[People entering the front entrance of our church yesterday were welcomed with sidewalk chalk messages. Children from our "Athens First Saturday" community outreach provided positive messages such as, "God loves you," "Welcome," and "Today, you will do great things!" They even listed our Sunday worship times and included an invitation to Monday Lunch. Just imagine the impact this will have on the many people who will walk by our church this week as long as it doesn't rain!]
O God, thank you for reminding us through your Word today to
show honor to the people we see and interact with on a daily basis. Remind us that
every person has been created in your image.
On this Labor Day weekend, we especially show honor to those
who offer their best to make a living as well as to those who might be
struggling to find employment. When we put our groceries on the conveyor belt
or ask for the #2 combo at a fast food restaurant or cash a check at the bank,
may our interaction with those who are working behind the counter be one of
encouragement and gratitude for their service to us. Forgive us for the many
times that we forget how important these jobs are in our everyday lives.
We also are thankful for living near a university where
people are being prepared for a particular job or career path. We pray that
their education, their training, and their credentialing will be used to help
make this world a better place, a place that is filled with your justice and
peace.
To this end, we lift up to you Tom Dixon and Young Life as
they continue to be a blessing to young people in our community. Strengthen
their outreach, their fellowship, and their witness of your love here in our
community.
On this Labor Day weekend, we are also thankful for the many
people in our church, who even though they may be retired, continue to be an
incredible blessing through their volunteer work in our community and through
the life of our church. Thank you for blessing us through their willing hands
and hearts.
And finally Lord, we also lift up to you anyone who may be
facing a difficult time in their lives, like the loss of a job, challenging
medical issues, a difficult decision, relational strain, or the loss of a loved
one, surround these persons with you healing love and compassion.
Thank you for giving us this day of the week where we are
reminded that we are an Easter people, we are a people claimed by you, we are a
family, and we are your church!
And as your family, we join in praying the words that Jesus
taught his disciples and now teaches us to pray…
“Our Father, who art in heaven…”
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