A prayer especially today from Pastor Matthew on this ‘World Heart Day’
Sunday:
“God, Maker of our amazing hearts, we pray thanksgiving for all the
doctors, nurses, and researchers who are helping us to understand the
human heart. We pray thanksgiving for the ingenuity that guides people
to perform complicated surgery on the heart. We pray thanksgiving for
all those who have learned therapies that help the heart to heal and
strengthen. Heavenly Trainer, bless and bolster our hearts today so that
they can keep pumping well. Amen.”
As we feel the beating of our hearts and wonder in amazement at each
lifegiving beat we are deeply grateful. Silently beating approximately
60 beats per minute our hearts allow us to enjoy the many gifts you give
us, the sun and warmth, the awesome sunsets, the changing moon, the
seasonal changes, relationships, family and so much more. We know these
gifts are from you and we praise and thank you for the many blessings
you have given us.
We thank you for giving leadership to those who prepared this morning’s
service. We pray your blessing on Pastor Matthew as he begins to know
and understand our church family. Pray for patience and your guidance
as he navigates these next weeks of seeking your will for this
congregation and for himself.
We thank you for the healing you have granted to those recovered from
surgery or injury. We do pray for those who await surgery. May they know
your grace and feel patience as waiting is long while
awaiting these surgeries.
We know there are those who have unspoken concerns. We too now remember
those in LTC and those who have lost loved ones, who may feel lonely and
discouraged. May they each be filled with daily comfort and peace. Lord
you alone can fill their needs with your loving kindness, care and
peace.
Today we too remember the families and friends of those deceased and
mourning with the tragic accident this past Monday north of Wellesley.
We pray for those who survived that moment when their lives were forever
changed. Be near to them as they recover physically but also emotionally
recalling those indelible moments in their minds. May each one know you
are Lord and feel your presence and your comfort. The farm accident
involving a tractor outside Wellesley this week, Lord we pray those
involved may too know you, find peace and comfort following this trauma.
Our minds go to the First Responders and those who arrive on these
scenes and react amidst their own thoughts, fears and concerns. May
they know and feel your presence as they perform their daily duties.
Our thoughts go afar to those in conflict in Israel and Lebanon,
Ukraine, Haiti and other countries disrupted by war. We pray for the
leaders making decisions! Somehow guide their thoughts and decisions.
For those in the midst of devastation who are powerless to make changes
oh Lord we don’t understand the why and wherefore but ask you to be near
these your people.
Praying for Our Households of Faith this week.
Oh Lord we know life is filled with daily challenges of living. May you
bless each of these households and hold them in your care!
This week the words of Psalms 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”
were drawn to my attention. Pastor Clare wondered how do we “Be still”
and quiet our hearts amongst life’s challenges?
Thursday afternoon I experienced the unveiling of the plaque now placed
at the Montreal River site commemorating the work and lives of the young
COs who stood for peace during World War 11.
These young men experienced many challenges in the uninhabited north
away from home and often in difficult situations. The words: “Be Still
and Know that I am God” again surfaced. How did these young people
mentally process your peace among those harsh and unsettling conditions?
How Lord do we internalize this peace you speak of?
Only by your grace did they and today do we experience the words of John
14: 27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to
you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be
afraid.
And Philippians 4:7 The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
As we feel our hearts beat, Lord God we know you gifted us with life. We
know that only through you do we receive your gift of peace as we
navigate life.
Give us this peace we pray!
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen