Over the past weeks as we have looked at Paul’s commands and prodding in Philippians 4, we have reminded ourselves numerous times that we are not alone. God is present. He is there in every situation, through every issue or challenge, present in every moment of joy.
This past week as Gloria and I had a few days of rest and renewal at the lake, I again was reminded that God is present. In the calmness of “paint splashed” water at sunset; in the beautiful whirr of the hummingbirds as they came to feed; in the silent darkness of midnight…He is there.
Celebrate and rest in that awareness as you read the following.
Psalm 139
1-6 God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand.
I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back; I’m never out of your sight.
You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too—
your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful— I can’t take it all in!
7-12 Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? to be out of your sight?
If I climb to the sky, you’re there! If I go underground, you’re there!
If I flew on morning’s wings to the far western horizon,
You’d find me in a minute, you’re already there waiting!
Then I said to myself, “Oh, he even sees me in the dark!
At night I’m immersed in the light!”
It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you;
night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you.
We are not alone. Thanks be to God.
Thank you for being a congregation that hears and responds to God’s call through the scriptures to pray. There is power in prayer. You will note that the following requests are a repeat of last week, partially due to the fact that I have been away from the office, but more critically, due to the fact that these are ongoing issues and needs.
Pray for patience as families and individuals cry out to God for renewed strength for each new day, each new week. Pray that God will work His perfect will in His perfect time.
Prayer Requests:
· Thank you for your prayer support & love expressed to those of our church community who are grieving the death of a family member.
Pray that God thru the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, will minister His grace and peace to all of these individuals and their families as they have need.
· Pray for Pastor Kara…may God fill her with His joy and peace; may she know His presence and the gift of renewal in her heart, soul, and mind.
Households of Faith:
Pray for our Households of Faith during this next week.
Pray for their well being, for summer enjoyment, and for rest and renewal. May God’s peace and presence rest on each individual
“We are not alone. Thanks be to God.”
Pastor Clare