The Story Prayer Booklet | Volume II
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Prayers for the Heart For the people of God by the people of God Volume II Written by Story Youth Story Kids and Prayer Team
Hello Story Family it s September Can you believe despite the halting news of the pandemic time has marched on There were many days when it didn t feel like life was marching on but it was just to a different rhythm Aren t you grateful that time is in God s hands I sure am Who shall separate us from the love of Christ Shall pandemics riots elections persecution famine nakedness peril or sword Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us This is Volume II of Prayers for the Heart for the people of God by the people of God We wanted to write prayers for this immediate Fall season as we transition back to school work church and a new electorate year So these prayers reflect those heart places Recently I have been studying the life of David a leader ordained by God and yet a sinner with a complicated life much like our modern lives He navigated around adultery 1 murder political power grabs and major family dysfunction And yet David always sought the Lord first He was a man after God s own heart not because he was perfect but because he sought the Lord for guidance all of his life David s prayer time with God transformed his life and it will transform our lives too As believers prayer is our foundation it is a shield around us it is our peace in the turmoil it is where God speaks to our heart and gives us guidance So may these prayers give us heart words for a deeper walk with Him Blessings to you Lesley Lilly Prayer Team Leader 2
Hello Story Family it s September Can you believe despite the halting news of the pandemic time has marched on There were many days when it didn t feel like life was marching on but it was just to a different rhythm Aren t you grateful that time is in God s hands I sure am Who shall separate us from the love of Christ Shall pandemics riots elections persecution famine nakedness peril or sword Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us This is Volume II of Prayers for the Heart for the people of God by the people of God We wanted to write prayers for this immediate Fall season as we transition back to school work church and a new electorate year So these prayers reflect those heart places Recently I have been studying the life of David a leader ordained by God and yet a sinner with a complicated life much like our modern lives He navigated around adultery 1 murder political power grabs and major family dysfunction And yet David always sought the Lord first He was a man after God s own heart not because he was perfect but because he sought the Lord for guidance all of his life David s prayer time with God transformed his life and it will transform our lives too As believers prayer is our foundation it is a shield around us it is our peace in the turmoil it is where God speaks to our heart and gives us guidance So may these prayers give us heart words for a deeper walk with Him Blessings to you Lesley Lilly Prayer Team Leader 2
TABLE O F CO NTE N T S Introduction 1 Prayer for Seasons of Change 4 Our City and State Leaders 5 Our Nation 7 This Election Season 9 Students and Teachers 11 Students 13 Parents 15 Our Neighborhood 17 Walking through the Unknown 18 Dealing with Uncertainty and Loss 19 Trust 20 Giving Our Plans to God 21 Obedience 23 Timbergrove Campus 24 Praise 25 Seasons of Change BY DE R E K M UR P H Y A furious squall came up and the waves broke over the boat so that it was nearly swamped Jesus was in the stern sleeping on a cushion The disciples woke him and said to him Teacher don t you care if we drown He got up rebuked the wind and said to the waves Quiet Be still Then the wind died down and it was completely calm Mark 4 37 39 Heavenly Father I ask for Your guidance and grace upon students and others like me who are going through incredible changes this fall Many of us are struggling with the fear of the unknown as we look towards the future and all we see is question marks I ask You to rise calm us with Your presence and still the storms raging all around us Instead of getting lost in the waves surrounding us let us turn to You for guidance during these struggles and hardships Because Lord we know it s not going to be easy but with You I am confident we can make it through any challenge that is thrown at us So Lord thank You for Your guidance and grace bestowed upon us Only with You Jesus can we calm these choppy waters In Jesus name Amen 3 4
TABLE O F CO NTE N T S Introduction 1 Prayer for Seasons of Change 4 Our City and State Leaders 5 Our Nation 7 This Election Season 9 Students and Teachers 11 Students 13 Parents 15 Our Neighborhood 17 Walking through the Unknown 18 Dealing with Uncertainty and Loss 19 Trust 20 Giving Our Plans to God 21 Obedience 23 Timbergrove Campus 24 Praise 25 Seasons of Change BY DE R E K M UR P H Y A furious squall came up and the waves broke over the boat so that it was nearly swamped Jesus was in the stern sleeping on a cushion The disciples woke him and said to him Teacher don t you care if we drown He got up rebuked the wind and said to the waves Quiet Be still Then the wind died down and it was completely calm Mark 4 37 39 Heavenly Father I ask for Your guidance and grace upon students and others like me who are going through incredible changes this fall Many of us are struggling with the fear of the unknown as we look towards the future and all we see is question marks I ask You to rise calm us with Your presence and still the storms raging all around us Instead of getting lost in the waves surrounding us let us turn to You for guidance during these struggles and hardships Because Lord we know it s not going to be easy but with You I am confident we can make it through any challenge that is thrown at us So Lord thank You for Your guidance and grace bestowed upon us Only with You Jesus can we calm these choppy waters In Jesus name Amen 3 4
