A PERSONAL PRAYER
God of love,
Sometimes my life feels so fragmented. I am pulled in many directions, and I search for some way to tie the pieces all together. Too often, God, I confine you to only one part of my life. I box you into conversations about faith and belief and leave you out of decisions that are more mundane or pragmatic. But you are to be my guiding hand in all of it. I want to surrender all of it to you: everything I do, everything I think, every relationship I have, every hour I have, every place I serve. They are all part of your purpose for my life, and they are all a part of my calling from you. What is more amazing is that you are the God who gives me everything I need to accomplish that to which you call me. I pray for your guidance in managing all of it.
God, as I prepare to recommit myself, once again, to the work of your institutional church this week, remind me of the ways I can be the person you ask me to be and accomplish the things you want me to accomplish. Help me to know how to commit the right resources of time and money, of gifts and talents, of energy and influence, to that work. And then help me to use the remainder in other ways for your glory. All of it is for you.
In the name of Christ, I pray. Amen.
SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE
This Sunday, October 20, is a special Sunday at St. Luke’s.
• At our traditional services, we will have soloist Christina Wells sing for us (check out one of her performances here). Christina is a Houston native whose powerful voice got her to the finals of America’s Got Talent, and you will be moved by her music and her spirit.
• It is Commitment Sunday at all of the services. We will have the opportunity to come to the altar rail and recommit our lives to the ministry of Christ and the work of the church. You will have the opportunity to bring a commitment card for your 2020 giving to the altar rail for dedication. Many have made their commitment online. We encourage everyone to use this opportunity to recommit your whole lives, rather than simply your financial gift. Learn more or make a pledge here.
• We will continue our series on living a High Impact Life by considering how we are called to count the cost of being a Jesus follower, and what it means to carry our own cross. Come and let’s learn together.
• Time Change for Church Conference! Because we have a possible Astros game at 6:30 to clinch the American League pennant and move on to the World Series (if they haven’t already won by then), our all Church Conference time will be at 4:00 in the Fellowship Hall. We will consider a plan for a capital campaign in the Fall of 2020. We will vote to authorize a capital campaign committee for projects to put meat on our “A City Transformed by the Love of Jesus” vision statement, retiring our debt on the parking garage, and consider a building committee for a youth community center at Gethsemane. See the draft proposal here. We will also hear a report from the Trustees and the Foundation, as well as a financial update. All are welcome.
Did you miss last week’s message, “Greater Works” on October 13? Watch it here.
PRAYER CALENDAR
Sunday, October 20
Loving God, we thank you for the gift of eternal salvation. You have given us hope and peace in Jesus, and you have called us to share this gift with others. Please give us opportunities to take the light of Jesus into the world and the courage that we need to share this amazing gift with others. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Monday, October 21
Dear Lord, guide me to remember you in all moments – the most trying, the good, and the mundane. Remind me that your healing grace is ever-present in my personal and professional life. Amen.
Tuesday, October 22
Heavenly Father, we pray for our children who are away at college. We pray that you would keep them safe, and give them discernment to make good decisions. Help them to focus on their studies and be successful. Amen.
Wednesday, October 23
Heavenly Father, we pray for those who are struggling with depression. Guide them to seek proper mental health care and make them whole again. Help them to feel your loving arms holding them each day, and grant them peaceful rest each night. Heal them so that they may experience joy again. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Thursday, October 24
Heavenly Father, we pray for our prodigal sons and daughters. We pray that you would redeem them and bring them back to a life that leads to fulfillment. Help them to know that true life begins with you. Amen.
Friday, October 25
Heavenly Father, thank you for providing for our needs each day and for giving us new opportunities and blessings. Thank you for growing us as your disciples and for bringing us closer in relationship with you. We praise you and thank you for your unconditional love. Amen.
Saturday, October 26
Gracious God, today, we confess our sins to you, and we offer you our whole heart. Cleanse our hearts and our minds and restore us. Bless us with your amazing Grace. In the name of our Risen Savior, Amen.
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