Youth Group Kentucky Mission Trip - Day 4

What an amazing day we had serving at Battle Line boxing gym. Jared shared with us the story of Mayfield Pennington who started the gym as an outreach to youth in the area. After he died a few years ago, the gym fell in disrepair and squatters moved into the basement. Our job was demolishing the apartment to get it ready for the new drywall.

We filled a ten yard dumpster with debris.

Ready for new walls!

We had fun trying out the ring and punching bags.

New Beginnings Church, that runs the gym, has a coffee shop downtown Pikesville. As a thank-you for our hard work, we were treated to iced coffee and smoothies!

Back to our home sweet home at Grace Bible for dinner, games, and well-deserved SLEEP!

Youth Group Kentucky Mission Trip - Day 3

Serving in Jenkins at the SmileFaith clinic

Ms. Crystal runs a coffee shop, event center, and food ministry to support the free dental clinic. Sierra, Luke, and James painted the coffee bar.

Lauren and Jeremy prepped the new garden space for the food ministry.

Karmen, Lydia, and Abbe gave the dental office a thorough cleaning.

The finished garden space

A local pastor treated us to a Kentucky favorite - Ale 8 Ginger Ale! It was delicious!

Ali, Grace and Katherine tidy up the landscaping around the clinic and other local buildings.

It’s time to clean ourselves up at the YMCA before heading back to Grace Baptist for dinner and devotions.

Joey, the intern at Grace Baptist, taught the kids how to throw axes!

Brent may have a second career as a lumberjack.

Youth Group Kentucky Mission Trip - Day 1 & 2

Our group of 11 leaving for Kentucky

We arrived at 6pm on Saturday and kicked off our week with pizza at a local lookout over the town of Pikesville, KY

Father’s Day Sunday worship at Oasis Church of God - Pastor Chris prayed over the fathers in attendance and reminded us that, as Christians, it is our job to bring the broken to the cross. Can I get an “Amen”?!

This is the church we are staying at; we are in constant awe of the mountains.

Spicy Uno

Ending the night with some free time outside.

We have been getting to know our Praying Pelican leaders, Mark and Lydia, and will head out to our first ministry day on Monday. We have been blessed by yesterday’s day of worship and relationship building. Thanks for your prayers!

June 20-26, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

The remaining prayers in June will focus on the Fruit of the Spirit

Monday, June 20. “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2). Holy Spirit, fill us with love so that we can live a life of love and love others.

Tuesday, June 21.  “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11). “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:3). Thank You, Lord, for all You have done for us and made known to us. You alone are our source of joy.

Wednesday, June 22. “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:26-27). Thank You for the gift of Your eternal peace that protects us from fear.

Thursday, June 23. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). God of grace, fill us with your Spirit so that we can be completely humble, gentle, and patient with others.

Friday, June 24. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Kind and gracious Lord, help us to imitate You and be kind, compassionate, and forgiving toward others.

Saturday, June 25. “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6). Thank You for surrounding us with Your goodness and love all the days of our lives and into eternity.

Sunday, June 26. “Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you” (Psalm 89:8). “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness” (Psalm 115:1).

June 13-19, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Together Seeking God’s Face: A Year of Praying in the CRCNA

The prayers for June 6-16, 2022 are prayers for Synod and the CRC as a whole.

They are taken from “40 Days of Intentional, Guided Prayers before Synod 2022”.

This and other prayer resources can be found at https://network.crcna.org/prayer

 June 13 - Theme: Seeking God Together
Suggested Bible Reading: Psalm 100: A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
    Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Prayer  

By Liz Tolkamp, Children's Pastor, Willoughby Church and Faith Formation Ministries Regional Catalyzer for Rockies West, Langley BC

God of the ages, we come with gratitude for your gift the church. Throughout history and in the world today, you have provided your church to be a witness to your saving grace.

God, we come with gratitude for the love you have for us and your church. You desire that we live in unity. Keep us from disunity. Teach us to imitate the love you have shown us in Christ.

God, we come knowing that you have called us to love one another. Keep us from dishonoring each other. Help us to speak to one another in love. Give us open ears and kind hearts to hear what the Spirit is saying.

God, we come with gratitude that you are a wise God. We earnestly seek your wisdom. Help us to turn to you to discover anew who we are and where you are leading. Teach us to live according to your holy will.

God, we come knowing that perfect love drives out fear. Keep us from becoming fearful. Help us to turn our fears into strength and speak of what we love.

God, we give you thanks for the active and powerful work of your Spirit in your church today and throughout the ages. May your Spirit guide us in the way of love and peace, for your honor and glory, Amen.

