Thank the Lord for Pastor Chris and his sermon, “God in the Valley,” from Ezekiel 37:1-14. Ask the Lord to comfort Darleen and Katie, and may we comfort one another in the loss of our brother.

Pray for Pastor Chris this week as he prepares to preach from Galatians 2:11–14. May we grow in the gracious freedom available to us in Christ!

We pray for Bob and Diane in their continuing journey with cancer. May the Spirit bring encouragement, healing, and peace.

Praise God as more and more visitors and guests consider joining and serving with the church. May Pastors Chris and Daniel receive grace and wisdom as they answer questions, share the gospel, and present the opportunities and responsibilities available here at NCC. Ask God to bring the people he wants to serve Him here. Please pray for the following:

• Discover NCC - The class will take place on September 14 at 9:00 AM and is a prerequisite for Membership.
• Membership Class - The class consists of two parts, which will take place on September 21 & 28 at 9:00 AM. Both are prerequisites for membership. 

Pray for Pastor Daniel and Daniel Master as they begin the new Sunday school series: In Search of the True King: 1 & 2 Samuel. Ask God to use the class to strengthen and encourage all who attend.

Pray for our Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies and our Small Groups as they gear up for fall. May the Lord protect, guide, and encourage them in this new season of ministry.

Ask the Lord to bless our Youth Group, and James Mor, with power and joy in the Lord this year.

In light of the deeply sad news announced earlier by Pastor Daniel about the passing of Chip K., our prayer will be guided by the familiar and comforting words of Psalm 23.

Missionary: In addition, we will also be praying for the ministry of Wayside Cross Ministries in Aurora. Wayside serves the western Chicago suburbs by loving and serving the afflicted and powerless, through sharing the gospel of forgiveness and hope in Jesus, and by empowering them to be His disciples.

O Father, God – We come to you this day with saddened hearts as we grief the unexpected passing of Chip. In times of sorrow, we claim the words of Psalm 23, written by King David.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

In this time of unexpected grieving for Darlene, Katie, their extended family and our NCC church family, we cling to the promises of your word. We pray that you will provide comfort to Darlene and Katie and assurance of your presence with them as they walk through this valley. In addition, we ask that you will provide restoration to their souls and peace in the knowledge that Chip has now entered into his eternal rest, and he now dwells in the house of the Lord forever.

O God, as we reflect on the precious gift of life, we are reminded of our own mortality and our need for the grace and forgiveness only you can provide. We have sinned against you in our thoughts, our actions and our failure to act. And so we pause to acknowledge and confess our sins in this time of silence….

We thank you for the truth that “If we confess our sins, you are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).

We bring our requests to you with anticipation that you hear our prayers and answer in your perfect will.

We continue to pray for peace in the world in places where there is armed conflict, such as Ukraine, Gaza, Myanmar, Sudan, and other parts of the world. We pray for lasting peace that reflects both true justice and mercy.

We pray for the people of Afghanistan recovering from the recent earthquake that has killed several thousand people. We pray that aid would reach the people who need it.

We pray for our own nation, that you would bring revival to our people and our churches.  That we would humble ourselves before you, our holy God.

We pray for the work of Wayside Cross Ministries. In particular, we pray for their New Life Corrections Prison Ministry that provides the transforming Word of God, spiritual mentorship, and offers a new pathway of redemption for men after release from prison. We thank you for the reality of changed lives through the work of the gospel.

We pray for the new ministry director – Dr. Wayne Kriemelmeyer. We pray for Wayne and the rest of the staff at Wayside Cross Ministries to be guided by the Holy Spirit and that they would have wisdom and compassion for those who need to hear and grow in the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.

We pray for the needs of our church members. We pray for those recovering from injuries, for those with long-term illness (including Bob O.), for those dealing with the inevitable challenges of aging, for those grieving loss of loved ones and those dealing with relational conflict. In all these requests, we acknowledge you alone are able to provide healing, strength, comfort and peace. 
Finally, I pray for Pastor Chris that he would be guided by your Holy Spirit as he preaches today. Give us ears to hear and hearts to be active in obedience to how you would teach us today.
As we conclude our time of prayer, please join me as we pray the Lord’s Prayer together…

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts
As we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever, Amen.