Monday, December 7, 2015

Sunday, December 6 Prayers

Written and lead by Dave Thompson

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this beautiful day for the earth, moon and stars that you created.  Father we also thank you for St. Andrews Lutheran Church and Christian churches here in Stockton.  Thank you for the Christian churches around the world, and all the faithful who work so hard in these churches and ours to show us your love, and your healing Grace by their example and faithful teaching of your Word.  Father we pray for the whole world: we ask that you help and free those who are oppressed.  We pray for those who are sick, for the poor and ask that you would give comfort to the grieving - especially for the families of those who lost loved ones in San Bernadino.  We pray for all those who suffer in body, mind, and spirit; who live in pain everyday.  Father, we ask that you shed your light of healing on these, your people, all over the world. Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for our families, for our children, for our family of friends and acquaintances and Father we ask that in your loving kindness and mercy to help those of us that have a special concern or problem that may seem unsolvable.  Father, you are the One, the only One who can give us the Peace and Knowledge to make the right decisions.  Father, we pray for those who suffer addiction of any kind, for those who suffer from abuse and violence.  With your cleansing love bring healing and strength and by your justice lift them up so they may again rejoice knowing the love and faithfulness of your presence.  Lord, we ask that you bless and lift up those we name in our hearts.  Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Father we ask that you remind us to be good example to all those among whom we live; to be honest and conscientious in all we do.  Help us to be courteous; to be respectful toward all including those we don't know.  Help us to be respectful of our environment.  We know that you made this beautiful earth for us and all the animals in every form to live in and enjoy.  Father give us the grace to live and to share our love of Christ to anybody that asks us what it does in our lives so that they know we are his disciples.  Help us to be good stewards of your blessings, to share and freely give to those in need.  Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father,
We humbly ask for your protection of our military.  For the men and women in uniform in whatever capacity they are serving.  Father keep them safe in the face of evil.  We constantly fight in wars of every conceivable kind here and abroad.  Help us to prevail in holding strong in our Faith and abilities to overcome those who seek to destroy us.  Help su to work to preserve our right to practice our faith without fear.  We ask for your guidance and wisdom from our leaders.  Help us to come together in unity and strength.  Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Father we give thanks for what the earth produces.  Thank you for rain.  In this time of scarce rainfall we humbly ask for the life-giving water for farmers to grow fruits of the earth so that all may share, rejoicing in your goodness.  Bless those who work in the fields, the growing and nurturing of crops, and those who help in the harvesting of the beautiful agriculture of your creation.  Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father we also thank you for the ministry of the children of the Good Shepherd family.  It is hard to find works to describe the innocence and beauty of their Christmas program.  The Christmas carols sung so beautifully and happily by their voices raise our level of pure joy.  They are such a blessing and all those who care for them, who help run the program, and every one of the helpers are very special blessings.  Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

And lastly Father, thank you for the company of disciples who teach our children, following our teacher Jesus Christ, into every walk of life. 

Forgive our sins; help us to follow the ten commandments that so long ago you gave us to follow.  Help us to witness to your love wherever you send us.  Give your angels charge to keep watch, dear Lord, for those who sleep.  Give rest to the weary, bless the dying, and for those who weep, give them comfort knowing you are present.  Father help us to never forget that in this age of modern life, filled with a constant barrage of information - from phones and computers and all the instant ways of communication - that we only need to find a quiet room, and empty space, to be still and know that you are God.  These things we ask in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen.


Thursday, December 3, 2015

The Holiday's are coming!

The holidays are coming!
The holidays are coming!
The holidays are coming!

Do you feel like that announcement sounds more like a call to action from Paul Revere riding through the streets than a call to greater rest, peace and joy?  If holidays (I believe the etymology is holy-days) are, by nature, times when we rest from our regular work and are meant to make deeper connections with God and with those in our family and community, why do so many of us make them times of frenetic activity and frazzled nerves?
If you read through the Old Testament you’ll see God wove many holidays (feasts and celebrations) into the very fabric of life of the Hebrew people.  Some of these lasted a day, some a week or more.  Besides the many special holidays/feasts, God gave his people one day each week to be at rest and connect more deeply with him and each other. 

