We give you praise this morning, oh Lord our God. We celebrate your majesty and power, your presence and faithfulness in our lives. Holy is your Name. We give thanks for your love and grace poured into our lives; may we extend the same to all we interact with. God, rain down your love on this earth through us. Mold us, renew us, and form us into your image.
We come to you this morning with the words of David in Psalm 111 flowing from our lips.
1 Praise the Lord.[b] I will extol the Lord with all my heart
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
2 Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.
3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate.
5 He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are established for ever and ever, enacted in faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He provided redemption for his people;
he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.
As we come before you God we also bring the following praises and requests.
Oh God, we rejoice with those who are enjoying times of rest, renewal and restoration as they holiday together with family and friends these weeks. God, grant safety, be present through your Holy Spirit, and may they experience the wonder of your love. We also lift up those who are walking through deep waters, facing times of struggle and pain. Lead and guide, provide hope and comfort as you hold them in your hands. Grant comfort to those who grieve and may your presence bring peace to those who are lonely and discouraged. We pray especially for those of our church family who reside in Long-term care or Nursing Homes. Oh God, may they know they are valued and loved by you and us. We pray for all who are caregivers for aging parents and loved ones. Grant patience, an abundance of love, and the wisdom to make wise, loving decisions. For those who are facing major life decisions grant Godly wisdom; where relationships are broken bring healing and redemption of the situation.
We thank you Holy Spirit for speaking and challenging the broader church family as Pastor Kara brought the concluding message at the MC Canada Conference. May your will be done in the life of your church, Jesus.
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.
Hold them in your hands.
We give you praise and thanks in the name of Jesus!
Amen