Our City and State Leaders BY JO HN HO PPE R I urge then first of all that petitions prayers intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness 1 Timothy 2 1 2 Dear Heavenly Father I wonder what You see when you look down on Your creation Oh yes You see the world as a whole And yes You recognize the nations that over time come and go But You even have your eyes on smaller things like our individual lives the families that we love and the people we work and live with And it is these people that are most impacted by our state and local leaders When You look at them Lord what do You see Your image even if they don t realize that they are doing so We ask that they would help create an environment where people can work and play build and create and worship and pray in a way that does not pit some people against another but that creates a better common good Lord we are not ignorant of the Enemy s tactics We know that as a leader it is easy to be lured by those who give the greatest donation or who promise their vote But God we pray that the calling of people like Greg Abbott Sylvester Turner and other local officials would be greater than that We pray that they would hear from You and be courageous enough to act accordingly regardless of any push back We pray also Father that they would be men who echo Your character and Your values and Your hope to our city and to our state We ask that You would fill our elected leaders with Your humble and selfless Spirit For You God the problems that we face are not difficult ones but for us they are often confusing tricky and messy We furiously try to plug one hole and all of a sudden another leak springs up So Father we pray that You would give our state and local officials supernatural wisdom in these times We ask that they would make decisions that honor You and honor the people whom they serve who are all made in Thank you Lord for this wonderful state of Texas and the vibrant city of Houston You have given us May they be governed in Jesus name 5 6 Amen
Our City and State Leaders BY JO HN HO PPE R I urge then first of all that petitions prayers intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness 1 Timothy 2 1 2 Dear Heavenly Father I wonder what You see when you look down on Your creation Oh yes You see the world as a whole And yes You recognize the nations that over time come and go But You even have your eyes on smaller things like our individual lives the families that we love and the people we work and live with And it is these people that are most impacted by our state and local leaders When You look at them Lord what do You see Your image even if they don t realize that they are doing so We ask that they would help create an environment where people can work and play build and create and worship and pray in a way that does not pit some people against another but that creates a better common good Lord we are not ignorant of the Enemy s tactics We know that as a leader it is easy to be lured by those who give the greatest donation or who promise their vote But God we pray that the calling of people like Greg Abbott Sylvester Turner and other local officials would be greater than that We pray that they would hear from You and be courageous enough to act accordingly regardless of any push back We pray also Father that they would be men who echo Your character and Your values and Your hope to our city and to our state We ask that You would fill our elected leaders with Your humble and selfless Spirit For You God the problems that we face are not difficult ones but for us they are often confusing tricky and messy We furiously try to plug one hole and all of a sudden another leak springs up So Father we pray that You would give our state and local officials supernatural wisdom in these times We ask that they would make decisions that honor You and honor the people whom they serve who are all made in Thank you Lord for this wonderful state of Texas and the vibrant city of Houston You have given us May they be governed in Jesus name 5 6 Amen
Our Nation BY RYA N SCO T T So that there should be no division in the body but that its parts should have equal concern for each other If one part suffers every part suffers with it if one part is honored every part rejoices with it I Corinthians 12 26 27 Lord Open our eyes Please give us all a new and soft heart Open our eyes to ways in which we are being torn apart and turned against one another lighting our tongues on fire and flinging words like incendiary missiles We start off wanting to lift up patriotism and justice but we end up shooting off insults against friends and family color or chant a different slogan We are all Your children of divine origin and we must see the image of God in one another All people should be valued loved and respected for together we form the body of Christ As Paul told us God has composed the body and has given greater honor to parts that lacked it if one part suffers every part suffers with it There is no winning unless the entire body wins and there is no greater victory than what Christ has already accomplished on our behalf Lord unite our nation and our people Save us from our worldly pursuits that are simply not worthy of You and Your purposes for us Help us to first submit to Your love and Your rule Lord Let our clothing and our slogans reflect not the controversy of the day but Your good news for all women men and children Allow us to reflect Your love and justice as we look over at the enemy camp And as we look help us to see as You do The other is not our enemy even though they look different wear a different Amen 7 8
Our Nation BY RYA N SCO T T So that there should be no division in the body but that its parts should have equal concern for each other If one part suffers every part suffers with it if one part is honored every part rejoices with it I Corinthians 12 26 27 Lord Open our eyes Please give us all a new and soft heart Open our eyes to ways in which we are being torn apart and turned against one another lighting our tongues on fire and flinging words like incendiary missiles We start off wanting to lift up patriotism and justice but we end up shooting off insults against friends and family color or chant a different slogan We are all Your children of divine origin and we must see the image of God in one another All people should be valued loved and respected for together we form the body of Christ As Paul told us God has composed the body and has given greater honor to parts that lacked it if one part suffers every part suffers with it There is no winning unless the entire body wins and there is no greater victory than what Christ has already accomplished on our behalf Lord unite our nation and our people Save us from our worldly pursuits that are simply not worthy of You and Your purposes for us Help us to first submit to Your love and Your rule Lord Let our clothing and our slogans reflect not the controversy of the day but Your good news for all women men and children Allow us to reflect Your love and justice as we look over at the enemy camp And as we look help us to see as You do The other is not our enemy even though they look different wear a different Amen 7 8
This Election Season BY LESLEY AN D KEV IN LIL LY If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from Heaven and I will forgive their sin and heal their land 2 Chronicles 7 14 Heavenly Father as our nation careens toward an election period in which we practice our right to choose our own leaders we humbly pray for Your guidance and mercy We pray Lord that you will quicken our hearts to elect men and women of character who will not only lead but who will be Spirit filled men and women of God Forgive us where we have gone our own way and not submitted to Your will for us as a nation Our own selfish ambition has led us to this spiritual decay We pray that a spirit of humility and repentance would break out over our land We ask forgiveness Father for our wicked ways You tell us in Your Word if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves pray and seek my face and turn from our wicked ways You will hear from Heaven and will forgive our sin and heal our land Come 9 back into our lives Holy Spirit and restore us into the Christ loving people that You blessed so long ago Father God we ask that all leaders put away all anger wrath malice slander and abusive speech from their mouth May they see the error of their ways and repent may they hear Your voice and submit their ways to You Thank you God that You will cleanse our nation from all the sin we have committed against You You will forgive all our sins of rebellion Let America bring You renown joy praise and honor For in the end every knee will bow and tongue acknowledge that you are God And All will be in awe and tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace You provide for your nation We humbly submit to your infinite authority and grace Deliver us and have mercy on us Father Amen 10
This Election Season BY LESLEY AN D KEV IN LIL LY If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from Heaven and I will forgive their sin and heal their land 2 Chronicles 7 14 Heavenly Father as our nation careens toward an election period in which we practice our right to choose our own leaders we humbly pray for Your guidance and mercy We pray Lord that you will quicken our hearts to elect men and women of character who will not only lead but who will be Spirit filled men and women of God Forgive us where we have gone our own way and not submitted to Your will for us as a nation Our own selfish ambition has led us to this spiritual decay We pray that a spirit of humility and repentance would break out over our land We ask forgiveness Father for our wicked ways You tell us in Your Word if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves pray and seek my face and turn from our wicked ways You will hear from Heaven and will forgive our sin and heal our land Come 9 back into our lives Holy Spirit and restore us into the Christ loving people that You blessed so long ago Father God we ask that all leaders put away all anger wrath malice slander and abusive speech from their mouth May they see the error of their ways and repent may they hear Your voice and submit their ways to You Thank you God that You will cleanse our nation from all the sin we have committed against You You will forgive all our sins of rebellion Let America bring You renown joy praise and honor For in the end every knee will bow and tongue acknowledge that you are God And All will be in awe and tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace You provide for your nation We humbly submit to your infinite authority and grace Deliver us and have mercy on us Father Amen 10
Students and Teachers BY DE A NA SIMPSO N I have told you these things So that in me you may have peace In this world you will have trouble But take heart I have overcome the world John 16 33 Father I thank You for this day It presents another opportunity to live with You and another day to love You Our world was turned upside down six months ago school work and life in general are nothing like we knew them to be Lord despite this we do know Your word reigns true We know we will always face troubles in this world but we Your children should have peace because You have already overcome the world Lord I lift up all students and teachers wherever they are in their educational journey elementary middle high school college or graduate programs may Your peace rest upon them Most of them are learning in a new way synchronous or asynchronous Lord I pray as this new school season begins with this new mode of learning may they remain diligent in their schoolwork Give students an extra measure of patience for their teachers professors and instructors as this will be new 11 to everyone Lord we cannot get through this school year without You I pray that students and teachers take comfort that You will be with them every step of the way and when times get hard may they lean on You for support Most importantly Lord I pray for the students who are the most vulnerable the families who don t have access to stable internet or don t have electronic devices I pray for the teachers who aren t comfortable with technology or the teachers who now are required to teach a subject they are not comfortable teaching Give us all the courage and wisdom to try something new Humble us Lord as we who are fortunate to remember our brothers and sisters who are not May our hearts be softened to lend a hand and to love well the less fortunate May Your Peace rest upon us We love You Lord Amen 12
Students and Teachers BY DE A NA SIMPSO N I have told you these things So that in me you may have peace In this world you will have trouble But take heart I have overcome the world John 16 33 Father I thank You for this day It presents another opportunity to live with You and another day to love You Our world was turned upside down six months ago school work and life in general are nothing like we knew them to be Lord despite this we do know Your word reigns true We know we will always face troubles in this world but we Your children should have peace because You have already overcome the world Lord I lift up all students and teachers wherever they are in their educational journey elementary middle high school college or graduate programs may Your peace rest upon them Most of them are learning in a new way synchronous or asynchronous Lord I pray as this new school season begins with this new mode of learning may they remain diligent in their schoolwork Give students an extra measure of patience for their teachers professors and instructors as this will be new 11 to everyone Lord we cannot get through this school year without You I pray that students and teachers take comfort that You will be with them every step of the way and when times get hard may they lean on You for support Most importantly Lord I pray for the students who are the most vulnerable the families who don t have access to stable internet or don t have electronic devices I pray for the teachers who aren t comfortable with technology or the teachers who now are required to teach a subject they are not comfortable teaching Give us all the courage and wisdom to try something new Humble us Lord as we who are fortunate to remember our brothers and sisters who are not May our hearts be softened to lend a hand and to love well the less fortunate May Your Peace rest upon us We love You Lord Amen 12
Students BY A LAYNA DAV IS The king talked with them and he found none equal to Daniel Hananiah Mishael and Azariah so they entered the king s service In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom Daniel 1 19 20 Father thank You for Your word that says You ve given us believers a spirit of love power and a sound mind We are not defective weak or sickly but instead full of strength vitality stature and favor with God and man I believe I have the capacity to learn and achieve to my full potential no matter the circumstance In Daniel s life when he was an exile in a foreign land You caused him to be ten times greater in knowledge than the men of the world You used his mind to bless and serve his people I believe that as we pursue faith in You Lord that You will use us and our dedication to our studies careers or trades to bless others 13 As I move forward with virtual or school in person show me the best ways to learn and how to do so most effectively May the Holy Spirit cause me to be of quick understanding Help me to develop the powers of concentration so I can maximize the ability You have given me Help me to discipline my mind to think on the subject matter at hand and not daydream or lazily wander around so I can get the most from my learning Let me use all my learning to honor You and usher in Your Kingdom Father as I enter school I ask You to help me Grant me wisdom and show me how to stay on track so that I can make the best grades possible using the knowledge that you have given me I hand over my fear hopelessness and bitterness and ask you to fill me with faith hope and love In Jesus name I pray Amen 14
Students BY A LAYNA DAV IS The king talked with them and he found none equal to Daniel Hananiah Mishael and Azariah so they entered the king s service In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom Daniel 1 19 20 Father thank You for Your word that says You ve given us believers a spirit of love power and a sound mind We are not defective weak or sickly but instead full of strength vitality stature and favor with God and man I believe I have the capacity to learn and achieve to my full potential no matter the circumstance In Daniel s life when he was an exile in a foreign land You caused him to be ten times greater in knowledge than the men of the world You used his mind to bless and serve his people I believe that as we pursue faith in You Lord that You will use us and our dedication to our studies careers or trades to bless others 13 As I move forward with virtual or school in person show me the best ways to learn and how to do so most effectively May the Holy Spirit cause me to be of quick understanding Help me to develop the powers of concentration so I can maximize the ability You have given me Help me to discipline my mind to think on the subject matter at hand and not daydream or lazily wander around so I can get the most from my learning Let me use all my learning to honor You and usher in Your Kingdom Father as I enter school I ask You to help me Grant me wisdom and show me how to stay on track so that I can make the best grades possible using the knowledge that you have given me I hand over my fear hopelessness and bitterness and ask you to fill me with faith hope and love In Jesus name I pray Amen 14
Parents BY MELISSA E RWIN Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest Matthew 11 28 Father God With the new responsibilities and uncertainty this season has brought I try hard to just keep my head above water Managing school work parenting and spiritually leading my family has left me worn out and weary Your word tells me that I can come to You with all of my burdens and concerns and You will give rest to my weary soul Lord I admit that I have attempted to provide calm to the chaos but only You can calm the storms I have attempted to provide the comfort support and strength to my people but only You can provide the peace we all need Only You frustrated and disappointed I feel When I forget that You have sent the Holy Spirit as my helper I am never alone You are always with me You are the one who sustains protects heals provides loves Apart from You I can do nothing I come to You weary and burdened I lay down my insecurity doubts and fears at Your feet and I thank You that I don t have to carry them In fact I was never meant to carry them I ask for Your rest Heal my tired heart May I rest upon Your strength so I don t have to rely on my own May I turn to You for comfort so I can comfort others May I see others the way that You do with love and compassion not as I tend to do May I see time as a gift from You not as a scarce resource May I see this season not as something to dread but as an opportunity to bring glory to Your name May those who encounter me not see a worn out parent but Jesus himself Forgive me when I have taken matters into my own hands When I forget that Jesus knows just how In the name of Jesus Amen 15 16
Parents BY MELISSA E RWIN Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest Matthew 11 28 Father God With the new responsibilities and uncertainty this season has brought I try hard to just keep my head above water Managing school work parenting and spiritually leading my family has left me worn out and weary Your word tells me that I can come to You with all of my burdens and concerns and You will give rest to my weary soul Lord I admit that I have attempted to provide calm to the chaos but only You can calm the storms I have attempted to provide the comfort support and strength to my people but only You can provide the peace we all need Only You frustrated and disappointed I feel When I forget that You have sent the Holy Spirit as my helper I am never alone You are always with me You are the one who sustains protects heals provides loves Apart from You I can do nothing I come to You weary and burdened I lay down my insecurity doubts and fears at Your feet and I thank You that I don t have to carry them In fact I was never meant to carry them I ask for Your rest Heal my tired heart May I rest upon Your strength so I don t have to rely on my own May I turn to You for comfort so I can comfort others May I see others the way that You do with love and compassion not as I tend to do May I see time as a gift from You not as a scarce resource May I see this season not as something to dread but as an opportunity to bring glory to Your name May those who encounter me not see a worn out parent but Jesus himself Forgive me when I have taken matters into my own hands When I forget that Jesus knows just how In the name of Jesus Amen 15 16
Our Neighborhood Walking through the Unknown And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching Hebrews 10 24 25 The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it John 1 5 BY A LLYSO N GO ERT Z Oh Heavenly Father we pray today for the communities and neighborhoods You have placed us in May we see each person we engage with as someone who was created in the image of God I pray for my neighbors who are struggling all around me and I ask that they feel the Holy Spirit s presence in their souls and they never feel alone again I pray for Your love to fill their hearts I pray when we see divisions in our community that we bring those that are divided together through the power of Jesus Lord when days are rough I pray that we can be the hands and feet of Jesus and be peacemakers when needed May we have open arms for all those placed in our community Lord bless my neighbors with health during these unknowing times I pray we are aware of each and every blessing both big and small that God provides for us Lord thank You for being the light in our lives BY WE S T O N C L AR K Heavenly Father please lead us through this season of great unknowns Help us find our footing through all these sudden changes in our lives In the seemingly never ending stream of disruptions guide us down the right path and light up the darkness Lord many of us are still mourning the things we have missed out on over the last few months Whether that be a graduation starting college weddings promotions travel seeing family or losing loved ones With any kind of change comes loss and uncertainty I realize that even if things were normal I would still be scared of the changes looming in front of me But Lord don t let me sit in fear light up the darkness and show me the future You have in store for me I have learned that in normal times and the wild ones as well I need You Thank You for being my gentle light in this time of great uncertainty Amen Amen 17 18