June 14 - Theme: We Want to See Jesus
Suggested Bible Reading: John 10:11-18

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

Prayer  

By Nalini Suganandam, Resonate Global Mission, Mission Support, Grand Rapids, MI

God our Shepherd, thank you for loving us so much that you gave your life to redeem us and made a way for us to be adopted as your precious children - each and every one of us. Thank you for inviting us to enter in and rest in your presence. Lord, we long to be with you. We quiet our heart and mind before you, ready to listen and receive.

In these days of being constantly faced with pressures from all directions, each voice and/or expectation fighting for priority and often an immediate response, give us the courage to be still, to sit before you and acknowledge that you are God and we need to hear your voice. Speak, Lord, we long to hear you.

Emmanuel, God with us, we take comfort in your promise that you are present always. Help us to see you working in our current situations. Remove our blinders that we may see you in the people with whom we interact. Give us wisdom and discernment to recognize the movement of your Spirit.

God of grace and mercy, when we struggle to hear and see clearly ground our faith and trust in you, in who you are and in your promise that you are working and that you are always with us. Open our eyes, Jesus, we long to see you.

Lord, hear our prayer. We ask this in the name of Jesus.

Amen.

 June 15 - Theme: Desiring that the World May Know Jesus
Suggested Bible Reading: Acts 2:14-24

“Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: ‘Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.  I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'

Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.’"

Prayer  

By Tim Sheridan, Resonate Global Mission, Church Planting Leader, Maple Ridge, BC

God, you have shown us the full extent of your love by sparing nothing to restore and redeem this world, not even your own son. You beckon our gaze continually to the cross where we encounter your love afresh. We stand in wonderous awe that the king of the universe would lay his life down for the sake of the world. We praise you for such grace.

God, you have formed us to be a dying and rising kind of people; the people of the crucified and risen Messiah.

Long may we linger at your feet, O crucified and risen King.

We confess we are slow to die and quick to rise with our own pride, passion, and position. Forgive us, we pray.

School us in the way of the cross.
Show us what we need to die to, what we need to forsake and what we need to lay down as we engage each other for the sake of the world.

Breath upon us Holy Spirit, that we may hear your particular invitation to us
May our dying and putting to death what you invite us to put to death, birth fresh humility in our hearts. Dying, may we rise with fresh faith, renewed hope, and transformed love. For one another. And for the world you have come to save. And for the mission you have invited us into.

That the world may come to know Jesus.
In his name we pray, amen.

June 16 Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name, your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread. 

And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,

    but deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and

     the power and

        the glory forever. Amen

The remaining prayers in June will focus on the Fruit of the Spirit

Friday, June 17. “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5). Thank You, Jesus, for being our source of power to produce fruit for You.

Saturday, June 18. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you” (John 15:16). Thank You for choosing us, for loving us first. Thank You for Your power to produce eternal fruit.

Sunday, June 19. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). We praise You, Jesus, for the gift of Your Spirit, Who dwells in us and changes us from the inside out.

Maranatha Media - June/July 2022

Looking for a good book to read on vacation? Or maybe you're planning a day away and need some reading for the ride? Look no further than the church library! Shari has reviewed a few of the new books that have been added to the library in the most recent Maranatha Media.

June 6-12, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Together Seeking God’s Face: A Year of Praying in the CRCNA

The prayers for June 6-16, 2022 are prayers for Synod and the CRC as a whole.

They are taken from “40 Days of Intentional, Guided Prayers before Synod 2022”.

This and other prayer resources can be found at https://network.crcna.org/prayer

 June 6 - Theme: Seeking God Together
Suggested Bible Reading: Psalm 63:1-3

“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.”

Prayer  

By Jon Hoekema, Pastor, CRCNA Prayer Shepherd, Downers Grove, IL 

God as we come before you at the beginning of this journey in prayer, we come before you seeking your face. For it is you who we want to see. Along with the Psalmist we pray, “My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.”  (Psalm 27:8)

While we desire to seek your face, God, we confess that it is so easy to get pulled away from you. We keep our eyes looking down at our feet, wondering what our next step will be, wondering if we will survive slogging through the mud in the storm we find ourselves in, wondering if we will be tripped up yet again.

God it's also easy to lose our focus on your face when all we do is seek your hand, only turning to you to meet our needs, to get what we want, praying only for what you can give to us.

Forgive us for all the distractions that pull us away from the thing we desire most, which is an ever-deepening relationship with you.

As we begin this prayer journey, we long for your presence. We long for, right now, that which we will have for eternity - the presence of God with us.

