Prayer for Today, Tuesday, July 31

Lord our Lord,

Here we are again, bring our prayers to You. Sometimes the words come easily, sometime they are stuck in our throats. Whatever the case, words are so inadequate. Look into our hearts, we pray. Please cleanse us of the impurities that separate us from You and from others. Then may our hearts be our prayer. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

Please pray for Jane Johnson’s brother, Bryan Fuxa, who is hospitalized in Colorado with heart issues.

We just received word that Catina Sundvall reinjured her leg a while back. Please pray for Catina.

We are delivering more fans today. Please pray for those who are dramatically affected by this excruciating heat.

This email from Patrick was forwarded to me by the Ministerial Alliance.

__________

Howard,

On July 27^th I met with a group of deaf individuals who live in the Enid area about some issues they had regarding State services.   During our meeting they told me that there were somewhere between 40 and 80 deaf individuals living in Enid and they brought up several issues regarding how they feel as if they are outcasts in our community due to communication problems.  One of the specific issues they brought up is that they would like to attend a church – but that there aren’t any churches in Enid that provide someone who can sign.

I wanted to ask if you could contact the members of the Enid Ministerial Alliance and ask if there is a church here in Enid that does have someone that signs during their church services.   If there is a church that provides this service then let me know and I will pass the information on – if there is not then this would seem to be a great opportunity for the Enid churches to come together and find a way to help serve a group of individuals here in Enid that are seeking Christ.    

Thank you for passing the word on. 

Sincerely,  Patrick Anderson

__________

What a great ministry opportunity! Do you know anyone who “signs” or where we might locate someone who “signs”? Let me know.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, July 30

Empowering God,

There is someone in our lives that needs a kind word and a hug of assurance today. Use us, we pray, to be Your agents of hope and love. May our eyes be open. May our response be genuine. May Your grace flow through us to others. It is in Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_______

Currently we have no one in the hospital.

Please pray for those who have to work in this heat and for those who lack adequate cooling. It is going to be a terribly hot week.

Have you invited someone to church lately? Now is the time.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, July 29

Holy One Worthy of Our Worship,

 

Today is the day we gather as a community to worship You. We do so because You beckon us. You call to us. You desire to be in relationship with us. Our response is our choice. It is not coerced. We are not brought to You against our will. May we gather because You are our God and we love You. You are worthy of our praise and our relationship with You makes us whole. We thank You and we praise You in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

Please pray that today hearts will be touched and lives changed through the Spirit’s action at Central Christian Church.

 

There is an Elder’s meeting in the sanctuary immediately after the 10:15 a.m. services. All Elders are encouraged to attend.

 

Don Johnson is preaching in the 8:00 a.m. chapel service and the 10:15 a.m. sanctuary service. I am preaching in the 10:15 a.m. R & R service.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Sunday, July 29

Holy One Worthy of Our Worship,

Today is the day we gather as a community to worship You. We do so because You beckon us. You call to us. You desire to be in relationship with us. Our response is our choice. It is not coerced. We are not brought to You against our will. May we gather because You are our God and we love You. You are worthy of our praise and our relationship with You makes us whole. We thank You and we praise You in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

Please pray that today hearts will be touched and lives changed through the Spirit’s action at Central Christian Church.

There is an Elder’s meeting in the sanctuary immediately after the 10:15 a.m. services. All Elders are encouraged to attend.

Don Johnson is preaching in the 8:00 a.m. chapel service and the 10:15 a.m. sanctuary service. I am preaching in the 10:15 a.m. R & R service.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, July 28

God of Goodness,

 

Do we respond to You out of a sense of obligation or out of deep understanding of Your blessings that motivate us to action? Forgive us, Loving God, when we use “shoulds and oughts” to encourage ourselves and others. May the experience of Your love move us to mission and ministry in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

It is another hot day. If you want to help us continue the fan project, bring a new box fan or a financial contribution. We will deliver more on Monday.

 

Congratulations to the Crusader’s class. They are remodeling their room and the carpet is being laid today. It will be very nice when they are done.

 

Tomorrow there is an Elder’s meeting and training in the sanctuary immediately after the 10:15 services. All new elders and those elders continuing to serve are encouraged to attend.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, July 28

God of Goodness,

Do we respond to You out of a sense of obligation or out of deep understanding of Your blessings that motivate us to action? Forgive us, Loving God, when we use “shoulds and oughts” to encourage ourselves and others. May the experience of Your love move us to mission and ministry in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

It is another hot day. If you want to help us continue the fan project, bring a new box fan or a financial contribution. We will deliver more on Monday.

Congratulations to the Crusader’s class. They are remodeling their room and the carpet is being laid today. It will be very nice when they are done.

Tomorrow there is an Elder’s meeting and training in the sanctuary immediately after the 10:15 services. All new elders and those elders continuing to serve are encouraged to attend.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, July 27

O Holy One,

It has been said that yesterday is but a dream and tomorrow is but a vision, but today, well lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Help us to live well today, we pray. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

Dale Vance has been moved to Greenbrier Skilled Nursing Room 89. Please continue to pray for Dale.

Our fan project is going well. We have delivered over 80 fans and more money is now available, thanks to the Genesis class and others. It isn’t too late to help. Bring your check Sunday and note “fans”. The heat, as we all know, has been terrible.

The Mission Camp youth and adults have returned home this morning. I can’t wait to hear their stories and see their enthusiasm.

Elders—new and continuing: There is an Elders’ meeting and training immediately after the 10:15 services this Sunday in the sanctuary. Please make every effort to attend.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, July 27

O Holy One,

 

It has been said that yesterday is but a dream and tomorrow is but a vision, but today, well lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Help us to live well today, we pray. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

Dale Vance has been moved to Greenbrier Skilled Nursing Room 89. Please continue to pray for Dale.

 

Our fan project is going well. We have delivered over 80 fans and more money is now available, thanks to the Genesis class and others. It isn’t too late to help. Bring your check Sunday and note “fans”. The heat, as we all know, has been terrible.

 

The Mission Camp youth and adults have returned home this morning. I can’t wait to hear their stories and see their enthusiasm.

 

Elders—new and continuing: There is an Elders’ meeting and training immediately after the 10:15 services this Sunday in the sanctuary. Please make every effort to attend.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, July 26

Gracious God,

We seek to know about You. We study scripture and the literature of the faith. We learn the Biblical stories. We discuss our understanding of You. While this is important, help us also to focus on our experience of You in our lives. We open our hearts to You, O Lord. Please enter in. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

The internet was out most of the day at the office. Sorry about the lateness of this email.

Roxanne Northcutt’s funeral was this morning at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Please continue to pray for her family.

Our Mission campers return tomorrow. From all accounts they are having an amazing week.

The Kids Central Board meets this evening. Please pray for them as they add new members and seek to make wise decisions.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, July 26

Gracious God,

 

We seek to know about You. We study scripture and the literature of the faith. We learn the Biblical stories. We discuss our understanding of You. While this is important, help us also to focus on our experience of You in our lives. We open our hearts to You, O Lord. Please enter in. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

The internet was out most of the day at the office. Sorry about the lateness of this email.

 

Roxanne Northcutt’s funeral was this morning at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Please continue to pray for her family.

 

Our Mission campers return tomorrow. From all accounts they are having an amazing week.

 

The Kids Central Board meets this evening. Please pray for them as they add new members and seek to make wise decisions.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, July 25

Gracious God,

How often can we speak of Your love without the notion becoming trite? How often can we speak of Your grace before the concept lacks significance? Perhaps we need to imagine life without Your love and grace. Perhaps we need to reflect on the reality that we are unworthy and undeserving. Please forgive us for our casual approach to Your life altering presence, Your unending love and Your overwhelming grace. We beg Your forgiveness and we open our hearts to You. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

Roxanne Northcutt’s funeral arrangements are still pending, however the service will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Please continue to pray for her family.

Beth Henneke is suffering from the West Nile virus. It was discovered when she gave blood here at the church. Please pray for Beth.

