Currently on a break! Please check back on the first week of 2009 for an updated prayer list.
Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Week Forty-Nine
1. Please pray for the Lord’s mercy in the wake of the terrorist attack in Mumbai, India this past week. Ask God for speedy and effective help for the victims, the loved ones of the many who were killed, and for order and peace to be quickly restored. May the Lord’s compassion rule over the aftermath of this incident.
2. Please pray for our country as the possibility of the defeat of the current minority ruling party looms. Ask God to give wisdom, and a commitment to the people’s best interests to the federal political parties as they work out who will govern Canada.
3. Please bring before the Lord the "Growing Leaders" plan presented at the recent ESC "town hall" meeting, and at the Sunday, November 23 worship service. Ask the Lord to bless us with good participation in the Growing Leaders introduction and information lunch on Sunday, December 7, so that all who are prompted by the Spirit to attend will understand the program and become involved in a meaningful way. Ask the Lord to provide the way for interested but busy members of our community to participate.
4. Please pray for the various ministries of our church community, especially as this year's work is wrapped up and plans are made for 2009. Pray for the ESC's desire to increasingly become the community that reflects God's intentions for us. Some areas:
- Our fellowship/small groups. Ask for the Spirit's guidance for the growth and biblical effectiveness of our groups so that people are well cared for and challenged in their walk with Jesus. Ask for wisdom and courage in making necessary changes to groups which are too diverse to adequately promote sharing and meet specific needs among its members, including beginning new groups.
- Breakthrough in community. Ask for God to work mightily to break down the distance that exists among individuals and groups within our community, and especially with newcomers. Ask the Spirit to make us intentional about bridging the distance to people we don't know well, making interaction with others a key value and practice in our community.
- Matching people with ministries. Ask the Lord to help us to foster commitment and follow "best practices" to address the need for people to serve in the various ministries which exist to shepherd the people of our community.
5. Please pray for the new Adult Sunday School 3-week series on the Old Testament book of Numbers to take place on Sundays, December 7, 21, & 28 led by Pastor Lu-Lu Ling. May the Spirit renew our walk with Jesus through the message of Numbers. Pray also for a special on-session Sunday School with Rev. Pak Loh who will share about his ministry and especially the needs in recently earthquake-ravaged Sichuan.
6. Please keep praying for the current 4-week Adult Sunday School course, "Hot Issues Facing Christians Today," which wraps up this Sunday, Nov 30. Ask for the Spirit to work on participants' hearts and minds so that long after the class discussions, we will continue to listen to and engage the people and voices of our world who question our faith and the way we try to live it out. Ask God to touch the world in a positive way through our witness.
7. Church Building Project, 685 Sheppard Ave. E. Please pray for:
- Give thanks to God for the "Bazaar" fund-raising sale on Saturday, November 29; the good participation, and funds raised. May the money be well used for the glory of his name.
- anticipated spring ground-breaking
- spiritual growth along with facilities expansion- steady congregational commitment and cooperation
- creative solutions for space shortage during building
- God's provision: faithful giving, fervent fund-raising (including good participation in the promissory note program), favourable bank financing
- smooth building process
- good response to the prayer and financial appeal letter being sent to friends of the church all over the world.
8. Personal request: Please pray for our members, Maria and Walton. They are in the process of looking for an apartment. Ask the Lord to give them success in relocating to a suitable place. Their daughter, Laura, has been diagnosed with some hearing loss in both her ears, and is scheduled for a CAT scan on December 1. Please pray for appropriate treatment for Laura and for her hearing to improve.
9. Please pray about the preparation and planning for the ESC Christmas worship service (Sunday, December 21). Ask the Lord to move members to participate in the choir, the planning, and technical aspects of the service. Most of all, ask the Spirit to bless the service as a way of touching our community with the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Please pray for our country as the possibility of the defeat of the current minority ruling party looms. Ask God to give wisdom, and a commitment to the people’s best interests to the federal political parties as they work out who will govern Canada.
3. Please bring before the Lord the "Growing Leaders" plan presented at the recent ESC "town hall" meeting, and at the Sunday, November 23 worship service. Ask the Lord to bless us with good participation in the Growing Leaders introduction and information lunch on Sunday, December 7, so that all who are prompted by the Spirit to attend will understand the program and become involved in a meaningful way. Ask the Lord to provide the way for interested but busy members of our community to participate.
4. Please pray for the various ministries of our church community, especially as this year's work is wrapped up and plans are made for 2009. Pray for the ESC's desire to increasingly become the community that reflects God's intentions for us. Some areas:
- Our fellowship/small groups. Ask for the Spirit's guidance for the growth and biblical effectiveness of our groups so that people are well cared for and challenged in their walk with Jesus. Ask for wisdom and courage in making necessary changes to groups which are too diverse to adequately promote sharing and meet specific needs among its members, including beginning new groups.
- Breakthrough in community. Ask for God to work mightily to break down the distance that exists among individuals and groups within our community, and especially with newcomers. Ask the Spirit to make us intentional about bridging the distance to people we don't know well, making interaction with others a key value and practice in our community.
- Matching people with ministries. Ask the Lord to help us to foster commitment and follow "best practices" to address the need for people to serve in the various ministries which exist to shepherd the people of our community.
5. Please pray for the new Adult Sunday School 3-week series on the Old Testament book of Numbers to take place on Sundays, December 7, 21, & 28 led by Pastor Lu-Lu Ling. May the Spirit renew our walk with Jesus through the message of Numbers. Pray also for a special on-session Sunday School with Rev. Pak Loh who will share about his ministry and especially the needs in recently earthquake-ravaged Sichuan.
6. Please keep praying for the current 4-week Adult Sunday School course, "Hot Issues Facing Christians Today," which wraps up this Sunday, Nov 30. Ask for the Spirit to work on participants' hearts and minds so that long after the class discussions, we will continue to listen to and engage the people and voices of our world who question our faith and the way we try to live it out. Ask God to touch the world in a positive way through our witness.
7. Church Building Project, 685 Sheppard Ave. E. Please pray for:
- Give thanks to God for the "Bazaar" fund-raising sale on Saturday, November 29; the good participation, and funds raised. May the money be well used for the glory of his name.
- anticipated spring ground-breaking
- spiritual growth along with facilities expansion- steady congregational commitment and cooperation
- creative solutions for space shortage during building
- God's provision: faithful giving, fervent fund-raising (including good participation in the promissory note program), favourable bank financing
- smooth building process
- good response to the prayer and financial appeal letter being sent to friends of the church all over the world.
