Prayers 9 22 2013
*Welcome
*Highlights of Italy, March 2014, brochures and registration materials in the vestibule
*Senior Retreat is only a week away; if you would like to attend, please let Joel Jang know.
*Reception Ministry training, see insert, next Sunday, 1:30-3:00; learn how to become more welcoming of all who come to our church
*Membership Meeting, Oct. 6, two weeks from today to review the Proposed 2014 budget
*Inquirers Class begins also on Oct. 6th, 10:00, in my office
*Redwood Glen’s 55th Anniversary Banquet and Capital Fund Campaign, Saturday, Oct. 5, 5:00 at Santa Clara FBC; please register or see Joel Jang
Prayer Concerns
*Walter Tom—still recovering from the car accident over the Labor Day weekend
*Tiffany Tom in Greece from a ATV accident
*Philip Lee had double bypass surgery and was discharged this past week
Prayer of God’s People
Gracious God, may we feel your presence with us as we praise your name today in song, in story, in word, and ultimately in deed. May we hear you clearly, receiving in our heart your great commission.
We pray and give thanks for this church community known as First Chinese Baptist that remains to be obedient to your will to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in the world. While there are other loyalties and idols that compete for our attention and resources, we come into your sanctuary to pledge our lives to you, our Lord and Redeemer. We lift up the Senior Retreat that values and affirms the gift of wisdom and long life. We pray for the heart for hospitality as we prepare to launch a new Reception Ministry to receive all people searching for meaning and purpose and that we may lead them to see that it can be discovered in Jesus Christ. We pray for larger ministries such as Redwood Glen that reveals your majestic and beautiful creation of tall redwoods and happy trails that this facility will continue to be a place where all people can have a closer walk with God.
Lord, in times of need and prayers, we come with petitions for healing and wholeness. Continue to watch over Walter Tom recuperating in the hospital after a serious car accident and for Tiffany Tom who remains in Greece after her all-terrain vehicle accident to improve before she can travel home. We thank you for the successful procedure for Philip Lee and that he is now at home. Bless…
Lord, it is true that there are many times when we are not very nice people. We lie, steal, we deceive and take advantage of other people. In short, we sin. Yet thanks be to God, Jesus Christ loves sinners like us. He died for sinners like us and has promised a kingdom for sinners like us. Forgive us when we put ourselves above others and before you. But also teach us to be shrewd and strategic in the name of God. So that we may earnestly work to advance your kingdom to come on earth as we know it’s already in heaven.
Hear our confession. Forgive us. Send us back out into the world in the name of Jesus Christ who taught us to pray together, “Our Father…”
Benediction
Be faithful in little. Be faithful in much. Be faithful in all things, at all times.
May the blessings of God sustain you.
May the miracle of God’s salvation redeem you.
May the comfort of God’s mercy free you,
And the wonder of God’s love overwhelm, awe, and inspire you. Amen.