Prayers 8 8 2010
*Welcome, Rev. Karen Yee, many youth visiting church after Youth Camp that ended on Saturday
*Summer Series with Evan Lessler, graphic designer with Apple and owner of a small t-shirt printing business
*Church Picnic on Sunday, August 29th; tickets for purchase today
*2010 Family Camp registration; see the correct brochures in the vestibule
*130th Anniversary Invitations out soon
Prayer Concerns
*Karen Yee for her message today
*2010 Youth Camp; decisions made
*End of the War in Iraq is becoming a reality
Prayer of God’s People
O God, we give you thanks for gathering us here in prayer today. When we fail to recognize you present in our midst, we pray that our eyes are opened and that we can see you more clearly than ever.
We confess as your people that we have placed too high a priority on those things that are passing and have given too little attention to what lasts. We have walked by the lilies of the field, and we have not raised our eyes to the hills, from whence comes our help, or we would have considered the birds of the air and how you care for them. Surely everything is working out according to your will, and where some have opposed and even worked against your plan you persevere, Enduring God, never giving up on us, and always drawing us back together.
We lift up for your care and guidance those who are unemployed and seeking new opportunities to use their gifts to serve in making this world a place that is according to your will. Grant them encouragement and hope that every new day is an opportunity to be faithful and the promise of the fulfillment of our hopes.
On this day after another wonderful week of Youth Camp, we thank you, Lord for being present among the 85 youth and 30 staff and counselors when we learned about the meaning of worship in our daily lives and the call to active discipleship. Bless those who made first-come commitments to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We pray that the Sunday school teachers and youth advisors will help these young disciples to understand the meaning of baptism and church membership leading to the possibility of believers baptism this Christmas.
O God, the news from President Obama earlier this week that the war in Iraq will bring combat troops home by the end of this month is encouraging and worth rejoicing. We pray for the safe return of troops and the promise for these men and women to once again resume their lives in the building of a just society. Lead us to support these citizens as they become readjusted to normal lives.
For those who have considered the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, but who still worry and are anxious about their physical health, we pray that they be granted hidden wells of strength, be rewarded with renewed energy, may be showered with unexpected gifts, and may discover that all things work for good for those who love you. Let us experience your love as we pray together the prayer our Lord, Jesus Christ taught us, “Our Father…”
Offertory
Hear the word of God: “Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor me; to those who go the right way I will show the salvation of God.”
Offertory Prayer
O God, we give these offerings in faith that you will bless and multiply them, and that they will go forth from this place to embody your love through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Benediction
Go forward, with the assurance of faith,
confident in God and in the plan of God.
Amen.