The Pastor’s Corner

Prayer: Grant, Almighty God, that we your people would not grow weary and faint in our journey from this land that is perishing to the land that will never pass away. As you are pleased to redeem us from the land of bondage, you are also pleased to leave us in this world of sin and misery for a season to run the race you have for us. Though we would rather be where you are, it is your eternal will to leave us to walk the road leading to our heavenly rest. Here, in this place, you are daily conforming us to the image of Christ and making us ready for the place where the eye has not seen, or ear hear what you have in store for those who love you. We confess that we sometimes grow weary in doing good. We admit to the occasional discouragement and temptation to give up and quit. We confess that we sometimes grumble and complain as the church of old did as they journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land. We know how much that displeases you, and we mourn it and turn away from it placing our whole life in your hands. We are sometimes faithless though you remain faithful. We are occasionally discontented though you have proven your care for us day after day. Your faithfulness is new to us each morning. Please forgive us, Father. Please help us to remain steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of our Savior. Please give us a contented mind and heart, trusting in your good providence and fatherly care. Please grant us patience as we make this journey to a better country, we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer: Almighty God and Creator of all things, we praise you for the privilege of prayer, knowing that through it, we do not change your mind but only have our minds brought into alignment with yours. We pray, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven," because there is much we do not know and have not been promised. Therefore, holy Father, we ask that you accomplish your purposes today in the world you made and in the church, you redeemed through the blood of the Great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. We ask that your people, especially, would be mindful of your will and seek to do all that glorifies you, whether in thought, word, or action. Though we know that your people sin and fall short of your glory, we are comforted with the eternal and unchanging truth that you are just and righteous, forgiving your people as they humble themselves before you. Though we are like sheep often going astray, you are the Good and unchanging Shepherd who loves your people and seeks them when they wander. Thank you, Father, for being so kind and gracious to us. Thank you for giving us your Spirit who helps us in prayer and practice as we seek to honor you. As a Father, you stand able and ready to help us. Help us, Lord!

Therefore, we cry out to you for the state of our souls and the state of the world. We are grieved at the events of the world you have made. Men, made in your image, promote themselves and boast in their wisdom. Yet, they do so to their folly and shame. Professing to be wise, they are fools. We long for righteous leaders who fear you and walk humbly with you. We know that a nation rejoices when these things are so. Therefore, we ask that you would be pleased to rescue our leaders from their misery, shame, and sin and open their eyes to the only hope they have -- the Lord Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we praise you because you are good. Your righteousness is from everlasting to everlasting, and your holiness is beyond our comprehension. Since you are holy, your demands as given in your law are just and right, pointing us to how we must live if we should dwell on your holy hill. Yet, we cannot keep your law perfectly in thought, word, or deed due to our fallen condition. We transgress it daily, always falling short of your glory. Therefore, we need a Redeemer, your only begotten Son who accomplished everything necessary to purchase our freedom, bringing us peace with you. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to you without him. We thank you for so great a salvation, yet many refuse it. We have friends and loved ones who reject the offer of forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Seeing, they cannot see. Hearing, they do not hear. Father, we plead with you to open their eyes and ears to the hope of Christ. Be pleased to rescue them from their pitiful condition and show them the beauty of the Savior. Please spare them from the wrath to come and usher them into your glorious kingdom.

We further pray that you would help your people walk worthy of the calling that they have received. Please help us walk humbly with you, mindful of the needs of others more than our own. Please help us to love with complete patience, kindness, and gentleness. Please help us to forgive the trespasses of others who have wronged us. Please grant to us your Spirit that we would do what you command we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.