DEVOTION:
Proverbs 16:9
9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
PRAYER:
Almighty and Holy God, There are times in the life of a church when we celebrate where we have been, and there are times when You ask us to look ahead. This Wednesday morning, we find ourselves doing a little of both. As Rally Day approaches, we thank You for the children and young people You have placed among us. What a sacred responsibility and wonderful privilege they are. Bless our Sunday School teachers and everyone who gives their time to help our children know that they are loved by this church family and, most importantly, deeply loved by You. May our young people never simply be called the future of the Church—help us remember that they are an important part of Your Church right now.
Lord, we also find ourselves looking toward the future of our congregation. As we seek to lay out a vision and discern the direction You would have us travel, keep us from simply asking what we want. Help us ask where You are leading. Give our leaders wisdom, our congregation open hearts, and all of us the courage to follow when Your direction becomes clear.
Where disagreements arise, teach us to listen. Where old wounds interfere, bring healing. Even when someone stands against an idea we believe deeply in, keep us from making that person our enemy. And when we truly encounter those who oppose us, remind us of Jesus' command to pray for them and love them. We pray for our community, our country, and our President. We pray for leaders around the world, especially those who hold the power to choose between continued war and the difficult work of peace. Lord, soften hearts. Protect the innocent and comfort families who have already lost so much.
Thank You for the story You have already written through our church family. Now give us faith for the pages we have not yet seen. May we move forward together—not simply building a stronger church, but becoming more faithful followers of Jesus Christ. In His name, Amen.
DEVOTION:
Proverbs 16:9
9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
PRAYER:
Almighty and Holy God, There are times in the life of a church when we celebrate where we have been, and there are times when You ask us to look ahead. This Wednesday morning, we find ourselves doing a little of both. As Rally Day approaches, we thank You for the children and young people You have placed among us. What a sacred responsibility and wonderful privilege they are. Bless our Sunday School teachers and everyone who gives their time to help our children know that they are loved by this church family and, most importantly, deeply loved by You. May our young people never simply be called the future of the Church—help us remember that they are an important part of Your Church right now.
Lord, we also find ourselves looking toward the future of our congregation. As we seek to lay out a vision and discern the direction You would have us travel, keep us from simply asking what we want. Help us ask where You are leading. Give our leaders wisdom, our congregation open hearts, and all of us the courage to follow when Your direction becomes clear.
Where disagreements arise, teach us to listen. Where old wounds interfere, bring healing. Even when someone stands against an idea we believe deeply in, keep us from making that person our enemy. And when we truly encounter those who oppose us, remind us of Jesus' command to pray for them and love them. We pray for our community, our country, and our President. We pray for leaders around the world, especially those who hold the power to choose between continued war and the difficult work of peace. Lord, soften hearts. Protect the innocent and comfort families who have already lost so much.
Thank You for the story You have already written through our church family. Now give us faith for the pages we have not yet seen. May we move forward together—not simply building a stronger church, but becoming more faithful followers of Jesus Christ. In His name, Amen.