Sunday Prayer – March 17, 2013

“Listen and accept what I say and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”  (Proverbs 4:10-13)

“Lord, I want to do what you have created me to do. I come to You today, seeking Your direction for my life. I have my own ideas of how You want me to serve You, to enlarge Your kingdom here on earth, to provide for myself, my family and my church. But I need Your wisdom. Which route should I take? When shall I begin? How shall I go? Lead me, Lord, into the waters You have chartered for my life.”  (“Power Prayers to Start Your Day”

As we come closer to Easter, I pray for a renewal of interest for Jesus within your community. May your church discover new people who are searching for answers and hope in the midst of their struggles? May the excitement of upcoming Easter events and worship be contagious? May the truth of the risen Christ catch fire in the hearts of church members and seekers alike? May our churches discover new life and a fresh message reminding the world that indeed: “Christ died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again.” In the name of the Risen Christ. Amen.

From: Axiom: Powerful Leadership Proverbs by Bill Hybels

Joni Eareckson Tada was leading a Q and A session following one of her talks and someone in the audience asked her how she kept going – how she kept leading and serving and creating – despite her obvious  physical challenges.

She said: “This is the only time in history when I get to fight for God. This is the only part of my eternal story when I am actually in the battle. Once I die, I’ll be in celebration mode in a glorified body in a whole different set of circumstances. But this is my limited window of opportunity and I’m going to fight the good fight for all I’m worth.”

Bill continued: “I came away from the event more resolute than ever that if I’m waiting for some other life to be courageous, then I’m kidding myself. Through her response, Joni proved that sh gets what daring decision-making is all about. Sh knows how to live life so tuned in to the Holy Spirit that his voice merges with her inner voice: his view of the world becomes her view as well. She has learned to drown out fear’s whispers in favor of adopting God’s take on any given situation. Sh not only knows the right thing to do; she actually does it.”

Eternal God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit:

You have called us to be spiritual leaders of your body this church;

Help us to surrender our hearts and minds to you;

To humbly seek your voice;

To boldly do your will;

To compassionately share your love;

To faithfully be your servants;

And to reverently lead your people.

Bless all that we do,

So that we can do what you bless.

In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

(From Becoming A Blessed Church by N. Graham Standiish)