May our prayer be that of the Psalmist in Psalm 63:1-3:

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. Amen.

June 7 - Theme: Seeking God Together
Suggested Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:14-16

“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.”

Prayer  

By Rev. Dr. Michelle Lloyd-Paige, Executive Associate to the President for Diversity and Inclusion, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI

Reconciling God,

We come to you at your invitation to cast all our cares to you. We have so many cares. Many of these cares cause anxiety and it makes us feel like we are alone. But we know that we are not alone. There are people who look like us and those who do not, who share our same personal struggles; there are people who look like us and those who do not, who have the same concerns about the state of our denomination; there are people who look like us and those who do not, who want to do what is right, but are not sure what is right.

So we come to you together with our cares, together with our differences, together with our longing for a healthy and flourishing denomination, and together with a desire to do what is right. We come to you grateful that we can seek you together because Christ has brought us together through his death on the cross. The cross brought us together and through the cross we are joined together.

Lord, help us to remember the joining work that is already complete in Christ. Help us to have a heart and ears to listen well, to listen as one would to a beloved family member. Help us to live into the unity that has ready been made possible by the work of the cross. Help us to seek your perfect will for our lives, the gathering of synod, and the denomination … together.

In the name of the One who has brought us together and reconciled us to You, Jesus the Christ.

Amen.

 June 8 - Theme: We Want to See Jesus
Suggested Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:11-16

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

Prayer  

By Pennylyn Dykstra-Pruim, Associate Dean for Diversity & Inclusion Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI

Lord   Healer   Savior

We praise and thank you for your steadfast love
for your many blessings
for the ways you guide our thinking and living in the world.

We are making our way through a difficult time
wrestling with important decisions for our church
trying to find the best way forward.

Tune our hearts to the voices of others.
Help us to listen respectfully to our brothers and sisters and siblings in Christ.
Speak to our souls with your Spirit’s whispers, inspiring hope and goodness.
Help us to show your kindness to one another.
Surround our conversations with your unfailing love.
Help us to recognize in each other different parts of the body of Christ.

We humbly ask you to do these things in and among us

so that in our work and lives together, we may see you in the faces and graces of each other
so that we may be the hands and feet of Christ to each other and in our broken world
so that the world may see Jesus in us.

In His name we pray,   Amen.

 June 9 - Theme: Desiring that the World May Know Jesus 
Suggested Bible Reading: John 20:19-23

“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’”

Prayer  

By Tyrell Natewa, Calvin Seminary MDiv Student, Albuquerque, NM

In today's scripture reading, the disciples are in a closed room where fear is in the air. The disciples' fear causes them to lock their doors and windows. The disciples' fear caused them to not be out in the world telling of Jesus and the forgiveness of sins. As the disciples sat in the closed room where their fear was lurking. Jesus comes in through the closed doors and windows and says, "Peace be with you". The disciples are overjoyed when they see Jesus. Jesus again says, "Peace be with you". Jesus then tells the disciples that they must go and share the Good News of forgiveness of sins so all the world may know of his peace. The disciples need to be letting the world know of the peace that Jesus gives to those who follow him.

Brothers and Sisters, God, says "peace be with you" today. May you be strengthened by God to go and share about the forgiveness of sins. May you share of Jesus' forgiveness of sins so that all the world may know of him.

God of peace, you whisper, "peace be with you."
God of shalom, we thank you for calming our souls in a time of fear and chaos.
Father God, forgive us for relying on our strength for peace.
Forgive us when we close our doors and windows and do not share your good news.
Jesus, thank you for coming to earth, defeating sin and death, so our sins are forgiven.
Holy Spirit, fill us with your peace and help us as we share the good news.  
Holy Spirit, walk with us now as we go into the world.
 
Hom a:kuyaye, Jesus Christ do’n a:will I deya’du. Da: do’n a:wanikchiya:du. (Galatians 6:18)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers, and sisters. (Galatians 6:18)
Amen.

 June 10 - Theme: Resting in Jesus & the Spirit, Who Are Interceding for Us
Suggested Bible Reading: Romans 8:22-30

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”

Prayer  

By Kelly Buist, Pastor, Calvin CRC, Grand Rapids, MI

Lord, some days we come to you filled with Joy, Hope, Delight in You.

Other days we come to you with a laundry list -

Of suggestions, Desires, Requests, Sorrows.

Many days we come to you Without words, Without much more than a grunt or a groan. We aren’t sure what to say, and wonder if we dare.

I wonder if these are the days, Lord, when we are most Vulnerable. True. Alive.

These days when our hearts speak Louder than our minds ever can.

