Written by Holly Andersen
Let us pray,
Heavenly and gracious Father, we come before you today in worship through prayer. We thank you for this day and that you have brought us - young and old, healthy and sick, full of joy and full of sorrow, saint and sinner - together into one body and community of faith. Thank you that you supply our every need. Continue to teach us to pray: to pray that your name would be glorified, your Kingdom come, daily bread provided, our sins forgiven as we forgive and temptation overcome.
We pray, Lord have mercy.
Jesus Christ, Savior and Son, we thank you for the life we have through your death and resurrection. We thank you for the grace, mercy, and forgiveness we know because we know you. Continue to be our Shepherd as we ask, seek, and knock in our daily lives. Give us open ears, minds, eyes, hearts and hands as we engage and live in this community. May we trust in you, knowing that to follow your lead is what we are called to do as disciples.
We pray, Lord have mercy.
Holy Spirit, guide and sanctifier, we thank you that you are always working in and through our hearts. As we read the words of Scripture you open our minds and hearts to understand our Heavenly Father's will. We thank you for the strength you give us to follow, to speak, and to love. May your healing power be upon those in pain: the sick, lonely, depressed, anxious, forgotten, hopeless, addicted and despairing. We especially pray for those who are on our hearts and minds... Hold, heal, and restore them. Come into our world, bring peace and restoration through Christ, our Savior.
We pray, Lord have mercy.
Father, Son, and Spirit, in your name we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Monday, July 18, 2016
Prayers from Sunday, July 17th - Combined Worship
Thank you to Laura Moore who wrote and led our prayers for our
combined Worship service this past Sunday.
Dearest Heavenly Father, we gather together today to praise
you. We are so thankful that you
are our shepherd. Help us to
follow you each day, every day in all that we say and do.
The Lord is our shepherd - We shall not be in want.
We praise you Lord for gathering together the many children
and volunteers for Vacation Bible School.
We ask you to bless and nurture the seeds of faith that were planted
this past week. We pray that each
child who walked into this church will come to love you with all of their
heart, mind, soul and strength.
The Lord is our shepherd - We shall not be in want.
We give you praise for the selfless dedications of the St.
Andrews staff and the VBS volunteers.
Renew them; fill them with energy and love so that they can continue to
serve others in your name.
The Lord is our shepherd - We shall not be in want.
Mighty God, please watch over Brianna Kleinert and the others
serving with The Sending Place in Ecuador. Empower them and your missionaries throughout the world to
effectively evangelize and make disciples of Christ.
The Lord is our shepherd - We shall not be in want.
O Lord, help us to realize that time with You in quiet is
priceless. It’s where we can hear
from You best, be the most honest before You, and enjoy he most blessings of
Your presence. Help us to find our
identity and satisfaction in you God rather than in temporary things.
The Lord is our shepherd - We shall not be in want.
Each time we turn on the news Lord, we are inundated with the
evil in this world. There is violence
in our streets. We pray for the
families who have lost loved ones this past week to violence in Dallas, in
France and throughout the world.
Grant them peace and comfort them in their time of mourning.
The Lord is our shepherd - We shall not be in want.
Bless and protect those who serve. Help our politicians, our police officers and our military
to lead with honor, respect, wisdom, compassion and godliness.
The Lord is our shepherd - We shall not be in want.
Help us to make choices based upon the fear of God, not the
fear of man. Help us to spread
your love to this hurting world.
Give us grace and faith to trust You for great things.
The Lord is our shepherd - We shall not be in want.
Amen.
Monday, June 20, 2016
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.
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.
Thursday, June 16, 2016
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.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
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,
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,
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,
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,
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.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Prayers from Sunday, May 1, 2016
Heavenly Father,
First and foremost, we come to you with open hearts. We thank you for this beautiful morning and a wonderful choir that helps us to worship and praise your holy name. We give you thinks for how you love us unconditionally. You take what is broken inside our souls and you make it new in each and every one of us. We thank you for your forgiveness when we disobey you and when we stubbornly do not keep your commandments. Thank you Jesus for deeming us worthy of love by dying on the cross to pay for our sins. We are not worthy, not even a little, but you willingly loved us so much that you paid loves ransom so that we may have an everlasting life together in your family. We can't praise you enough. We owe you all love and adoration as your name is worthy of our praise. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit that guides each of us daily to help us make choices that honor your will and give you glory. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, we lift up prayers for those nearest to us, our family, our neighbors, our coworkers, that we may be encouragers and extend love and grace to them just as you extend to us even when that may be difficult to do. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for those who point us in the right direction in our lives: those such as teachers, our pastors and deacons, our mentors, our small group members and our veterans. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our rulers, those who govern our country. With your blessing Father, let America be a beacon of light and a bastion of hope for our world. Impart into our nation's leaders the unquenchable thirst for virtue as we lift up the 2016 election. We pray that truth will be brought into light as we near the voting process. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray especially, Father, for those who are without hope in their lives today. We pray for those with health issues both physically and mentally; we pray for those in broken relationships, those battling addiction, all the homeless here in Stockton and around the world; all your people who hunger and thirst not only for food but for spiritual food and for those who have not heard of your everlasting love yet. Use us, your people, to be beacons of light in a dark world and give us courage to set ourselves aside and use the gifts and talents you have blessed us with, so that we may be ready to do so when opportunities arise to share the gospel with those in need. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Finally Lord, be with our brothers and sisters around the world as they seek to share your hope, grace, and salvation with the many people groups. We especially lift up Ecuador as they suffer and recover from a major earthquake. The needs will definitely be mighty for the mission team from the Sending Place going in June. Thank you father that you are the Almighty and you hear every prayer both BIG and SMALL. All these prayers and petitions we humbly ask, your will and not ours. We pray in your Son's precious name, and all God's people said, Amen.