Beth has also asked for prayers for Teresa Taylor, an Enid high school teacher who was recently diagnosed with bone cancer and is having surgery today in OKC.

Tonight is our last WWNF for the summer. Join us for the meal at 5:30 p.m.

Board officers and church staff will meet this evening at 7:30 p.m. in the conference room to select committee chairs for this program year. Please pray for them and for a successful process.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, July 24

God Who Delivers Us,

We give You thanks, O Lord, for the Bible which is the norm and source of our faith. As we immerse ourselves in the stories, they become our stories. We are reminded of the Exodus and Moses leading the Israelites across the Red Sea. Then they came to Mt. Sinai and the Ten Commandments. You delivered them, then You instructed them. Help us to realize, Gracious God, that Your grace abounds. You deliver us. You forgive us, and then you expect us to live a certain way. May we open our hearts to You. May Your spirit of grace overwhelm us, and may we be transformed into your gracious, loving, and faithful children. This we pray in Jesus’ name.

AMEN.

_______

Roxanne Northcutt died early this morning. Please pray for Leonard and their family.

Don Moore is having some continuing health issues. Please pray for Don.

Dale Vance, Vena Poore, and Karen Stockwell are all still hospitalized. Please pray for them.

If you haven’t competed the survey expressing your interest in serving on a committee, then please do so by tomorrow. Board officers and staff will meet tomorrow evening to select committee chairs and committee members.

Please pray for our youth and adults who are at Mission Camp in El Reno this week.

Please pray for our church. May we faithfully and boldly proclaim the Good News in word and deed.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, July 23

Divine Goodness,

We seek to know You and to experience You. Often our efforts in church settings are reduced to conversations about You. While those are important they are incomplete, because we want to experience You in our lives. Help us, Loving God, to find that balance between mind and heart. If we swing too much to the heart then You are reduced to mere sentimentality. If we swing too much to the mind then You are reduced to only ideas and concepts. Please forgive our foolish ways. May our understands and experience lead us to love You with mind and heart. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

Tammy Hromas has asked for prayers for her uncle, Larry Jones, and his wife Nancy. He is in an ICU in Seattle and is declining.

Of course we want to continue to pray for Dale Vance who seems to be declining as well.

May today be a day of hope and blessing for you.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, July 22

God of Grace and God of Glory,

On Your people pour Your power. We stand before You asking for forgiveness and seeking Your blessing. May the lavish nature of Your grace overwhelm us, transforming our hearts and lives. Please wash away those ideas, events, and actions that separate us from You and from our brothers and sisters. May Your spirit of love and peace empower us to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

Today is VBS Sunday so the R & R and Traditional services are combined in the sanctuary at 10:15 a.m. I am preaching at the 8:00 a.m. service. The VBS program is the sermon at the 10:15 a.m. service. Come and support our children and all the VBS workers. We are also dedicating two of our infants. It will be a grand day.

John Wheeler is assembling the young adults at 9:00 a.m. to get that class going again. I am really looking forward to teaching the youth.

Please continue to pray for all those affected by the tragedy in Colorado.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, July 21

Lord of Hosts,

The evil that occurred in Aurora, Colorado leaves us with heavy hearts and angry. How can such violence occur against innocent people? Please forgive us, Gracious God, when we say such acts are a part of Your will. There are not adequate answers to such tragedies, but they are not a part of Your will. We know You are a God who is with us, with the victims, and with their families. Help us to live lives that stand against the evil, systemic and personified, that exists in the world. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name.  AMEN.

________

Please pray for the families of Joan Petersen and John Petersen. Joan’s funeral was today. The funeral for John’s sister was yesterday.

Karen Stockwell is back in St, Mary’s Hospital. Please pray for Karen.

Vena Poore is also hospitalized along with Roxanne Northcutt and Dale Vance. Please offer prayers for them.

Unfortunately, today was another rough day for me. I am hopeful that tomorrow will be better.

John Wheeler is “jump starting” the young adult Sunday school class tomorrow. All “young adults” are encouraged to come to room 207 at 9:00 a.m.

