Prayer for Today, Saturday, April 23

O God our God,

It is hard for us to fathom the breadth and depth of Your love for us, even as we complete our Lenten journey and stand before the empty tomb tomorrow. In so many ways this journey has become routine. Surprise us, even shock us O Lord, that we might get a glimpse of Your glory and grace. Forgive our complacent attitudes. Forgive our “ho hum” approach to Easter where we are concerned about clothing, family meals and obligatory rituals. As we gather for worship tomorrow may the power and passion of Your love consume us. May our hearts race. May praises shout out from our depths. May the eternal spark within us explode into flames as we proclaim “Christ is risen. He is risen indeed!”. AMEN.
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George Oller was hospitalized yesterday. I mistakenly said it was someone else during morning prayers. Please pray for George and out other members who are hospitalized. Imogene Price and Austin Wade.

Today we will enjoy our All Church Picnic featuring an Easter Egg Hunt and games at the church. We will be inside if the weather is bad.

This afternoon Justin Blasier and Julie Hildabrand will be married in Bivins Chapel. I am officiating. Please pray for this young couple.

Please continue to pray for Chuck Crites’s family as they continue this journey through the valley of the shadow of death.

Tomorrow we will have one glorious Service of Resurrection in the sanctuary at 10:15 a.m.

The scripture for today is Matthew 20:29-34:
As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!”The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!”Jesus stood still and called them, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?”They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.”Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.

Hope to see you in church on Easter. Grace and peace,

John McLemore