Monday, September 14, 2015

Pastoral Prayer (September 13) - Athens First UMC


O God, thank you for teachers who have had a positive impact in our lives. As we begin our new Fall Sunday School schedule today, we are especially grateful for those persons who have helped us to grow in our faith.

Just as we have been blessed by teachers throughout our lives, remind us that we are also teachers for others in the way that we live out our faith. Help us to be good examples of what it means to follow you in our daily living.

As our calendars become more filled during this new season of the year, remind us to slow down so that we can listen to your voice speaking to us. You have placed us in this beautiful area of southeast Ohio with rolling hills, a scenic bike path and many spacious parks, and yet we forget to take time to enjoy your creation. Remind us to be still and know that you are God, especially in this busy time of year.

Loving God, help us to be a spirit-filled church, a church that is always open to your leading and direction. We know that our best days are ahead of us and not behind us. You have a preferred future in mind for us. Help us to live into that preferred future where we live out our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of our community and world.

We pray for those who are facing loneliness, sadness, grief, and troubling health issues. Surround these persons with your loving care.  Thank you that we can share our concerns and fears with each other in this place, knowing that you are a God who cares and who is always present with us.


As we seek to be the loving teachers you have called us to be, we ask that you would now teach us to pray the prayer that you taught your disciples, “Our Father, who art in heaven…”

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