Sadly that day became the most abused and shackled day of the week by the time Jesus walked this earth.  Instead of the freedom, rest, and joy it was meant to bring, hundreds of extra rules and regulations had made it a burden to conscience, a denier of justice, and and a miscommunication of the nature of God and the peace found with him.  As you read through the Gospels you’ll note many times Jesus directly challenges the popular misconceptions about the Sabbath that had grown up around it. 

Those misconceptions remain.  I must confess I have misunderstood and misapplied Jesus’ words on the Sabbath for the majority of my life.  His words, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath,” were meant to free people to experience the joy of Sabbath once again.  I have often interpreted and used them to the other extreme: rejecting the need for Sabbath in my life and thus depriving myself of one of the most basic rhythms for which I was created in God’s image. 
I know I am not the only one.  Busyness, overworking, and overloaded schedules have become pervasive idols in our society, even, and perhaps especially, among Christians.  To slow down, yes even stop regular activity (a “day off” to catch up on all your other business is not a Sabbath), for one entire day each week and extra time on vacations and holidays is often seen as lazy, self-centered, and unproductive.  Don’t believe me?  Have you ever come back from a vacation feeling like you need to recover from your vacation?  I rest my case.

This is not how God made us.  This is not what he made us for.  Jesus was saying that the Sabbath is meant to serve us, refresh us, heal our hurts, restore our weariness, and help us understand the very nature of God’s grace toward us.  As one theologian taught, “To fail to see the value of simply being with God and “doing nothing” is to miss the heart of Christianity.”  He means grace.


You will be greatly tempted during the holidays to just add to your schedule and (once again) miss the purpose of holidays.  I pray you have the power to resist that temptation and take this season to connect more deeply with God, your family, and community of faith.  You’ll note we have plenty of things happening around here during the holidays.  They aren’t meant to be a burden, they are meant to enhance your celebration of the story above all stories: the life and work of Jesus our Savior.  Take them in as they enhance your connection to God and others.  Rest alone with God if you need to.  Above all remember that Christ entered this world in human flesh to save you from your sin, make you a brother or sister in his father’s kingdom, and bring you home to rest and rejoice with him for eternity.  What a holiday that will be. 

Blessings - Pastor Dan

Monday, November 30, 2015

Prayers from Sunday, Nov. 29th - Number 2


Here are the prayers from the 10:45am worship service from Sunday, November 29th.  These prayers incorporated the song, "Open Up" by the musical group, The Brilliance.  It follows the parts of the Prayer of St. Francis.

May your love cause us to open up, cause us to open up our hearts
May your light cause us to shine so bright, that we bring hope into the dark

Good morning Lord – Thank you for this time we have to be with you in worship and prayer together as one body of Christ.  We live in a world that is desperate for peace; for peace between nations and people, between neighbors, in families, friendships and within ourselves. Lord, make us instruments of your peace.  Where there is hatred, let us sow love, where there is injury, pardon. 
Hope for the hopeless, your love is

Where there is doubt, let us bring faith; where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness let us bring joy. For those who are alone, oppressed, and left out, give us courage to reach out with your love to show them the grace we have felt from you.
Hope for the hopeless, your love is

Grant that we would not be so much seeking to be consoled as to console.  We pray in our heart especially for those who are struggling with their physical, mental and spiritual health now… May they find comfort, healing and be restored through your love. 
Strength in our weakness, your love is

Grant us that we would not focus too much on being understood without seeking to understand those around us.  Help us to seek not just to be loved by others but to seek to love.  For it is in giving that we receive; in pardoning that we are pardoned.  Lord we pray for the courage to forgive, not only others, but ourselves.  Lead us to reconciliation and restoration in and through you.

Strength in our weakness, your love is

May your love cause us to open up, cause us to open up our hearts
May your light cause us to shine so bright, that we bring hope into the dark

And all God’s people say.  Amen.

Prayers from Sunday, November 29th

Thank you for visiting the St. Andrews Words of Faith blog.  As you can see from past posts we have been sharing the prayers written by those in our church that are shared on Sunday morning.  This week we have a few different prayers.  Our first were written by Valerie Andersen for our first Sunday in Advent - a Sunday of Hope!

