in our school life, and inspire us in our neighborhoods. May we be the hands and feet to the needy, your words of affirmation to the oppressed, and your arms to comfort the lonely. In the wonderful majestic name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
May 22, 2022
Oh precious and gracious Lord, we have gathered together once again to give you all honor, praise and glory. We give you thanks for waking us up this morning for getting us here safely. We thank you for all you do for us each and every day, for the blessings that you have poured down on us. We thank you for the opportunity to worship you through music and scripture readings. We give thanks for the blessing of age. Well, we have been blessed in so many ways. We are still aware of the struggles that continue for us for so many each day, those who are involved in war, for the over 5 million residents of Ukraine, whose lives have been completely uprooted and turned upside down. Violence continues to plague our communities, the senseless taking of anothers life. We continue to see apartments being built all over, yet the streets are becoming more populated with folks who can’t afford to keep a roof over their heads. Parents try to stretch their money as far as they can, only to find they’re still behind on their bills and the cupboards are empty. There’s so many that are ill and while we noticed those that are hurting physically, there are so many that are hurting inside that go unnoticed. As we lift all these to you in prayer every day let us also take time to hear you, to find ways to make a difference in the lives of others. As we start this service may you be glorified from the beginning to the end. Allow your Holy Spirit to touch each of us, so that we leave the sanctuary better than we came in. In the powerful, loving name of Jesus, we pray amen.
May 15, 2022
Oh precious and gracious Lord, we have come to the sanctuary this morning to glorify praise worship and honor you and to give you thanks. We thank you for waking us this morning and for bringing us here safely. We give thanks for gifting us with another week and another month. Thank you Lord for all the blessings we have received and for all the ones that are yet to come. As we are giving our thanks we also lift up our prayers. We continue to pray for Ukraine, for an end to the senseless loss of innocent lives. We lift up the families of the 53 migrants who lost their lives after being abandoned in a semi, and we continue to pray for an end to the violence on our streets. We pray for all women who have lost the right to decide what to do with their own bodies. As prices continue to rise, we lift up those families doing everything they can to stay afloat. We pray for those that see housing popping up all over yet they continue to live on the streets in their car or in shelters because they can’t afford the rent. We lift up all who are struggling with physical or mental health issues. We pray for an end to the hatred and racism that divides our country. May this worship service ignite a fire in each of us. Help us to be a light in every place we walk and aid us to look to anothers' needs before our own. As we leave the sanctuary today let us not leave our worship here instead let us take worship to make a difference in the life of others. This is our prayer in the glorious mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
April 10, 2022
Oh, gracious and precious Lord, we have gathered together in the sanctuary to give you all our praise and worship. We give you thanks for this day, for waking us up and getting us here safely. We thank you for bringing us through yet another week. We thank you for all the blessings you have given us, blessings from the smallest to the biggest, the seen and unseen. Lord, we give you all the thanks honor and glory for providing us with the opportunity to provide food to those in need in our community and we ask for you to bless each family that received a box yesterday Lord, we awaken another day, knowing war continues in Ukraine, and we continue to pray for a peaceful resolution. We go about our days still seeing people sleeping on the street, on benches, in cardboard boxes, in tents, and we pray for them, for their safety and for affordable housing. We pray for families that are trying to make ends meet who will go to bed hungry tonight. We pray for an end to the violence on our streets healing for those who are sick while we know we can always lift all these things in prayer. We need to also realize we need to take action to help even if it’s only small steps. Those small steps lead to big steps. Lord, make something in the service today light a fire in all of us, a fire that causes us to go out and make a difference in the lives of others. It is in the powerful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
February 27, 2022
Oh, precious and gracious Lord, we thank you for giving us another day, another week, and another month. As February comes to a close, we pray that celebrations of Black history continue for every month. We lift up in prayer the people of Ukraine and Russia we pray for a peaceful resolution. We pray for protection of those that are living on the streets. For those that are hungry, comfort to those that have lost loved ones. Thank you for your promise that where two or three are gathered you are there in their midst. We welcome you amongst us, Lord, and we celebrate the gift of life that you’ve given each of us. We ask that you open our ears that we may hear your voice. Open our minds that we may receive your wisdom. Open our spirit so that we may know your guidance and leading. Open our hearts that we may receive your wonderful love. Help us to remember that when we are blessed, it isn’t just for us, that we need to go out and share those blessings, as well as the love of Christ. This is our prayer in the magnificent name of Jesus. Amen.
January 2, 2022
Oh, gracious and Heavenly Father, thank you for this day and for the opportunity to gather together to worship you. thank you for seeing us through another week and another year. as we begin 2022 to let this be the year, we are more compassionate and caring and loving of one another. Let this be the year we help each other more. Let this be the year that no one fears leaving their house, normal everyday things because of the color of their skin, let this be the year we are more welcoming to everyone no matter where they are from, the language they speak or the lifestyle they choose. Let this be the year that we slow down to take time to talk to our neighbors, to be more patient with one another, and to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. This is our prayer in the name of the one who is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and who is worthy of all the honor and praise and glory, Jesus Christ. Amen
8/22/2021- Pictured, Cindy Harding, serving during the outdoor worship service, photo courtesy of Jeff Fox.
In December 2021, Rev. Dr. Yvonne Wallace Penn selected Cindy Harding to begin each Sunday’s worship service with a word of prayer. At the request of several members and visitors over this past year, we are now providing the prayers here. We offer the reminder of these prayers as an offering of thanks and praise to our Most Holy God, the Author of our faith, for hearing and answering these and all our prayers. Send us your prayer requests here.