Thank God for Paul A., who preached about the heart of missions. Ask the Lord to give us compassion for the people around us and around the world, especially those who are different from us and who perhaps might be considered our enemies. 

Pray for Pastor Chris as he returns to the pulpit and prepares to preach this Sunday from Galatians 3:15–22.

Ask the Lord to bless and guide our three-week Gospel Conversations class, which begins this week. Ask the Spirit to make us a church that is active and effective in sharing the good news with those around us and has a heart for people and God’s glory. 

Pray for all at NCC facing medical issues, recovery from surgery, lack of sleep, and other challenges. May we learn to trust God more during times of stress and uncertainty. Ask the Lord for patience … and healing. 

Dear Heavenly Father,

In our distress, in our sin, in our helplessness, you have heard our prayer.  We could do nothing to save ourselves, and you listened to our cry.

Lord, we praise you for what you have done for us. We look to you as our only source of strength. We thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us.  And just as you raised him after three days, so too we have confidence that you will ultimately raise us to new life.

We wait for that day when you will transform us, and, as we wait, we live in this world which is groaning, crying out for your redemption.  We feel the need for your redemption in our bodies. Help those who are sick, who are facing difficult medical choices. Help Bob and Diane Ooms and be with them as you have been with him every step of the way thus far.

We pray for the redemption of our community.  We are often divided, and it often seems particularly fraught during election season, but help us to realize that, behind it all, it is really you who are in control, and only you who can heal us. 

We pray for the redemption of our world. Help us to take your message of the good news, that there is a way for us to be saved from God’s judgement, help us to take that message to the entire world so that all might hear the gospel. We know you are seeking after the world in the hope that some might find you and turn to you. We thank you for raising up missionaries willing to fulfill your Great Commission across the globe. Whether we go ourselves, give to those who go, or pray for the evangelism of the world, make us people who are working to extend your kingdom throughout the world.

Lord, as we pray for your coming, we realize how we fail, turning away from your grace and trying to live in our own strength. We pray for your redemption day by day. Listen to us now as we confess our sins…..

Lord, we know that you hear us. Other gods, other idols, the things that people all around the world worship, these are not faithful and cannot save.  Help us never to turn away from you, our faithful and true God who loves and forgives us.

Make us a people who obediently serve you out of hearts overflowing with thankfulness. Help us to proclaim to all the world that, truly, salvation belongs to the Lord.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.