A Congregational Prayer, September 16th , 2007
Offered by Rev. Jon Freshwater
It is recorded in Matthew 11, verses 28-30 that Jesus said: "Come to me,
all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my
yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my
burden is light."
Let us unite our hearts and minds in prayer:
Dear God, help us to learn the message which Christ conveys to us about
his yoke being easy and his burden light.
Frankly, Lord, it doesn’t always seem that way. As we struggle with
life’s problems and challenges, and yes, temptations… we recognize that
we have been invited into your kingdom not just to glory in a new and
blessed life, but also to stand up for you and for your kingdom when it
might be difficult to do so.
We are grateful for these recent months of looking at you word through
each good of Holy Scripture. We have learned through our study of your
many and varied servants, that, like them, there are times when we have
the courage to live the life to which we have been called; yet, there
are other times when we have been weak and fail miserably to be Christ’s
example here on earth, For these times of weakness, God, we humbly seek
your forgiveness.
We pray this morning, not only for strength and courage for ourselves,
but we pray for others who have been called to serve you. We pray for
the pastors and staff who minister faithfully and diligently for this
flock known as Brewster Baptist Church. Give them the vision and
dedication to be effective servants in our midst.
Likewise, we pray for our national and world leaders, who struggle in
determining right from wrong and who, like us, confuse self-will with
your will for the world.
Bless, O Lord, those who are caught in the crossfire of conflicting
wills, often leading them into harm’s way. We pray for understanding,
openness and peace in the world, as we try to follow the words and
example of the Prince of Peace. May you love be with each of your
children who have special needs this day. Comfort and strengthen those
we have named, or listed, in the service. May they know your love
through us, and your healing powers through your presence in their lives
and in the lives of their loved ones.
Help each of us, even in the midst of turmoil and disappointment, to
know that through you, we can be made whole..even well.
And for these blessings we shall forever give you praise. Amen