Lord, today is one of those days - One of those seasons, for our beloved denomination.

We come with big desires, with great uncertainty, and we struggle to put words to the
Groans of our hearts.

On these days we are grateful for Your promise to intercede for us. To cry out from the Depths of You on behalf of that which lies within the Depths of us.

Help us, Lord Jesus, to rest in the knowledge that You know each of our hearts
And the heart of God.

And that because of this, You will intercede For us according to God’s will

Remind us, Holy Spirit, that You desire Goodness for those You love.
And that You Hold all our Joys, Desires, Groans, In Your hand.

Teach us, O God, To loosen our grip, To surrender our control, To rest,
In the knowledge Of Your goodness, Of Your love, Of You.  Amen.

 June 11 - Theme: Seeking God Together
Suggested Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 20:1-6, 12-13

“Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you ... Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the Lord in the front of the new courtyard and said: ‘Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you…  For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.’ All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord.”

Prayer  

By Sean Baker, Ministry Consultant, Pastor Church Resources, Grand Rapids, MI

In 2 Chronicles 20, God’s people learn of an imminent, coordinated attack upon Jerusalem from three hostile armies at once. Humanly-speaking, there was nothing to be done. Yet, King Jehoshaphat did not lose hope. Instead, he “inquired of the Lord…proclaimed a fast…[and] all the people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord.” He prayerfully acknowledged their inadequacy (“we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us”) and publicly entrusted himself and the nation to God’s capable care: (“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.”) No sooner had Jehoshaphat prayed these words then the Spirit reassured all of Judah that they “Need not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s…You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions and stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you…do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow and the Lord will be with you.”

As many of us survey our denomination and conclude that, humanly-speaking, there is nothing to be done, we nevertheless join the hopeful prayer of Jehoshaphat:

Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? 
You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations.
Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.
The challenges facing our denomination and churches are vast.
The odds of unity seem long.
Yet, we stand in your presence and cry out to you in our distress. 
Hear us and save us. 
We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. 
We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.

 June 12 - Theme: Seeking God Together
Suggested Bible Reading: John 17:6-12

“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.”

Prayer  

By Fernando del Rosario Jr., Commissioned Pastor, Emeritus Christ’s Community Church, Hayward CA Coordinator, Southeast Asian & Pacific Islands CRCs (SEAPI)

“Father, I pray for them…” John 17:9

To prepare for Synod 2022, a defining moment in the CRC, what comes to my heart is when the Lord Jesus prayed for the disciples a few hours on His path to Calvary. It was His defining moment. It was to be the culmination and fulfillment of the Father’s plan for our salvation. After giving glory and thanksgiving to His Father, Jesus turned his praying hands towards our direction. He knew what to pray for the disciples then - and also for us today. He knew all of us will have times of seeing at situations and issues in differing ways. Disagreements, misreading of each other’s intentions and passions, a myopic view of the impact decisions made today for the future, worse doing the blame game that further divides us.

Our Lord of Grace and Mercy saw these coming. Sadly. Unfortunately. That’s why He pleaded to the Father to embrace us always with His peace, joy that cuts through unresolved talk, protection against self-destruction, unrestrained love especially when we struggle to give it, unity of heart and voice to bring out Christ’s purity in our church family.

Our Lord and Savior prayed for us then. Still praying for us today, perhaps even more. And now, it is time for us to kneel together as in the garden where He was. Like Him, agonizing and seeking to pray. Together. With scarred hands and hearts, damaged opinions and passions, driven by repentance and submission to His will for us. That the Church He is building through us will be done. As difficult as the process maybe is today.

We are all invited to plead and pray together. On our knees. Our Lord is by our side. Praying with and for us.

[Take a few minutes to pray silently, imagining that Jesus is praying beside you as you pray.]

Amen.

May 30 - June 5, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A month of prayers recognizing who I am in Christ

Monday, May 30. We praise You, Jesus, as our eternal High Priest, honored for Your sacrifice on our behalf. “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ’You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek’” (Psalm 110:4).

Tuesday, May 31. Risen Lord Jesus, there is no limit to Your Lordship. You have power and authority over the whole earth and all of its inhabitants. “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14).

 Prayers from “Seek God for the City 2022”

Wednesday, June 1. “These are the ones who are coming out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason, they are before the throne of God’ and they serve Him day and night in His temple…” (Rev. 7:14-15). Your blood, Jesus, has cleansed us so that we have been granted standing before the very throne of our God. Although we are still being gathered from the nations, we celebrate as a global family, knowing that You have purchased some from every tribe and language. Each one of the peoples is precious and treasured before You.

