JULY 2017 MBUMC FOCUS PRAYER

JULY 2017 MBUMC FOCUS PRAYER

You are invited to join the Prayer Ministry team in praying this prayer.

God’s a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times.  The moment you arrive, you relax; you’re never sorry you knocked.

(Psalm 9:9-10 The Message)

My head is high, God, held high; I’m looking to you, God; No hangdog skulking for me.  I’ve thrown in my lot with you; You won’t embarrass me, will you?  Or let my enemies get the best of me?  Show me how you work, God; School me in your ways.  Take me by the hand; Lead me down the path of truth.  You are my Savior, aren’t you?  Mark the milestones of your mercy and love, God.  Forget that I sowed wild oats; Mark me with your sign of love.  Plan only the best for me, God! (Psalm 25:1-3a, 4-6a, 7 The Message)

My question: What are God-worshipers like?  Your answer: Arrows aimed at God’s bull’s-eye.  If I keep my eyes on you, God, I won’t trip over my own feet.  Look at me and help me!  Take a hard look at my life of hard labor.  Then lift this ton of sin.  Keep watch over me and keep me out of trouble; don’t let me down when I run to you.  Use all your skill to put me together; I wait to see your finished product. (Psalm 25:12,15,16a, 18, 20-21 The Message)

Paul encouraged a young Christian named Timothy, who became an assistant to Paul in his missionary work, saying, “Get the word out.  Teach all these things.  And don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young.  Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.” (1 Timothy 4:11-12 The Message)  May it be so for young and old, new believers and seasoned believers.

Lord, thank you for dedicated teachers and faithful followers.  All this I pray in Jesus name, Amen.

Refrain: Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants,
beyond my fears, from death into life.

1) God is my shepherd, so nothing shall I want ,
I rest in the meadows of faithfulness and love,
I walk by the quiet waters of peace.  Refrain.

2) Gently you raise me and heal my weary soul,
You lead me by pathways of righteousness and truth,
My spirit shall sing the music of your name.  Refrain.

5) Surely your kindness and mercy follow me
all the days of my life;
I will dwell in the house of my God forevermore. Refrain.

TFWS 2058, Refrain, Words and Music by Marty Haugen, 1986.

If you are not familiar with this song, Marty Haugen sings it on You Tube.