8. Personal request: Please pray for our members, Maria and Walton. They are in the process of looking for an apartment. Ask the Lord to give them success in relocating to a suitable place. Their daughter, Laura, has been diagnosed with some hearing loss in both her ears, and is scheduled for a CAT scan on December 1. Please pray for appropriate treatment for Laura and for her hearing to improve.
9. Please pray about the preparation and planning for the ESC Christmas worship service (Sunday, December 21). Ask the Lord to move members to participate in the choir, the planning, and technical aspects of the service. Most of all, ask the Spirit to bless the service as a way of touching our community with the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Week Forty-Eight
1. Please pray for ongoing discussion items and ministry needs raised at our church's annual leader's retreat last weekend. Pray for the ESC's desire to increasingly become the community that reflects God's intentions for us. Some areas:
- Our fellowship/small groups. Ask for the Spirit's guidance for the growth and biblical effectiveness of our groups so that people are well cared for and challenged in their walk with Jesus. Ask for wisdom and courage in making necessary changes to groups which are too diverse to adequately promote sharing and meet specific needs among its members, including beginning new groups.
- Breakthrough in community. Ask for God to work mightily to break down the distance that exists among individuals and groups within our community, and especially with newcomers. Ask the Spirit to make us intentional about bridging the distance to people we don't know well, making interaction with others a key value and practice in our community.
- Matching people with ministries. Ask the Lord to help us to foster commitment and follow "best practices" to address the need for people to serve in the various ministries which exist to shepherd the people of our community.
2. Please continue to ask the Spirit of God to knit everyone in our community together to pursue a common vision and plan of action for the near future and long-term. Please bring before the Lord the "growing leaders" plan presented at the recent ESC "town hall" meeting, and at the Sunday, November 23 worship service. Ask for the Lord to direct our steps and, if the Spirit moves us in that direction, to build-up people and ministry through this initiative. Also, ask the Lord to provide the way for interested but busy members of our community to participate.
3. Please pray for the new pulpit series on the Old Testament book of Nehemiah beginning Sunday, November 23. May the Spirit teach, rebuke, correct, and train in righteousness (cf. 2 Tim 3:16) through God's word.
4. Please keep praying for the 4-week Adult Sunday School course, "Hot Issues Facing Christians Today," which began Sunday, November 2. Ask the Lord to help the two teachers to prepare and lead. Ask for the Spirit to work on participants' hearts and minds so that there will be meaningful discussion about issues important to the way we think, live, and witness for Christ.
5. Church Building Project, 685 Sheppard Ave. E. Please pray for the "Bazaar" fund-raising sale on Saturday, November 29. Ask the Lord for good participation, and to bless, multiply and use all money raised for the glory of his name. Please also keep praying for:
- spring ground-breaking
- spiritual growth along with facilities expansion- steady congregational commitment and cooperation
- creative solutions for space shortage during building
- God's provision: faithful giving, fervent fund-raising (including good participation in the promissory note program), favourable bank financing
- smooth building process
- good response to the prayer and financial appeal letter being sent to friends of the church all over the world.
6. Please pray about events and needs all around us in our neighbourhood, our city and beyond. Listen daily to the news and as the Spirit to move you to care and pray about a few things. Some things that come to mind are the Canadian and global economy as our government considers measures to help struggling businesses; the transition of power in the office of president of the U.S.A.; the weekly news of untimely deaths due to negligence and murder; etc. Even though we are not directly involved in these events, we know that only the mercy of God will give true understanding and peace in all situations, and that we as children of God should care.
7. Personal request: Please pray for our members, Maria and Walton. They are in the process of looking for an apartment. Ask the Lord to give them success in relocating to a suitable place. Their daughter, Laura, has been diagnosed with some hearing loss in both her ears, and is scheduled for a CAT scan on December 1. Please pray for appropriate treatment for Laura and for her hearing to improve.
8. Please pray about the preparation and planning for the ESC Christmas worship service (Sunday, December 21). Ask the Lord to move members to participate in the choir, the planning, and technical aspects of the service. Most of all, ask the Spirit to bless the service as a way of touching our community with the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Our fellowship/small groups. Ask for the Spirit's guidance for the growth and biblical effectiveness of our groups so that people are well cared for and challenged in their walk with Jesus. Ask for wisdom and courage in making necessary changes to groups which are too diverse to adequately promote sharing and meet specific needs among its members, including beginning new groups.
- Breakthrough in community. Ask for God to work mightily to break down the distance that exists among individuals and groups within our community, and especially with newcomers. Ask the Spirit to make us intentional about bridging the distance to people we don't know well, making interaction with others a key value and practice in our community.
- Matching people with ministries. Ask the Lord to help us to foster commitment and follow "best practices" to address the need for people to serve in the various ministries which exist to shepherd the people of our community.
2. Please continue to ask the Spirit of God to knit everyone in our community together to pursue a common vision and plan of action for the near future and long-term. Please bring before the Lord the "growing leaders" plan presented at the recent ESC "town hall" meeting, and at the Sunday, November 23 worship service. Ask for the Lord to direct our steps and, if the Spirit moves us in that direction, to build-up people and ministry through this initiative. Also, ask the Lord to provide the way for interested but busy members of our community to participate.
3. Please pray for the new pulpit series on the Old Testament book of Nehemiah beginning Sunday, November 23. May the Spirit teach, rebuke, correct, and train in righteousness (cf. 2 Tim 3:16) through God's word.
4. Please keep praying for the 4-week Adult Sunday School course, "Hot Issues Facing Christians Today," which began Sunday, November 2. Ask the Lord to help the two teachers to prepare and lead. Ask for the Spirit to work on participants' hearts and minds so that there will be meaningful discussion about issues important to the way we think, live, and witness for Christ.
5. Church Building Project, 685 Sheppard Ave. E. Please pray for the "Bazaar" fund-raising sale on Saturday, November 29. Ask the Lord for good participation, and to bless, multiply and use all money raised for the glory of his name. Please also keep praying for:
- spring ground-breaking
- spiritual growth along with facilities expansion- steady congregational commitment and cooperation
- creative solutions for space shortage during building
- God's provision: faithful giving, fervent fund-raising (including good participation in the promissory note program), favourable bank financing
- smooth building process
- good response to the prayer and financial appeal letter being sent to friends of the church all over the world.