Thursday, June 2. “I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God; because His judgments are true and righteous…” (Rev. 19:1-2). We entrust ourselves to You as our Savior and our Judge. Your judgment is true because You are truth itself. Your every thought and word is altogether righteous. We yearn for the day when You will move in overwhelming power against every evil bringing forth goodness and beauty.

Friday, June 3. “These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” (Rev. 17:14). It is privilege to be with You in the coming day of Your struggle and victory. In the these days of strife, it is difficult to be faithful, but You have strengthened our faith again and again. We are honored to be called and chosen to endure suffering with You for Your great glory.

Saturday, June 4. ”Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty! Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all the nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed” (Rev. 15:3-4). We respect and pray for the governors and rulers of the countries of earth.  But we honor You as God’s appointed King over all kingdoms. You rule as King, speaking truth because You are the truth. You act with perfect justice because You are righteousness itself. May Your kingdom come!

Sunday, June 5. “This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit He has poured forth this which you both see and hear” (Acts 2:32-33). Risen Jesus, we honor You as King. Father Almighty, we receive the gift of Your Spirit. And Spirit of the Living God, we delight in the fullness of Your love and power. You precious Spirit renew and empower us to work alongside of our Lord Jesus. We love to glorify our Lord Jesus by our worship and our witness. We have been filled with the Spirit so that the earth will be filled with Your glory!”

May 23-29, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A month of prayers recognizing who I am in Christ

Monday, May 23. I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them” (1 John 5:18). I give You thanks for adopting me into Your family and freeing me from the power of sin.

Tuesday, May 24.  I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Help me to appreciate the great gift of Your presence and power in me.

Wednesday, May 25. I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you”  (John 15:16). My salvation and adoption by God were not random events, but intentional, personal, and purposeful.

Thursday, May 26—Ascension Day. Jesus, we praise You as Lord Most High, the Great King of heaven and earth! “When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God” (Luke 24:50-53).

Friday, May 27. Jesus, You are enthroned in heaven and have been given all power and authority over You enemies. “The Lord says to my lord: ’Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’” (Psalm 110:1).

Saturday, May 28. Heavenly reigning Lord, You are the Overcoming King who continually defeats Your enemies. “The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying, ’Rule in the midst of your enemies’” (Psalm 110:2)!

Sunday, May 29. Father, we ask You to work powerfully in and through the Synodical delegates, speaking Your truth into their hearts and minds and bringing them to a unity that brings honor and glory to You alone.

May 16-22, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A month of prayers recognizing who I am in Christ

Monday, May 16. I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God. “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:31-39). Lord, help me to believe this deep in my being, and protect me from Satan’s lies and deception.

Tuesday, May 17.  I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). Father, thank You for the Spirit, who guarantees that we belong to You.

Wednesday, May 18. I am hidden with Christ in God. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4). Thank You for the security that I have in You.

Thursday, May 19. I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). Thank You for Your faithful, good, intentional work in and through me.

Friday, May 20. I am a citizen of heaven. “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). Thank You for my secure future with You forever.

Saturday, May 21. I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. “I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit, empowering us to live in freedom and fruitfulness.

Sunday, May 22. Lord, we thank You for the members of the Synodical Committees who have been meeting for several years now.  Thank You for sustaining them as they have been reading, writing, praying, discussing, and discerning Your will.

May 9-15, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A month of prayers recognizing who I am in Christ

Monday, May 9. I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us” (Ephesians 1:3-8). Praise be to God!

Tuesday, May 10. I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14). Thank you, Lord, for rescuing me from the dominion of darkness and bringing me into your Kingdom of light.

Wednesday, May 11. I am complete in Christ. “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority” (Colossians 2:9-10). Lord, help me to reflect your fullness in me to others.

Thursday, May 12. I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus. “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16). Jesus, because of you, may I approach the throne of with confidence.

Friday, May 13. I am free from condemnation. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2). Jesus, help me believe and live into this truth. Thank You.

Saturday, May 14. I know that in all things God works for my good. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Lord, help me to never doubt this.

Sunday, May 15. Lord, we pray that in the meetings leading up to and the gathering of Synod there will be much evidence of Your grace and Your Spirit at work. 

May 2-8, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A month of prayers recognizing who I am in Christ

Monday, May 2. I am God’s child. “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— “ (John 1:12). Give thanks for this amazing truth.

Tuesday, May 3. As His disciple I am a friend of Christ. “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). Thank you, Jesus, that I am no longer a servant but your friend.

Wednesday, May 4. I have been declared righteous. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Thank you, Lord, for the peace I have with God because I am justified through you.

