Prayer for Today, Thursday, September 30

O God of Comfort and Peace,

We have experienced the loss of a number of loved ones and friends over the last few months and our hearts are heavy. May your Spirit provide comfort and peace to all those grieving. Sometimes in the midst of great loss our individual faith falters. As a community, may we collectively have the faith to sustain ourselves and also sustain those faltering. May we lift them up, O God, and may we be your agents of hope and comfort. In Jesus names, AMEN.
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May we pray for the family of Art Gamble. His funeral is today at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Please pray for the family of Harry Jay Congdon. His funeral is Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the Plainsman football field.

May we pray for the family of Charles Crain, Ila Crain’s brother. He died September 27.

Irene Green has a broken foot. We life her up in prayers.

It was nice to see Janice Stout yesterday at WWNF. She is apparently doing better.

Barb Newton has been diagnosed with uterine cancer. It is in the early stages and the family and doctors are deciding on the appropriate course of action. Please pray for Barb.

The Pictorial Directories are in the church office. Come by and pick yours up in the office or get it this Sunday at the Welcome Center. Be sure to sign the sheet noting you have received yours. One per family, please.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, September 29

Merciful God,

You revealed yourself in Jesus who became the Christ. May we look at his teaching and ministry to see how we are to live in relationship to you and your humanity all around us. May we heed the message and follow the mandates of the “red letters” in our Bibles. May we be a “red letter” people. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Our hearts go out to the great host of family and friends of Harry Congdon. Harry died yesterday afternoon around 1:30 p.m. in his home surrounded by those he loved. Please offer special prayers for his wife, Kathy; his daughter, Jamie Hromas; his son, Jason Congdon, his mother, Zee Congdon; and all his family, many who attend Central Christian Church. Harry’s funeral will likely be Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in Selby Stadium.

Please continue to pray for Peg Krick as she recovers from surgery at Bass Hospital.

Art Gamble’s funeral will be tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Art and his wife were active members at Central from 1951 until 1995.

Tonight is WWNF. If you are in Jack Weston’s class in the Fellowship Hall be sure to bring your Bibles.

I am having another CAT Scan and Bone Scan this morning. I appreciate your prayers.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, September 28

O God of all seasons,

We thank you for the variety we experience in the changing seasons. The recent cool, beautiful days stand in contrast to the stifling heat of August. We celebrate your presence in creation regardless of the temperature. You are present with us all our days and we give you thanks. May our lives reflect your grace and love. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
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Peg Krick had successful surgery yesterday afternoon. It wasn’t nearly as involved as the doctor initially thought. Peg is in Room 315 at Bass and will be there until the weekend.

Art Gamble died Sunday evening in OKC. His funeral will be at our church on Thursday with interment in OKC. Please pray for Art’s family. Art had been sick, but death came unexpectedly.

The Horn of Plenty Food Drive is this Sunday.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, September 27

O God above all names,

We come to you with grateful hearts, thanking you for the new week before us. We know, O Lord, that each new day brings challenges and opportunities. Strengthen us by your Spirit to be equal to the challenges and prepared for the opportunities to love, serve, forgive and witness to your love. We are so blessed. May we be a blessing to others. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
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Peg Krick is hospitalized in Bass Hospital and is facing the possibility of surgery. They will decide in the next 24 to 36 hours. Please pray for Peg.

Bert Sims is having a pacemaker replacement procedure this morning. If they need to replace the wires he will be hospitalized at Bass for 2 to 3 days. Please pray for Bert.

The youth fundraiser luncheon was well attended yesterday and the food was very good. Thanks to all who attended and all who served.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, September 26

Gracious God,

Our faith journey has two parts: our personal relationship with you through Jesus Christ and our relationship to others as followers of Jesus. Often we focus only on only one. Forgive us, O Lord. May our faith, while never complete, lead us to focus on you and on those around us, particularly on those in need. Your love for us and the world abounds and never fails. Thank you. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Today is a Youth Fundraiser luncheon at 11:30 a.m. I hope you can attend.

Bert Sims is having a pacemaker replacement procedure tomorrow at Bass Hospital. Please pray for Bert.

Don and Tary Johnson are leaving after church today to visit his brother in New Mexico. They will be gone all week. Please pray for safe travels.

