A PERSONAL PRAYER
God,
There are times I think I have it figured out. Things make sense. If I do A, then B will happen. And since I want B to happen, I will do A. I can move down the road confidently toward my goals and my preferred future.
But there are other times when I am not sure what I should do. Things don’t seem to make sense. Doing A doesn’t lead to B like I thought it would. I feel confused, conflicted, uncertain.
These are times that I fall on my knees and turn to you. I long to hear your voice, to feel your presence guide me, to know what my next step should be. In these times, God, my hunger for your presence is so strong it can be overwhelming. It is at these times that learning to trust you seems so natural.
But when I am confident of the right way forward, I just charge ahead on my own, trusting my own thinking, counting on my own wisdom. Shouldn’t I learn to count on you even in those moments when I think I know what is right? O God, unless you build the house, those of us who build it labor in vain, no matter how hard we work or how wise we are. I ask today that you lead me in the paths of righteousness for your name’s sake. Always show me the way to go. When I am confident, give me the humility to continue to turn to you and respond to your leading. When I am confused, make your path clear to me. Let me walk your way, and not my own.
In the name of Jesus, whose steps I want to follow, Amen.
SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE
This Sunday, June 23, I will continue our sermon series “Father Abraham Had Many Sons (and Daughters),” as we consider the challenging story of Abraham being willing to sacrifice his own son. Are there parts of your life that you think you can manage on your own? Are there parts you withhold from God’s authority? The sermon is called “Put Your Whole Self In.”
The memorial service celebrating the life of Dr. James W. Moore will be on Tuesday, July 2, at 1:00 pm in St. Luke’s Sanctuary. Livestream, as well as a place to share a message with Jim’s family, is at https://stlukesmethodist.org/celebrating-the-life-of-dr-jim-moore/
PRAYER CALENDAR
Sunday, June 23
Lord, I am often so weak, being tempted to do things that are outside your will, or I am wasting my time and talents on meaningless pursuits. Forgive me for not having my priorities straight. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Let me hear your call and be a faithful servant. Amen.
Monday, June 24
Lord, we pray for those who are unemployed, underemployed, or in jobs which are not a good fit. Lord, we ask for them to find meaningful, purposeful positions where they can utilize their gifts. We also pray that you be with them in their job search and give them strength and perseverance. Amen.
Tuesday, June 25
Lord, there are slights, betrayals, and disappointments in my past that still weigh on me. I hold grudges even though I know they are self-destructive. By clinging to these wrongs, I am handcuffed to the past. Help me, God, to release these bonds so that I can move forward in love and forgiveness. Amen.
Wednesday, June 26
Heavenly Father, I know I have failed you. I hear your call or feel your nudge. But I fail to act as it is uncomfortable or inconvenient. Forgive me, Lord, for my lack of action, and I pray that you give me additional opportunities to serve you. Amen.
Thursday, June 27
O God in Heaven, bless the food that I eat today. Let it nourish my body, strengthen my mind and restore my soul. Let the energy that it gives me be put to work to glorify your name. Amen.
Friday, June 28
Dearest God, party politics are all over the news. It seems like everyone is pointing fingers at each other rather than working toward solutions. Please give our leaders discernment and wisdom. Help them to listen to each other, to find common ground, and to speak in truth and love. Amen.
Saturday, June 29
Heavenly Father, when the world seems so full of despair and disappointment – remind us of the good in people. There are acts of kindness all around us: doors being held open, a car being allowed to merge with a smile and a wave, assistance with a heavy load, a thoughtful note. Even a smile from a stranger can lift our hearts. While these are small actions, these are all glimpses of your love and compassion. We give you thanks for these acts and we pray that we, in turn, can be missionaries of your love through our actions. Amen.
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