The Pastor’s Corner

Prayer: Almighty God, we praise you for your divine providence in ordering a new day for us. This day is no ordinary day because it is the day that you call your people away from their worldly cares, employment, and recreations to sit at the feet of the Savior and find rest and comfort for our souls. We confess to you, our God, that our souls are weary from the activities and cares of this life. The effects of sin are all around us and in us. We are burdened with so many things. We are less like Mary and more like Martha, anxious and troubled by many issues. We thank you that you gave us Lord's Day that we might have the good portion of this life and be reminded of the life to come. Please, O God, remind us of the rest that is ours in your Son. Please grant us something of your presence as we gather with our brothers and sisters in public worship. Please help us cast our cares on you because you care for us. Please help us to hear the living voice of our Savior today as your Word is preached, we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer: Grant, Almighty God, that we your people would not grow weary and faint in our journey from this land that is perishing to the land that will never pass away. As you are pleased to redeem us from the land of bondage, you are also pleased to leave us in this world of sin and misery for a season to run the race you have for us. Though we would rather be where you are, it is your eternal will to leave us to walk the road leading to our heavenly rest. Here, in this place, you are daily conforming us to the image of Christ and making us ready for the place where the eye has not seen, or ear hear what you have in store for those who love you. We confess that we sometimes grow weary in doing good. We admit to the occasional discouragement and temptation to give up and quit. We confess that we sometimes grumble and complain as the church of old did as they journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land. We know how much that displeases you, and we mourn it and turn away from it placing our whole life in your hands. We are sometimes faithless though you remain faithful. We are occasionally discontented though you have proven your care for us day after day. Your faithfulness is new to us each morning. Please forgive us, Father. Please help us to remain steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of our Savior. Please give us a contented mind and heart, trusting in your good providence and fatherly care. Please grant us patience as we make this journey to a better country, we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer: Almighty God and Creator of all things, we praise you for the privilege of prayer, knowing that through it, we do not change your mind but only have our minds brought into alignment with yours. We pray, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven," because there is much we do not know and have not been promised. Therefore, holy Father, we ask that you accomplish your purposes today in the world you made and in the church, you redeemed through the blood of the Great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. We ask that your people, especially, would be mindful of your will and seek to do all that glorifies you, whether in thought, word, or action. Though we know that your people sin and fall short of your glory, we are comforted with the eternal and unchanging truth that you are just and righteous, forgiving your people as they humble themselves before you. Though we are like sheep often going astray, you are the Good and unchanging Shepherd who loves your people and seeks them when they wander. Thank you, Father, for being so kind and gracious to us. Thank you for giving us your Spirit who helps us in prayer and practice as we seek to honor you. As a Father, you stand able and ready to help us. Help us, Lord!

Therefore, we cry out to you for the state of our souls and the state of the world. We are grieved at the events of the world you have made. Men, made in your image, promote themselves and boast in their wisdom. Yet, they do so to their folly and shame. Professing to be wise, they are fools. We long for righteous leaders who fear you and walk humbly with you. We know that a nation rejoices when these things are so. Therefore, we ask that you would be pleased to rescue our leaders from their misery, shame, and sin and open their eyes to the only hope they have -- the Lord Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.