I am beginning to teach the youth Sunday School Class tomorrow in the CYF room upstairs. If you have a youth in your household, encourage them to come to Sunday School. We are talking about the Bible…what it is, how we got, and what it means for us. It should be fun.

 

Tomorrow is VBS Sunday. The two 10:15 a.m. services will be combined in the sanctuary. We are also dedicating two infants. Come and worship with us.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, July 20

Precious Lord,

Take our hand and lead us this day. We rely on You, Loving God, to straighten our path and illuminate our journey. We can see ahead only for a brief distance. Each bend and turn presents its own challenges and opportunities, but with Your help, we are able to proceed ahead. Guide us and keep us in Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_____

Joan Petersen’s funeral is tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. at Ladusau-Evans. Don Johnson is officiating and Lloyd Lambert will assist. The church is providing a meal for the family at noon. Please pray for Joan’s family.

John Petersen’s sister died at age 52 in Arizona. Her funeral is today in Tulsa. Please pray for John’s family.

I received word that Ken Ball died yesterday afternoon. You will remember Ken and Georgia moved to Texas a few months ago and Georgia died shortly after the move. Now Ken has died. Please pray for their family.

Margaret Lambke is having hip surgery today in OKC. Please pray for the success of this second surgery.

Roxanne Northcutt and Dale Vance are still hospitalized. Don Provost is to be dismissed today. Please pray for them.

There is a VBS party at the Champlin Pool this evening. The regular VBS program is over and was a great success.

After hitting a real low on Tuesday I am getting more energy each day. Thank you for your continued prayers and words of concern and comfort.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, July 19

O Holy One,

We find ourselves in a severe drought that is impacting so many people in this area and around the country. Our thoughts and prayers go out for those farmers who are being adversely impacted, for those who do not have adequate shelter and cooling, and for those who must work outside in this oppressive heat. We pray for relief from the heat and for rain. We trust in You, O Lord. Please hear our prayers. In Jesus’ name. . .AMEN.

______

Joan Petersen died yesterday at St. Mary’s hospital. Her funeral will be Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. Please pray for Kenneth and all of Joan’s family.

Harry Hammonds is at his son’s house in Pauls Valley. They are still working to get his blood thinner regulated. Harry will likely be there another couple of weeks. If you want to send a card send it to: Harry Hammonds c/o Jeremy Hammonds   37915 ECR 1530    Pauls Valley, OK 73075.

We have a number of members who are hospitalized at St. Mary’s: Roxanne Northcutt, Gerry Reinhart, Bob Emery, Dale Vance, Don Provost, and Don Moore. Please keep all of them in your prayers.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, July 18

Eternal Presence,

Scripture tells us You know our prayers even before our lips utter the words. Scripture also says we often don’t know how to pray as we ought, but that the spirit intercedes for us “with sighs too deep for words”. Please look into our hearts this day, O Lord. May Your spirit intercede on our behalf because the words are not coming. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

______

Today is starting off much better than yesterday. I will eventually figure out the rhythm of these treatments.

Please pray for our church and our new leaders. We have many challenges and opportunities before us. May we be courageous, faithful, and bold as we seek to live the Gospel.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, July 17

Loving God,

We adore You. We confess our shortcomings, and we pray for the well being of family and friends. May our lives be a doxology. May our words be faithful, and may our deeds be honest and compassionate. Fill our hearts, we pray, with Love for You. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

Sorry about the late email. Today has been a terrible day. I am hopeful that tomorrow will be better. Thank you for all your prayers and words of concern.

Bob Emery is recovering from surgery to reduce his back pain.

John Worden is having a battery of tests this week. Please pray for Bob and John.

VBS is going well. Unfortunately I have missed yesterday and today. Thanks to all who have worked to make this a success.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, July 16

Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer,

We praise You from the depths of our being. You are our God. You continue to reach out to us, even when we have turned away. You extend Your love and lavish us with Your grace, even in the midst of our unworthiness. Please forgive our arrogance, Creator God. Please forgive our inflated view of our own abilities when we believe we can “go it alone”. May we trust in You. May we dive into the depths of our relationship with You and realize our dependence. You love us, not because of us, but because of Your nature. May we open our hearts and may we be transformed. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

______

Gene Brintnall was released from St. Mary’s Hospital. Please pray for Gene as he recovers at home.

