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, September 25, 2023

Sunday Pastoral Prayer (September 24) Beulah UMC & Oak Grove UMC

September 24, 2023


Gracious God, we are thankful for your amazing grace. Thank you for your amazing grace that saves us from our sins. Thank you for your amazing grace that comforts us. But we also thank you for your amazing grace that sometimes stings us and makes us uncomfortable. 

 

May we never reach a point where we have your amazing grace all figured out. And so, when the math of your grace just doesn’t add up according to our calculations of what is fair and unfair, remind us that it’s also not fair that you would save a wretch like me.

 

Today, we especially pray for those who do not feel worthy of your love or even know that you are a loving God who loves the world so much that you gave your only Son. May the way we live out our faith during the week always be a reflection of your amazing grace that is available to every single person we encounter. 

 

We also pray for the many prayer requests that are on our hearts and minds this day. For those who are ill and facing medical challenges, surround them with your healing grace. For those who are feeling lonely or marginalized, extend to them your compassionate grace. For those who are facing a difficult decision and in need of direction, send them your guiding grace. For those who are are grieving the loss of a loved one, send them your consoling grace. And for those who are celebrating a joy in their life, send them your thankful grace. 

 

Your amazing grace is all around us; in the cooler temperatures of autumn, in the display of pumpkins outside of grocery stores, and in fields that are getting closer and closer to the harvest season. And this is why we began our worship today by singing, “To God be the glory, great things he hath done!”

 

We pray this in the name of Jesus who taught us to pray together saying…

 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

No comments: