I recall my personal struggles as a young follower of Christ praying publicly. Especially praying for missionaries. My “go to” prayer was, “God bless the missionaries.” That isn’t a terrible prayer, but it did feel a bit too general. How could I really rejoice in answered prayer? How was this strengthening my faith as I prayed for them?
A few years later, my eyes were opened to the prayers spoken in Scripture. Not only the long prayers of Daniel, Nehemiah, David, and Jehoshaphat, but specific requests in the letters of the New Testament. There is Philippians 1:9-11 and Colossians 1:9-11 and Paul’s request for prayer at the end of Colossians for an open door for evangelism and the clear words to speak. These prayers teach us how to pray. Scripture is full of examples!
I came across one again just this week. In Romans 15:30-32, Paul requests prayer for safety, positive reception of the gospel, and a refreshing visit with the saints in Rome. Now that is something we can pray for our missionaries, for the church, and for each other. One thing is certain about praying Scripture- we know that this is God’s will.
Church, I pray for you consistently. I pray that we know the power of the risen Christ that lives in us. I pray that we embrace truth over all the other “voices” that compete with that daily. I pray that God’s bride remains pure, steadfast, faithful, and growing in love with Jesus. My prayer for you is that we excel in giving, serving, worshipping, and loving. An almost daily request is for an increasing dependence on Him as we remain in Christ.
The prayers found in the epistles often include one common feature. They begin with thanks. And the thanks are often for the church. So, as we pray for each other and for the church, the challenge is to begin with thanks. Who can you thank God for today? Consider the church family and pause to thank God for specific individuals and for what God is doing at EBC.
I would add to not only give thanks to God for those people, but also practice expressing your thanks to them. So often we have thankful thoughts, but for one reason or another, not share them with words. But when we do, others are encouraged, it can stir them up to love and good deeds, and it helps to create a climate of gratitude in our church. Gratitude can be as contagious as grumbling and complaining. And who knows the power of your words of thanks in lifting a wounded or weary soul? Who can you speak your words of thanks to this week? Say, “thank you” to someone today!
I thank God for you! I look forward to seeing you this Sunday!
With thanksgiving,
Pastor Brian
Looking Forward
Sermon Direction
“What’s God Building?”
2 Samuel 7
Last Sunday’s Sermon
New Service Times
1st service 9am and 2nd service 10:45am. Fellowship time in between 10:15-10:45.Operation Christmas Child
This week is Collection Week for packed shoe boxes. Drop off at the gym 11/12-11/19, Mon – Fri, 4pm-6pm and Sat 1pm-4pm.New Community Group Starting
In an effort to meet the expanding desire of EBC’s members and regular attenders, we are pleased to announce another Community Group to be hosted in Gilford on Friday evenings at 7:00 PM at the Cobis’. Please contact Tim Whitman at tawhitman@liberty.edu or 540-986-6625 to be connected to this group or any other group!
Love INC
Annual Christmas Wreath Fundraiser November 17th. Pick up your wreaths at the EBC Gym this Saturday from 12pm-2pm Order yours today! Call 366-1525.Momentum
MSM will NOT be meeting next Tuesday 11/20/18New Women’s Bible Study
The Women’s Ministry invites you to a 4 week Bible Study beginning Tuesday 11/27, 7pm-9pm. “Unwrapping the Names of Jesus” will lead us through the 4 weeks of Advent (Hope, Preparation, Joy and Love). The study offers five daily reflections that focus on that week’s name of Jesus. We will gain a greater sense of awe and wonder at who Jesus is. Sign up at the Ministry Counter beginning this Sunday.EBC Kids Volunteer Training Brunch
All EBC Kids volunteers are encouraged to come for this time of refreshment and training. Saturday 12/1/18 from 9:30am-11:30amNewcomers Luncheon
If you are new to EBC in the past two years, you are cordially invited to our upcoming welcome luncheon for new attenders on, Sunday, December 2nd. This will be a great opportunity to meet and connect with other newcomers and members of the EBC family. The luncheon will be held after the second service, 12pm. We hope to see you there. Please email the office (office@ebclaconia.com) to RSVP