Call to Worship, to Gather Together
Blessed to be a blessing
Revelation 1:4-5
Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
This blessing has a Trinitarian facet to it, recognizing the Father, the Spirit and the Son. Consider how the blessings of “grace and peace” might display themselves in you through the different descriptors of God’s character in Revelations 1:4-5. For instance: “I can have peace about my present (is), my past (was), and my future (to come).
Prayer for the Month
Father God, help us, Your people, to build a gentle approach toward others, both those inside Your family and out. Nudge us to make in-flight repairs whenever we misstep or misspeak, being willing to seek forgiveness as well as offer it. By Your Holy Spirit, help us to find hidden concerns that lie behind people’s questions, issues or problems – and then respond appropriately. Remind us that we’re part of a team, Your team, and to see (and do) our work as teamwork. Finally, teach us the value and power of words, particularly supportive words, and to use them powerfully on people that You value – all people. Let us be Your GIFTS to the people around us to Your glory. Amen.
Prayer
Prayer: Lord God Almighty, our Father and our God, I pray that You enable Pastor Paul’s mind (heart, soul, and will) to gain understanding – and that he humbles himself before You. God, You are seeking after him and there are things happening around him that are calling for a deeper spiritual understanding and practice on his part. Help him to rise to the occasion. Bless him as he comes to experience more of this needed spirituality in this climate of today. Help him choose to not settle for less, but hunger for You above all things. He comes at Your request knowing that he cannot find You without the Holy Spirit. He needs You today. Bless him to hear and follow. Show him the way and strengthen him as he pursues it. Guide him and enlighten him -- particularly in those spiritually dark places; encourage him when he gets weary, challenge him in the comfortable and ordinary places - and protect him Father God from his enemy the evil one. In Jesus’ name. Amen.