6. Please pray about events and needs all around us in our neighbourhood, our city and beyond. Listen daily to the news and as the Spirit to move you to care and pray about a few things. Some things that come to mind are the Canadian and global economy as our government considers measures to help struggling businesses; the transition of power in the office of president of the U.S.A.; the weekly news of untimely deaths due to negligence and murder; etc. Even though we are not directly involved in these events, we know that only the mercy of God will give true understanding and peace in all situations, and that we as children of God should care.
7. Personal request: Please pray for our members, Maria and Walton. They are in the process of looking for an apartment. Ask the Lord to give them success in relocating to a suitable place. Their daughter, Laura, has been diagnosed with some hearing loss in both her ears, and is scheduled for a CAT scan on December 1. Please pray for appropriate treatment for Laura and for her hearing to improve.
8. Please pray about the preparation and planning for the ESC Christmas worship service (Sunday, December 21). Ask the Lord to move members to participate in the choir, the planning, and technical aspects of the service. Most of all, ask the Spirit to bless the service as a way of touching our community with the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Week Forty-Seven
(Sorry about the lateness of this week's update)
1. Please pray for ongoing discussion items and ministry needs raised at our church's annual leader's retreat this past weekend. Pray for the ESC's desire to increasingly become the community that reflects God's intentions for us. Some areas:
- Our fellowship/small groups. Ask for the Spirit's guidance for the growth and biblical effectiveness of our groups so that people are well cared for and challenged in their walk with Jesus. Ask for wisdom and courage in making necessary changes to groups which are too diverse to adequately promote sharing and meet specific needs among its members, including beginning new groups.
- Breakthrough in community. Ask for God to work mightily to break down the distance that exists among individuals and groups within our community, and especially with newcomers. Ask the Spirit to make us intentional about bridging the distance to people we don't know well, making interaction with others a key value and practice in our community.
- Matching people with ministries. Ask the Lord to help us to foster commitment and follow "best practices" to address the need for people to serve in the various ministries which exist to shepherd the people of our community.
2. Please continue to ask the Spirit of God to knit everyone in our community together to pursue a common vision and plan of action for the near future and long-term. Please bring before the Lord the "growing leaders" plan presented at the recent ESC "town hall" meeting, which will be presented again on the coming Sunday, November 23 worship service. Ask for the Lord to direct our steps and, if the Spirit moves us in that direction, to build-up people and ministry through this initiative. Also, ask the Lord to provide the way for interested but busy members of our community to participate.
3. Please pray for the new pulpit series on the Old Testament book of Nehemiah to begin on the coming Sunday. May the Spirit teach, rebuke, correct, and train in righteousness (cf. 2 Tim 3:16) through God's word.
4. Please keep praying for the 4-week Adult Sunday School course, "Hot Issues Facing Christians Today," which began Sunday, November 2. Ask the Lord to help the two teachers to prepare and lead. Ask for the Spirit to work on participants' hearts and minds so that there will be meaningful discussion about issues important to the way we think, live, and witness for Christ.
5. Church Building Project, 685 Sheppard Ave. E. Please pray for the "Bazaar" fund-raising sale on Saturday, November 29. Ask the Lord for good participation, and to bless, multiply and use all money raised for the glory of his name. Please also keep praying for:
- spring ground-breaking
- spiritual growth along with facilities expansion- steady congregational commitment and cooperation
- creative solutions for space shortage during building
- God's provision: faithful giving, fervent fund-raising (including good participation in the promissory note program), favourable bank financing
- smooth building process
- good response to the prayer and financial appeal letter being sent to friends of the church all over the world.
6. Please pray about events and needs all around us in our neighbourhood, our city and beyond. Listen daily to the news and as the Spirit to move you to care and pray about a few things. Some things that come to mind are the Canadian and global economy as our government considers measures to help struggling businesses; the transition of power in the office of president of the U.S.A.; the weekly news of untimely deaths due to negligence and murder; etc. Even though we are not directly involved in these events, we know that only the mercy of God will give true understanding and peace in all situations, and that we as children of God should care.
7. Personal request: Please pray for our members, Maria and Walton. They have an interview for an apartment they are looking into on Monday. Ask the Lord to give them success in relocating to a suitable place. Their daughter, Laura, has been diagnosed with some hearing loss in both her ears, and is scheduled for a CAT scan on December 1. Please pray for appropriate treatment for Laura and for her hearing to improve.
8. Please pray about the preparation and planning for the ESC Christmas worship service (Sunday, December 21). Ask the Lord to move members to participate in the choir, the planning, and technical aspects of the service. Most of all, ask the Spirit to bless the service as a way of touching our community with the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. Please pray for ongoing discussion items and ministry needs raised at our church's annual leader's retreat this past weekend. Pray for the ESC's desire to increasingly become the community that reflects God's intentions for us. Some areas:
- Our fellowship/small groups. Ask for the Spirit's guidance for the growth and biblical effectiveness of our groups so that people are well cared for and challenged in their walk with Jesus. Ask for wisdom and courage in making necessary changes to groups which are too diverse to adequately promote sharing and meet specific needs among its members, including beginning new groups.
- Breakthrough in community. Ask for God to work mightily to break down the distance that exists among individuals and groups within our community, and especially with newcomers. Ask the Spirit to make us intentional about bridging the distance to people we don't know well, making interaction with others a key value and practice in our community.
- Matching people with ministries. Ask the Lord to help us to foster commitment and follow "best practices" to address the need for people to serve in the various ministries which exist to shepherd the people of our community.
2. Please continue to ask the Spirit of God to knit everyone in our community together to pursue a common vision and plan of action for the near future and long-term. Please bring before the Lord the "growing leaders" plan presented at the recent ESC "town hall" meeting, which will be presented again on the coming Sunday, November 23 worship service. Ask for the Lord to direct our steps and, if the Spirit moves us in that direction, to build-up people and ministry through this initiative. Also, ask the Lord to provide the way for interested but busy members of our community to participate.
3. Please pray for the new pulpit series on the Old Testament book of Nehemiah to begin on the coming Sunday. May the Spirit teach, rebuke, correct, and train in righteousness (cf. 2 Tim 3:16) through God's word.