Our Neighborhood Walking through the Unknown And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching Hebrews 10 24 25 The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it John 1 5 BY A LLYSO N GO ERT Z Oh Heavenly Father we pray today for the communities and neighborhoods You have placed us in May we see each person we engage with as someone who was created in the image of God I pray for my neighbors who are struggling all around me and I ask that they feel the Holy Spirit s presence in their souls and they never feel alone again I pray for Your love to fill their hearts I pray when we see divisions in our community that we bring those that are divided together through the power of Jesus Lord when days are rough I pray that we can be the hands and feet of Jesus and be peacemakers when needed May we have open arms for all those placed in our community Lord bless my neighbors with health during these unknowing times I pray we are aware of each and every blessing both big and small that God provides for us Lord thank You for being the light in our lives BY WE S T O N C L AR K Heavenly Father please lead us through this season of great unknowns Help us find our footing through all these sudden changes in our lives In the seemingly never ending stream of disruptions guide us down the right path and light up the darkness Lord many of us are still mourning the things we have missed out on over the last few months Whether that be a graduation starting college weddings promotions travel seeing family or losing loved ones With any kind of change comes loss and uncertainty I realize that even if things were normal I would still be scared of the changes looming in front of me But Lord don t let me sit in fear light up the darkness and show me the future You have in store for me I have learned that in normal times and the wild ones as well I need You Thank You for being my gentle light in this time of great uncertainty Amen Amen 17 18
Dealing with Uncertainty and Loss BY JU LIA BA RRE TT BY A N N S I N G L E T O N Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy Those who go out weeping carrying seed to sow will return with songs of joy carrying sheaves with them Psalm 126 5 6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight Proverbs 3 5 6 Father be near to those feeling the loss of life s precious moments during these troubling times I know that in Christ nothing is truly lost and all will be redeemed I bring You my own losses and confusion and ask You to comfort all those who have suffered and mourned May I cling to Your word when nothing else seems certain Reassure me of Your truths and teach me Your ways so I may know You and continue to find favor with You Psalm 50 10 11 promises that every beast of the forest is Yours and that You own the cattle on a thousand hills If You know every bird in the mountains and the insects in the fields are all Yours how much more do You know and intimately care for me Father God we thank You and praise You for Your steadfastness through the storm and oh what a storm it s been these last several months Thank You that You never leave nor forsake us Lord in this time of uncertainty now more than ever help us to put our trust in You Direct our steps and guide our path Remind us often that You are our refuge and strength an ever present help in trouble I thank You for Your powerful word that tells me that this battle is not over that whatever the enemy meant for evil You will use for good I pray that even in seasons of loss and difficulty I would not grow weary in doing good as I fix my eyes on You and seek the glory of Your Son and His kingdom In Jesus name I pray Amen 19 Trust You alone are the firm foundation in which we place our faith You alone can bring peace to our anxious hearts and worried minds You alone are the light that breaks through the darkness of our current situations And You alone can do more than we can ask or imagine Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and cover us with Your peace that surpasses all understanding Help us surrender ourselves completely to You that You may carry us through all of life s storms Lord finally thank You for the rainbow and Your promise that always rests at the end of those storms In Jesus Holy name we pray Amen 20
Dealing with Uncertainty and Loss BY JU LIA BA RRE TT BY A N N S I N G L E T O N Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy Those who go out weeping carrying seed to sow will return with songs of joy carrying sheaves with them Psalm 126 5 6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight Proverbs 3 5 6 Father be near to those feeling the loss of life s precious moments during these troubling times I know that in Christ nothing is truly lost and all will be redeemed I bring You my own losses and confusion and ask You to comfort all those who have suffered and mourned May I cling to Your word when nothing else seems certain Reassure me of Your truths and teach me Your ways so I may know You and continue to find favor with You Psalm 50 10 11 promises that every beast of the forest is Yours and that You own the cattle on a thousand hills If You know every bird in the mountains and the insects in the fields are all Yours how much more do You know and intimately care for me Father God we thank You and praise You for Your steadfastness through the storm and oh what a storm it s been these last several months Thank You that You never leave nor forsake us Lord in this time of uncertainty now more than ever help us to put our trust in You Direct our steps and guide our path Remind us often that You are our refuge and strength an ever present help in trouble I thank You for Your powerful word that tells me that this battle is not over that whatever the enemy meant for evil You will use for good I pray that even in seasons of loss and difficulty I would not grow weary in doing good as I fix my eyes on You and seek the glory of Your Son and His kingdom In Jesus name I pray Amen 19 Trust You alone are the firm foundation in which we place our faith You alone can bring peace to our anxious hearts and worried minds You alone are the light that breaks through the darkness of our current situations And You alone can do more than we can ask or imagine Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and cover us with Your peace that surpasses all understanding Help us surrender ourselves completely to You that You may carry us through all of life s storms Lord finally thank You for the rainbow and Your promise that always rests at the end of those storms In Jesus Holy name we pray Amen 20
