Reflect
Throughout this week, we have been looking at just a few of the prayers that are recorded in Scripture. Paul’s prayer at the beginning of his letter to the Colossian church is rich in describing all that God makes available to us as we ask. Even as Paul gives thanks, he recognizes that the hope Christ gives enables us to walk with faith in the midst of difficult times and with love for others when much of the world around us is looking inward (vs3-5). Later in his prayer, he prays for a deepening of this hope in verse 11, where he asks God that the people at Colossae would know endurance and patience stemming not from “pulling up their own bootstraps” in self- protection, but through the strength God provides. What hope! The God who has forgiven us and brought us into His eternal kingdom (vs13, 14) grants us His strength to face with Him all the challenges that any given day might hold. This gives us freedom to not shy away from the needs around us, but to reach out toward them with Christ’s love.
Apply
As you read through this prayer, what tugs on your heart as something you need from God right now? Ask Him for this. Ask God to strengthen your hope in Him, that from His hope you might extend love to those around you. Pray through verses 3-5, 9- 14, replacing “you” with “the people of McKernan Baptist Church.”
Pastor Lyle
Pray
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken and his family.
- Pray for Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Assistant.
- Pray for all our small group leaders and our Small Group Intern, David Unsworth.
- Pray for the continuing ministry of International Student Ministries.