4. Please keep praying for the 4-week Adult Sunday School course, "Hot Issues Facing Christians Today," which began Sunday, November 2. Ask the Lord to help the two teachers to prepare and lead. Ask for the Spirit to work on participants' hearts and minds so that there will be meaningful discussion about issues important to the way we think, live, and witness for Christ.
5. Church Building Project, 685 Sheppard Ave. E. Please pray for the "Bazaar" fund-raising sale on Saturday, November 29. Ask the Lord for good participation, and to bless, multiply and use all money raised for the glory of his name. Please also keep praying for:
- spring ground-breaking
- spiritual growth along with facilities expansion- steady congregational commitment and cooperation
- creative solutions for space shortage during building
- God's provision: faithful giving, fervent fund-raising (including good participation in the promissory note program), favourable bank financing
- smooth building process
- good response to the prayer and financial appeal letter being sent to friends of the church all over the world.
6. Please pray about events and needs all around us in our neighbourhood, our city and beyond. Listen daily to the news and as the Spirit to move you to care and pray about a few things. Some things that come to mind are the Canadian and global economy as our government considers measures to help struggling businesses; the transition of power in the office of president of the U.S.A.; the weekly news of untimely deaths due to negligence and murder; etc. Even though we are not directly involved in these events, we know that only the mercy of God will give true understanding and peace in all situations, and that we as children of God should care.
7. Personal request: Please pray for our members, Maria and Walton. They have an interview for an apartment they are looking into on Monday. Ask the Lord to give them success in relocating to a suitable place. Their daughter, Laura, has been diagnosed with some hearing loss in both her ears, and is scheduled for a CAT scan on December 1. Please pray for appropriate treatment for Laura and for her hearing to improve.
8. Please pray about the preparation and planning for the ESC Christmas worship service (Sunday, December 21). Ask the Lord to move members to participate in the choir, the planning, and technical aspects of the service. Most of all, ask the Spirit to bless the service as a way of touching our community with the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Week Forty-Six
1. Please pray for the each person's walk with God within our worshipping community. Pray for spiritual depth and fervour among individuals and as a community. Ask the Spirit of God to knit everyone in our community together to pursue a common vision and plan of action for the near future and longterm. Please bring before the Lord the "growing leaders" plan presented at the recent ESC "town hall" meeting, which will be presented again at the Sunday, November 23 worship service. Ask for the Lord to direct our steps and, if the Spirit moves us in that direction, to build-up people and ministry through this initiative. Also, ask the Lord to provide the way for interested but busy members of our community to participate.
2. Our church's annual Leader's Retreat will be held on the coming, Saturday, November 15 (venue: Richmond Hill Chinese Baptist Church). Please keep praying for good participation and dialogue among the various leaders of our church ministries so that this will be a fruitful day of waiting before God, mutual encouragement and planning together. Pray for a stirring message from our Senior Pastor as part of the preparation for faithful ministry in the year ahead.
3. Please pray for the new 4-week Adult Sunday School course, "Hot Issues Facing Christians Today," which begins Sunday, November 2. Ask the Lord to help the two teachers to prepare and lead. Ask for the Spirit to work on participants' hearts and minds so that there will be meaningful discussion about issues important to the way we think, live, and witness for Christ.
4. Church Building Project, 685 Sheppard Ave. E. Please pray for the "Bazaar" fund-raising sale on Saturday, November 29. Ask the Lord for good participation, and to bless, multiply and use all money raised for the glory of his name. Please also keep praying for:
- spring ground-breaking
- spiritual growth along with facilities expansion- steady congregational commitment and cooperation
- creative solutions for space shortage during building
- God's provision: faithful giving, fervent fund-raising (including good participation in the promissory note program), favourable bank financing
- smooth building process.
5. Please pray about events and needs all around us in our neighbourhood, our city and beyond. Listen daily to the news and as the Spirit to move you to care and pray about a few things. Some things that come to mind are the global economy; the transition of power in the office of president of the U.S.A.; the death of the young boy who ran away from home in Barrie and the grief of his family and community; etc. Even though we are not directly involved in these events, we know that only the mercy of God will give true understanding and peace in all situations, and that we as children of God should care.
6. With the sermon series on the Sermon on the Mount concluding on Sunday, November 2, please pray for Pastors Richard and Clarence as they consider what to preach on next in the Sunday pulpit teaching. Ask the Lord to help them as they pray, consult, and gauge the needs of the ESC. Ask for the Spirit to prompt them to prepare and speak on topics that reflect the heart of God for the ESC.
7. Personal request (3rd week): Please pray for our members - Laura Sue and her parents, Maria and Walton. Laura has been diagnosed with some hearing loss in both her ears. This may be a result of water and infection in her ears this past summer. No operation or hearing aids are indicated for now. The doctor has asked them to wait 4 months and then go for additional tests. Please pray for Laura's hearing to improve.
8. Personal request: Please pray for A and R because A's father and mother both passed away within two weeks of each other. A remains overseas with family members as they work through this difficult time. R has returned home and gone back to work. Keep them in prayer and ask the Lord to comfort them and bring around them the love and support of friends.
2. Our church's annual Leader's Retreat will be held on the coming, Saturday, November 15 (venue: Richmond Hill Chinese Baptist Church). Please keep praying for good participation and dialogue among the various leaders of our church ministries so that this will be a fruitful day of waiting before God, mutual encouragement and planning together. Pray for a stirring message from our Senior Pastor as part of the preparation for faithful ministry in the year ahead.
3. Please pray for the new 4-week Adult Sunday School course, "Hot Issues Facing Christians Today," which begins Sunday, November 2. Ask the Lord to help the two teachers to prepare and lead. Ask for the Spirit to work on participants' hearts and minds so that there will be meaningful discussion about issues important to the way we think, live, and witness for Christ.
4. Church Building Project, 685 Sheppard Ave. E. Please pray for the "Bazaar" fund-raising sale on Saturday, November 29. Ask the Lord for good participation, and to bless, multiply and use all money raised for the glory of his name. Please also keep praying for:
- spring ground-breaking
- spiritual growth along with facilities expansion- steady congregational commitment and cooperation
- creative solutions for space shortage during building
- God's provision: faithful giving, fervent fund-raising (including good participation in the promissory note program), favourable bank financing
- smooth building process.
5. Please pray about events and needs all around us in our neighbourhood, our city and beyond. Listen daily to the news and as the Spirit to move you to care and pray about a few things. Some things that come to mind are the global economy; the transition of power in the office of president of the U.S.A.; the death of the young boy who ran away from home in Barrie and the grief of his family and community; etc. Even though we are not directly involved in these events, we know that only the mercy of God will give true understanding and peace in all situations, and that we as children of God should care.
