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, January 8, 2024

Sunday Pastoral Prayer (January 7/Baptism of the Lord Sunday) Beulah UMC & Oak Grove UMC

Sunday, January 7, 2024 
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
Pastoral Prayer


O God, on this Sunday of new beginnings, be with us as we renew our baptisms and receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Thank you for this wonderful way for us to begin 2024.

 

Grant each of us a fresh start in being reminded that we are your beloved children. Whenever we forget this basic truth of who we are, may the sound of water, whether it be by a lake, a river, a stream, or even simply drawing water from the sink remind us of our baptism and that we are cleansed from our sins and we belong to you. 

 

As Christmas decorations are put away, may we never put away your light that shines brightly in our lives. May the same light that led the Wise Men to the Christ Child in Bethlehem also be our light in this new year ahead.

 

Be our light in the midst of any darkness we may face. Shine brightly upon the people on our church’s prayer list as well as the many others who are on our hearts and minds this day. Shine upon those who are facing health problems, those with heavy hearts, those who feel alone, those who have been waiting a long time for a prayer to be answered, those who are in need of a listening ear, those who are discouraged and in need of a new direction in life. 

 

O God, be our Epiphany light throughout this new year. We pray this in the name of Jesus, the light of the world 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.

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