Please continue to pray for Roxanne Northcutt and Dale Vance who are still in St. Mary’s.

Bob Emery is having back surgery today. Please pray for Bob.

VBS was off to a good start last night. Today we eat at 5:00 p.m.

The NW Area Men will meet in Pond Creek on Thursday. All men are invited. Call the church office to RSVP. The bus will leave at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

9:00 a.m.        Staff Meeting in the conference room

Noon               Noon Prayer Service in the chapel

5:00 p.m.        VBS meal in the Fellowship Hall

6:00 p.m.        Quilters Guild

7:00 p.m.        Boy Scouts

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

1_Corinthains_1:10-17

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, July 15

Divine Presence,

We speak of Your love so much that often the true impact of the concept is lessened. We say, “God loves you and I love you too” to family, friends, even acquaintances. We say ‘God is love” in our liturgy and our hymns. While it is eternally true that You love us, help us to translate this understanding into courageous deeds of love and compassion on our part. Help us to understand, Dear God, that the world will only understand actions, and we participate in Your love as we love others. May we live our lives as those who are loved and as those who love. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

Please pray for Dale Vance, Gene Brintnall, and Roxanne Northcutt who are all hospitalized at St. Mary’s.

Vacation Bible School begins this evening with a meal at 5:00 p.m. There are activities and classes for all ages. Please plan to attend.

We will have congregational meetings in our morning services to elect our elders, deacons and Special Gifts Trustees.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, July 14

Gracious Heavenly Parent,

We are Your children and we know our actions often cause tears to run down Your face. We also know that there is nothing that can separate us from Your love. Please forgive us when we miss the mark, when we are spiteful, cruel, deceiving, and even wicked. May Your holy presence help us to correct our bad behavior, so that others might see our good works and give You praise and glory. May we honor You, Loving God, with our heats and our lives. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

________

Please pray for the family of Brandi Hill, Dee Smith’s great niece, who died suddenly in Denver.

Please pray for the family of Cindy Wilcoxen, whose funeral will be today at Ladusau- Evans.

Brae, our grandson, was found yesterday and is safe. Thank you for all your expressions of concern and your prayers.

I had my second chemo treatment on Thursday. I am tired but doing OK.

Today is the last day of my vacation. I will be back in the pulpit tomorrow. Tomorrow we will also have congregational meetings to elect elders and deacons.

VBS STARTS TOMORROW EVENING. There are activities and classes for all ages. Plan to attend.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, July 13

Generous God,

 

Today we pray for peace and calm in our lives. So often we are overwhelmed by the frenetic activity that is all around us; the demands for our time and attention; and the cacophony of sounds and voices that interrupt our thoughts. Help us, Loving God, to, at least for a few moments, find that peaceful place where we are in tune with You; where we are renewed; and where we again focus on those things that bring us comfort and hope. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

 

Please pray for the family of Dee Smith’s great nephew who died unexpectedly in Denver.

 

Please pray for the family of Cindy Wilcoxen. Many in our congregation knew her. Her husband is Roy and Dee Smith’s son’s business partner and Jan Markes’ boss in her other job.

 

Brae is still missing, now for over a week. We are asking people to offer brief prayers for his safety and safe return at noon each day until he is found. Thank you.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, July 12

Holy God,

In the midst of life’s trials and tribulations we lift our hearts to You in praise and adoration. You are our God and we are Your people. We offer You our trust and our very lives. Use us, Great Creator, as You will. May our service, our witness, our words, and our deeds honor You. May others look to us and see examples of Christian charity, patience, and love. We offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

Sorry about the lateness of this email. We had internet difficulties this morning. I did a graveside service and then had my second chemotherapy treatment. At any rate , here is the email.

