August 2015 MBUMC Focus Prayer

AUGUST 2015 MBUMC FOCUS PRAYER

Please join the MBUMC Prayer Ministry team in praying this prayer.

Children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord.

Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?

Psalm 127:3 CEV/The Message

Almighty God, Holy and Living Lord,

Thank you for your presence, love and compassion in every detail of my life. Help me to trust you with all my heart, to never rely on what I think I know. Help me to remember you, Lord, in everything I do, to trust that you will show me the right way. Keep me from thinking I am wiser than you are; simply help me to obey you, to refuse to do wrong. Help me to honor you, God, with everything I own, to give you the first and the best. (Proverbs 3:5-7, GNT, Proverbs 3:9, MSG) Help me to learn what pleases you, Lord. (Ephesians 5:10 GNT)

Lord, years ago you called people here to begin a ministry of love, care and learning for young children; through the years you have called others to participate in the continuing vision. Mission Bend Christian Academy pursues a vision to create a Christian environment within the community where children can be safe, nurtured, and experience spiritual growth and development. In the last 31 years, MBCA has touched the lives of over 3,000 children. Thank you for the staff this year, especially Dr. Wendy Lewis, Head of School; Brenda Kelly, Lower School Director; Mary Ann Valadez, Extended Day Co-ordinator; Janie Bickford, Registrar and Admissions; and Dianne Giroir, Bookkeeper. Thank you for the skills and heart of each member of the Board of Directors, especially Mike Ellis, President and Chairman; Carol Fletcher, Treasurer; Doug Gaither, Mike McMennamy, Joe Partain, Jim Peters, Carolyn Rogas, Shann Shinn and Susan Trainor.

Thank you for the Christian Education ministry here, led by Connie Fowler and the enthusiastic and faithful volunteers that work with her in this community of faith. Thank you, Lord, for each one you call to be a teacher, helper and mentor to children and young people. Bless each one as they begin another school year. Most of all, thank you for Jesus, our Savior, Teacher, Mentor and Friend. Let us all start children off in the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6, NIV) Let us teach children how they should live, they will remember it all their life. (GNT) Let us point our kids in the right direction – when they’re old they won’t be lost. (MSG)        In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus,

I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.

Hymn 2129, TFWS, verse 1