Mid-week prayer

Every Sunday morning we take a few minutes during our service to lift up our joys and concerns to God in prayer. It has evolved over the years into an important part of our time together. I've been told that some people look forward to this time especially after a traumatic week. They know that they can come and be heard by God.

The truth is that prayer isn't limited to a few minutes on a Sunday morning. Of course Jesus said, "Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I will be also" and that validates our belief that praying in the midst of corporate worship is most effective. Yet, we also believe that Jesus hears our prayers every day. You and I can talk to him any time, any where and he will hear and respond to us. So on a Monday we can be just as ardent in our prayers for each other. With that in mind I want to ask for a few prayer requests.

I received a note early Sunday morning that Michael Wisniewski had passed away. Michael is Lynn's brother and the father of Joshua, Kayla, and Michelle Wisniewski who have been coming to church with Lynn and Audrey. It was a sudden and shocking blow to the family. Please keep them all in your prayers.

We also think of Bob Booth in our continuing prayers. He starts chemo therapy again today. He is at Backus for the treatment and will be heading back to Haven Health Care Center on Crouch Avenue by the end of the week if all goes well. Remember Marge in your prayers too. She spent two nights at Backus last week. She is back up and on her feet again now.

Lift up Michelle Lord in your prayers. She had good news from the doctor this week. Two of the areas where they were watching cancerous growths have disappeared. She is praying that this type of good news continues.

We think of the Matteau family. They are reeling in the wake of the tragic death of their son last month. Now they are facing criminal charges in his death. Becky Matteau is Kelly Bolin's sister. We pray God will walk with them through this difficult time.

Bob Duntz was at Backus Hospital last week after experiencing a build up of fluid in his legs. Two of our members are looking for work. Zelda Earle Fellows and Yolanda Charles have resumes available if you know of anything they might be suited for. Meanwhile pray that a door will open for them.

Remember Ricardo and Doris Mayol as they fly home to Mexico on Tuesday. Pray for their family and for their ministry and the people God has called them serve.

Pray for Luis Pabon and Ashley Stewart as they come to the waters of baptism this coming Sunday and Pam and James Smith as they join them in becoming members of our church family.

Finally, please pray for our church family as we embark on the Forty Days of Purpose Campaign this Sunday. Pray for those who follow along through the sermons, by reading the books and by participating in the Bible studies. Pray that all of us will be touched by God and gain a new sense of purpose and deeper meaning in our lives.

Cal