Prayers 6 12 2011
*Welcome & happy Pentecost!
*Chinese Summer Retreat fundraiser today; snacks are available for purchase in-between today’s morning services; Steven Leung is coordinating this effort
*Special Membership Meeting today at 1:00 to approve the proposed pastoral job description, Associate Pastor of English-speaking Ministries; position has been posted in the vestibule for the past 3 weeks
*Tennis Tourney, Saturday at San Bruno Park; sign-up is still available
*2011 Family Camp brochures are available today; register early!
Prayer Concerns
*Tom Wong who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer; the growth appears to be small and he will have more tests on Tuesday
*Day Camp begins tomorrow
Prayer of God’s People
Almighty God, we are grateful for your gifts of light and hope. Your mercy to us is never ending and your grace abounds throughout our lives. We are especially thankful this day for the power of the Spirit to enliven our hearts with true faith and to strengthen our hearts with love when we are tempted to take the darker road.
Spirit of God, there are times when we are tired, we are worn, and in our weariness, we seek to bottle up the enthusiasm of others, to close our doors to heaven’s pleading, to turn our church from a sanctuary to a prison. Against our will, against all hope, batter our hearts, knock down our defenses, tear down the walls we have constructed, and bless us once more with your Spirit, Renewing God, that once more people will be astounded by our passion for prayer, for witness, and in service to the world and each other.
On this day we lift up for healing and protection those whose names are written most deeply on our hearts: for the healing of all disease, for their courage in the face of fears, for the restoration of their broken relationships and troubled hearts. Be with our brother Tom Wong today as he faces grave health concerns believing in the truth that all things are possible with you. Comfort and strengthen Maureen and their family during this time of uncertainty and worry.
As the days grow longer and our summer ministries begin, guide and watch over our Day Camp program as well as all the sports teams, retreats, and camps this year. Fortify the directors and leaders to model sound judgment and Christian character. Protect all the children and young people from potential risk and danger and to open their eyes to see your miracles of life and renewal that happen all the time in the world. May we all grow closer to you as your faithful people.
We ask for your blessing upon people who desire genuine peace; may nations be secure and may those who trouble the earth’s concord find their plans stopped. We ask this prayer in the name of Christ, the Prince of Peace who taught us to pray, “Our Father…”
Benediction
May God’s peace be with you.
Receive God’s Holy Spirit, the Breath of Life.
As God sent Jesus to proclaim the good news,
So we are sent, as healers, dreamers, prophets, and witnesses in one great hope.
Amen.