Thursday, May 5. I am united with Christ and one with Him in spirit. “But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:17). Help me Lord to continue to grow into this truth.

Friday, May 6. I have been bought with a price and belong to God. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Thank you, Lord, “that I am not my own but belong, body and soul, both in life and in death to you, my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Saturday, May 7. I am a member of Christ’s body. “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Give thanks that you are not alone but joined with Christ and fellow believers.

Sunday, May 8. Lord, we pray today for all the delegates attending Synod. Thank you for their willingness to serve. Be with their families and the congregations they are part of. Give them wisdom, insight, and strength for the added workload since Synod has not met for the past two years.

April 25 - May 1, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

The following prayers and scripture passages remind us of what we have because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Monday, April 25. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:12-13). Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection and my belief in Him, I am forgiven and empowered to forgive others.

Tuesday, April 26. “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” (John 11:25-26). Because Jesus is the resurrection and the life and I belong to Him, I have eternal life.

Wednesday, April 27. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7). In Jesus death and resurrection, He showed His amazing love for us, and empowered us, through His Spirit, to know the depths of that love, and to love others.

Thursday, April 28. “‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15: 54b, 57). Thank you, Jesus, for the hope we have because sin and death no longer have the final say!

Friday, April 29. “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2). Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, I am His dearly loved child and His love enables me to love others.

Saturday, April 30. “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). We praise God for His ongoing internal work of sanctification, causing us to resemble His Son, Jesus, more and more as we follow Him and obey His Word.

A month of prayers recognizing who I am in Christ

Sunday, May 1. Lord, as we reflect this month on who we are individually in You, we also recognize that the Church is Yours. So, we bring this part of Your church, the CRC and its Synod, to You. We trust You for the work You are doing and will be doing through our denomination and its Synod.

April 18-24, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers Taken From “Lent And Easter Wisdom”, Compiled By John V. Kruse.

Monday, April 18. Christ, through these past days of Lent and Easter, I have entered into the sorrows of death but have also risen to the joys of new life with you. Fill me with your Spirit so that I may remain faithful to you. Help me to share through word and deed what I have gained this Lent and Easter with all whom I encounter.

The following prayers and scripture passages remind us of what we have because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Tuesday, April 19. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (1 Peter 2:9-10). Because of Jesus’ death on the cross and the mighty power shown in His resurrection, He opened the way for us to belong to God, to be His chosen people.

Wednesday, April 20. “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:28). Lord, help us to give ourselves fully to the work you put before us, knowing we do not do it in vain.

Thursday, April 21. Confess the times you live in fear, forgetting you are a child of God. “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:15-17).

Friday, April 22. Praise God that through Jesus we have overcome the world. “….for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:4-5).

Saturday, April 23. Give thanks that through Jesus we may know the one true God. “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20).

Sunday, April 24. Father, since we are united with Christ, help us through your Spirit to be one in spirit and mind with Him. “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-2).

April 11-17, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers Taken From “Lent And Easter Wisdom”, Compiled By John V. Kruse.

Monday, April 11. Jesus, forgiveness can be one of the toughest things to do in life. Wounds inflicted by others can pierce me deeply. Keep me mindful of your unconditional love for me so that I may be truly sorry for having offended you. As I remember your own willingness to forgive me of my failings, I ask for the inner strength to forgive those who wrong me, especially when it is most difficult.

Tuesday, April 12. Generous Father, knowing that I am in your loving hands, I turn the cares and anxieties of my life over to you and confidently trust that you will take care of all of my needs.

Wednesday, April 13. Lord Jesus, you demonstrated your great love for me by all that you were willing to suffer for my sake. I cannot begin to comprehend the depths of this love. Keep me ever mindful of the great magnitude of your sacrifice. Enkindled by the fire of your love may I too be willing to pour out my life so that I may make your love known in the world.

Thursday, April 14. Lord Jesus, giving of myself for the sake of others is one of the most difficult things to do in life, yet this is what you call me to do. At the last supper you celebrated with your friends, you showed me that this is the way to a life worth living, this is the way to life with you. May the example of your great sacrifice and loving service to others inspire and strengthen me to lay down my own life in loving service to others.

Friday, April 15. Jesus, my Savior, there are many reasons this day is “good”. Today we remember how you showed your love for us, how you conquered death and suffering and won our redemption for us, and how you demonstrated that to come to life, we must first die to ourselves. Because of your sacrifice, death and suffering no longer have the final word. The victory which you won through your death is truly good, and I praise you for it. Today I unite my trials and sufferings with your own so that they too might become good. I ask you to continue to pour out your blessings upon me and to be my strength as I seek to be your faithful disciple.