Prayers for the 1st Sunday of Advent
from the Great OAntiphons, Taize, and O Come, O Come Emmanuel


 O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.

 O Wisdom, coming from the mouth of the Most High!  You reign over all things from one end of the earth to the other; come and teach us the way of wisdom.  Lord Jesus, come soon!

 Hear our prayer.

O Lord and Head of the house of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai; come with outstretched arm and ransom us.  Lord Jesus, come soon!

 Hear our prayer.

O Root of Jesse, standing as an ensign before the peoples, before whom all kings are mute, to whom the nations will do homage; Come quickly to deliver us.  Lord Jesus, come soon!

Hear our prayer.

O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel, You open and no one can close, you close and no one can open; Come and rescue the prisoners who are in darkness and the shadow of death.  Lord Jesus, come soon!

Hear our prayer.

O Morning Star, Splendor of Light eternal and bright Sun of justice; come and shine on all who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.  Lord Jesus, come soon!

 Hear our prayer.

O King of the nations, you alone can fulfill our desires; Cornerstone, you make opposing nations one; come and save us.  You formed us all from clay.  Lord Jesus, come soon!

Hear our prayer.

 O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice!  Rejoice!  Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Bless us, Christ Jesus; in you our hearts find joy.

Amen

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Prayers from All Saints Sunday

Below are the prayers written by Joanne Fisher and Karl Winter for our All Saints Day Worship Services:

Written by Karl Winter:

Gracious and loving Heavenly Father,
We come before you today with joy and gratitude in our hearts. We are not deserving of the many blessings that you have bestowed upon us, but you are merciful and compassionate. We are forever indebted to Jesus Christ, our Savior, who lived and died for us to live in harmony today.

Divine Holy Spirit, we thank you for our family, friends, and community here at St. Andrews. Your grace has guided this church to become a place of courage, repentance, and unity. We are grateful for our leaders and teachers who have committed themselves to the well-being of each person who seeks your love in this place.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Magnificent Provider, we thank you for the beauty of your Creation, the colorful and fruitful Earth that you have given us. This delightful and dazzling autumn season is a daily reminder of your great mercy.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgiving Healer and Lord of Resurrection, on this All Saints Day, we thank you for the faithful believers who have come before us and continue to live among us. We praise those who dedicated their lives to your service, those alive or dead, known or unknown, who set an example of faith and holiness for us. We pray for our connection and inspiration from each of these saints.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Eternal Master, we offer you our many petitions. We pray first for the ministries and
leaders of this church, this community, and this nation. We pray that you, the Great Teacher, will inspire and guide our leaders to draw us together into one great company of disciples. We ask for you instill the values and morals of Jesus Christ into our leaders so that they can advise, educate, and rule this church and this nation with positivity and diligent discipleship.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Abundant God, we pray that you send us the gift of rain. We ask that you replenish and sustain this Earth so that we may benefit and praise the fruits of our soil. This great valley thirsts for you to restore and refresh the Earth this autumn and winter, and we request your global help for the well-being of Creation as well.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.


Father, we lift up to you the poor, oppressed, sick, bereaved, lonely, and those who suffer in body, mind, and spirit. We ask that you lay your healing hand upon those who are physically and mentally ill, those who are in great pain and agony, and especially those close to this congregation who need your soothing love. We ask that you revive and rebuild the homeless, the addicted, and simply those who have strayed from your calling. Please rehabilitate these people and help them to return to your path. Please preserve the hope of those who fear and suffer, strengthen their minds and recoveries.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty Creator, we pray that you battle the evil forces within our hearts and mind. Help us to be just and honest, and please protect us from those who seek to destroy your influence in this world. We are sinful and shameful, and you are righteous and pure, and we need your blessing to lead a daily life that reflects your love.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we as a church and your unified people, faithfully believe that you will observe our requests. We humbly trust in your incredible power. Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. And all God’s people agreed and said,
Amen. 


