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, April 16, 2018

Pastoral Prayer (April 15) Athens First UMC



[Yesterday was our Growing Tree Preschool Sunday during the 10:30 service. Our Growing Tree children, parents, and families were our special guests. Our church also took time to thank our preschool teachers. From left to right: Laura Calentine, Angela Strycker, Kathy Mangen, & Cathy Bigger. We had a special recognition of our current director, Cathy Bigger who will retire from her director position after this school year. Kathy Mangen will become the new director this fall. We are grateful for everyone who helps to make Growing Tree preschool a special place of learning and nurture! Click here to find more information about Growing Tree.]


Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, thank you that you love us so much that you call us your children. On this Growing Tree Sunday, help us all to have a child-like faith.

A faith that feels free to ask you any question like...

Why are rainbows so beautiful? Did Jesus have long hair? Why are sermons so long? Are pets allowed in heaven? 

O God, help us to be like children who aren’t afraid to ask questions about you and our faith. Help us to learn together and to remind each other that we are all your children. 

We especially thank you on this Sunday for all of our Growing Tree children, their families, our Growing Tree teachers, and everyone who helps to make our Growing Tree preschool a special place of learning. You want all of us to be like growing trees where we never stop learning and discovering the world around us.

And dear God, since we have done our share of complaining about the weather in recent weeks, we just want you to know how incredibly grateful we are for the several days of sunshine and warmer temperatures this past week. 

You bless us in so many ways; family, friends, parents, grandparents, food, fellowship, fun puppet skits, and times like this when we get to say a prayer to you at the same time. And especially this prayer you taught us to say together as one family,

“Our Father, who art in heaven…”

No comments: