In light of the theme “Come to the Water” that we will follow for the next several weeks, I would encourage you to read the following.
A Letter from God – taken from portions of “Come Thirsty” – Max Lucado
Dear child of mine
Are you thirsty? Come and drink. I am one who comforts you. I bought you, and complete you. I delight in you and claim you as my own, rejoicing over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. I will never fail you or forsake you.
I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins, yet my grace is sufficient for you. I have cast all your sins behind my back, trampled them under my feet, and thrown them into the depths of the ocean! Your sins have been washed away, swept away like the morning mists, scattered like the clouds. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free. Your citizenship is in heaven. Come, inherit the kingdom prepared for you.
You are worried and troubled about many things; trust me with all your heart. Let me strengthen you with my glorious power. I did not spare my Son but gave him up for you. Won’t I give you everything else? March on dear soul with courage! Never give up. I will help you; I will uphold you.
Trust in me always. I am the eternal Rock, your Shepherd, the Guardian of your soul. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
So, don’t worry. I never tire or sleep. I stand beside you. The angel of the Lord encamps around you. I hide you in the shelter of my presence. I will go ahead of you, directing your step and delighting in every detail of your life. If you stumble, you will not fall, for I hold you by the hand. I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. Wars will break out near and far, but don’t panic. I have overcome the world. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. I surround you with a shield of love.
I throw my arms of love around you, lavish attention on you, and guard you as the apple of my eye. I rejoice over you with great gladness. My thoughts of you cannot be counted; they outnumber the grains of sand! Nothing can ever separate you from my love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Your fears for today, your worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep my love away.
Give me your burdens; I will take care of you. I know how weak you are, that you are made of dust. Give all your worries and cares to me, because I care about what happens to you.
Remember, I am at hand. Come to me when you are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. I delight in you, and I can be trusted to keep my promises. Come and drink the water of life.
Your Maker, your Father
God
Thank you God for your love, for the gift of Living Water, and for the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Give us faith to trust wholly in you, to drink deeply so that streams of Living Water will flow from within us, changing our world. We give you praise.
Listening God, we also pray for those whom you hold close within your heart,
the sick, those living with chronic illness, the vulnerable;
those who are lonely or isolated, most especially long-term care residents who continue to deal with covid outbreaks and lockdowns.
those awaiting test results, surgery dates, and those who are journeying cancer treatment. May hope burn bright!
We pray for the discouraged, the heart-broken, the fearful, the dying, and those who stand in need of healing and wholeness.
We pray for those facing major life decisions, change, and those who grieve.
Hold each heart secure within your own and strengthen us to walk in your ways of love.
For needs named and for those we hold deep in our heart, we offer our prayers in the strong name of Jesus the risen Christ. Amen
We pray for all who are caregivers for aging parents and loved ones.
We pray for the many needs that our community of faith face. Grant courage, strength, and peace. Surround and keep safe all those in long-term care living with Covid outbreaks.
Thank you Jesus for your presence with those of our Households of Faith.
We praise God as they bless their family with care and support, and use their gifts to also serve here at WMC and in the community. May God be your strength and joy.