6. With the sermon series on the Sermon on the Mount concluding on Sunday, November 2, please pray for Pastors Richard and Clarence as they consider what to preach on next in the Sunday pulpit teaching. Ask the Lord to help them as they pray, consult, and gauge the needs of the ESC. Ask for the Spirit to prompt them to prepare and speak on topics that reflect the heart of God for the ESC.
7. Personal request (3rd week): Please pray for our members - Laura Sue and her parents, Maria and Walton. Laura has been diagnosed with some hearing loss in both her ears. This may be a result of water and infection in her ears this past summer. No operation or hearing aids are indicated for now. The doctor has asked them to wait 4 months and then go for additional tests. Please pray for Laura's hearing to improve.
8. Personal request: Please pray for A and R because A's father and mother both passed away within two weeks of each other. A remains overseas with family members as they work through this difficult time. R has returned home and gone back to work. Keep them in prayer and ask the Lord to comfort them and bring around them the love and support of friends.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Week Forty-Five
1. Please pray for the Spirit of God to knit everyone in our community together to pursue a common vision and plan of action for the near future and longterm. Please bring before the Lord the "growing leaders" plan presented at the recent ESC "town hall" meeting, which will be presented again at the Sunday, November 16 worship service. Ask for the Lord to direct our steps and, if the Spirit moves us in that direction, to build-up people and ministry through this initiative. Also, ask the Lord to provide the way for interested but busy members of our community to participate.
2. Our church's annual Leader's Retreat will be held on Saturday, November 15 (venue: Richmond Hill Chinese Baptist Church). Please keep praying for good participation and dialogue among the various leaders of our church ministries so that this will be a fruitful day of waiting before God, mutual encouragement and planning together. Pray for a stirring message from our Senior Pastor as part of the preparation for faithful ministry in the year ahead.
3. Please pray for the new 4-week Adult Sunday School course, "Hot Issues Facing Christians Today," which begins this coming November 2. Ask the Lord to help the two teachers to prepare and lead. Ask for the Spirit to work on participants' hearts and minds so that there will be meaningful discussion about issues important to the way we think, live, and witness for Christ.
4. Praise the Lord for this past weekend's events:
- "Fun Fall Festival" on Friday - Please ask the Lord to expand our church's testimony to our neighbours with increasing opportunity to reach out and care for them. Ask the Spirit to help us follow-up on contacts made at the festival.
- Parents and Youth Ministry Meeting on Sunday - Thank the Lord for the faithful counsellors and helpers who make a difference in the lives of our youth. Please pray for God's care and empowerment upon them. Ask the Lord to raise up more workers to love and disciple our youth.
5. Church Building Project, 685 Sheppard Ave. E. Please pray for the "Bazaar" fund-raising sale on Saturday, November 29. Ask the Lord for good participation, and to bless, multiply and use all money raised for the glory of his name. Please also keep praying for:
- spring ground-breaking
- spiritual growth along with facilities expansion- steady congregational commitment and cooperation
- creative solutions for space shortage during building
- God's provision: faithful giving, fervent fund-raising (including good participation in the promissory note program), favourable bank financing
- smooth building process.
6. Please pray about events and needs around the world. Although we may not be directly involved in the U.S. presidential election about to take place (Tuesday), the prominent place of the U.S.A. in the world means that whatever outcome will have a global impact. Since rulers are appointed by God, pray for an election result that will bring in a government which will govern in a way that upholds godly values. Pray for a smooth and peaceful election process.
7. With the sermon series on the Sermon on the Mount concluding this coming Sunday, please pray for Pastors Richard and Clarence as they consider what to preach on next in the Sunday pulpit teaching. Ask the Lord to help them as they pray, consult, and gauge the needs of the ESC. Ask for the Spirit to prompt them to prepare and speak on topics that reflect the heart of God for the ESC.
8. Personal request (continued from last week): Please pray for our members - Laura Sue and her parents, Maria and Walton. Laura has been diagnosed with some hearing loss in both her ears. This may be a result of water and infection in her ears this past summer. No operation or hearing aids are indicated for now. The doctor has asked them to wait 4 months and then go for additional tests. Please pray for Laura's hearing to improve.
9. Personal request: Please pray for A and R because A's father and mother both passed away within two weeks of each other. A remains overseas with family members as they work through this difficult time. R has returned home and gone back to work. Keep them in prayer and ask the Lord to comfort them and bring around them the love and support of friends.
2. Our church's annual Leader's Retreat will be held on Saturday, November 15 (venue: Richmond Hill Chinese Baptist Church). Please keep praying for good participation and dialogue among the various leaders of our church ministries so that this will be a fruitful day of waiting before God, mutual encouragement and planning together. Pray for a stirring message from our Senior Pastor as part of the preparation for faithful ministry in the year ahead.
3. Please pray for the new 4-week Adult Sunday School course, "Hot Issues Facing Christians Today," which begins this coming November 2. Ask the Lord to help the two teachers to prepare and lead. Ask for the Spirit to work on participants' hearts and minds so that there will be meaningful discussion about issues important to the way we think, live, and witness for Christ.
4. Praise the Lord for this past weekend's events:
- "Fun Fall Festival" on Friday - Please ask the Lord to expand our church's testimony to our neighbours with increasing opportunity to reach out and care for them. Ask the Spirit to help us follow-up on contacts made at the festival.
- Parents and Youth Ministry Meeting on Sunday - Thank the Lord for the faithful counsellors and helpers who make a difference in the lives of our youth. Please pray for God's care and empowerment upon them. Ask the Lord to raise up more workers to love and disciple our youth.
5. Church Building Project, 685 Sheppard Ave. E. Please pray for the "Bazaar" fund-raising sale on Saturday, November 29. Ask the Lord for good participation, and to bless, multiply and use all money raised for the glory of his name. Please also keep praying for:
- spring ground-breaking
- spiritual growth along with facilities expansion- steady congregational commitment and cooperation
- creative solutions for space shortage during building
- God's provision: faithful giving, fervent fund-raising (including good participation in the promissory note program), favourable bank financing
- smooth building process.