Saturday, April 16. Lord God, I give you thanks for all of the blessings with which you have showered me: the gift of life itself , my family and friends, the beauty of creation, and all that which sustains my life. I give you thanks not only for the seemingly good things of life but for all of my life, including the times of challenge, trials, and suffering. I thank you especially for calling me to share in your Son’s victory over sin and death.

Sunday, April 17 (Easter Sunday). Resurrected Lord, I join with all creation in celebrating the feast of your victory. Alleluia! The light of your resurrection gives new meaning to all of life. Death and suffering no longer have the final word. You have conquered the night and death and brought to us day and life. May the joy of Easter be with me always. Renew me and fill me with your risen life as I seek to bring the good news of your resurrection to the world.

April 4-10, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers Taken From “Lent And Easter Wisdom”, Compiled By John V. Kruse.

Monday, April 4. Jesus, following you is not always easy and carefree. It does require something from me; I must follow our commands. Often out of pride or convenience, I seek to follow my own will instead. Lead me through the narrow gate. Be merciful and soften my heart when I stubbornly refuse to follow you. Remind me that life with you is well worth any cost I may incur in following you.

Tuesday, April 5. Lord, I bear many burdens in life, some of which are imposed upon me by others. There is also much that concerns me; bills, work, family, relationships, and simply how I am going to get through the day. You knew very well the tribulations of human existence. Yet you patiently accepted the shortcoming of others and the trials of life, even to the point of death. When I experience trials and worries, I often become impatient and want instant solutions to my problems. Give me strength and wisdom to be patient as I face the burdens and concerns of this life. In doing so, may I learn the wisdom that comes in trusting in you and waiting on your assistance.

Wednesday, April 6. Lord, sometimes I avoid silence out of fear of what I might hear. Help me to overcome this fear and to quiet the many noises that surround me so that I can better hear your voice in my life.

Thursday, April 7. Lord, may the example of your own life strengthen me as I seek to overcome the pride, jealousy, and backstabbing that lead to divisions between others and myself. Help me to channel the love that you have given me so that I may develop life-giving relationships with other. Unite us in our love for you and one another.

Friday, April 8. Jesus, given your own life experiences, you certainly understand that there are people who make life difficult for me. I ask you to change my perspective. Rather than seeing such people as a burden in life, may I see them as blessings. Lead me to an awareness of how the trials and pain that such people bring can actually lead me to you. Given my own shortcoming, teach me the wisdom of being patient with others as I surely want them to be patient with me.

Saturday, April 9. Lord, often I become so distracted by my busy life that I lose my focus on you. Teach me to keep you as the ultimate priority in my life. May my work and activities serve as means by which I am brought into deeper relationship with you.

Sunday, April 10 (Palm Sunday). Lord Jesus, hear my cry and draw near to me when I call upon your holy name. I humbly yet firmly trust that, through the power of your name, all things can be accomplished. May your name always be praised.

March 28-April 3, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers Taken From “Lent And Easter Wisdom”, Compiled By John V. Kruse.

Monday, March 28. Lord, this Lent I hear you calling me to turn toward you, the source of true life, and away from the “dead-end” of my old way of life. May the acts of self-sacrifice I perform this holy season serve not as a cause of self -satisfaction and pride but be means by which I am reminded of my spiritual hunger for you. Turn me to you, Lord.

Tuesday, March 29. Lord, it is easier to speak of my faithfulness than to live it from my heart. I do not want to live a life of hypocrisy where my words say one thing but my heart and actions say another. Give me the strength and courage so that I might be a person of integrity. Permeate me with the fire of your love so that my words are not empty but reflect a heart and life devoted to you.

Wednesday, March 30. Lord, this Lent help me let go of the pride that hinders my relationships with you and with others. Lead me out of my sense of self sufficiency and superiority to recognize my total dependency on you. As I grow in humility, let me cling to the treasure that can be found through life with you, a treasure that the world does not begin to offer.

Thursday, March 31. Lord, as I gaze at your face I see myself as you call me to be. May my heart, mind, and will be stirred by this encounter. While you serve as a mirror of me I also desire to become a mirror that reflects your presence to the world. Assist me as I strive to become more like you by living in simplicity, humility, and love for others.

Friday, April 1. Lord, you call me to follow you by taking up my own cross in life. Grant me strength and courage to more willingly and lovingly embrace the trials, struggles, and persecutions of my own life so that your glory might shine through me.

