Prayers 1 11 2015
*Welcome
*Thanks to all the church leaders who came to the launch meeting yesterday to begin the New Year
*RMMO Offering; to support retired pastors and missionaries; give to help us achieve our goal
*Memorial Funds; one can suggest distribution to up to 3 designated giving areas; turn into Marian Hom (Wendy Quan)
*Senior Center, Wednesday with George Lai on tai chi, 12:00
*CCU Dinner, next Sunday, Jan. 18, 5:30, Far East; see Dick Wong
*Women’s Fellowship, Jan. 31, on Resolutions, Lea Wong’s home; See flyer
*Ordination Reception, Next Sunday, Jan. 18th (Sharon)
Prayer Concerns
*Paris Massacre and terrorism in the world
Prayer of God’s People
Gracious God, we come into your presence in prayer for the opportunity to be in worship with you. From our busy and active lives, we know that it’s valuable for us to listen to your will for our lives and to realign our values with yours. Show us the way to live that puts you ahead of our needs for you are the One who gives us life and breath for our existence. At the beginning of this New Year, we want and pray that we continue to be mindful of the plans you have for our lives because it is your will that needs to be done on earth as we know it’s already in heaven.
Merciful Lord, be with those who are in great need of your love and healing. We know and lift up those who are under the weather with this year’s flu, grant them rest and the patience to be well. We pray for those who are overcome with the burdens of tasks, stressed over too many responsibilities, and worried over where their next paycheck may come. We pray for answers and encouragement that will bring long-lasting relief and solutions. We pray for those who are in great need of physical healing that they will soon discover relief for their ailments.
O God, we have been shocked once again by the horrors we see around the world when terrorists senselessly murder innocent people because of misunderstandings and a lack of mutual love. We pray for the families who have lost loved ones in Paris and France and that they would have the heart for forgiveness. And at the same time, Lord, we pray for the Muslim world to rediscover in their faith that God calls them to love as well and not to hurt others who don’t share their own beliefs. When we can learn to become brothers and sisters rather than enemies and foes, we become your sons and daughters. Show us, dear God to strive for peace and reconciliation that will bring about your kingdom on earth.
Bless this church, the Bride of Christ to remain dedicated to proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ both at home in Chinatown as well as around the world. Enable us to be your ambassadors of peace and good will as Jesus has come to save all who are near as well as all those who are still far off. Make us truly become humble in our efforts and strong in our witness in Jesus Christ who taught us to pray together, saying, “Our Father…”
Benediction
In the beginning, God created and continues to create today.
May God who made the heavens and the earth,
The Christ who came and is still coming to renew the earth,
And the Holy Spirit who makes all things new, bless you today and forevermore.
Amen.