O God, just as you have reminded us to not be afraid, may the people who are on our hearts and minds this day also know that they need not be afraid because you will take care of them, through everyday, o’er all the way. Thank you for taking care of the family of Katie Starnes during their time of grief at the passing of Katie this past week. May they not be afraid as they hold onto the good news of our faith that nothing can ever separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We need not be afraid because you sent us Jesus who lived, who died, and who rose again. We need not be afraid because you have given us everything we need to overcome any challenges that come our way.
Whether we are facing a medical challenge, going through a time of transition in our lives, worried about what the future may bring, feeling insecure in stepping out in faith, or waiting for an answer to prayer, remind us to not be afraid.
Lord, we were afraid this past week with the news of the plane and helicopter crash in DC as well as the plane that crashed in Philadelphia. We’ve been thinking about the unbearable grief that the families of the passengers have been experiencing. As we continue to pray for them, replace our fear with an assurance that you are a God of healing and comfort whenever we experience these tragic moments in life.
As we spend time in prayer with you now, we pause to thank you for sending people in our lives, like today’s hymn writer who remind us that God will take care of us. Just as they reassure us that all that we need you will provide, may we also offer your reassuring word to the people we encounter in our daily lives.
Thank you for my Bishop who constantly reminded pastors and laity alike to just get over ourselves and to get out of our own way in facing the fears of our lives. Today, we lay our fears at your altar and we replace those fears with your reassuring words, “Do not be afraid.”
Do not be afraid for I will put my words in your mouth. Do not be afraid for I will be with you to deliver you. Do not be afraid because you will take care of us through everyday, o’er all the way.
Do not be afraid, Christian because I am with you. We pray this in the name of Jesus who taught us to pray this bold prayer together…
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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