COMMON PRAYERS

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Since manning the helm of this new position about 9 months ago, I have had the distinct privileged of spending some time in worship with many potential “CHAMPION” churches.

And kind of like the “buffet” that is today’s church landscape I have seen and experienced many different things from the menu.

From the deeply conservative to the intensely charismatic, I have been honored to worship, share and even serve across many counties since September encouraging congregations to join us in serving the addicted.

Yesterday was one of those days. 

And I am pleased to share that yesterday St. Andrews Episcopal in Pickerington Ohio was kind enough to dedicate a portion of their service to a discussion regarding our statewide opiate epidemic.  More importantly unless something unforeseeable happens, they will soon be an active, giving, powerful and accessible church offering hope for those suffering from addictive challenges.

Yet being a little new to the Episcopal service, I was intrigued by the “Red Book of Common Prayers” that was used throughout the service.

And one such entry that was “used” yesterday closed with this little declaration/request:

  Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;

  in your compassion forgive us our sins,

  known and unknown,

  things done and left undone;

  and so uphold us by your Spirit

  that we may live and serve you in newness of life,

  to the honor and glory of your Name;

  through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

What a wonderful “prayer” for us today…!

 

I mean could you use GOD’S mercy this morning?  I know I could.  And I know it is new and accessible! (Lamentations 3)

 

What about a measure of His invaluable and immeasurable compassion?  It is there.

 

O God, (you) are both tender and kind,

    not easily angered, immense in love,

    and you never, never quit.

So look me in the eye and show kindness,

    give your servant the strength to go on… - Psalm 86:15 (MSG)

 

Forgiveness?

 

Ephesians 2 (ESV)

…you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

 

It got me to thinking that with those things in tow…mercy, compassion, grace and forgiveness not to mention being upheld by the SPIRIT Himself I know I can now better…

…live and serve GOD in newness of life, to the honor and glory of Jesus’ name…

 

You agree?

So won’t you take a second and pray that prayer today?

I am.

 

I love you all!

Have a blessed day!

Opportunities for Hope (Champions Charge)