Prayers of the Church

JOYS

Prayers of thanksgiving for …

Birthday blessings to (1) Cy who is 13 tomorrow and (2) Ben L. whose birthday was yesterday.

Pastor Charles and Belinda’s first six months with this church family… so thankful for all that has been accomplished for the glory of God… and … looking forward to the church-wide planning/visioning retreat scheduled for January 24^th and 25^th.  (Invitational challenge was made:  Prayers are for at least 50 forward-thinking souls to attend!)

Wonderful Bible study last Friday morning at Ms. Doris T.’s home; all are welcome to attend.

Last Friday’s lunch at the town Senior Center, featuring the “United Methodist Table” of folks enjoying one another’s company.

Great Bible study this morning taught by Clay F., beginning study of the book of Hebrews.

Insightful Bible study this morning about a current event topic (“Wired Word”):  Russian ship on a research cruise to Antarctica sent a distress signal on Christmas Day that it had gotten stuck in the ice.  We discussed what the Bible has to say to us about what we should/could do when we feel stuck in a rut, stopped in our tracks, etc.

People willing to teach classes which help others to grow in their faith. 

People willing to attend classes which help them grow in their faith.

Recently arrived babies who are celebrating their first Christmas with their loved ones.

Wonderful family reunions, including those with brand new beautiful babies to enjoy.

Ed S. sharing the news that his new great grandson Joseph has a “good voice,” i.e., he will probably be a preacher or a politician or ...

Delightful surprises.

Homecomings.

Holiday open houses where church family turns out in support of one another.

Visitors to church: Sharon W.’s great grandsons (ages 4 and 2).  (Her great grandsons/infant twins are sleeping at her home.)

Special acts of kindness.

Doing the right things… for the right reasons.

Clay F.’s positive, encouraging letter to the editor of the local newspaper in which he challenges others to be kind and supportive.

The church’s generous and kind and loving way it supports its members and the nearby communities.

Neighbors who look out for one another.

Today’s blessing of a prayer shawl for Myrna B., Cleo G.’s sister-in-law.

Travelling mercies.

Church family members who step in and help when called.

Gratitude to live in area communities who actively care for one another’s needs.

All the people who contributed to our church’s observance/celebration of Advent and Christmas this year -- which was so energized, uplifting and meaningful – all offered in worship of our amazing God.

 
CONCERNS

Prayers for recovery and healing for the thousands of casualties and millions of people affected by the recent typhoon in the Philippines.  (Thanks be to God that the United Methodist Committee on Relief, UMCOR, is in position and involved in disaster relief.)

Prayers for peace in the Middle East – and in all the “four corners” of the world.

Prayers for the people of the Central African Republic and the South Sudan. 

Prayers for our military Veterans.

Prayers for the family and friends of the military service members who were killed or injured in the line of duty this last week.

Prayers for travelling mercies and for those not with us today.

Prayers for recent negative and anonymous letters to the local newspaper’s editor, focusing on negative/untrue matters.

Prayers for healing mercies for (1) Mary L., (2) Claire K., (3) Ms. Hattie Ann, (4) Bev L.’s brother, (5) Nilda B.’s sister’s father-in-law, (6) Donna L.’s Uncle Bob, (7) Gail and Lynn M.’s daughter-in-law, (8) Judy I., (9) Sister-in-law Myrna, (10) Son-in-law Matt, (11) Susan, (12) Friend’s granddaughter Lillie, (13) Rich G., (14) Doris T.’s sister-in-law Cloris, (15) Gail F, (16) Cousin Sojie, (17) Jeanne C., (18) Ginny M., (19) Ed H., (20) Sheila H., (21/22) Mike in Arizona and his partner Emily L, (23) Sharon W., (24) “Friend,” and (25) Becky B.

Prayers for family and friends who are mourning the recent deaths of their loved ones:  (1) Doris Kester, (2) Sandy Kenyon, (3) Kathy B’s brother and (4) Alan Parks’ 13-year-old daughter.

Prayer for Jody who is need of prayer and justice.

Prayers for those who are struggling to deal with the recent deaths of family members and close friends.

Prayers for family and friends who are gravely concerned about their loved ones who are facing serious consequences for their recent actions.

Prayers for all who are hurting at this time of year.

Prayers for those who are worried, frustrated and upset by the uncertainty surrounding their health-care insurance coverage.