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

A PERSONAL PRAYER
God of love and peace,
Sometimes, an evil spirit comes over me, God, just like one came over King Saul. Sometimes it is depression, or jealousy, or rage, or out of control ambition, or greed, or snarkiness, or all sorts of other spirits. I refuse to give in to those spirits, God. I won’t let them take me over completely. I turn to you, the only one who can rescue me from such a spirit. Truth is, they don’t scare me so much anymore. I know that you will send the resources to pull me out and up from the pit. You give me resources that are internal—prayer and that peace that passeth understanding that can come only from you. And you give me the external resources as well—the words of your Scripture, friends who walk with me, advice of mentors and counselors and people I trust, doctors and medications, and most of all the support of family and church family, who lift me up and stand beside me. Thank you, God, for not abandoning me to the spirits of evil, and set me free that I might love and serve you with all that I am. In the name of Christ, who came to set the captive free, I pray.
Amen.

KEY VERSE FOR THE WEEK
And whenever the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand, and Saul would be relieved and feel better, and the evil spirit would depart from him. – 1 Samuel 16:23  Read the whole passage for this week’s sermon here: 1 Samuel 16:14-23

QUESTIONS FOR CONVERSATION
What kind of music, if any, opens up your heart? When you pray, what do you do to be totally honest with God? Who has walked with you through your times of evil spirit?

SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE
This Sunday, June 12, we continue our series called “Saga,” looking at the life of King David, and we will deal with his service to King Saul as musician and armor bearer. God used David to ease Saul’s pain as evil spirits came over him. I’m looking forward to sharing thoughts with you about that this week.

What a wonderful week we have had at Vacation Bible School. I was even permitted to squirt children and leaders with a squirt gun as we talked about John the Baptist. A special thank you to all the leaders.

Beginning this week, construction will begin on our parking garage, in partnership with St. John’s School. It is going to be so wonderful when it is done, but it will be a challenge for the next six or seven months as the garage is under construction. The St. John’s parking lot immediately to our east will be closed beginning this Sunday. Sunday parking will be available in the south lot. Shuttles will run continuously from the Briar Club garage (2603 Timmons) to the Edloe side of the building, and from St. John’s lot on Buffalo Speedway to the Chapel ramp. In addition, renovations have begun on the East Portico. For the next two weeks, the front drive will be closed in front of the Sanctuary, but will be available for Fellowship Hall drop-off. See map here.

PRAYER CALENDAR

Sunday, June 12
Holy Lord, bless those who are struggling to find light in the darkness. Hold their hands, walk with them through the darkness and let them find the light only you can provide. Amen.

Monday, June 13
Dear Lord, thank you for the volunteers from our congregation who are giving their time each week to mentor children. Thank you, too, for the opportunity that this ministry gives us to understand the needs of our community and to become closer to it and you. Amen.

Tuesday, June 14
Dear Lord, I pray for our students this summer. Many of them are away at camp or journeying with our Student Ministries on a mission trip. So often it is when we get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life that we allow space for you to move. Lord, I pray that hearts would be awakened and hands would serve in the weeks and months ahead. Amen.

Wednesday, June 15
Father, help me be light to others. Please make me aware of those who are hurting, and help me listen to their cares and their pain. Allow me to be a small hope in their darkness. Amen.

Thursday, June 16
Thank you, dear God, for your many blessings. You’re an awesome God! Forgive my many sins and bless all your children who are ill or hurting and need your help. Make them aware that you are there for them and that you love them. Praise your holy name. We love you. Amen.

Friday, June 17
We lift up those who are in need of a life-saving treatment or transplant. Thank you God for all those we know who have had success stories and are here on earth still to lift others up. And, we thank you God for the many donors out there and those who tirelessly advocate for others. Amen.

Saturday, June 18
Holy Father, thank you for sharing your faithful, talented, and generous children with me over the last nine years. I am so very grateful to you for them- for all they are and all they give to the church, this community, and each other. Amen. -Prayer by Kathy Branton, Finance Office