Prayer of Blessing for Pastor Dan

Prayer of Blessing for Pastor Dan before his Sabbatical.  Thanks to David and Sandy Thompson who write it together.

Heavenly Father, 

Today we pray a simple prayer for Pastor Dan on this, his last service before his much needed Sabbatical.  Mark Buchanan, a spiritual writer and author said, "A bird flying, never nesting, is soon plummeting."  We pray that you will bless Pastor with peace, much needed rest, time to reconnect with his family, and a renewed heart. 

Father we know that sabbatical is an extended Sabbath.  We know that you rested on the seventh day, a period of rest and rejuvenation meant for us also as part of your creation.  We pray for safety in Pastor's time of rest whenever he travels - for his plans to fall into place, and for his mind to slow down.  We pray that Pastor is blessed with a time of spiritual peace and reflection sot ate he may again focus on all that is important to him.

Whatever he needs father, you're the one who can help him sort through act challenges and responsibilities he has taken and simplify these areas so that he may have more family time and more quiet time.  We pray for him to be surrounded by your infinite wisdom in choosing his direction in serving.  

A sabbatical is a time for reflection, a time to refocus, and a time to do nothing. It is a time of rest from labors and it means letting go of daily work and responsibilities so Pastor can stop and year you.

Father we pray for Pastor to have the time he needs to heal his soul with comfort, to not have to rush and to realize that all things do not have to depend on him.  Like all of us, he can only do so much.  His spirit needs time to focus on family, his home, his garden and in the stillness and quiet of his heart and mind, to know that you are God.

Father we pray for our church to remain faithful to one another in attendance, in giving, and serving; to remember that we are all followers of Christ.  We have so many people who are willing to step up and help with the Lord's work.  We pray for unity while Pastor is away and for the church to be healthy for his return.  All these things we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Amen.

Prayers from Sunday, June 12th

Thank you to Bruce Kleinert, who regularly leads us in prayer on Sunday mornings, for sharing his prayers with us this past Sunday:

Good Morning Lord,

Today, we’re going out into our communities praying for our neighbors, schools, and the needs of this city.  You know the people who live here, you know what this city needs.  Walk with us, lead us, and guide our prayers by your Holy Spirit.  Your will be done.  Not by works,  But by faith.

Thank you for our congregational meeting today.  As your Christian community here in Stockton, we’ve got a lot of work to do to bring your message of reconciliation, forgiveness, and everlasting life to people of all ages.  You created us for good works . . . not in order to earn our salvation . . . but in order to bring your good news to people who haven’t heard it.  Continue to lead us in our ministry because we trust in you.  Not by works, But by faith.

This Summer, Lord, we’re sending teams to the Ukraine, Ecuador, and an Indian reservation in Idaho.  You’ve called us to reach out not only in our city but also wherever you lead.  Protect, guide, and work in the hearts of your people to bring your love and good news to everyone they meet.  Not by works, But by faith.

Lord, we pray for the Holy Spirit to bring people of the Hmong community into your kingdom.   We pray they will be open to hear the hope and healing that you can bring into their lives.  Lord, replace the darkness in their lives with the light of Christ.  Be with Tao and Tia and give them the strength, perseverance and joy of being your disciples to the Hmong community.  Not by works, But by faith.

We ask for you to be with those who need healing.  We bring before you  Connie Rill, Millie Fickenscher and those whom we name in our hearts.  Heal them Lord.  Not by works, But by faith.

We pray for our country and its leaders.  We pray that you will be worshipped and glorified by people of all cultures in this land.  We pray for your protection from terrorists, economic downturns, and the destruction of the family.  We pray for all our churches that we will share your hope and love to all people.  We believe all things are possible through you.  Not by works, But by faith.

All these prayers and those in our hearts we pray in the name of Jesus Christ.  And all God’s people say,  Amen.

Prayers from Sunday, May 29th

Thank you to Martha Bockari for writing our prayers for this past Sunday:

Our Father in heaven, Creator of Heaven and Earth, we come to you in prayer through your son, Jesus Christ our Savior. We  thank and praise you for your Love, your amazing Grace, and your Peace.   Lord in your mercy,  hear our prayer.

Today we go on a prayer walk here at St Andrews. Lord, we pray for our surrounding neighborhood. O God, you choose to work through your creation, by the guidance of your Holy Spirit, you use your people to bring knowledge of you to others. Help us to preach the good news of your son to our neighbors. Aid us in sharing our life with others. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, keep us in remembrance of all those who fought and died on behalf our country and its citizens.  We thank you for all who stand in defense of this nation. Guide and protect them as they go in harm's way. Protect their families and keep them from fear and strife. Bring all our soldiers home safely. Cause wars to cease and peace to reign. in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior- Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In spiritual tribute, we honor those who have suffered for the sake of the Gospel, the saints who have gone before us and we pray for God' s comfort and strength for the saints now living in fear because of their faith. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty  and Loving Father,  we ask you to please bless the sick and hurting among us.  Provide,  Comfort, Strength, Healing Power, Joy, And Peace to Everyone according to their needs.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father God, grant us safe travels this summer. Guard and protect us from all harm, danger and evil. Be at our going out and coming in.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Draw Your Church Together, O GOD, into ONE GREAT COMPANY OF DICIPLES, TOGETHER following OUR TEACHER JESUS CHRIST into EVERY WALK OF LIFE, TOGETHER SERVING IN CHRIST'S MISSION TO THE WORLD, And  TOGETHER WITNESSING TO YOUR LOVE WHEREVER YOU WILL SEND US, FOR THE SAKE OF JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

INTO YOUR HANDS, GRACIOUS GOD, WE COMMEND  ALL THESE  OUR PRAYERS WITH THOSE WE HAVE IN OUR HEARTS, TRUSTING IN YOUR MERCY , THROUGH JESUS CHRIST , OUR LORD AND SAVIOR- - ALL THE PEOPLE SAY-AMEN.