Prayer for Today, Thursday, December 1

God of Wonder,

O Lord, we journey through this Advent season with a sense of anticipation and hope. May we have the outlook of a child, but without the Santa Claus theology. May our joy be based in the wonder of the manger scene. May our sense of awe be renewed as we sing carols and light candles. May the possibility of peace empower us to new acts of kindness and reconciliation. Forgive us, we pray, when the holidays overwhelm us with clutter. May our focus be on the nativity, the star, and the poor and rich visitors. Help us see this embodiment of Your mystery, again, as if it were the first time. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

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Floreine Oltmans, Connie’s 90 year old mother and a long time member, was taken from her residence at the nursing home in Guthrie to Mercy Hospital in OKC. She apparently had a massive stroke. Please pray for Floreine.

We were informed yesterday that one of the ladies killed in the Friday vehicle collision was Helen Chisum’s sister and Ginger Hick’s aunt. Please continue to pray for those families affected.

We have a long hospital list. At St. Mary’s: Goldia Rasmussen, Helen Frost, Gene Mason, Clo Rine, Mary Ruth Cooper, and Mary Jo Summer’s – Mary Beach’s daughter’s mother-in-law; at Bass: Randy Conrady; at OU Health Center in OKC: Jim Walta; and Floreine Oltmans at Mercy in OKC.

Please pray for all these members and friends.

The Regional Church has sent an email with links to the regional newsletter and Advent materials. Click the following link: http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=4c675d27cc8484fde0c70a40d&id=200dd3a803&e=fe538400c9

The scripture for today is Mark 1:16-20:

As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.”¹⁸And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore