Dr. Tom Pace, Dr. Tom Pace lll, Senior Pastor St. Lukes UMC, Sr Pastor St Lukes

A PERSONAL PRAYER
Ah, look at all the lonely people. Where do they all come from? Ah, look at all the lonely people. Where do they all belong? 

God, I think that is what you are saying so much of the time. Sometimes, even I, who have a marvelous family and incredible church family, think to myself “where do I belong?” It is at the core of the human condition, isn’t it? From the moment we hid ourselves from you in the garden, loneliness set in. You said it was not good that we be alone, but then we alienated ourselves not only from you, but from one another.

God, I pray today for all those folks who feel so alone. I pray that they would have the joy of real, authentic community, people who love them for who they are rather than because they conform; people who will rejoice with them and grieve with them. I pray for those who are pushing others away from them for whatever reason. I pray for those who have been pushed to the margins of our communities. I pray for those who are actually alone, and I pray for those who live with wonderful folks but still feel alone. I pray for those for whom social media is their only sense of connection. I pray for all the lonely people.

And for myself, that you would show me the way to open up to them, that we both might find exactly what we are looking for. Amen

SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE
This Sunday, we continue a three sermon series titled “Wanted!” Why are some churches growing and others not growing so much? Why did the early church grow like wildfire? What does it really mean to be hospitable to others, not only in our church but also in our homes and neighborhoods? We are going to look together at the three steps of hospitality. Last week we considered “pursued.” This week we consider “included,” with a sermon titled “The House Key.” Don’t miss it!

Come this week to Babes on Broadway, Fly Me To The Moon, a production by some of our Pure Sound Youth Choir members in the Rotunda Theatre. Friday, August 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 17 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 18 at 2:30 p.m. No advance ticketing required.

The best way to find a place to belong at St. Luke’s is to join a small group. Sign up for the Small Groups Launch on September 24, and invite someone else to sign up, too! Visit https://storage.storage.stlukesmethodist.org/small-groups-launch.

PRAYER CALENDAR
Sunday, August 18
God, thank you for always being with us wherever we go. As summertime is coming to an end and travels are slowing down, help us to get back into our regular worship routine. Renew our spiritual fervor and help us to experience the power of your presence in worship. And God, we pray that you would not only take us back to our usual routine but also take us to a new, deeper level. Help us to find one new way to serve you and to meet one new faith friend. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Monday, August 19
Lord, we pray for the children who are beginning a new school year. Give them a desire for learning and the courage to take advantage of new opportunities. Be with them as they go through this school year and guard their hearts and their minds. Help them to know that they belong to you, that you love them, and that you have great plans for them. Grow their gifts and talents so that they may find their passion in life. Please bless them with an amazing school year. Amen.

Tuesday, August 20
God, may the words and things we do today bring glory to you. May we shine the light of Christ to all we see today. Help us to follow Christ’s example in our own lives. Amen.

Wednesday, August 21
Dear God, I surrender to you. I am tired of being worried, anxious, and fighting this battle, so I give everything up to you. I know that you love me enough to send Jesus to die for my sins, and I trust you that you will lead me through this current battle and restore my joy. Thank you, God, for handling what I cannot. Amen.

Thursday, August 22
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the staff members and volunteers in the Communications and Media Ministries. Thank you for their abilities to give us the information we need in creative forms and different types of media. We pray that you would bless their efforts in amazing ways. Amen.

Friday, August 23
Almighty God, thank you for your divine providence and blessings. Thank you for the life that you have laid out for us. Open our eyes so that we may see all of the good in our lives, and help us strive to make the most of the blessings that you have given to us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Saturday, August 24
Father in Heaven, we pray for those who are unemployed or under-employed. We pray that you would guide them to a fulfilling job where they can use their gifts and talents to provide for their needs. Amen.