Written by Joanne Fisher
Let us pray,

 Behold a host arrayed in white like thousand snow clad mountains bright, that stands with palms and sings its psalms before the throne of light. These are the saints that kept God's word; they are the honored of The Lord.  He is their prince who drowned their sins, so they were cleansed, restored. They now serve God both day and night, they sing their songs in endless light.  Their anthems ring when they all sing with angles shining bright.

Today we celebrate All Saints Day and remember those whose light has been extinished and are now in Your presence. We ask for Your continued comfort and healing to the families who hearts are missing their loved ones. We have lost parents, grandparents, siblings and friends who are now experiencing the love and grace You offer, be with us all and fill us with the knowledge that one day we will be reunited.  


Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In faith, hope and love, give us compassion, commitment and a steadfast heart which no  one can drag down and that no tribulation can wear out.  Grant us O Lord understanding to KNOW You, diligence to SEEK You, wisdom to FIND You and a faithfulness that may bring us to your eternal kingdom.  We give thanks for the saints living with us today who continue to inspire and encourage us to follow Christ as Lord and Savior.  


Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of all comfort and our help in time of need be with the sick and suffering. Grant them healing and return them to health. Remember those who we name in our hearts at this time. . . 


Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep us this day under Your protective care and preserve us, securely trusting in Your everlasting goodness and love, for the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. All God's people agreed and say. Amen

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Prayers written and read by Diane Dolphin

Gracious heavenly Father, 

Thank you for the many blessings you have given us - the rain this past week, our families, friends, food and shelter, but most importantly, your love and the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ and thru him, eternal life with you.

You have told us to ask when we want something as children as their Fathers.  Today, Father, we pray for the end to the violence in our world.  It plagues our schools and our neighborhoods and the wars plague us world wide.  I never thought that Christians in America would be killed because of their faith in you, but it's happened.  Please give comfort to the families of all those whose lives were touched by the latest incident in Oregon. 

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Please send the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those who perpetuate these evil deeds and let us all live in peace until you come again.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are physically and emotionally ill, for those who suffer from addiction and mental illness, and the homeless.  Please lay your healing hands on them and let them feel your love surrounding them.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray that the Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of those who have rejected you so that they will finally accept you and the salvation you have given us.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord please hear our silent petitions at this time...

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We, your people, ask these things in your name and together we say.  Amen.

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Prayers Written by Rachelle Moreno

Let us come to our Lord in prayer,

Heavenly Father, first and foremost, we give you thanks for loving us unconditionally.  We give thanks for the grace you give us that we can extend to those in our lives.  We thank you that you forgive us even though we do not obey and trust you with our whole hearts or keep your commandments.  We thank you for those hearts who hear your calling to support those in need, especially all those who lost their homes in the fires.  Give them courage to restart and the means to do so.

Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer

Father please help repair what we have broken in our relationships when we just completely mess up and do not live out your word in our lives.  Teach us and help us undo the damage we cause due to our sins because of our disobedience to you.  We thank you especially for the Holy Spirit that lives in our hearts to help guide us and lead us to opportunities to share your love with others; those that may be desperate for a kind word or deed.  We may be the only love of Jesus that they see, so let us give glory to you by strengthening us to act immediately and work diligently seeing ALL people as if we were looking through your eyes Father and seeing the pain that lingers in each and every person.  Let your power work in their lives.  

Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer

We pray for those who point us in the right direction in our lives, our pastors, teachers, and leaders who tirelessly teach the many ministries at St. Andrews that help us all grow in faith.  Thank you for those who serve our community and the missionaries who share the gospel around the world.  We pray for our veterans, firefighters and police officers who serve to protect us and keep us safe.

Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer

We pray for our rulers, those who govern our country.  We pray that the current candidates that are are voted into office are ones that have Christian values and morals to help bring a much needed positive change to our world.

Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer

We pray for the many ministries at St. Andrews.  We continue to pray for the hour between services that allows us to be in your word more through study time.  We pray for our Good Shepherd ministry, New Life Ministry, H2H, and for the High School Youth.  We pray for our mission teams training to go spread the good news.  We pray for Tao and Tia Lee as they minister to the Hmong Community.

Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer

We pray for those who have life threatening health battles, and those affected by violence in our community.  We pray for the homeless, those battling addictions, those in violent relationships, and those suffering Mental health issues.  Protect them all.  We pray that we may be a light in this dark world and extend love and mercy to them even when it may be out of our comfort zone.  We pray for members of our congregation going through grief or suffering from illness.  Please put your healing hands on them during this time.

Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer

Father we know there is power in prayer so we ask that as we all come to pray diligently to you that you go to battle for us against the forces of evil that attack our hearts and minds.  We ask that you hear all these prayers and petitions.  We humble ask in your Son's precious name, Jesus.  And all God's people said.

Amen.

Monday, September 28, 2015

A Disciple Grows

     I enjoy being alone.  Don’t misunderstand; it’s not that I don’t like people.  I was called to a work that is about people, and I don’t resent that for a moment.  Though as an introvert, my energy level can drain away if I am always with others.  You probably have heard me speak of my love for the outdoors.  I find mountains, streams, rocks, and trees to be good companions from time to time.  They help revitalize my soul when I have grown weary and tired.  But I couldn’t live alone apart from human contact.  It doesn’t take long and I want to see my wife and children, spend time with friends and family, or just interact with the people of God and/or our community.  I’ve been wired that way.  As God put it, “It’s not good that man should live alone.”  
There are many and various reasons God hard-wired us to be with others:
When I’m alone I forget how selfish, prideful, self-centered, etc I am and can become.  Being around people reminds me that life is not just about me. 
People help me learn.  It always amazes me how a good question or comment from the youngest of children to the most mature of adults can help me see the things of God and life in a new light.  Wisdom, the biblical kind, the kind I want, doesn’t come from solitude, but by learning how to live life with God and others.
People can encourage me and share the grace and mercy of God with me.  Indeed, the “keys” of the church are just that, the gift of one human proclaiming the forgiveness of God to another, as if from God Himself. 
I am often inspired and challenged by others to excel all the more in my marriage, parenting, work, attitude, and all areas of life.  So much color is added to life by others and I’d hate to live in the dreariness and “grayness” of a world without others. 
Countless good things can come about by being together, all of which can and have been twisted by our sin (this is an understatement).  Nevertheless, God still works through the sinful people He has redeemed and made saints to bring comfort, grace, healing, and redemption to others.  Thus He speaks through the author of Hebrews, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (10:24-25).”
We desire that the disciples of Christ who call St. Andrews home, are disciples that love, bless, grow, trust and go.  We want to encourage and equip our disciples to grow into these characteristics by developing habits that transform us into disciples.  Right now we are encouraging working on the habit of “spending one hour each week growing in Christ with others” so that we can become disciples that grow. 
We have made some changes recently in our Sunday worship and discipleship schedule in order to make connections with others easier within our church, especially for those who are new to St. Andrews.  I’m sure it has been a challenge to adapt.  We’ve asked everyone to block Sunday morning off as a time for worship and a time to further connect with God and one another at St. Andrews through word and prayer.  The purpose is to equip, inspire, and encourage each other to become disciples that live out the hope found in Christ as we connect to a community and world in need of the Gospel. 


Pastor Dan

Monday, August 31, 2015

Prayers for Our City

These prayers were read on Sunday, August 9th and were aimed at addressing the violence that is a part of our community.

Written and read by Holly Andersen


Sung
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit;
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Good and Saving God,

Thank you for the gift of prayer, that we can come before you with open hearts and praise you and place our requests at the foot of the cross.

Today we pray for our city, wrought with violence toward stranger and neighbor, overwhelmed by hatred made manifest in destructive acts and division among people and by deadly apathy.  Our children see death and are taught to kill; gangs pass on a legacy of hatred and fear.  Overwhelmed with broken hearts and hardened by destroyed lives we feel helpless because change is not possible through human strength.

But we are a people of hope.