Saturday, April 2. Lord, you did not lead by intimidation and fear but by loving service. Teach me that the most effective means of leadership can be found in laying down my life and becoming the servant of others. May I become the kind of leader who leads other to you.

Sunday, April 3 (Fifth Sunday of Lent). Lord, may I come to a deeper respect for the sacred space of your house where you are present not only through your Spirit but also in the body of believers gathered in your name.

March 21-27, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers Taken From “Lent And Easter Wisdom”, Compiled By John V. Kruse.

Monday, March 21. Lord Jesus, you did not avoid suffering. With great faith in your Father, you faced it head-on. I live in a world that urges me to avoid suffering at all costs. Give me strength as I too face suffering in life. Help me to remember that suffering is part of the growth process of becoming like you.

Tuesday, March 22. Lord Jesus, while our society tells us that freedom means doing whatever we want, you tell us that the way to genuine freedom is by following you, the Truth. Guide me with your Holy Spirit so that I may faithfully discern the messages that surround me. Lead me to the freedom you promise by showing me your truth and by helping me always to devote my life to what is good and worthy of you.

Wednesday, March 23. Our Lord, you are not a distant god. Rather, you loved us so much that you drew near to us by becoming one of us. You revealed yourself to us through the gift of your Son two thousand years ago, and you continue to reveal yourself to us in the loving union and friendship we share with him today. Be near to us. Show yourself to us. Fill us with your love.

Thursday, March 24. Lord, my Shepherd, I know that sometimes I stray from you. This Lenten season, I seek to follow you more closely. My path in life can be unclear. There are many false shepherds in the world who seek to lead me in ways different from your own. Yet these shepherds do not care for me as you do. Their ways do not lead to true life. When I am lost, when I am confused, when I stray from you, seek me out and shepherd me, Lord.

Friday, March 25. Creator of the universe, you have made me in your own image and likeness. This alone demonstrates my deep connection to you and endows me and all other people with special value and dignity. This Lenten season remind me of how precious I am in your eyes and keep me ever mindful of my own dignity and worth as well as that of others.

Saturday, March 26. Christ, I fill my life with so many activities and projects that I often make it more complicated than I need to. I further complicate my life by trying to understand and control all that is happening around me. In so doing, I distract myself from simple faith in you. Help me as I seek to unclutter my life and teach me the wisdom of simply and unconditionally trusting you.

Sunday, March 27 (Fourth Sunday of Lent). Lord, you call me to follow you because you want what is best for me in life. Yet, sometimes I turn away from you and then suffer the consequences of having rejected your life and love. When I choose darkness and death, call me back to your light and life. I ask for forgiveness for the times I have hurt my relationship with you.

March 14-20, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers Taken From “Lent And Easter Wisdom”, Compiled By John V. Kruse.

Monday, March 14. Lord, you alone can provide me with the strength to confront the many forces in the world that seek to beat me down and direct me away from you. Be my strength when I am weak, when I think I can no longer go on.

Tuesday, March 15. Gracious God, all belongs to you, but you have entrusted me with much. Help me to be aware of the gifts with which you have blessed me. May I show my thanks for the gifts by returning them to you in service to others.

Wednesday, March 16. Christ, I thank you for the gift of my family, yet I realize that my relationship with you is deeper than any other relationship that I can have. Help me to deepen that relationship by filling me with your Spirit. I ask you, Lord to bless members of my earthly family, those with whom I am close as well as those with whom I may be estranged.

Thursday, March 17. Lord Jesus, it can be easy to love my friends and family, but you call me to love even my enemies. Help me to follow in your footsteps and to learn not to respond to hatred with hatred and to violence with violence. Fill my heart with your own perfect love so that I can love even when it is most difficult.

Friday, March 18. Lord, as you found out in your own life, when I try to do good for others, I can often end up getting wounded myself. Yet you continue to call me to trust in you and to extend myself for others. May the knowledge that comes from knowing that I am striving to do your will, even when I feel wounded by opening myself to others give me the strength and courage to continue to serve you.

Saturday, March 19. Christ, it is difficult for me to even begin to contemplate your great humility. You humbled yourself by becoming human and by dying for the sake of others. Inspired by your own example of humility lead me to greater humility so that I can be better able to discover you and grow in my relationship with you. As I do so, show me the blessings that are to be found in placing my own interests aside and in giving of myself in the service of others.

Sunday, March 20 (Third Sunday of Lent). God of all generosity, you have abundantly poured your love into the world as is evidenced by the many gifts around me, especially the gift of your own Son. May I seek always to reflect your own generosity by giving to others, even when such giving impinges upon me in some way.

Maranatha Media - March 2022