6. Please pray about events and needs around the world. Although we may not be directly involved in the U.S. presidential election about to take place (Tuesday), the prominent place of the U.S.A. in the world means that whatever outcome will have a global impact. Since rulers are appointed by God, pray for an election result that will bring in a government which will govern in a way that upholds godly values. Pray for a smooth and peaceful election process.
7. With the sermon series on the Sermon on the Mount concluding this coming Sunday, please pray for Pastors Richard and Clarence as they consider what to preach on next in the Sunday pulpit teaching. Ask the Lord to help them as they pray, consult, and gauge the needs of the ESC. Ask for the Spirit to prompt them to prepare and speak on topics that reflect the heart of God for the ESC.
8. Personal request (continued from last week): Please pray for our members - Laura Sue and her parents, Maria and Walton. Laura has been diagnosed with some hearing loss in both her ears. This may be a result of water and infection in her ears this past summer. No operation or hearing aids are indicated for now. The doctor has asked them to wait 4 months and then go for additional tests. Please pray for Laura's hearing to improve.
9. Personal request: Please pray for A and R because A's father and mother both passed away within two weeks of each other. A remains overseas with family members as they work through this difficult time. R has returned home and gone back to work. Keep them in prayer and ask the Lord to comfort them and bring around them the love and support of friends.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Week Forty-Four
1. Sunday, October 26 is the ESC "Town Hall" meeting. Please pray that the vision and anticipated actions shared by the leaders will resonate with all the brothers and sisters of our community. Ask the Lord to prompt many to give feedback and suggestions so that our vision and plans will be become an understanding and commitment shared by all, and sharpened to really reflect the Lord's will. Pray also that we will together own the future that the Lord blesses us with.
2. Please keep praying for the new 2009 Ministry Group Members who lead the various ministries of our church. Over the next few weeks, they will plan the ministries and work out their budgets for 2009. Ask for the Spirit's guidance upon them and our whole community as we move forward. There will be a one day leader's retreat for all church leaders on Saturday, November 15. Pray for a stirring message from our Senior Pastor, and good sharing between the Cantonese, Mandarin and English communities, as well as within each individual community.
3. Please pray for the brothers and sisters getting baptized on Sunday, October 26. Ask the Lord to keep them strong and growing daily in their walk with Jesus. Pray for loving fellowship and care from our community to surround them so that they never face the challenges and joys of living for Jesus alone.
4. Please pray for upcoming events:- "Fun Fall Festival" on Friday, October 31. This event to be held in the basement and gym of our church is for all children in our neighbourhood with carnival games, stories, prizes and snacks. The goal is to welcome our neighbours and friends, so that they know there are children's and adult's programs here. Pray for a fun time and a good testimony to our neighbours.- Parents and Youth Ministry Meeting on Sunday, November 2 at 12:45 p.m. is for parents to meet their children's Sunday School teachers and fellowship counselors. Please pray for a growing and successful youth ministry for this school year.
5. Please keep praying for the Church Building Project. Praise the Lord for his provision of the money raised on our recent "Church Building Sunday." Ask the Lord to bless, multiply and use the special offering on Sunday, Oct 19 for the glory of his name. Please pray also for:- spring ground-breaking- spiritual growth along with facilities expansion- steady congregational commitment and cooperation- creative solutions for space shortage during building- God's provision: faithful giving, fervent fund-raising (including good participation in the promissory note program), favourable bank financing- smooth building process
6. Please keep praying about the persecution of Christians in parts of India. Although the violence has quieted in the past week, the situation is still very tense. To date, over 32 people have been killed, tens of thousands have fled their homes, and thousands are still believed to be hiding in Orissa's thick forests. Please look up news reports of the situation to pray in an informed way.
7. Pray for our new government elected on Tuesday, Oct 14. Due to vote recounts, one seat has been changed as a result. Ask the Lord to pour out grace and mercy upon our country. May the government govern with wisdom, reflecting the values of justice, mercy and compassion of God who is, ultimately, the one who appoints the rulers.
8. Personal request (continued from last week): Please pray for our members - Laura Sue and her parents, Maria and Walton. Laura has been diagnosed with some hearing loss in both her ears. This may be a result of water and infection in her ears this past summer. No operation or hearing aids are indicated for now. The doctor has asked them to wait 4 months and then go for additional tests. Please pray for Laura's hearing to improve.
2. Please keep praying for the new 2009 Ministry Group Members who lead the various ministries of our church. Over the next few weeks, they will plan the ministries and work out their budgets for 2009. Ask for the Spirit's guidance upon them and our whole community as we move forward. There will be a one day leader's retreat for all church leaders on Saturday, November 15. Pray for a stirring message from our Senior Pastor, and good sharing between the Cantonese, Mandarin and English communities, as well as within each individual community.
3. Please pray for the brothers and sisters getting baptized on Sunday, October 26. Ask the Lord to keep them strong and growing daily in their walk with Jesus. Pray for loving fellowship and care from our community to surround them so that they never face the challenges and joys of living for Jesus alone.
4. Please pray for upcoming events:- "Fun Fall Festival" on Friday, October 31. This event to be held in the basement and gym of our church is for all children in our neighbourhood with carnival games, stories, prizes and snacks. The goal is to welcome our neighbours and friends, so that they know there are children's and adult's programs here. Pray for a fun time and a good testimony to our neighbours.- Parents and Youth Ministry Meeting on Sunday, November 2 at 12:45 p.m. is for parents to meet their children's Sunday School teachers and fellowship counselors. Please pray for a growing and successful youth ministry for this school year.
5. Please keep praying for the Church Building Project. Praise the Lord for his provision of the money raised on our recent "Church Building Sunday." Ask the Lord to bless, multiply and use the special offering on Sunday, Oct 19 for the glory of his name. Please pray also for:- spring ground-breaking- spiritual growth along with facilities expansion- steady congregational commitment and cooperation- creative solutions for space shortage during building- God's provision: faithful giving, fervent fund-raising (including good participation in the promissory note program), favourable bank financing- smooth building process
6. Please keep praying about the persecution of Christians in parts of India. Although the violence has quieted in the past week, the situation is still very tense. To date, over 32 people have been killed, tens of thousands have fled their homes, and thousands are still believed to be hiding in Orissa's thick forests. Please look up news reports of the situation to pray in an informed way.
7. Pray for our new government elected on Tuesday, Oct 14. Due to vote recounts, one seat has been changed as a result. Ask the Lord to pour out grace and mercy upon our country. May the government govern with wisdom, reflecting the values of justice, mercy and compassion of God who is, ultimately, the one who appoints the rulers.