Though overwhelmed we have not been abandoned; pressed but not crushed; in despair but living on a joy that comes through the life we have in your death and resurrection.  And so today we are bold to pray for:

- those living in constant hopelessness and despair
- those torn apart by gang activity in their neighborhoods, lives, and families
- for the families of the two people who were shot and killed this past week that they find courage in darkness and forgiveness in the midst of sadness
- for those who do not know your grace and forgiveness, the power of restoration, and the deep healing you are bringing to our city
- for your children, that we would find the courage and humility to see the people of our city through your eyes and seek it's restoration through our lives

May your everlasting presence be our strength, and prayer be our first action against all that surrounds us.

We are a people of hope.

Your Kingdom come.
Your will be done.

Are we weak and heavy laden
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In His arms He'll take and shield thee;
Thou wilt find a solace there.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Prayer Vigil Prayer III


Look with mercy, gracious God, upon people everywhere who live with injustice, terror, disease and death as their constant companions.  Rouse us from complacency and help us to eliminate cruelty wherever it is found; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Prayer Vigil Prayer II

Let us pray for those in chains and who daily give their lives for their faith.


God our Father, glorious in giving and restoring life, do not hide your face from your people overcome with loneliness and fear; turn our mourning into dancing an raise us up with your Son, that we may rejoice in your presence Forever.  Amen.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Prayer Vigil Prayers

As we move through the end of this week and prepare for this coming Sunday we'll be posting some of the prayers used at this past Wednesday's Prayer Vigil for persecuted Christians around the world.  

Let us pray for those in chains and who daily give their lives for their faith.


Gracious God, your Son called on you to forgive his enemies while he was suffering shame and death.  Lead our enemies and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Written and read by Rachelle Moreno on Sunday, May 3, 2015

Please bow your heads and pray with me.
Heavenly Father, first and foremost, we give you thanks for just how you love us unconditionally. We thank you for your forgiveness when we disobey you and don't keep your commandments. We thank you for the Holy Spirit that guides each of us daily.

Lord, we lift up prayers for those nearest to us, that we may be encouragers and extend love and grace to them even when that may be difficult to do.

We pray for those who point us in the right direction in our lives, those such as our teachers, our pastors, those who serve our community and those who share the gospel around the world and our veterans who serve to protect us and keep us safe.

We pray for our rulers, those who govern our country. With your blessing America will continue to be a beacon of light and a bastion of hope for our world. Impart into our nations leaders the unquenchable thirst for virtue you bestowed upon our founding fathers.

Most importantly, Father....We pray for those lost sheep in the world, your children. Those who are in broken relationships,those battling addiction, the homeless, the hungry, and those who have just lost Hope as they have not heard of the good news yet.  Use us and the gifts and talents you have blessed us with so that we may be ready when opportunities arise to share the gospel to those in need, especially our children, that they may know your ways and honor you.

We pray for the sick and hurting.

Finally Lord we pray today for the mission work that goes on at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, a church in our Lutheran District, in Fremont, CA.  They serve among a variety of people and language groups through their schools(s), and international mission ministry to a variety of people and language groups around them.  We pray for Pastor David Wilson who ministers to the Chinese community and assists in raising their mission focus to Fremont and around the world.  Lord, be with our brothers and sisters in that congregation as they seek to share your hope, grace, and salvation.

Father all these prayers and petitions we humbly ask in your precious name and all Gods people said.....AMEN!!!!!

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Written and read by Linda Vincent and read on Sunday, April 19, 2015.

Good morning Heavenly Father,

We thank you for this beautiful day and the opportunity to worship and serve you.  You have blessed us abundantly and we appreciate the splendor of this earth.  Help us to open our hearts and minds as we study and hear your word.

Be with our congregation.  Bless the pastor and staff as they minister to us and the people of our community.  Help us all to be disciples in reaching out to others.

Lord in your mercy, hear our Prayer.

We pray for the new program against child trafficking - that these children will be released into loving homes.  Protect them from the predators that have robbed them of their childhood.  

Lord in your mercy, hear our Prayer.

We pray for those who are suffering from illness, especially Melanie Branstad and those we name in our hearts to you now.

Lord in your mercy, hear our Prayer.

We pray for those who have lost ones.  Comfort and heal them.  We pray for those who suffer from addiction and mental health that they can meet the challenges that they face.

Lord in your mercy, hear our Prayer.

