Prayer for Today, Friday, April 18

O Love That Will Not Let Us Go,

We rest our souls in You. You, O God, are the source of love. May we experience Your love in the depth and breadth of human relationships. We cannot isolate ourselves from others, even when we try. We might think we can separate ourselves from You, but we can’t. Forgive us, O Lord, for our attempts to do so. You are always present with us, offering the hope, joy and love that comes only from You. The key is our hearts. You knock, but only we can open the door. On this Good Friday we remember and reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus who became the Christ. That is a powerful, loud and persistent knock. May we respond and be resolved this day, Loving Creator, to open our hearts, experience Your love and delve deeply into those relationship where You already are. We pray in the name of him who was crucified, Jesus. AMEN.

______

 

JOYS AND CONCERNS

 

Mary Johnson is recovering from successful heart surgery at the OKC Heart Hospital.

The funeral for Bill Corporon and his grandson will be today.  You can watch the service at http://www.rezonline.org/ It is at 3:00 P.M. today.

Mickie Giberson is having surgery this morning at Bass Hospital.

Following is an email sent yesterday to Sally Wheeler from Casey Archambo: “ Olivia goes in for her surgery for tubes and to have her tonsils and adenoids removed tomorrow morning so thoughts and prayers for her please..and I had to take Maddie to the optometrist today because she didn't do well on her eye exam at her 6 year checkup..the optometrist said that she has a minor astigmatism but the reason she didn't do well on the eye exam is because her right cornea is severely damaged she gave her some drops and we go back on Monday to see if the drops have had any effect and if they haven't then she said we'll just have to go from there.”

Nick Patrizi, JoAnn’s husband and Devon McAnally’s father, is now at the Bass Pavilion.

 

Sally Mette fell and broke her pelvis. She is in Bass Hospital.

 

Liz Beaty is now doing chemotherapy once a week on Thursdays.

 

Jean Long’s 22 year old great-grandson, Garret Hamm, is still in OU Medical Center in OKC.

 

We continue to pray for Jill Muegge.

 

Gene and Naomi Burkett need lots of love and support.

 

Please pray for these family and friends.

 

The last Lenten Morning Prayer service will be tomorrow at 7:00 A.M. In the chapel. Tomorrow is the last day of Lent.

 

There is a Good Friday (Tenebrae) Service tonight at 7:00 P.M. in the chapel.

 

There is an Easter Egg Hunt and all church picnic on Saturday at 11:00 A.M. WE STILL NEED INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED CANDY. Leave it in front of Sally’s office.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

7:00 A.M.                   Lenten Morning Prayers

7:00 P.M.                   Tenebrae Service in the chapel

 

PSALM FOR TODAY

Psalm 31

²Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.

⁶You hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord.

¹²I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel.

¹³For I hear the whispering of many— terror all around!— as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.

¹⁵My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.

¹⁶Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.

¹⁷Do not let me be put to shame, O Lord, for I call on you; let the wicked be put to shame; let them go dumbfounded to Sheol.

²⁴Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.

 

Grace and peace,

John McLemore