Prayers 7 15 2012
*Welcome
*Visal and Lindsey Sok arrived on Thursday; Visal just preached at the 9:00 service; Welcome Reception and birthday party next Sunday, 12:30-1:30
*Summer Series—ABCUSA Update, Mission Summit in Overland Park, KS next June
*Special Offering to assist the wildfire relief at the FBC, Colorado Springs, CO where Rev. Michael Sayler is pastor; OGHS
*Lands of Luther Orientation Session #1 next Sunday, 1:30
*Music Workshop—Rhythm of the World, Saturday, 9:30-12:00, last chance to sign up today
*Family Camp sign up today, Labor Day Weekend
Prayer Concerns
*Fred Hee had successful carotid artery surgery on Wednesday and discharged on Thursday
*Day Camp—last week
*Youth Camp starts in 2 weeks
*
Prayer of God’s People
Gracious Lord God, draw us together with your blessings as we honor you and give you thanksgiving and praise. We pray that you will shine brightly during this time of worship. Enlighten our planned praise, our scheduled songs, and our written words so that they can serve as a strong foundation for proclaiming the Good News of Christ Jesus around the world.
We pray for the needs around the world—for the end of massacres that are happening particularly in Syria, for the relief and rebuilding after the devastating wildfires that destroyed many communities particularly in Colorado Springs and the work of First Baptist Church, for the many people whom we know close to our hearts as well as those only by name suffering and enduring through illnesses, diseases, and surgeries and in particularly Fred Hee, we pray for your loving mercies. Lord, grant us the vision of wisdom that we are all connected, and that your will shall be done at last on earth as it is already is in heaven.
After two and a half years, Lord, we give you honor and praise to enable us to call Visal Sok as our new pastor for English-speaking Ministries and particularly to serve the growing 9:00 congregation. Bless Visal and Lindsey as he starts his first day at FCBC today. Grant him your Word to bear witness of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and the Good News that he will preach. Enable us, your church to continue to be unafraid of new endeavors for ministries and missions as you call us to see that the harvest is indeed plentiful and you, dear God, want us to be your laborers and leaders.
We lift up the significant ministry of Day Camp as it begins it’s final week sharing Jesus with over 80 children from our community. Continue to protect the children and watch over your staff and counselors as they share their lives with the campers. Guide the final days of preparation for Youth Camp that will attract junior and senior highs together for a week of deepening faith and making decisions for Jesus Christ as their Savior.
We want to act boldly, without concern for our safety. We want to risk everything for you. Instead we step back, and are only silent witnesses to the great awakening of faith and purpose around the planet. We applaud others, but we are not ready to take part in your wonder that envelops us. Rid us of our caution and our excuses. Show us to follow through with the promises that we make in your name. Forgive us when we have not done what you have asked and send us forth as disciples, unafraid to serve you and the humanity you love.
We pray all these things in the name of Jesus Christ who taught us to pray, “Our Father…”
Benediction
Bless us, O God, when we make promises and follow them through that are according to your overarching plan for the world.
Now may the grace and peace from God, our Creator and the Lord Jesus Christ bless you as to go forth in love.
May the promises of the Holy Spirit guide your every step until we meet again. Amen.