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, March 11, 2019

Sunday Pastoral Prayer (March 10/Lent) Athens First UMC



[Even with losing an hour from the time change, a wonderful servant in our church made sure that our Sunday morning refreshments and coffee were ready for those who would be attending church. On this first Sunday in Lent, our focus was on how Jesus used his special relationship with God not to serve his own ends but to serve the needs of others. For the sermon, click hereOur church is filled with many servants who sacrificially offer themselves for others. Thank you, servants!]

O God, we know that it was only four days ago that we started our journey through this wilderness, but…

Are we there yet? It’s too dry out here, and there’s nothing but rocks. I’m hungry. When are we going to stop and get something to eat. We did this same thing last year. Why do we have to go on this trip again? 

I’m not even getting a signal on my phone anymore. It’s way too quiet here. We’re like in the middle of nowhere. 

But wait. Is that Jesus over there? Is that why we’re going on this trip? To follow Jesus? Why do we have to stop here? This isn’t Jerusalem. Isn’t that where we need to go? 

O God, sorry for so many questions. It’s just that we’re not used to stepping out of our normal routine. We felt a little uneasy walking down the sidewalk with ashes smudged on our forehead this past Wednesday.

Along this journey, remind us that you are right beside us each step of the way. Along this journey, remind us that we do not walk alone. We have each other. We have your amazing grace that relieves our many fears.

Along this journey, we also pray for anyone who may feel overwhelmed by fear; the fear of how to handle a difficult situation, the fear of facing the death of a loved one, the fear of not finding a new job, the fear of not being able to handle challenges at work, the fear of raising a family with limited resources, the fear of a threatening medical situation.

O God, so many fears along life’s journey. As we walk with Jesus these 40 days of Lent, teach us to pray and to know that in any given moment, you are offering us your amazing grace. We pray this in the name of Jesus who taught us say together…

“Our Father, who art in heaven…”

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