Dear Friends,
As I’ve sometimes done in the past, allow me to use this space to once again offer a list of prayer requests, all of which have been on my mind and in my heart. Whether you set aside a time for word and prayer each day, as I know many of you do, or you “pray on the way” as do many others, I invite you to join me in prayer…
…For our nation, that God would bring healing to the conflicts and divisions among us and grant us a spirit of unity in the midst of diversity, and mutual respect in spite of our differences.
…For our church family, that we would renew our commitments to faithful worship, reception of the Lord’s Supper, service, study, and growing relationships within our congregation, and that we
would honor God with the first-fruits of our income after which we fashion our life-styles and order our priorities in ways that seek to please Him, reflect our faith, and minister powerfully to the world around us.
would honor God with the first-fruits of our income after which we fashion our life-styles and order our priorities in ways that seek to please Him, reflect our faith, and minister powerfully to the world around us.
…For the Spirit of courage in inviting a friend, neighbor, classmate, colleague, or family member to experience the goodness of God with you at St. Andrew in an atmosphere of acceptance, celebration, and support.
…For those who suffer among us, whether the suffering is physical, from a broken relationship, or from the kind of spiritual illness that separates us from God and the gathering of His people, where healing, forgiveness, and restoration take place.
…For our Board of Directors, Elders, staff members, teachers, leaders, and all servants among us, that as they use their God-given gifts in the cause of Christ, they would not “grow weary in well-doing,” but grow in their love for Him, their joy in serving, and in the wonderful spirit they bring to our life together.
…For Christ-centered discernment of His will for the future of a dynamic mission and ministry for the hope of the world around us in 2017 and beyond.
My list is longer than this and I’m sure yours is too. But thanks, in advance, for allowing part of my prayer list to intersect with part of yours this month as we journey together through the season of Epiphany and beyond, mindful of St. Paul’s encouragement and assurance to the Christians in Philippi:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
The Lord be with you+
Love and prayers,
Pastor Hricko