Prayer has been an important part of the lives of many of us for as long as we can remember.  I was taught to pray by my mother and grandparents when I was a very young child.  My dad was overseas with the British Army during WWII, so could not be involved.

For the past few weeks, with the assistance of Evangelist Roger Reid, the priesthood of the congregation and several others have been engaged in guided prayers.  We take time during the noon hour, if possible—or whenever we can work it in, if not—to pray for specific things.  Some of the time is spent in prayers of gratitude and some in prayers of petition.  Specifically, we are praying for the following:

• gratitude for the quality of our worship services and our outreach ministry with the youth,
• thanksgiving for the financial support of our contributors locally and worldwide,
• insight and discernment concerning pastoral leadership for 2013 and beyond,
• petitions for our own spiritual development in our desire to better serve our congregation and our God.

We invite all members of the congregation to join us so that we may be united in our expressions of gratitude, thanksgiving and concern.

A few weeks ago, as I was meditating and praying early one morning, I asked God for guidance in planning my day.  There were so many things I could, should, must do, and I felt a real need for help in setting my priorities;  I was aware that I probably would not get everything done on my to-do list.  So I asked God what it was He wanted me to do that day.  Immediately (and many of my prayers are not answered very quickly) the thought came to me, “Love my people”.  I guess God was not as concerned about me accomplishing everything I thought needed to be accomplished as He was about me not forgetting that whatever I did was to be done because I love God’s people.

May you feel the love that I have for you and know that I appreciate very much the love, assistance and acceptance which you have shown to me.

Your sister in Christ,

Brenda