Be with those who are abused and in pain.  Help them to feel your loving arms around them.  Give them the courage and strength to seek counseling and safety.

Lord in your mercy, hear our Prayer.

We thank you for the opportunity to pray and talk with you without the fear of persecution.

Lord in your mercy, hear our Prayer.

Be with the leaders of our country in the decisions they make.  Bless the men and women who serve in our military.  Protect them and keep them safe.

Lord in your mercy, hear our Prayer.

Lord we ask that you will be with our doctors and nurses as they treat the sick and the dying.  Give them the wisdom and the knowledge to heal them and comfort them.

Lord in your mercy, hear our Prayer.

We pray especially for the family of Chad and Brady Moreno from our congregation who joined you in heaven 15 years ago.  I remember my sister Karen on her birthday today as she celebrates in heaven with you.

Lord in your mercy, hear our Prayer.

Into your hands gracious Lord we commend all for whom we pray trusting in your mercy through Jesus Christ, our Savior. 

Amen.

Monday, April 27, 2015

Prayers from Sunday, April 26th

Written and read by Laura Moore


With the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, let us pray for the church, those in need and all of God’s creation.

Lord, you are the good shepherd and we the church are your flock.  Help us Lord to follow your will and your Word in every walk of life; together serving in your mission to the world and sharing your love with those who cross our path each day.  

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, you know each of us by name.  You know our hearts.  Forgive us Lord for our selfishness and thank you for showing us what is good.  Help us to act justly; to stand up and become advocates for the oppressed:  for the poor, the orphaned, the enslaved and those without the voice to fight for themselves.  

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, we have done nothing to deserve your mercy, yet you give it freely.  Help us Lord to be merciful to others.  O faithful shepherd keep watch over the sick, the lonely and those who are suffering.  Today we pray especially for the victims of the Nepal earthquake and those coming to their aid; the family of Sally Evangelisti whose father passed away this past week; the 8th grade confirmands who are on their retreat this weekend.  Help us to take comfort in the knowledge that you know each and every sorrow.  Bring us your comfort and cover us with your peace.  

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As we go out through these doors today and fall into the daily routines of our lives, help us to walk humbly with you Lord.  Strengthen our families, bless our community and help us to shed your light into this world that you created. 

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.



Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all who we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior.  And we all say together, Amen.

Monday, April 20, 2015

Prayers from Sunday, April 19th

As we continue to come to the Lord in prayer with the words from members of St. Andrews the following prayers were used this past Sunday.


Written by Valerie Andersen

With the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, let us pray for the church, those in need, and all of God’s Creation.

O Christ, born of the Father before all ages, you took upon yourself our humanity and you rose for us:  we worship and glorify you.

Hear us, Lord of glory;  For your mercy is great.

Son of God, Source of life, we invoke your goodness upon us and upon the entire human family.

Hear us, Lord of glory;  For your mercy is great.

Give us grace to lose our sinful selves and be transformed to your will so that all may know we are your disciples.  Help us to live by your life and walk as children of light in the joy of Easter.

Hear us, Lord of glory;  For your mercy is great.

Increase the faith of your Church; draw it into one great company of disciples, bearing faithful witness to your love, grace, and resurrection wherever you may send us.

Hear us, Lord of glory;  For your mercy is great.

Holy One, you do not distance yourself from the pain of your people but willingly carry our afflictions. Comfort all who are burdened.  Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing help and engrave in their hearts your words of eternal life.

Hear us, Lord of glory;  For your mercy is great.

Strengthen those who are weak in faith, and reveal yourself to doubting hearts.

Hear us, Lord of glory;  For your mercy is great.

Give strength to the sick and rest to the weary, support the elderly, soothe the suffering, comfort the afflicted and reassure the dying by your saving presence.  We pray especially for …

Hear us, Lord of glory;  For your mercy is great.

Risen Christ, through the Gospel your voice makes itself heard softly.  You tell us:  “Why worry?  Only one thing is necessary, a heart attentive to my words and to the Holy Spirit.”  Bless us with listening hearts.

Hear us, Lord of glory;  For your mercy is great.


Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior.  Amen.