Giving Our Plans to God BY DILAN BRADDO CK Now listen you who say Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city spend a year there carry on business and make money Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow What is your life You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes Instead you ought to say If it is the Lord s will we will live and do this or that James 4 13 15 Our Father who resides in Heaven we repent We thought we had the world figured out We were led to believe that with extra effort and hard work all of our plans for ourselves would come to fruition If anything this year has taught us that this is not the case We are not God we do not have perfect knowledge vision or power like You and we repent for living as we did We can make a five year plan map out the next chapter of life and dream of the future but in the end our life is but a mist appears for a little while then vanishes 21 I pray that Your Truth corrects my limited thinking I pray it redirects my sinful thoughts from being self absorbed and obsessed with worldly pleasures to a Kingdom mindset that looks to honor You and serve Your people Instead of my plans being all about me and my own security let me dream with You and be obedient to Your will Lead me to follow Your example in sacrificing my own security for the other foreigner or vulnerable In this season of the new normal give me flexibility and allow me to move where you are moving Let me be a pioneer joining You Jesus in the wonderful works You are doing all around me Take my plans for my life as an offering and help me submit my life over to Your will After all life is a gift don t let me clench my fist and hoard it but use these precious moments for Your Glory In Jesus perfect and holy name Amen 22
Giving Our Plans to God BY DILAN BRADDO CK Now listen you who say Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city spend a year there carry on business and make money Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow What is your life You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes Instead you ought to say If it is the Lord s will we will live and do this or that James 4 13 15 Our Father who resides in Heaven we repent We thought we had the world figured out We were led to believe that with extra effort and hard work all of our plans for ourselves would come to fruition If anything this year has taught us that this is not the case We are not God we do not have perfect knowledge vision or power like You and we repent for living as we did We can make a five year plan map out the next chapter of life and dream of the future but in the end our life is but a mist appears for a little while then vanishes 21 I pray that Your Truth corrects my limited thinking I pray it redirects my sinful thoughts from being self absorbed and obsessed with worldly pleasures to a Kingdom mindset that looks to honor You and serve Your people Instead of my plans being all about me and my own security let me dream with You and be obedient to Your will Lead me to follow Your example in sacrificing my own security for the other foreigner or vulnerable In this season of the new normal give me flexibility and allow me to move where you are moving Let me be a pioneer joining You Jesus in the wonderful works You are doing all around me Take my plans for my life as an offering and help me submit my life over to Your will After all life is a gift don t let me clench my fist and hoard it but use these precious moments for Your Glory In Jesus perfect and holy name Amen 22
Obedience BY KE LSEY BUCHANA N Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love for in you I trust Make me know the way I should go for to you I lift up my soul Psalm 143 8 When the whole world feels dark You are the light unto my path When I don t know what to do next You lead me with Your gentle voice The closer I draw into a relationship with You the more acutely aware I become of my own sinful nature Lord forgive me for my disobedience and for thinking that my ways are better than Yours Walk with me in each moment of the day so I might have the strength to not only avoid sinful actions but to also avoid sinful inaction So many times I have prayed to ask You for guidance but I have been unable to hear Your voice above all the distractions in the world around me Help me to focus my eyes on You and let everything else become background noise Help me to be still so I can know where You are leading me Lord there is no way I can serve others without loving You first and no way I can love others without trusting You to lead me So Lord take over control of my life Make my thoughts Your thoughts my intentions Your intentions and my actions Your will I fear giving up control but I know that Your ways are better than mine Thank you for Your steadfast love and for going before me to make my path straight Lord I lift up my soul to You and trust You to guide me throughout my life Timbergrove Campus BY A DR I AN YAR BO UG H Above all love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins 1 Peter 4 8 Father there have been so many changes this year that have caused us to depend on You more than ever before I ask that what You are doing in us as a people and as a church community would be what shapes our new Timbergrove campus You are showing us how to put our trust in You and not in our own wisdom intellect or strength We are excited for all the people You are going to bring to this new campus and eager to see how Your Holy Spirit will work among us I pray that everyone who walks through the doors will come to know You and Your love through the community You will establish there You said they would know us by our love for each other and that is what we want to be known for as a community that loves each other well Remind us to not complicate what you have called us to do but keep the Gospel Message simple Jesus is always enough and only through him can we be saved Thank you for perfect love towards all of us In Jesus precious name Amen In Jesus name Amen 23 24
