Commerce Presbyterian Church

3 days ago

Prayer Update

Good afternoon friends,

In Peter’s first letter, chapter 5, verse 7, he encourages all to “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you.” Some good advice folks and the way we do that is through an open, honest and disciplined prayer life. So, let us continue to pray for our family, our friends and our neighbors in need -

The Book of Acts was written by Luke (a Gentile physician) as his way of giving an accurate account of the birth and growth of the Christian church. In chapter 4, verse 34 and 35, Luke writes - “There was no poverty among them, because people who owned land or houses sold them and brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need.” Amazingly, the church had just been born when this happened and yet at this very moment, the Christians in Jerusalem were going through the promises laid out in Deuteronomy, chapter 15, verse 4, “There should be no poor among you,” Now the commentaries don’t mention that these folks selling everything was their attempt to become the first Christian commune, nor were they getting rid of everything in anticipation of Christ’s return. No, they voluntarily gave it up out of either their own over-stock or their willingness to downsize so that all might have enough. Chapter 4, verse 34 from the Book of Acts still remains a “go to” model voluntary godly sharing of one’s time, talents and treasures for the sake of those in need. John Wesley wrote that any professing Christian, who has more than enough for themselves is not willing to share, is in sin. Folks, the secret to the sharing of one’s time, talents and treasures is adhering to God’s Word, love for His church and His Work and knowing when we have enough. And when we are able to admit that “Hey, we have more than enough," then and only then, will we know that our excess is to be put towards God’s work.

Pray with me,

Gracious God, we give You our thanks and praise for another day and opportunity to serve You and carry out Your will. Strengthen us to never take what we have or our blessings from You, for granted. Lord, as the season changes from summer to fall, renew our hearts, refresh our spirits and help us walk in Your holy way, that we may welcome the righteousness of Your judgement and accept Your goodness. Lord, we lift of those who seek to live faithfully and lovingly by the voice of Your Holy Spirit, even those who do not know Your name; save them from despair, and lead them down the path of salvation. Shore up those who know Your name to be faithful to their calling, to live according to Your commandments, and to witness to Your eternal love. Drive away any selfish ambition, fill us with compassion and love, and make us humble servants, that all we do and all we desire may be pleasing to You. Lord, in Your steadfast love, uphold us, and for our sins, forgive us that we may know Your mercy and walk in the way of Your salvation. Hear our prayer in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen ... See MoreSee Less

Commerce Presbyterian Church

4 days ago

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)
Lord God, you know the ways of good and evil. You know the things that tempt us and the things that give us life. You know our nakedness, and you know our sin. We confess that we have disobeyed Your word, denying Your providence and care and relying on our own cleverness. Have mercy on us, we pray; cover us with Your grace, feed us with the bread of life, and re-create us in your image; through Jesus Christ our Savior. AMEN.
*SILENT CONFESSION
*ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS (responsive)
Leader: Happy are those whose sin is forgiven! Be glad in the Lord and shout for joy: in Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
All: Thanks be to God! ... See MoreSee Less