Gentleness & Self-Control

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Pastoral Prayer
Father, you are almighty.  You are the Creator of Heaven and Earth; we ask that you surround us with your loving kindness this morning as we worship you in Spirit and in truth!  That the saving knowledge of Christ strengthens us, and that your grace leads us, your wisdom be our comfort, and the power of the Holy Spirit enlightens us. Today, on this Memorial Day weekend, we give thanks for those who have served our country, who have even given their lives in service to our country.  We give you thanks for how they’ve considered others before themselves.    Father, give us eyes to see how we can serve one another in our daily lives as we put aside selfish desires.  We give thanks for your guidance in our lives and for the commandments given for our good.  To love you and to love our neighbor. And, Father, we ask right now that you would lead us in our worship, as we consider Jesus coming to earth in the fullness of time, help us to set our eyes on Jesus, that author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured death, even death on a cross.   

Hear now our prayers of adoration for who you are and what you’ve done for us: 

Father, hear us now as we pray for those in need.  You are the Creator of Heaven and Earth, you have created us in your image.  You created our bodies, knit us together in our mother’s wombs, and can heal them. We pray now for those who are experiencing the pain of loss of a loved one, we… The others who are among those who are sick and suffering, we pray for Deacon Hubbard, Gregg Thomas, Mike Moore, Wanda Mooney, Brenda Prince, and Nancy Moore, Russell DeVore, Dan Foutch.  We pray for Vicki Stevens in the passing of her grandson.  We also pray for Snuffy Trotter in the passing of her husband, Doug Trotter.  Comfort them as they miss their loved ones. 

Hear our prayers for many others who you’ve placed in our lives whom we love 

Father, you are faithful to your gospel mission to redeem the lost with the saving news of the death and resurrection of your son, Jesus Christ.  We continue to consider the planting of 500 churches in the next few years and church planting hubs around the world.  We pray this morning for Leandro Pinheiro and his missionary efforts in Brazil.  Be with him as he focuses in on Brazil as a strategic city and hub for the proclamation of the gospel.  Strengthen and encourage him as he focuses on planting gospel-centered churches, recruiting, training, and deploying church planters, and building regional networks. Father, we thank you that we can approach your throne of grace with confidence awaiting one day the new heavens and new earth, because of what your son Jesus has done on our behalf.  We pray all of this in Jesus’ name.