Obedience BY KE LSEY BUCHANA N Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love for in you I trust Make me know the way I should go for to you I lift up my soul Psalm 143 8 When the whole world feels dark You are the light unto my path When I don t know what to do next You lead me with Your gentle voice The closer I draw into a relationship with You the more acutely aware I become of my own sinful nature Lord forgive me for my disobedience and for thinking that my ways are better than Yours Walk with me in each moment of the day so I might have the strength to not only avoid sinful actions but to also avoid sinful inaction So many times I have prayed to ask You for guidance but I have been unable to hear Your voice above all the distractions in the world around me Help me to focus my eyes on You and let everything else become background noise Help me to be still so I can know where You are leading me Lord there is no way I can serve others without loving You first and no way I can love others without trusting You to lead me So Lord take over control of my life Make my thoughts Your thoughts my intentions Your intentions and my actions Your will I fear giving up control but I know that Your ways are better than mine Thank you for Your steadfast love and for going before me to make my path straight Lord I lift up my soul to You and trust You to guide me throughout my life Timbergrove Campus BY A DR I AN YAR BO UG H Above all love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins 1 Peter 4 8 Father there have been so many changes this year that have caused us to depend on You more than ever before I ask that what You are doing in us as a people and as a church community would be what shapes our new Timbergrove campus You are showing us how to put our trust in You and not in our own wisdom intellect or strength We are excited for all the people You are going to bring to this new campus and eager to see how Your Holy Spirit will work among us I pray that everyone who walks through the doors will come to know You and Your love through the community You will establish there You said they would know us by our love for each other and that is what we want to be known for as a community that loves each other well Remind us to not complicate what you have called us to do but keep the Gospel Message simple Jesus is always enough and only through him can we be saved Thank you for perfect love towards all of us In Jesus precious name Amen In Jesus name Amen 23 24
Praise BY LESLEY LILLY When I consider Your heavens and the work of Your fingers The moon and the stars which You have ordained What is man that You are mindful of him And the son of man that You visit him Psalm 8 3 4 Holy and Sovereign Lord You are Majestic and Glorious and You sit on Your Throne over all Creation In Your breath was the earth formed and man as well You graciously rule over all the heavens and the earth and You keep creation working by Your Almighty Word Who is like You and who is man that You care for him And yet You tell us that You made us a little lower than the angels and You will tax the farthest star to commune with us Who can stand in Your Presence who is able to lift their head towards Your Glory 25 There is none like You the True God the Triune Father the Everlasting Lord I praise You Father for Your sovereignty in the broad events of my life and in the smallest of details Nothing is accidental with You all things are held in Your hand and with Your power In the trials and suffering of life You reveal Your great love and You show Your Presence when I seek You with all my heart Thank you that nothing I do will diminish Your great love towards me Thank you Father that You hold the future and I can rest in assurance that You are with me now and for all of eternity Amen 26
Praise BY LESLEY LILLY When I consider Your heavens and the work of Your fingers The moon and the stars which You have ordained What is man that You are mindful of him And the son of man that You visit him Psalm 8 3 4 Holy and Sovereign Lord You are Majestic and Glorious and You sit on Your Throne over all Creation In Your breath was the earth formed and man as well You graciously rule over all the heavens and the earth and You keep creation working by Your Almighty Word Who is like You and who is man that You care for him And yet You tell us that You made us a little lower than the angels and You will tax the farthest star to commune with us Who can stand in Your Presence who is able to lift their head towards Your Glory 25 There is none like You the True God the Triune Father the Everlasting Lord I praise You Father for Your sovereignty in the broad events of my life and in the smallest of details Nothing is accidental with You all things are held in Your hand and with Your power In the trials and suffering of life You reveal Your great love and You show Your Presence when I seek You with all my heart Thank you that nothing I do will diminish Your great love towards me Thank you Father that You hold the future and I can rest in assurance that You are with me now and for all of eternity Amen 26
and the prayer life continues Join t he pra y e r t e a m t h e s t o r y c h u r c h s e r v e R e que s t Pra y e r t h e s t o r y c h u r c h p r a y L i ste n to Ma y be G o d Po dc a s t Th e St o ry At H o m e t h e s t o r y c h u r c h p o d c a s t s Di gi ta l v e rs i o ns a v a i l a bl e a t t h e s t o r y c h u r c h p r a y CO N TAC T U S th e st o ry c hurc h c o nt a ct in fo t he s t o ry c hurc h