First and foremost, we come to you with open hearts. We thank you for this beautiful morning and a wonderful choir that helps us to worship and praise your holy name. We give you thinks for how you love us unconditionally. You take what is broken inside our souls and you make it new in each and every one of us. We thank you for your forgiveness when we disobey you and when we stubbornly do not keep your commandments. Thank you Jesus for deeming us worthy of love by dying on the cross to pay for our sins. We are not worthy, not even a little, but you willingly loved us so much that you paid loves ransom so that we may have an everlasting life together in your family. We can't praise you enough. We owe you all love and adoration as your name is worthy of our praise. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit that guides each of us daily to help us make choices that honor your will and give you glory. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, we lift up prayers for those nearest to us, our family, our neighbors, our coworkers, that we may be encouragers and extend love and grace to them just as you extend to us even when that may be difficult to do. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for those who point us in the right direction in our lives: those such as teachers, our pastors and deacons, our mentors, our small group members and our veterans. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our rulers, those who govern our country. With your blessing Father, let America be a beacon of light and a bastion of hope for our world. Impart into our nation's leaders the unquenchable thirst for virtue as we lift up the 2016 election. We pray that truth will be brought into light as we near the voting process. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray especially, Father, for those who are without hope in their lives today. We pray for those with health issues both physically and mentally; we pray for those in broken relationships, those battling addiction, all the homeless here in Stockton and around the world; all your people who hunger and thirst not only for food but for spiritual food and for those who have not heard of your everlasting love yet. Use us, your people, to be beacons of light in a dark world and give us courage to set ourselves aside and use the gifts and talents you have blessed us with, so that we may be ready to do so when opportunities arise to share the gospel with those in need. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Finally Lord, be with our brothers and sisters around the world as they seek to share your hope, grace, and salvation with the many people groups. We especially lift up Ecuador as they suffer and recover from a major earthquake. The needs will definitely be mighty for the mission team from the Sending Place going in June. Thank you father that you are the Almighty and you hear every prayer both BIG and SMALL. All these prayers and petitions we humbly ask, your will and not ours. We pray in your Son's precious name, and all God's people said, Amen.
Prayers for Sunday, May 15, 2016 – Pentecost Sunday
Written and led by Holly Andersen and Rachel McGehee
Gracious Spirit, we read in the first chapter of Genesis that when the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and that you, the Spirit of God, were hovering over the waters. You have been at work in the world since the very beginning. We are filled with joy on this day of Pentecost that our Lord Jesus sent you to be our counselor and guide as we walk and live out lives of faith. Gracious Spirit, Shine in our hearts.
The Apostle Paul says in Romans 8:11, “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” You, Holy Spirit, have given us life! Not “someday,” but now, right here on this earth, you are living inside our broken bodies. This is too much for us to grasp. Open our hearts and minds to humbly accept the unimaginable power of your life in us. We ask that your Spirit would continually transform us, breaking the power of addictions, greed, racism, apathy, pride, and envy. Gracious Spirit, Shine in our hearts.
In Acts chapter 1 verse 8, we read Jesus’ promises to his disciples, “’But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’” Lord, you promised your Spirit to your faithful disciples, and with the promise gave a great commission. Your Spirit gives us power to witness your mercy to the whole earth, but like the first disciples starting in Jerusalem, help us share your love first with the people in our own communities. Stockton and its surrounding areas need your healing and mercy so desperately; give us the desire and willingness to first reach out to those living in our homes and on our own streets. Thank you for organizations like the Gospel Center Rescue Mission and the Pregnancy Health Center who share your love in practical ways in our city. We pray for the Christians on our school boards, city council, county offices, state legislature, and federal government, that they would lead with integrity and be quick to share their faith with those around them. We also pray for our brothers and sisters sharing the gospel around the world: give us generosity to support their missions, and soften our hearts to hear your call in each one of us. Gracious Spirit, Shine in our hearts.
Holy Spirit, When we are weak, when we do not know what to say or cannot say
it, you help us. Romans 8 verse 26 tells us that in our weakness, when we do
not know what we ought to pray, that you intercede for us with groans that words
cannot express. You know the situations that leave us without words, the people
for whom we can help in no way other than to life them up in prayer... for Mary
Hintz, Riley Wells, Connie Rill and all those on our hearts, Gracious Spirit,
Shine in our hearts.
Matthew 10, verses 19 and 20 say, Do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Father, how incredible it is that your very Spirit speaks through us when we open our mouths to share your word! Spirit of God, take away our fear of speaking your truth to others, and give us confidence to share our faith boldly. May we be looking for moments during our daily lives at school, at work, in our neighborhoods, and with our families to tell others about the hope we have in you. Gracious Spirit, Shine in our hearts.
We pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Matthew 10, verses 19 and 20 say, Do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Father, how incredible it is that your very Spirit speaks through us when we open our mouths to share your word! Spirit of God, take away our fear of speaking your truth to others, and give us confidence to share our faith boldly. May we be looking for moments during our daily lives at school, at work, in our neighborhoods, and with our families to tell others about the hope we have in you. Gracious Spirit, Shine in our hearts.
We pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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