8. Personal request (continued from last week): Please pray for our members - Laura Sue and her parents, Maria and Walton. Laura has been diagnosed with some hearing loss in both her ears. This may be a result of water and infection in her ears this past summer. No operation or hearing aids are indicated for now. The doctor has asked them to wait 4 months and then go for additional tests. Please pray for Laura's hearing to improve.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Week Forty-Three
1. The 2009 Ministry Group Members who lead the various ministries of our church will be elected and affirmed by the membership at the Annual Meeting of Members on Sunday, October 19, 2008. Please pray for the new and returning Ministry Group Members. Over the next few weeks they will plan the ministries and work out their budgets for 2009. Ask for the Spirit's guidance upon them and our whole community as we move forward.
2. Pray for the spiritual growth of our community. There will be a "Town Hall" meeting during the Sunday School hour next Sunday (Oct 26) at which the ESC leaders will share the church vision for "people group pastoral teams" - the pastoral care of leaders who will in turn exercise spiritual care for others, thus nurthuring and supporting them in ministry. Please pray for a clear and exciting God-centred sharing, and for growing community understanding and commitment to a common vision and plan of action.
3. Please pray for the brothers and sisters who will be getting baptized on the coming Sunday, Oct 26. Ask the Lord to help them get ready for their baptism, and to look forward to sharing their testimonies publicly at the service.
4. Please keep praying for the Church Building Project. Ask the Lord to bless, multiply and use the special building project offering on Sunday, Oct 19 for the glory of his name. Please pray also for:
- Spring ground-breaking
- spiritual growth along with facilities expansion
- steady congregational commitment and cooperation
- creative solutions for space shortage during building
- God's provision: faithful giving, fervent fund-raising, favourable bank financing
- smooth building process
5. Please keep praying about the persecution of Christians in parts of India. To date, over a hundred churches have been burned. Thousands of believers have had to flee, many into the forests, for safety. Please look up news reports of the situation to pray in an informed way.
6. Pray for our new government elected this past Tuesday, Oct 14. Ask the Lord to pour out grace and mercy upon our country. May the government govern with wisdom, reflecting the values of justice, mercy and compassion of God who is, ultimately, the one who appoints the rulers.
7. Please keep praying about the current global economic crisis - remembering especially people who are in difficulty as a result. Pray for God's mercy upon this generation, and for the mobilization of people (including us) to help those in need. Pray also for wisdom for all who manage and make decisions that have global effect.
8. Personal request: Please pray for our members - Laura Sue and her parents, Maria and Walton. Laura has been diagnosed with some hearing loss in both her ears. This may be a result of water and infection in her ears this past summer. No operation or hearing aids are indicated for now. The doctor has asked them to wait 4 months and then go for additional tests. Please pray for Laura's hearing to improve.
2. Pray for the spiritual growth of our community. There will be a "Town Hall" meeting during the Sunday School hour next Sunday (Oct 26) at which the ESC leaders will share the church vision for "people group pastoral teams" - the pastoral care of leaders who will in turn exercise spiritual care for others, thus nurthuring and supporting them in ministry. Please pray for a clear and exciting God-centred sharing, and for growing community understanding and commitment to a common vision and plan of action.
3. Please pray for the brothers and sisters who will be getting baptized on the coming Sunday, Oct 26. Ask the Lord to help them get ready for their baptism, and to look forward to sharing their testimonies publicly at the service.
4. Please keep praying for the Church Building Project. Ask the Lord to bless, multiply and use the special building project offering on Sunday, Oct 19 for the glory of his name. Please pray also for:
- Spring ground-breaking
- spiritual growth along with facilities expansion
- steady congregational commitment and cooperation
- creative solutions for space shortage during building
- God's provision: faithful giving, fervent fund-raising, favourable bank financing
- smooth building process
5. Please keep praying about the persecution of Christians in parts of India. To date, over a hundred churches have been burned. Thousands of believers have had to flee, many into the forests, for safety. Please look up news reports of the situation to pray in an informed way.
6. Pray for our new government elected this past Tuesday, Oct 14. Ask the Lord to pour out grace and mercy upon our country. May the government govern with wisdom, reflecting the values of justice, mercy and compassion of God who is, ultimately, the one who appoints the rulers.
7. Please keep praying about the current global economic crisis - remembering especially people who are in difficulty as a result. Pray for God's mercy upon this generation, and for the mobilization of people (including us) to help those in need. Pray also for wisdom for all who manage and make decisions that have global effect.
8. Personal request: Please pray for our members - Laura Sue and her parents, Maria and Walton. Laura has been diagnosed with some hearing loss in both her ears. This may be a result of water and infection in her ears this past summer. No operation or hearing aids are indicated for now. The doctor has asked them to wait 4 months and then go for additional tests. Please pray for Laura's hearing to improve.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Week Forty-Two
Personal
1. Thanksgiving and prayer go together: Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful (Colossians 4:2). Take the time to count your/our blessings - what God has done for you/us with faithfulness day after day at home, at work, among friends, acquaintances and strangers. Thank him for the forgiveness of sin, and promise of life with Christ daily. Express thankfulness by way of prayer (conversation and communion with God), and by being watchful (thoughtful daily living in step with the Spirit).
Our believing community
2. Church annual meeting of members on Sunday, October 19. Pray for the election of deacons - there is one candidate. Pray for the affirmation of Ministry Group Members - the many brothers and sisters who will lead in the various church ministries and operations in 2009. May the Lord's choice of his servant-leaders bring glory to his name and bless his people, and everyone we touch.
3. Pray for the spiritual growth of our community. As the leadership begins to work out its vision for "people group pastoral teams" - the pastoral care of leaders who will in turn exercise spiritual care for others, thus nurturing and supporting them in ministry - may the Lord increasingly make us into a community where every person is cared for and has a vital ministry.
4. Remember our students. Thanksgiving is the first real "break" for many who have been studying hard. Ask the Lord to give them refreshment through quality time with friends and loved ones, as well as opportunity to count their blessings. Ask the Lord to give them meaningful student life and studies, a steady growing relationship with Jesus, and a heart to touch others with Christ's love.
5. Please pray for the brothers and sisters in the current session of baptism classes for the October 26 baptism. Ask the Lord to help them get ready for their baptism interviews, and look forward to the public sharing their testimonies at the baptism service.
