Philemon 1:3-7   ³ Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  ⁴ When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God  ⁵ because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus.  ⁶ I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ.  ⁷ I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.

            Every day this week, I will be praying for members of this congregation.  Some of you have filled out the prayer requests and turned them in.  If you didn’t, it is ok.  Know though that this week, you are being prayed for specifically by name.  Monday the prayers will be for those that have a last name beginning with A and going through B.  Tuesday is C through F, Wednesday is G through K, Thursday is L through R, and Friday is S through Z.  Below is the prayer that I will use each day this week:

            Most Holy and Gracious Father, I come to you in the midst of the holiest week of the church year.  This week we both mourn and celebrate what you Son, Jesus the Christ, did for all of us.  The cross serves as a reminder to us just how much your Son gave up, so that we might live.  Through this selfless act you have redeemed the world to yourself and defeated death and the grave.  None of us deserve the grace that you have shown through this ultimate act of love, yet you have selflessly given it to us.  Be with the entire world this week, as we remember your acts of love.  I especially remember before you today your servants __insert names and requests____.  Hear the needs of your people, O Lord, so that they may see your light and know your peace.  Let your Holy Spirit continue to guide them on their journey, so that they may not rest until they see your shining face.  We ask all this through the name of your most holy and precious Son, Jesus Christ, who is our strength, our rock, and our redeemer.  Amen.

In our prayers this week:  Wendi, Ann, Diane, Lisa, Robert, and Catherine

God’s Peace,