Please pray for Shelia Hashemi-Sohi, one of our new members. Her grandson was stillborn and we had a brief graveside service this morning at Enid Cemetery. Please pray for the father and mother, Tony and Reva.

I did have my second chemo treatment at noon. So far so good. The main side effect will be fatigue, so if I am a little droopy you will understand.

Our grandson, Brae, is still missing. The facebook page is growing by leaps and bounds and is being forwarded in amazing ways. We went into the oncologist’s office today and they knew about Brae because someone had received a forwarded facebook message. Amazing. If you are on facebook please go to : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Finding-Brae-McLemore/264820343622391 and share with all your friends. Of course it is all for naught unless he is found. We are also asking people to say a brief prayer for Brae and his safe return at noon (central time) every day until he is with us. Thank you so much.

The church Visitor was emailed today. Please continue to pray for those on our concerns page.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore  

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, July 11

God of All Time,

Each moment is precious, yet, so often, we squander this gift. We waste opportunities to express our love, our appreciation of others, our joy of living, and our praise of You. It is only in looking back that we regret those wasted and unused opportunities. Please forgive us, Loving God, and help us to also forgive ourselves. May we claim the present opportunities and use our time wisely and compassionately. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

Please pray for Gene Brintnal, Dale Vance, and Harry Hammonds. They are all hospitalized.

Please pray for Shelia and her family. Her latest grandchild was stillborn. There will be a brief graveside service tomorrow.

Please continue to pray for Brae, our grandson, who is still missing. Also for our family. The stress is almost overwhelming. We have set up a facebook page to share information. Click here: : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Finding-Brae-McLemore/264820343622391

I do my second chemo treatment tomorrow. Now I know what to expect after the first treatment. The fatigue and loss of appetite will last for a few days and I am beginning to lose my hair. These things I can handle. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly and appreciated.

The ALL CHURCH TALENT SHOW is tonight. Come and join the fun.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, July 10

Helping God,

There are times when it is difficult for us to trust in You and yet our history shows that You are present to us in the valleys as well as the mountain tops. Please send Your spirit of peace and hope to sustain us when we are weak. Please send your spirit of comfort that assures us of Your Love. May we always seek to trust in You. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

______

Harry Hammonds is in the hospital in Ada. When they got to Pauls Valley he was not feeling well and was running a fever. Please pray for Harry.

Dale Vance is still hospitalized. Please pray for Dale.

I ask for prayers for the McLemore family. Our grandson ran away last Thursday. Please pray for his safety and safe return. We have established a facebook page entitled “Finding Brae McLemore”. Please go to facebook. Search for “Finding Brae McLemore”. “Like” and then share publicly encouraging your friends to share as well. Thank you.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore  

Prayer for Today, Monday, July 9

Lord of All,

We are sustained by friendships, where life, love, dreams, and challenges are shared. Some say that we experience You in the depth and breadth of human relationships. We thank you for those who know us and love us in spite of our foibles. We thank you for Your grace that is often experienced through the words and deeds of a friend. Please forgive us, Loving God, when we take friendships for granted. Please forgive us when we avoid sharing our lives with others. May we experience Your peace as we love and care for others. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

The funeral for Bill Edwards is this morning at 10:00 a.m. at Ladusau-Evans with our church serving a meal at noon. Please pray for Janet Lohmeyer and the rest of Bill’s family.

It has been nice to participate in worship as a parishioner these last two Sundays. I will be back in the pulpit next Sunday.

The church talent show is this Wednesday. Come and join the fun and fellowship.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, July 8

God of Hope,

Today is a day You have made and we rejoice. May our actions honor You as we bring our worship to You and as we fellowship with new and old friends. May You spirit of peace, hope, love and joy abound. We offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

Harry Hammonds was dismissed from the hospital in Colorado Springs yesterday afternoon with oxygen bottles and a concentrator. The plan was to make it to Garden City, spend the night, stop in Enid today and then go on to Pauls Valley. Please keep Harry in your prayers.

Remember the Bill Edwards family. His funeral is tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.

