Prayer Update for the week of 18 JAN 21
Good morning friends,
Our word for the day as quoted by Sir Winston Churchill is Perseverance - “Never give in! Never give in! Never, never, never, never - in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in, except in convictions of honor and good sense.”
Folks, let us persevere in our prayer life as we never give in, but continue to ceaselessly pray for family, friends and neighbors in need -
Government Leaders, members of our Armed Forces, First Responders and Health Care Providers - patience, persistence, prayerful at all times, safety and protection
Our Church - to resolve old strive and heartache and to move forward with joy and praise.
Scripture is very clear on gossip and spreading rumors - it is wrong to engage in it. When it comes to the special confidences that we share with family and close friends, gossip is a disaster waiting to happen. In the Book of Proverbs, chapter 12, verse 18, the words are very clear - “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” Folks, if we are to bring resolve to issues and problems than naught, then we must be very careful with our words and we must never compromise a confidence. However, there are times even the most thoughtful among us may speak without thinking first. Unfortunately, when we speak too quickly or without forethought, we may say things that we should not have said or things that would have been better left unsaid. Not thinking through the words we want to say before we actually say them, puts ourselves and our relationships in jeopardy. What is a much better approach, albeit, a very much harder course, is to think first and speak next. Doing so, gives ourselves plenty of time to put our thoughts together and to go to God in prayer seeking His guidance and strength before we say or do something that we might soon look back upon and wish we had not said or done. A good rule of thumb: when talking about other folks, don’t say anything that you wouldn’t say to that person face-to-face.
Pray with me,
Almighty God, we give You our thanks and praise for this day and for another opportunity to serve You. We come to You with joy and gratitude in our hearts for the many blessings that You have given us and continue to give us, despite our sinful ways - we are grateful most giving God. Lord, hear our prayer this day for all of Your creation, that Your saving love may reach to the ends of the earth as we serve the common good. We pray for safe and secure transitions and that we are able to set aside our differences and we all learn to get along as we pray for each other that we may safeguard each other as we work together for redemption. Lord, we remember those who have died and pray for those who will die today, that they may know Your peace. Help us to speak words that are pleasing to You and help us treat our neighbors in the same way that we want to be treated by them. Lord, You hear us and embrace us when we are low. Strengthen us now for service as we carry Your light into the world. Fill us with Your peace, that we may be shored up to the end and find our rest in You. Hear our prayer in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen ... See MoreSee Less