Prayers 5 12 2013
*Welcome on this Sunday when we recognize mothers and caregivers in our lives
*Thanks for your prayers and best wishes when our group of 31 people traveled to Germany to study the impact of Martin Luther on our church life and our society as a whole; there will be times when we’ll share our experiences and learnings with you
*ABSW Commencement, 2:00, Burmese Baptist Church, formerly the FBC, Oakland on Telegraph Avenue; all are invited
*Men’s Fellowship Work Day at Redwood Glen, Saturday, May 25, See John Tom
Prayer Concerns
*Laura Dare and their son, Tristan with autism; her husband Tom Feng still looking for a job
*Birth of Joshua Peter Ng, born to Jon and Joyce Ng on May 10, 6 lbs, 9 oz., and 20” long; Congratulations to Nelson and Lea Wong who are grandparents for the 7th time!
*Mothers and Caregivers in our lives
Honoring Mothers and Caregivers
When Jesus was on the cross, he was still worried about the fate of his mother, Mary. In John 19:26, it reads, “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple, John whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to John, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.”
We also care and love our mothers because they first loved us by bringing us into this world. While we know that not every home is as happy as we had hoped, we can still remember our mothers and what they have done for us. Most of us are also blessed because there have been nurturers and caregivers who provided us with opportunities to grow up responsibly and make wise decisions.
I like FCBC because we are truly an extended family. There are aunties and uncles who take a special interest to watch over us especially in tough times. Today, we recognize the mothers and caregivers who have made a positive difference in our lives. May this carnation symbolize our love and honor that we give to mothers and caregivers everywhere.
Prayer of God’s People
Gracious Lord God, we thank you for this glorious day when we can come to worship you in words and songs. Open our hearts to your spirit as we grow deeply in faithfulness and trust in your guidance in our daily lives. Show us how to order our steps so that we might follow you in our witness of the love of Jesus Christ in our lives.
Thank you, Lord for blessing us with mothers who have brought each one of us into this world. Out of love and care, they watch over us with kindness and firmness so that we may grow up in every way that you intended for us. We thank you for the many caregivers and nurturers who have stood by our side offering advice and setting an example for us to follow. We pray that the loving care that we have received from others that we may have the responsibility to also pass this on to the next generation. We pray for the new life of Joshua Peter Ng as he is a gift to Jon and Joyce and to their entire families. Bless this child and his parents as they dedicate their lives to him.
We pray for those who have no one to help them to the healing pool, for those who wait for your balm seems endless, and for those who so desperately need your presence. We pray for Laura Dare and Tom Feng as they courageously care for their son Tristan who is in need of special education. Grant them mercy and encouragement to persevere in the coming days. We pray that you might act in a visible manner so all shall be made well, and that we, in bearing each other’s burdens, discover how light the burden is to aid another.
Be gracious to us and bless us, O God. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ who taught us to prayer together, “Our Father…”
Benediction
See, you have been made well! Do not sin any more, but take hold of the life that is real!
May the grace of Jesus be with us all, living saints, waiting for the reign of Christ which is soon to come. Amen.