The Pastor’s Corner

Prayer: Almighty God and Father of all your redeemed people, we humble ourselves before your throne today to plead with you and to confess to you our transgressions and sins. Your word tells us to seek first your kingdom and righteousness, and we know that we often fail to obey that plain command. We confess that we seek many things in this life. We are idol factories, indeed. We have made idols out of our money, family, jobs, possessions, and a host of many other things. We have quickly turned aside to the cares of this life and give little thought that we are dust, passing away daily in our mortal bodies. We often fail to consider eternity and those things that eye has not seen what you have in store for those who love you. Forgive us, Lord, for being so easily distracted from what matters most in this life. Please grant us a great love for you and help us to seek the things that are above.

Prayer: Grant, Almighty God, since the doctrine of Thy Gospel sounds daily in our ears when Thou invites us so kindly by Thy amazing clemency and stretch out thy hand by Thine only begotten Son -- Grant, I pray Thee that we may be of a teachable and flexible disposition, and that we may sincerely submit to Thee. And since Thy law contains so many dreadful examples of Thy wrath, may we be moved by them, and may we walk with fear and trembling in obedience to Thy Word, that at length we may enjoy that inheritance Thou hast promises for us in Thy heavenly kingdom, by the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer: Our glorious God in heaven, we thank you for another Lord's Day that you made for us. We know that the Sabbath was made for man and your word declares that you set this day apart from all the other days of the week as one that is holy. On this day, you gave us an example by resting from all of your work. It is this day that points to our Sabbath rest -- the Lord Jesus Christ. You have commanded us to keep this day holy and cease from our normal worldly recreations and employment. You have further commanded that we delight in it and seek your face in the public gathering of worship and the enjoyment of Christian fellowship. Yet, we so often fail to seize this opportunity. Too often, we get caught up in our affairs and fail to worship you publicly and privately. We sin against you when we absent ourselves from your worship. We value the things of this life too much, and that is why we miss those common, ordinary things that you allow us to enjoy every other day. How sad it is that we a drawn to things that will never satisfy and replace your presence with the things of this world. Forgive us, Father. Please help us see the value of this day and the great opportunity afforded us to be in your presence and with your people. Please grant us a great love of the Lord's Day and be pleased to meet with your people as we gather to adore you. These things we pray for in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we thank you for the great privilege to commune with the sovereign God of heaven and earth. You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Oh, Lord, we live in difficult and trying times. Though we know that nothing is new under the sun, we also know that sin has wrecked all that you have made and called good. We grieve at the state of our world and country. We see men, made in your image, professing and boasting to be wise, yet their rebellion against you only proves their foolishness. We know that this world is a mess because of sin, and we are ashamed that we, as your people, are still prone to sin and sinful behaviors. We are thankful to you that you are a God who delights in the forgiveness of sin. Yet, we long for the day when sin will be no more -- when we will no longer feel its effects and languish in it. Therefore, holy Father, we pray that you would grant us a great desire to follow you, being the church militant, until that day when we are the church at rest. Please grant us a greater zeal to advance your kingdom and righteousness and offer to all who can hear the only hope this world has: The Lord Jesus Christ, your begotten Son. We thank you that you have rescued us from the land of bondage and sin and redeemed us from slavery. We thank you for feeding us and reminding us weekly of your favor and love. We thank you that you do not treat us as our sins deserve. Therefore, Father, help us walk in your ways resting on your eternal and divine providence, knowing that you will bring your people safely to their eternal home. These things we pray for in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer: We thank you, Almighty God, for the kind and loving provision you give to your people each day. We pray, "give us this day our daily bread," and we see you answer that prayer each day by giving to us what we need and more. We enjoy your bountiful blessing, not receiving what we deserve but receiving what we do not deserve. We thank you for our homes, transportation, friends, family, and many other things. We confess that we are often thankless and forget to pray with hearts of gratitude for the many ways you care for us. Forgive us, Father. Please help us live lives with a thankful frame towards you, our God who provides abundantly for us.

Prayer: Almighty God and Father in heaven, we praise you that you are holy -- the thrice-holy God. Though your ways are far above our ways, and your glory far exceeds all that you have made, you are pleased to condescend to help and aid your fallen creatures. In Christ, we have been given a sure and steadfast hope knowing that our High Priest has gone through the heavens laboring, serving, and praying for his people. We thank you for the comfort that brings to us pitiful servants of dust. We know that we are unprofitable servants on our best day, yet you are pleased to use us and help us. We confess to you, Father, that we often forget to live each moment to your glory. We easily forget that we were made to honor and adore you in everything that we do. Please forgive us and help us. We thank you for the gracious provision of your Spirit, who guides, instructs, and watches each step we take. We thank you that you direct our paths. Please do so today. Please remember your promises to your people and bless us we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.