Please continue to pray for Ivan Winter’s family as they mourn Ivan’s death.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, September 25

Dear Creator God,

There are times in our lives when we concern ourselves too much with the shortcomings and sins of others. We are critical and judgmental. Then we hear the words of Jesus about the speck in our neighbors eye and the log in our own. Then we see who Jesus spent his time with, “sinners and tax collectors”. Please forgive us, O God. May we be less like the Pharisees and more like Jesus. In His name we pray, AMEN.
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The Walk 4R Kids is this morning. Our Young Adults will be volunteering during the setup this morning.
Please pray for a successful walk.

This is also the day we deliver frozen meals to Meadows Point and La Mesa Apartments to fill the gap in the Senior Nutrition Program. Max Johnson and I will make the early morning deliveries.

Kids Central is having a carnival in the parking lot of the church this afternoon.

Art Gamble, a former member who lives in OKC, has pneumonia and had a stroke. I talked to his son, Bob, yesterday. Art is doing better and it appears there are few effects of the stroke. Please pray for Art as he recovers in the hospital.

Remember the Youth Fundraiser Luncheon tomorrow at 11:30 a.m.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, September 24

O Lord,

This beautiful morning blesses us and inspires us. We stand in awe of the beauty that is all about us. May we open our eyes, O God, and see the works of your hands. We celebrate your presence in all of creation. Thank you. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
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Ivan Winter’s graveside is this morning at 11:00 a.m.

Bert Sims is having a pacemaker change on Monday morning at Bass hospital. Please pray for Bert.

Our Young Adults are helping setup for the Walk 4RKids tomorrow.

This Sunday the youth are having a fundraiser luncheon after the 10:15 a.m. services. Come and enjoy a good meal and continue your wonderful support of our youth.

San Diego was a great experience. I got home at midnight last night. You will hear more about the Pastor’s Conference later.

Grace and peace,

John Mclemore

Prayer for Today, Thursady, September 23

Most Gracious God,

We adore You. We Love You. We praise You. Thank you for your presence with us. We thank you for all the blessings we have received, even those mundane things in life that are often overlooked yet that provide blessing to us and others. Help us, O Lord, to look outward. When we are in the midst of our toil and trouble, may we be courageous and compassionate enough to see and respond to the needs of others. May we seek to follow Jesus. It is in His name we pray, AMEN.
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Please pray for Betty Roach and the rest of Ivan Winter’s family. Ivan’s graveside service is tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. at memorial Park Cemetery.

San Diego is a wonderful city. Our keynote speaker, Diana Bulter Bass, is amazing and on the mark. I also ate some good fish last night as well. Please pray for my return to Oklahoma this afternoon/evening.

Grace and peace,



John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, September 22

O God,

Your mercy and peace surround us. You continue to invite us into your Presence, but you don’t force us. We are not puppets on a string, therefore we can choose to turn away from you. Forgive us, Merciful Lord, when our pride or greed takes us down one path even though you call us to another. Often our actions cause you pain. This day we stand before you filled with promise and sin. May we turn into your embrace, be filled with your grace, and choose right paths. In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
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Ivan Winter died yesterday morning. His graveside will be at Memorial Park Cemetery this Friday at 11:00 a.m.

Kaylee Petersen had an emergency appendectomy Monday morning. She is recuperating at home. Please pray for Kaylee.

Remember WWNF this evening and the two adult classes: crafts and Jack Weston’s Bible study.

I am writing this from my hotel room in San Diego. It was 65 degrees when I got off the plane. Wow! Yesterday evening we had a wonderful supper and an amazing worship experience. There are about 250 participants, 12 being from Oklahoma. Today we hear presentations from Diana Butler Bass. I am really looking forward to them.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, September 21

O Lord, Our Lord,

We give you thanks this day for all our blessings. Open our eyes, O God, that we may see your presence around us. Open our hearts, that we might respond to your love. Open our very souls, that your Holy Spirit may dwell there. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Ivan Winter is in the last hours/days of his life. His sister Betty Roach is driving from the Dallas area early this morning to be with Ivan. Please pray for Ivan and Betty.

Please pray for me as I travel to San Diego this morning.

