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, August 12, 2019

Sunday Pastoral Prayer (August 11) Athens First UMC



[This was near the end of our 10:30 worship service during the benediction. The benediction always sends us forth to shine God’s light in our community and world which was our worship theme. For the sermon, click here.]

O God, our lamps are lit and we are ready to live out our faith in a very broken and hurting world. We are ready to respond to how you are prompting us to step out of our comfort zones and serve you. We are ready to share your love with others. We are ready to use the gifts you have given us to be a blessing with those around us. We are ready for where you are leading our church to be a haven of blessing and peace for the people of our community. O God, our lamps are lit and we are ready.

Thank you for providing us with many opportunities to be ready as your church. For Loving Faith ministries that help us to love you and one another. For Learning Faith ministries that help us to grow in knowledge. And for Living Faith ministries that lead us to use our gifts in ministry and service.

O God, you have given us everything we need to be ready to follow you as disciples of Jesus Christ. When the flames of our lamps begin to flicker because of doubts or fear or times that we turn our backs on you, remind us to turn to you for you are the light of the world.

Lead us, O God to light the way for our country, a country where there are an average of 300 hundred deaths per week because of gun violence. 300 deaths per week. O God, lead us to light the way of peace.

Lead us, O God to light the way for our county where there is so much food scarcity. O God, lead us to light the way of equity.

Lead us, O God to light the way for our community so that people would know there is hope because you are a God of hope.

Lead us, O God to light the way in our neighborhoods, in our schools, in our jobs, and in all our relationships.

O God, we are ready, ready to the end. Our lamps our lit as we join together in praying the words that Jesus taught us to pray together, “Our Father, who art in heaven…”

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