Prayer for Today, Monday, May 16

Gracious God,

You have placed with us a yearning to be in relationship with You. There is an emptiness only You can fill, yet we often attempt to be completed by consumption, seeking power and influence, or acquisitiveness. All our attempts are empty and vain. Forgive us, O God. May we turn to You, knowing You are always there. Our decision must be to open our hearts to the power and mystery of Your grace, then we are filled to overflowing. Grant us the courage to live as You call us to live, loving You and loving our neighbor. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
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Barb Newton had a successful procedure in OKC on Friday to implant a port for dialysis. She is not on dialysis yet, but this is in preparation to a future possibility. Please continue to pray for Barb.

Mary Johnson is having cataract surgery this morning at the Surgery Center. Please pray for Mary and a successful surgery.

I am “masked” until Wednesday morning. Thank you for all your prayers and concerns. I should be “back in the saddle” Wednesday afternoon.

There is a very important Board meeting this Wednesday evening. It is the last one for this planning year. The Nominating Committee will present a slate of new Elders, Deacons, Elders Emeritus and Special Gifts Trustees. All will require later congregational approval.

May we discern God’s will for us as we proceed ahead.

The scripture for today is Matthew 23:1-12:
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore