A PERSONAL PRAYER
God,
“Lord, you have come to the lakeshore, and while smiling, have spoken my name.” I love that hymn, God. We will sing it at my funeral. Ok, they will sing it at my funeral. (I am not sure I get to decide what we sing in the choir of saints around your throne, which is where I am counting on being. If I get to sing along, I will join in loudly!) I always hear you calling my name, calling me forward, beckoning me to whatever you have in store for me. Each moment, you are preparing me for the next step. Some days, I wish you would show me the whole journey, make clear the path ahead. But what fun would that be? Where would be the mystery, the anticipation, the sense of expectancy? No, it seems you provide me just enough information to step out into tomorrow. Yes, I am afraid of tomorrow sometimes. And sometimes, the next right step is indeed to stay right on the path I am on, working to serve you better, more fully. And sometimes, the next right step is something altogether new.
God, forgive me when I ignore your calling. Forgive me when I am deaf to your voice of the Holy Spirit. Speak my name clearly, and show me where to go and what to do. I believe you have a purpose for me right now, today.
In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
KEY VERSE FOR THE WEEK
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Acts 3:2
QUESTIONS FOR CONVERSATION AND REFLECTION
Do you hear the Holy Spirit calling you forward on your pathway of discipleship? What passion, gift, experience, or opportunity jumps out at you to help you discern your specific call? What is your next right step?
SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE
Commitment Sunday!
This week is Commitment Sunday, and we will rededicate ourselves to God’s work as part of St. Luke’s church family, recommitting ourselves to support it with our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. I invite you to bring a commitment card to worship on Sunday, and we will bring them to the altar and dedicate them to God. If you don’t have a card, we will have some available, or if you prefer, you can go online and make your commitment here: https://stlukesmethodist.org/give/ Or if you are not ready to make a financial commitment to St. Luke’s, I hope you will come and be a part of our worship anyway. This will be an opportunity to come to the altar and respond to God’s call on your life, and know that God will equip you and empower you to do whatever you are called to do.
“Changed!” Sermon Series
This week, we conclude our sermon series as we talk about apostleship – being called and sent by God to do God’s work in the world. Our pathway at St. Luke’s moves from seeker to believer to belonger to disciple to apostle. What do you think God is sending you to do?
Go see our musical theatre for children: “Harriett’s Halloween Candy” this weekend.
We’d love to have you help us at our Connect Community Fall Festival this Wednesday afternoon, 4:30p.m.-6:30p.m., on our Gethsemane campus. Contact Amy Kelley at akelley@stlukesmethodist.org.
PRAYER CALENDAR
Sunday, October 22
Dear God, give us the strength to be considerate and mindful of all that has been given to us. Thank you for the amazing new spaces you have provided us. May we take care of them and inspire the generations behind us to love them as we do. We are so thankful and grateful for those who keep our church clean and make it welcoming, and pray that we all play our parts in taking care of our beautiful church community. Amen
Monday, October 23
God, I pray for those who continue to be unemployed and are unsure of what the future holds. Lord, open doors and provide opportunity for those who just need to catch a break today. Amen.
Tuesday, October 24
Father God, we pray for those who are expecting children in the coming year. Surround them with your loving presence and keep mom and baby healthy as new life grows stronger each day. Amen.
Wednesday, October 25
Jesus, comfort those who are currently going through a difficult time in their lives. Remind them that this is just a season and that you are walking with them. Show me how to reach out to those who are lost. Amen.
Thursday, October 26
Lord, thank you so much for our pastors and this wonderful church that blesses those who are in great need. Amen.
Friday, October 27
Jesus, I pray that you would heal my broken heart and give me strength to forgive the person who has harmed me. Give me a heart of love today, Lord. Amen.
Saturday, October 28
Lord God, bless the Red Cross and all the work that they do for the restoration of those who are in need. Grant them an abundance of resources so that they can continue to do your work of recovery in the city. Amen.
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