Prayers 12 14 2008
*Welcome to Joint English Worship with the Service of Believers Baptism of four persons who have declared their belief in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior
*Next Sunday is Christmas Sunday when we’ll have both the Hand Bells and the premiere of the Toddlers Jubilee Singers who will sing 2 numbers for us at the 10:20 service
*On Wednesday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Candlelight service of Lessons and Carols beginning at 7:15 with an organ concert; reception follows in the Fellowship Hall; invite your family and friends to attend
*2009 Pledges—Footprints for Christ—please turn in your pledges to support the life-changing ministries at FCBC
*Annual reports are due in the church office on Jan. 4th, 2009
*New Adult Class on Apocalyptic Writings—Putting God on Trial—Why is there suffering in the world? Led by George Lai beginning on Jan. 4th, 11:30-12:30
Prayer Concerns
*Pastor Peter Lee and family who will arrive in SF two weeks from tomorrow to begin his new ministry with us
Prayer of God’s People
Send your spirit upon us, O Lord God. Come and dwell with us. Help us to center our attention on you. Give us the eyes of faith to see you in the activities of this season—the shopping, the planning, the parties, and the programs. Without you at the center, this season degenerates into a meaningless blur of events. In this moment of prayer, we ask you to meet us with your grace and draw us toward you. May we your church bear witness to Christ’s good news,
Lord, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, you came to bring good news to the oppressed. We pray for nations who live under oppressive leaders. We pray for people who live and work in oppressive relationships. May we your church bear witness to Christ’s good news,
Lord, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, you came to bind up the brokenhearted. We remember today those we know and love who have lost hope, those in despair, those who need a new start. May we your church bear witness to Christ’s good news,
Lord, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, you came to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners. We pray for the many throughout the world who are in prison. Bring repentance to those who have committed a serious crime, and bring release to those unjustly imprisoned. May we your church bear witness to Christ’s good news,
Lord, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, you came to comfort all who mourn. We pray for those who mourn the death of loved ones, and we pray they will know comfort in the consolation of family and friends and find hope in the promise of the resurrection of the dead. We remember others who mourn the daily disappointments of life, the lost opportunities, and the broken relationships, and we pray that all will face their mourning with new courage because of your comfort. May we your church bear witness to Christ’s good news,
Lord, hear our prayer.
And finally, Lord Jesus, you came to save all your children from sin and alienation from God’s love. We pray for the four young adults who will publicly declare their faith in you that they will live a life of faithfulness and Christian service in the world. May through these disciples’ witness, we may all renew our own loyalty to Christ as our King and Lord. May we your church bear witness to Christ’s good news,
Lord, hear our prayer as we share the prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ who taught us to say together, “Our Father…”
Benediction
You have heard that John, a man sent from God was a witness to testify to the Light.
You have seen with your own eyes Russell, John, Odelia, and Cindy testifying to the Light today.
The true light, Jesus Christ who enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
Go and testify to the truth of the Light.
Now may the grace of Jesus Christ,
The love of God,
And the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you at Christmastime!