WWNF is in full swing tomorrow evening. You may want to join the “24 Hours That Changed the World” Bible study led by Jack Weston in the Fellowship Hall. It will be very good.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, September 20

O Lord,

Fall is upon us and we celebrate the variety each season brings to our lives. We look ahead to holidays, family gatherings and joyous activities. Just as you are the God of all seasons of the year, so are you the God of all the seasons of our lives. May we appreciate and celebrate the enthusiasm and idealism of youth as well as the knowledge and wisdom of the elderly. We confess our narrow views that limit our perspective and that often isolate us from those who may enhance our journey. Forgive us, O God, and open our eyes that we might celebrate the power of diversity. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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We continue to pray for Retha Cady. She will likely be dismissed from St. Mary’s hospital tomorrow.

We also continue to pray for the family of Richard Cinnamon. His funeral will be tomorrow afternoon.

This evening the Personnel Committee will meet at 6:00 p.m. in the Conference Room.

I will leave early tomorrow morning for the Disciples Pastor’s Conference in San Diego. I should be back in Enid last Thursday.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, September 19

O Great Author of Love,

We dwell in the mystery of your grace. Words cannot express the power of your forgiveness. We stand before you as those not deserving, yet you are there. Forgive us, O Lord. Cleanse our hearts and minds so that we can see you and love you and serve you as the people we are: those embraced by your love. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Please pray for Jet Gonzales, brother of Jaedyn and Jolay Gonzales. Jet is 2 ½ months old and lives in Florida. He is recovering from heart surgery.

Please pray for the family of Richard Cinnamon who died in a farm accident on Thursday.

Today is Sunday! Bring a friend with you to Sunday School and church.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, September 18

O God,

You know us to our very depths. You know our prayers before our lips utter the words. Come to us now. Bring light to the darkness of our souls. Heal our angry, bitter and critical spirits. May your spirit of peace bring us renewed hope and joy. And may we desire to share your love with others. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Our hearts and prayers go out to the Cinnamon family of Garber. Richard Cinnamon was killed in a farm accident. He is Leonard Edwards’ nephew. Phil and Vickie Steinert’s son is married to Richard’s daughter. Don Johnson will assist with the funeral which is scheduled for Tuesday.

Fran Hoad participated in the POW/MIA ceremony at Vance AFB yesterday. It was an honor to be there with the Hoads.

Retha Cady has been in St. Mary’s since last Wednesday with a heart attack. She had a successful heart cath procedure and will likely move out of ICU today and go home next Tuesday.

Kelsey Hannah has been released from Bass Hospital. Shane Neilson has been released from St. Mary’s Hospital.

John Yeager is a patient on the 4th floor at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, September 17

Dear Comforting God,

We adore you. We love you. While you are a mystery to us, we still feel your presence. May we see the works of your hands in the labor of those around us. May we experience your love as we love others. May we see your face as we gaze into the faces of family members, neighbors, friends and strangers. We are so blessed by your grace, O God. May we be a blessing to others. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Retha Cady had a heart attack and is in ICU at St. Mary’s Hospital. Please pray for Retha.

Gene Carlson is scheduled to have skin graft surgery today at the OU Medical Center in OKC. Please pray for Gene and his wife Cindy.

On the front page of this week’s Church Visitor I mentioned three opportunities for volunteer service at Central. When I discussed the Caregivers I said they meet on the second Tuesday. I knew better. They meet on the FIRST Tuesday. Sorry.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, September 16

O Lord,
We remember on this day the thousands of people who made the run into the Cherokee Strip 117 years ago. Many of us celebrate the direct family connections to those pioneers. All of us are the beneficiaries of their courage and fortitude, forging out a new life on the prairie. The founders of Central Christian Church were a part of that great land run and they brought not only their courage, but also their faith. We thank you for this wonderful legacy. May we foster and preserve that spirit for future generations. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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We received the following email from Tom Sargeant:
“I would like to thank the prayer group of Bob Parks, Bert Aims, Jean Long, Virginia Spencer, Tina Swanson, Annella Baker, and Willo Clark for thinking of me. I did well after my prostate surgery, and was able to come home the Fri. after my Wednesday surgery. I really appreciate all of you, and the prayers you are lifting up to the Lord for all of our church members who are in need. Sincerely, Tom Sargeant”

Please continue to pray for Tom and all our members who are sick, grieving or recovering from surgery.

