We pray. We study the Bible. We make friends. We tell our stories. We give ourselves away in generosity and service.

WE PRAY: A PERSONAL PRAYER

Dear God,
You know that I want to be successful, not so much in terms of money or prestige or power, but I want to make a difference in the world. I want to reach my potential, to be used by you to do something that matters. And yet, you call me not so much to be successful, but to be faithful. You call me not so much to do what is effective, but to do what is right. You call me not to worry about my impact, but to worry about my character. You have said that if I will do these things, you will take care of the rest of it.

When I look at the list of qualifications in your word for Christian leadership, I tremble… “Leaders are to be “temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. They must manage their own households well…” And this is just part of it. It is clear you are more interested in my character than my leadership style or what I can accomplish.

O God, I confess that my character is flawed. Thank you for claiming me and using me anyway. I pray you will work transformation in my heart and life so that I might be a positive witness for you.

In the name of Christ, I pray…
Amen.

KEY VERSES FOR THE WEEK
1 Timothy 1:12 – I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service. Read the whole passage for this week’s sermon here: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

QUESTIONS FOR CONVERSATION
How much of your energy is dedicated to resume virtues and how much to obituary virtues? How would you describe the witness you have to what God has done in your life?

SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE
·     This week in worship we will be honoring our graduating seniors, and presenting them in our 11 a.m. worship service. Come and show them how proud we are of them, and remind them that they are not alone as they set off into the next stage of life.

·     Thanks to those of you who have sent me emails with the best single piece of advice you have received. Keep ‘em coming. These have been great fun. Here are a few of them:

“Greed lowers I.Q. – you get greedy, you get dumber.”

“There are very few problems in life that can’t be solved with a credit card and positive attitude.”

“Never run with scissors.”

“If someone offers you gum or a mint, take it.”

“Don’t let your schooling get in the way of your education.”

This week, as we prepare for Mother’s day, send me some of your “mom-isms.” What are crazy things your mom has said to you? For example, perhaps she said “If you have a wreck, I am going to kill you.”

PRAYER CALENDAR

Sunday, May 1
God, give me the strength to trust you when I hear your voice calling to me. Help me to see that what you would have for me is truly greater than what I would choose for myself. Help me to be the person of character that you are calling me to be. Amen
-Prayer by Rev. Thomas Harper

Monday, May 2
God, today starts a new week full of opportunities. Holy Spirit, I need your guidance as I am faced with choices this week. God, help me to seek your will and to live a life that is pleasing to you. Let my words and actions be a living testimony to your great love. Amen.

Tuesday, May 3 | Personal Prayer Day
This week, we are focusing on building character. Make a list of things or habits that that are not good for you or God’s best. Then, pray for God to help you in these areas, and be still and listen for his response. Write a new habit or activity that would be pleasing to God to replace the old one.

Wednesday, May 4
God, sometimes I lack discipline and self-control to do my very best for you. I know that your ways are not always easy, and I know that when I follow your ways my life is even more than I can imagine. Help me to be faithful to all that you have called me to do. Help me to seek you in all that I do so that I may bear the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Amen.

Thursday, May 5 | National Day of Prayer
God of all people, on this National Day of Prayer, we join brothers and sisters throughout our land to pour out thanksgiving for the blessings bestowed upon our nation – freedom, resources, and opportunity. We pray for your wisdom and guidance for our country, that those blessings and opportunities might be available to all our people, and that we might always stand for what is good and right and just in the world. We pray for all our leaders, and for our electoral process, that through us, your will might always be accomplished. Amen.
-Prayer by Dr. Tom Pace

Friday, May 6
Heavenly Father, you know all of the ways that I fall short of your desires, and you know my sins. Please give me the strength I need to overcome my sins and bad habits so that I may see your perfect will for my life. Lead me in your ways that lead to everlasting life. Amen.

Saturday, May 7
God, I seek your divine guidance for my life. Give me what I need to follow your will not my will. Help me to build your Kingdom here on earth from the inside out. Cultivate good habits in me for prayer, Bible study, sharing the Good news, making friends, and giving myself away. Set me apart for your purpose. Amen.