Sunday Pastoral Prayer (Oct. 27) Athens First UMC

[The photo above was taken during the memorial service for Dr. Sam Henderson which was held on October 26 at the OU Inn. This is one of Sam’s children offering the eulogy. Sam was a faithful and long-time member of Athens First UMC. He was a wonderful example of someone who loved and served his church by offering his gifts. It is fitting that the sermon the following day for Sunday worship was on the topic of serving. Next Sunday, Sam’s name will be read along with other members of our church who have passed away over this past year as we observe All Saints’ Sunday.]

Holy God, our prayer today is so simple but powerful. Move us, move us to do thy will.

 

Move us to pray without ceasing. Move us to read your Word often. Move us to worship you every Sunday morning. Move us to share our faith with others throughout the week. Move us to be generous givers in support of Christ and his church. Move us to serve you with our hands and our hearts. Move us to do thy will, O God.

 

Thank you for these past seven weeks of our Faith Builders series, where we have been given the opportunity to reflect on our commitments for each of these vital areas of our faith. Thank you for how the church helps us to live out our commitments and for giving us each other where we can build up our faith and make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of our community and world. Thank you for giving us a church where there are so many exciting things happening that we don’t have enough volunteers to keep pace. Thank you for that good problem. Thank you for constantly stretching us to be the church you are calling us to be.

 

On this Reformation Sunday, move us to always be reforming in what it means to be your people. Thank you for reforming us especially when we get too set in our ways. Thank you for not just saving us, but also enlisting us to do your will. Thank you for giving each one of us a job to do in offering our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness in the building up of your kingdom here on earth.

 

Move us to do thy will, O God. Move us from the pew to our neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces in sharing your love with others. Move us from complacency to commitment. Move us into the abundant life that you have in mind for us. 

 

Move us to do thy will even as we pray the prayer that Jesus taught us to say together…

 

“Our Father, who art in heaven…”