The NW Area Men’s meeting is tonight in Ames. We pray for safe travels and a good experience for our men attending.

Please pray for our church as we move toward the final quarter of the calendar year. Our giving is down. We have made spending adjustments and are looking optimistically for program, financial and ministerial success these next few months.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, September 15

Lord of Heaven and Earth,
Augustine said, “I believe, forgive my unbelief”. There are times in our lives, O God, when our faith is strong and sure. There are other times when we seem to live in darkness and our faith is weak, if not absent. Help us to understand there are times, due to life’s circumstances, when our neighbors, friends, even family feel empty and void. In those times may the church community have a strong faith for them. We live as the Body of Christ. Sometimes my faith supports my neighbor. Sometimes my neighbor’s faith supports me. Help us to realize you are always there and often we experience you through the love and care of another. We thank you, Loving Presence, for the church community. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
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Kelsey Hannah is recovering from surgery at Bass.

Ivan Winter continues under hospice care at Greenbriar.

REMEMBER: Board meeting this evening at 7:30 p.m.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, September 14

O God,
Our lives so often become cluttered with things and activities. We are enticed to believe our value is expressed in possessions and honors. Often this clutter becomes sinful because it gets in the way of our devotion to you. Forgive us, O Lord, and cleanse us. Help us to remove those distractions so that we might truly be devoted to you and the business you call us to be about, not the busyness imposed on us by the culture. Bless us, Creator God. May we be open to the presence of your Spirit in our lives. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Kelsey Lantz Hannah had surgery this morning. She will be in Bass hospital for a couple of days.

Don reports that Gene Carlson is doing better. He will have a couple of skin grafts later in the week.

Board meeting is tomorrow evening at 7:30 p.m. Committee Chairs are encouraged to email their reports to the church office so we can send a Board Packet.

NW Area Men’s meeting is Thursday evening. Please R.S.V.P. to the church office by noon today if you plan to attend.

Is God calling you? We need more people willing to make regular hospital calls with the Hospital Callers. We also need more people willing to make monthly calls on our shut-ins with the Caregivers. There is also an opportunity to work with Catherine Cullumber as she makes calls and distributes materials to members who have lost loved ones. Be open to God’s call. We will train you. All of these ministries have a profound impact on the lives of others. If you are interested, please call the church office.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, September 13

O God of all Times and Places,
Another week is before us and we give you thanks and praise. Be with us, Loving God, as we interact with family, friends, classmates, students, co-workers, neighbors and even strangers. May your Spirit guide us in these relationships so that we might be loving, compassionate and truly present to one another. This is our prayer in Jesus name, AMEN.
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Ken Ball had cataract surgery this morning. Please pray for a speedy and successful recovery.

We welcome new members, Lynn and Betty Unruh. They come by transfer from a Disciples church in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Men, there is a NW Area Men’s meeting in Ames this Thursday evening. There will be good food and a good program. Call the church office today to make a reservation.

We will have our regularly scheduled Board Meeting this Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. All committee chairs are encouraged to submit a committee report today so that we can send a “board packet” via email to all board members tomorrow. Thanks.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, September 12

O God,
This is the day You have made. We rejoice and are glad in it. May we respond to today’s opportunities to serve, love and witness. In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
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Please continue to pray for Jane Adams and her family as they mourn the death of Phil.

This morning we are installing deacons during the 10:15 a.m. sanctuary service.

There is an Elders’ meeting today at 5:30 p.m. in the Parlor.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, September 11

O God,
This is a day when we remember a great tragedy in the history of our country. We pray for all those who lost family and friends nine years ago. We pray for this great nation as we continue to seek appropriate solutions to the radical thinking that leads to terrorist action in the world. May we choose other than radical responses. In all things, O Lord, we pray for peacemakers and for peace. In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
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We received the following email from Cheryl Sargeant:
“I would like to thank Janet Cox, and Peg Krick for being at Bass Hospital while Tom had surgery. It was so nice to see them both. I really appreciated them thinking of us.
I would, also, like to thank Don Johnson for visiting with us both on Thursday. He really lifted us up, and gave us some information, about cancer, that will help us in the future. In Jesus Name, Cheryl Sargeant”

We pray for families facing difficulties resulting from illness, poor decisions, financial issues, or parent and child confrontations. May God’s Spirit abide with them and may positive solutions be the result.

Don’t forget tomorrow is Deacon Installation at the beginning of the 10:15 a.m. sanctuary worship.

Bring a friend to Sunday school and church tomorrow.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, September 10

O Lord of all that is,

We seek your tender mercies this day as we celebrate the life and mourn the death of Phil Adams. We are reminded of the fragile nature of human existence. As we remember Phil, may we also reflect on our own relationships: with you, with family and with friends. May we sow seeds of love and peace. May we encourage one another. And may we deny ourselves to be followers of Jesus. It is in His name we pray. AMEN.
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Phil’s funeral is today at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Please pray for Jane and the Adams family.

Davida Whitsitt is in Bass hospital.

Gene Carlson now has apparently had a stroke.

Please pray for all of our sick and grieving.

Sunday we will install our current deacons during the 10:15 a.m. sanctuary service. The installation will occur near the beginning of the service so those who attend the Revive and Renew service can return to that worship experience. This is the first time in recent years we have installed deacons. It is appropriate to recognize them and set them apart for the specific ministry they are called to do.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, September 9

O God who dwells with us,

We thank you for the blessings of life. Often we take these blessings for granted or we reduce their significance with the culture’s clutter. Forgive us, we pray, when we place our agenda ahead of any sincere attempt to discern your agenda for us, for our community and for the world. May we be your courageous agents for peace, reconciliation and compassion. We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
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Tom Sargeant had surgery yesterday at St. Mary’s. Please pray for a speedy and complete recovery for Tom.

Janice Stout broke a bone in her foot. Faydean Macemore fell and broke her pelvis. Betty Koehn is St. Mary’s hospital. Please pray for Janice, Faydean and Betty.

We offer prayers for the family of Danny Blakely who died unexpectedly. Many church members knew Danny.

We celebrate with Jim and Janet Cox on the occasion of their great granddaughter’s birth. Her name is Abigail Rose Smith.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, September 8

O Merciful God,

We thank you for our blessings and ask for forgiveness for our sinfulness. It seems humanity is an enigma. We are capable of so much good and so much evil. And it seems that some of the evil we do is in the name of goodness. Cleanse our motives, O God. May we seek to follow the model of Jesus as we relate to our neighbors and to you. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Let me give you a quick update on my medical issues. Carolyn and I went to Dallas yesterday to meet with a genitourinary oncologist at Baylor. He is one of two in Texas and there are no doctors in Oklahoma with this very specialized practice. Frankly, we weren’t too encouraged after our last oncologist visit, but this was much different. This physician was very positive and has outlined a series of different therapies we will do. I am enrolled in the immune therapy program although it will be a few months before that will begin. As I said, Carolyn and I are very encouraged and optimistic about what lies ahead. There is no “cure”, but there are a variety of treatments which will allow longer life and good quality of life. Thank you for your love, prayers and cards. We are very blessed.

Phil Adams’ funeral will be Friday at 2:00 p.m. Please continue to lift up Phil’s family in your prayers.

WWNF meal and chapel begin tonight, PLUS a preview of the programs. I am glad we are back on a regular Wednesday night schedule.

This Sunday we are doing something new. We will install our deacons. If you are a new deacon or a deacon who is continuing to serve, you are invited to participate in the installation service during the 10:15 a.m. sanctuary worship. This will occur at the beginning so the R & R participants can attend the R & R service after the installation.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, September 7

Gracious God,
We are surrounded by your grace and enfolded in your love. May we open our hearts to you, allowing your Spirit to enter us, transform us and empower us to serve you by serving others. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.

Please pray for Jane Adams and her family. Phil’s funeral will likely be this Friday. Arrangements are not yet final.

Carolyn and I go to Dallas today to talk to them about immune therapy. We appreciate your prayers.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, September 6 LABOR DAY

It is with a heavy heart that I tell you Phil Adams died this morning. He wasn’t feeling well yesterday and he and Jane went home after Sunday School. Yesterday evening he was losing his coordination and Jane took him to St. Mary’s ER. They checked him out, he was feeling better and was released. This morning he passed out in the bathroom around 6:00 a.m. Jane called 911. He was doing better in the ER and then coded, apparently dying of a heart attack around 8:00 a.m. Please pray for Jane, their family and a great host of Phil’s friends.

O God, we pray today for Jane Adams and her family. In this midst of this great loss may she know your peace. Allow us, O Lord, to be present to her as she and the children journey through this valley of the shadow of death. May your love and Phil’s profound faith sustain her as her heart weeps. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Prayer for Today, Sunday, September 5

Dear Heavenly Parent,
We live within the confines of our mortal life, yet you give us glimpses of all eternity. As we worship we know we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses. Open our minds, O Lord, to the understanding there is more to “reality” than what we can observe and measure. Help us move beyond what we can see so that we can experience you in the mystery. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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I just received an email saying Jeanette Riggs of Purcell died early this morning. She is a friend of the Wheelers and McLemores and has been very active in Regional Church events and leadership. Please pray for Jeanette’s family.

It is a beautiful morning. May such a morning inspire you to bring thanksgiving to God in worship.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, September 4

(Sorry this is late today. 12:17 p.m.)

O Lord our Lord,
We wonder if their enough good in us to overcome our sin, or is there enough sin in us to overcome the good we do. Help us to always realize there is more grace in you than sin in us and help us live lives that reflect that grace.
In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Cindy Carlson wrote in an email:
“They took Gene off the ventilator yesterday and woke him up. He is able to talk although hoarsely. They are continuing to clean out his leg on MWF and hope to do a skin graft next week. He should also be moved to a regular room soon. Thanks so much for all the prayers. Thanks also John for stopping by to see him.” (Don and Tary have also seen Gene a number of times.)

Be safe this holiday weekend.

Tomorrow there is a special Property Committee meeting immediately after the 10:15 a.m. services.

Tomorrow is Communion to the Homebound. Please pray for all those receiving and those serving.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, September 3

Loving God,

Each day brings new challenges and opportunities. Give us strength, O Lord, to meet the challenges with grace and pursue the opportunities with vigor. You are our God and we surrender ourselves to you. Use us, mold us, empower us. This is our prayer in Jesus Name, AMEN.
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The choir will be glad to know that the new HIVAC unit was being put on the roof as I drove into the parking lot this morning. Now they can rehearse in comfort.

Please continue your prayers for Gene Carlson. He is in the ICU at OU Medical Center.

Imogene Price had her procedure yesterday at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital. She should be home today.

Please keep the Krick’s in your prayers.

This is the last holiday weekend of the summer. If you are traveling, please be safe. If you are in town, please don’t take a holiday from worship.

This weekend our deacons and elders serve communion to the homebound. If you are a deacon or elder, please check the schedule.

FOOTBALL BEGINS! High School and college. From my perspective, that is a celebration.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, September 2

Amazing God,

We understand you in so many ways: as a powerful creator, as a tender parent, as a vengeful adversary, as a healer of broken souls. You defy all of our definitions and descriptions. May we be open to the mystery that is you. You hold time in your hands. All of the past and all of the future belongs to you. Come to us in the present moment, O God. Even though we can’t define you, may your Spirit embrace us now. In Jesus Name, AMEN.
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Imogene Price is having a procedure at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital today. Please pray for Imogene.

Kelsey Hannah will have surgery on September 14th.

The Kricks have asked for prayers for their son, David. He has a large mass in the lower left lobe of his lung. Also, their grandson, Corey Krick, is now in Afghanistan. Please pray for the Krick family.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, September 1

O Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer,

You hold us in the palm of your hand. You bring us to your breast so that we can feel the beat of your heart. We are surrounded by your comfort and peace. May the rhythm of our lives be in sync with you, O Lord, so that the outcome of our efforts may be pleasing to you. This we pray in Jesus Name, AMEN.
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Ivan Winter is now under hospice care at Greenbriar. Please pray for Ivan.

Imogene Price will have another heart oblation procedure at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital in OKC tomorrow. Please pray for Imogene.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore