Thank God for Doug O’Donnell and his message from Luke 8:40-56. Praise the Lord for his compassion and power.

Lift up Pastor Chris as he prepares his message this Sunday from Genesis 22.  

Pray for the launch of our Adult Sunday School on September 13th: “Discover the Greatest Life You’ll Ever Live: A Journey Through Philippians.” May the Spirit encourage us to grow in our faith and in our love for one another.

Steve H. has found out from an MRI that he has a mass on his left kidney. Please pray for him and Patty as they consider their options and next steps. Also ask the Lord for peace and for healing.

Pray for all in our midst who are struggling mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. May we receive and share the comfort of the Holy Spirit.  

Pray for Bob N., who is recovering slowly from his knee replacement surgery in February. Ask the Lord to grant healing, patience, and encouragement.

Matthew 6:26: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”

Dear God, when it comes to clothing and nourishment, the birds have nothing on us. In Christ, we are clothed with divine perfection. We are fed with heavenly bread and living water.

And yet our fears still rise, and our worries weigh us down. They drive us again, to your arms, confident of your favor. We long for your help in situations that we wish to control, but can’t. We are not asking for longer or easier lives, but for grace in our struggles, and clearer glimpses of your presence.

We grow weary of the conflicts around us, the threats that fill our headlines, and the caustic words that mark this present moment. We wonder, Lord, how long until swords are beaten into plowshares, and lions and lambs dwell together in unity?

And then there are our children and grandchildren. More than anything else, we want them to know you, Jesus, to find a haven in your heart. Would you, please, keep them restless until they rest in you?

We think especially this morning of our college students, who are returning to school in the coming days. Go with them. Guard their faith. Give them wisdom in their choices, good and godly friendships, diligence in their studies, and courage to follow Christ when it costs them something. Wherever they go, remind them that they belong to you.

And give us, as parents and grandparents, grace to be patient, prayerful, and supportive.
O Lord, in all these areas we know that we fall short and need your mercy. And so, we take this moment now to confess our sins to you in silence….

Thank you, Father, for the death and resurrection of your Son. Because Jesus lives, we have a living hope, and we can bring every need before you.

We pray for friends and family members facing one crisis or another. Please be their strength. We pray for those facing health concerns, especially Bob O., and for Ed C. Please bring healing, strength, and sustaining grace. And we pray for the family of Philly M., as we grieve her passing. Lord, have mercy.

But the greatest need in any of our lives is not simply relief. It is more of you, and more of your kingdom. So please work through your Word this morning. Open our eyes, and show us the light of the knowledge of your glory in the face of Jesus Christ.

In whose name we pray. Amen.