God of Grace,
In a harsh world we pray for tender mercies. It seems that aggressive behavior is all around us: in the news, on the television, on talk shows, in our city, and sometimes in our own lives. Forgive us, O Lord, when our need to be right, to win, and to succeed supersedes our need to be concerned about the needs of others. Within us we have gentle hearts and compassionate spirits. The model of Jesus’ opens those doors for us. Help us, we pray, to be tender and loving in our talk, in our actions, and in our relationships. May Your love abound and flow through us into a harsh, broken and hurting world. We pray this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
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Please pray for Davida Whitsitt. She is in St. Mary’s hospital.
Tonight is WWNF. We were off to a good start last Wednesday. I hope you can attend tonight.
Remember we will host a “9/11 Prayer Vigil” this Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
The scripture for today is Ephesians 5:3-20:
But fornication and impurity of any kind, or greed, must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints. Entirely out of place is obscene, silly, and vulgar talk; but instead, let there be thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure person, or one who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be associated with them. For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light—for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
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