Bring a fan or dollars today to help those in need. It is a good cause.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, July 7

Beneficent God,

You are kind in Your purpose and actions toward us and we give You thanks. May today be a day of thanksgiving. Please, O Lord, open our eyes to see all the blessings we continually receive. Please, Gracious One, open our hearts so that we might praise You and give You thanks. May our spirits be receptive and our response be generous as we seek to share with others. We offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

Harry Hammonds is still hospitalized in Colorado Springs. I talked to him yesterday. He said he is lucky to be alive and that it will be a long recovery. The blood clots are not dissolving as quickly as hoped. His plans are to go to Pauls Valley when he is released and stay with Jeremy, who is taking time off from work to care for his dad. I told Harry we would take care of things in Enid, including his yard. This will be another “Get Dirty for Jesus” opportunity. The young adults have done this for others with Harry’s help. Now we can do it for him. All are welcome. Let me know if you would like to help and we will set up a mowing schedule. Of course, please continue to pray for Harry.

John Ingram was dismissed from St. Mary’s yesterday. Dale Vance is still hospitalized. Please continue to pray for John and Dale.

The funeral for Bill Edwards, Janet Lohmeyer’s father, will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday at Ladusau-Evans. Connie Schlarb, the minister at Covington, will officiate, with Don Johnson and Mickey Moery assisting. Our church will provide the family meal at noon. Please continue to pray for Bill’s family.

Don’t forget the fan project. Bring you offering of a fan or dollars tomorrow when you come to church. If you write a check, make it out to Central Christian Church and note “fans” in the memo line. Thanks.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, July 6

O Holy One,

There are events that occur in our lives that we do not understand. Sometimes we feel like the Psalmist and want to offer our lament of “why?” or “why me?” It is hard for us to get up after being knocked down by  unexpected and undeserved situations. Please come to us in such times, Gracious God. May Your spirit of peace and comfort sustain us. While our questions aren’t answered, our fears aren’t relieved, and our concerns remain; still will we trust in You because You are with us. You hold us in Your everlasting arms and Your love gives us strength. We give You thanks in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

Please continue to pray for the family of Bill Edwards, Janet Lohmeyer’s father who died early yesterday morning. Funeral arrangements should be announced today.

Please continue to pray for Harry Hammonds, John Ingram, and Dale Vance.

Please offer prayers for a confidential situation with one of our church families. They need to know God’s love.

On a personal note. X-rays show that I don’t have a stress fracture in my hip. That is good news. The pain is from arthritis and the cancer and that is not so good news. The doctor feels the chemo (2^nd treatment is next week) will help, but right now pain medication is the only answer. I am also using a cane (temporarily). Continued prayers are always appreciated.

I am enjoying vacation time away from the office. I will be back in the pulpit on July 15^th.

FANS! FANS! FANS! Our response this year has been slow and the need is great. Please bring a new or gently used box fan to the church and/or a financial gift. Thank you.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore  

Prayer for Today, Thursday, July 5

God of All Creation,

There are times when our familiarity limits our understanding and appreciation of You. We attempt to make You fit our into our conceptions and we place you in a tidy little box. We sometimes act as if You are a reflection of our prejudices. Please forgive us, Loving God. May we embrace Your presence with us and still allow You to be a great mystery. You are beyond our knowing, but not beyond our love. May Your spirit of grace and peace sustain us as we seek to be about Your work in the world. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______   

Bill Edwards, Janet Lohmeyer’s father, died in the hospital in OKC. Funeral arrangements are pending. Please pray for Janet and all of Bill’s family.

Harry Hammonds is hospitalized in Colorado Springs with blood clots in his lung and leg. Cindy Worthington is there along with their son, Jeremy and his wife. Please pray for Harry’s recovery.

John Ingram may be released from St. Mary’s Hospital today if he can tolerate solid food. Please pray for John’s continued recovery.

IMPORTANT: This is an urgent plea for new or gently used box fans for the needy. The need is great with temperatures regularly over 100 degrees. Please bring the fans to the southwest corner of the loggia or bring a check marked “fans”. So far our response has been limited. Please do what you can.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore