Prayer for Today, Sunday, January 23

God Who Is By Our Side,

You are the Light that illumines our path. You are our shelter in the storm. You lift us up in Your everlasting arms when another step seems too difficult. We give You thanks and praise. Bless us, we pray, as we seek to bless others by sharing Your love. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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I was in Tulsa yesterday and haven’t had a chance to find Francis Ferne. Some said she was at Greenbiar. Others said she was at Golden Oaks. I will let everyone know tomorrow. Whatever the case, please continue to keep her in your prayers.

Imogene Price was admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital yesterday. Please pray for Imogene.

I received word last night from Merle and Phyllis Phillips that Peggy Glenn, the widow of Ralph Glenn, had a massive stroke and died yesterday morning at age 69. Please pray for her children and friends. She lived in Ft. Worth and was a member at University Church. Her memorial service is tentatively scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Peggy was on staff here at Central.

Remember the Blood Drive today from 9:00 a.m. until Noon.

The scripture for today is Matthew 9:1-8:
And after getting into a boat he crossed the sea and came to his own town. And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” —he then said to the paralytic—’stand up, take your bed and go to your home.” And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.

The Psalm for the week is Psalm 6:
O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger, or discipline me in your wrath.
Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror.
My soul also is struck with terror, while you, O LORD—how long?
Turn, O LORD, save my life; deliver me for the sake of your steadfast love.
For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who can give you praise?
I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping.
My eyes waste away because of grief; they grow weak because of all my foes.
Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping.
The LORD has heard my supplication; the LORD accepts my prayer.
All my enemies shall be ashamed and struck with terror; they shall turn back, and in a moment be put to shame.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore