A United Methodist Pastor's Theological Reflections

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory (nikos) through our Lord Jesus Christ." - I Corinthians 15:57


Monday, January 9, 2017

Pastoral Prayer (Jan. 8) @ Athens First UMC

[During yesterday's worship, we shared the wonderful news that our Dedication Sunday for the completion of our building improvements will be held on February 12 at 10:30 am in our newly remodeled sanctuary. A covered dish meal will follow. Invite your friends, family members, co-workers to worship with us that day. It will be an incredible day of celebration!]


O God, thank you for giving us the church which is our weekly reminder of who we are and to whom we belong.

Forgive us for how quickly we forget our true identity in you. Thank you for the powerful symbol of water to help us remember, especially on this Baptism of our Lord Sunday.

When we’re tempted to be someone other than who you created us to be, remind us that we are a child of God.

When others disappoint us, remind us that we are a child of God.

When life’s challenges come our way, remind us that we are a child of God.

When our tasks and responsibilities far outweigh the time we have to get them done, remind us that we are a child of God.

When we fail to be the people you have called us to be, remind us that we are a child of God.

When we begin a new semester that will demand a lot of studying and preparation on our part, remind us that we are a child of God.

When we struggle with addictions and personal demons, remind us that we are a child of God.

When we break our New Year’s resolutions and it’s only January 8th, remind us that we are a child of God.

O God, thank you for creating us in your image and for giving each one of us a purpose for living. Thank you for loving us just the way we are and for creating us to be in a personal relationship with you. Thank you for the church which reminds us week after week that there is nothing in this world that can ever separate us from your great love in Christ Jesus our Lord.


It is in his name that we pray together saying, “Our Father, who art in heaven…”

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