Reflect
In 1988 I visited Portugal. One of my unforgettable experiences was visiting the Cathedral in Lisbon dedicated to Saint Anthony. There were throngs of people crowded around a glassed in statue depicting the Saint. Many were writing out their requests on pieces of paper and then pushing their way up to the glass, pressing their request against it. I was overcome with emotion as I watched the people place sincere requests before a statue that could not read, or have any power to grant their requests. My heart rate raced and I had to keep myself from shouting that we have a living God who loves us and has the power to answer our prayers. I began to intercede for these people, that they would come to know the one true God. We are so blessed to personally know a God who is all powerful. He tells us that we can come to His “throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). His power is loving, healing, freeing, compassionate and responsive to our needs – and we don’t have to fight the crowds to access Him!
Jerilyn Bayer
Pray
- For those who need to be encouraged in heart and united in love.
- Ask God to increase your awareness of the wisdom and knowledge in Jesus Christ.
- Pray through the prayer page in the bulletin.
- Pray for Pastor Neil. Pray that God would restore his health during his medical leave.
- Pray for Pastor Dan, our Adult Ministries Pastor.
- Pray for Harry and Myrna Lindenberg, serving with Desert Streams.