A PERSONAL PRAYER
O Christ, you who are God and sitteth at the right hand of the Father, I praise you today for your mighty power and for your great love.
When I consider all your promises, that you sent your Son so that your kingdom, the kingdom of heaven, will overcome the kingdom of the world…, that things will be made right, I am filled with hope and gratitude.
When I envision the day that the hungry are fed, that the hurting are comforted, that the sick are healed, that the swords are beat into plowshares, that those imprisoned in oppression or addictions are set free, I am in awe of your goodness. Thank you, God.
When I think honestly about my own life, that in Jesus Christ you set me free from both the guilt and the power of my sin, I am full of praise and thanksgiving.
And yet, I must humbly and earnestly ask… how long, O Lord? How long until your kingdom comes on earth as it is in heaven? How long until you finish your new creation? How long until we are made pure and spotless? How long until that promise is fulfilled?
You told your apostles that it was not up to them to know the times and ways, so I suppose I cannot know either. But I am impatient, God. I long for your will to be done here, just as it is in heaven. In the meantime, I pray that you would fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I might be faithful to the way of life you taught, and so that I might employ the strategy of servant love you demonstrated.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
KEY VERSE FOR THE WEEK
Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Read the whole passage for Sunday’s sermon here: Acts 1:1-11
QUESTIONS FOR CONVERSATION
What does Jesus’ ascension into heaven tell us about his mission on earth?
What do the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension teach us about the true nature and identity of Jesus?
How should we respond to the ascension of Christ? Where are our Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria? How do we bear witness to Jesus there?
SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE
Next week, May 7, we begin a new sermon series titled: Keeping it Simple; Plain Values for Living Well. Sometimes, we make living by Biblical principles more complicated than it needs to be. If you could condense the way of life Jesus taught us into a few simple principles, what would those be? Throughout May we will look at some simple principles in simple verses to help us see more clearly how to live in this complicated world. I hope you will be with us each Sunday throughout May.
I want to issue to you a Summer Bible Study Challenge: Find a way to be in regular Bible Study with others this summer! Here at St. Luke’s you can do that in one (or more) of four ways:
- Read the daily Bible readings in your Scripture + Shared app. Download the app here.
- Sign up for the Bible in 90 days! You can do that here.
- Take the “Bible 101” class to learn foundational information about the Old Testament.
- Find a Bible Buddy, and if you didn’t do it before, go through the Journey to Jerusalem Study. The materials can be found on the Scripture + Shared app or on the website here.
We say “We study the Bible” is a habit, so let’s start a good habit this summer.
This Sunday morning, Rev. Eric Huffman will share a message that focuses on the Ascension of Jesus, found in the first chapter of Acts, as we conclude our semester long study of Jesus’ life.
PRAYER CALENDAR
Sunday, April 30
Dear Lord, thank you for all your many blessings, your love, and your grace. Please help us to know how best to serve you. Let us be your hands and feet each and every day. Amen.
-Prayer by Susan Smith
Monday, May 1
Lord, we pray for peace in our country and in the world. Send your love to those who are suffering and in need of your saving grace. We long for your coming kingdom and commit to joining in your work for the transformation of the world. Amen.
Tuesday, May 2
Prayers for ministers and church staff that they might be inspired and strengthened by your presence as they work for your kingdom. Amen.
Wednesday, May 3
Dear Heavenly Father, as we swiftly approach summer in the city, help us to remain focused on the gift and promise we received during Lent and Easter. We are determined to live a life of loving gratitude as your followers, Jesus. We pray for strength to assume our Christian responsibilities and to witness, with joy, the sharing of our faith. Be a constant presence in our lives. In the name of our savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Thursday, May 4 – National Day of Prayer
Thank you, gracious God, for seeking us and finding us. Thank you, precious Savior, for walking on water with us during the times we would have sunk if all alone. Thank you, dear Lord, for taking hold of our hands when our troubles deepened. Thank you, Holy God, when the dark clouds roll away and the sunshine comes out! Amen. -Prayer by Carole Wakefield
Friday, May 5
Help me to continue to believe in all that you provide for me. Keep me believing in all your blessings large or small. Amen. -Prayer by Anne
Saturday, May 6
Today I pray for our church on both campuses, the ministers, ministries, and members. Guide us into being the people and the church that you are calling us to be. Amen.
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