Church Building Project (685 Sheppard Ave.)
6. Please keep praying for the Church Building Project. With ground-breaking in the coming spring, many things must happen: spritual growth even as the facilities expand; steady congregational commitment and cooperation; creative solutions for space shortage during building; God's provision as well as faithful giving and fervent fund-raising; smooth work and anticipation of issues in the building process, etc. Please pray especially concerning these: (a)With the rise of the current global economic/banking crisis, banks are asking for additional loan financing criteria and/or higher interest rates - pray for the Lord's favour upon loan negotiations. (b) Fund-raising Bazaar/Sale of new goods on Saturday, November 29 needs the participation of many helpers and people to donate new goods for sale.
The world we live in
7. The current global economic crisis will put many people near and far in great difficulty. Perhaps each of us knows someone near retirement whose expected investment savings are now wiped out, or someone who is out of work. Perhaps we find it difficult to accept that this generation is spending the earnings of our children and future generations. Pray for God's mercy upon this generation, and for the mobilization of people (including us) to help those in need. Pray also for wisdom for all who manage and make decisions that have global effect.
8. Marketplace ministry: Some in our community recently attended the "Contempo: Balancing Act" conference on marketplace ministry. Ask the Lord to grow our vision to be his royal priesthood, that is, to be those who minister in the various walks of life in which we find ourselves. Our faith is not meant to be enclosed in the four walls of the church. We are to live it out where we spend most of our most able waking hours - caring for co-workers, fulfilling our vocations with excellence, promoting fairness and justice for all due to our faith convictions, and standing in as Christ to the world around us.
9. Federal election this coming Tuesday, October 14: Please pray for God's mercy upon our country as we go to the polls to elect a new federal government. Ask the Lord to help each one of us understand the platform of the candidates in our ridings, and to choose wisely, reflecting biblical values of judgement. May the government of God's choosing govern as He desires, bringing blessing to our country.
1. Thanksgiving and prayer go together: Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful (Colossians 4:2). Take the time to count your/our blessings - what God has done for you/us with faithfulness day after day at home, at work, among friends, acquaintances and strangers. Thank him for the forgiveness of sin, and promise of life with Christ daily. Express thankfulness by way of prayer (conversation and communion with God), and by being watchful (thoughtful daily living in step with the Spirit).
Our believing community
2. Church annual meeting of members on Sunday, October 19. Pray for the election of deacons - there is one candidate. Pray for the affirmation of Ministry Group Members - the many brothers and sisters who will lead in the various church ministries and operations in 2009. May the Lord's choice of his servant-leaders bring glory to his name and bless his people, and everyone we touch.
3. Pray for the spiritual growth of our community. As the leadership begins to work out its vision for "people group pastoral teams" - the pastoral care of leaders who will in turn exercise spiritual care for others, thus nurturing and supporting them in ministry - may the Lord increasingly make us into a community where every person is cared for and has a vital ministry.
4. Remember our students. Thanksgiving is the first real "break" for many who have been studying hard. Ask the Lord to give them refreshment through quality time with friends and loved ones, as well as opportunity to count their blessings. Ask the Lord to give them meaningful student life and studies, a steady growing relationship with Jesus, and a heart to touch others with Christ's love.
5. Please pray for the brothers and sisters in the current session of baptism classes for the October 26 baptism. Ask the Lord to help them get ready for their baptism interviews, and look forward to the public sharing their testimonies at the baptism service.
Church Building Project (685 Sheppard Ave.)
6. Please keep praying for the Church Building Project. With ground-breaking in the coming spring, many things must happen: spritual growth even as the facilities expand; steady congregational commitment and cooperation; creative solutions for space shortage during building; God's provision as well as faithful giving and fervent fund-raising; smooth work and anticipation of issues in the building process, etc. Please pray especially concerning these: (a)With the rise of the current global economic/banking crisis, banks are asking for additional loan financing criteria and/or higher interest rates - pray for the Lord's favour upon loan negotiations. (b) Fund-raising Bazaar/Sale of new goods on Saturday, November 29 needs the participation of many helpers and people to donate new goods for sale.
The world we live in
7. The current global economic crisis will put many people near and far in great difficulty. Perhaps each of us knows someone near retirement whose expected investment savings are now wiped out, or someone who is out of work. Perhaps we find it difficult to accept that this generation is spending the earnings of our children and future generations. Pray for God's mercy upon this generation, and for the mobilization of people (including us) to help those in need. Pray also for wisdom for all who manage and make decisions that have global effect.
8. Marketplace ministry: Some in our community recently attended the "Contempo: Balancing Act" conference on marketplace ministry. Ask the Lord to grow our vision to be his royal priesthood, that is, to be those who minister in the various walks of life in which we find ourselves. Our faith is not meant to be enclosed in the four walls of the church. We are to live it out where we spend most of our most able waking hours - caring for co-workers, fulfilling our vocations with excellence, promoting fairness and justice for all due to our faith convictions, and standing in as Christ to the world around us.
9. Federal election this coming Tuesday, October 14: Please pray for God's mercy upon our country as we go to the polls to elect a new federal government. Ask the Lord to help each one of us understand the platform of the candidates in our ridings, and to choose wisely, reflecting biblical values of judgement. May the government of God's choosing govern as He desires, bringing blessing to our country.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Week Forty-One
For prayer this week:
1. Ask the Lord to pour out his grace on this new prayer initiative, "The ESC Prayer Wall." The "Wall" is simply a way to work out what we feel is a vital and indispensible part of the life of our worshipping community. Ask God to raise in each one of us the urgency to wait before him in prayer. Ask him to move us to prayer individually and together, lifting up to heaven everything the Spirit lays on our hearts.
2. Ask the Lord to renew our vision. This month, the leaders of the ESC need to share a clear message about how we feel the Lord is leading our community. Public opportunities for this to happen will be during the worship service on October 19, and at the "town hall" gathering during Sunday School hour on October 26. Ask the Lord to give our leaders adequate time to pray and decide what to share. Ask the Lord to help all of us to be engaged in developing and living out the vision. Plead with the Lord to move us steadily into being a community that actively cares for and nurtures every person among us, and reaches out to the world around us.
3. Pray for the need for adult leaders for our youth. Ask the Spirit to identify among us youth group counsellors and Sunday School teachers. Ask the Lord to give wisdom to Pastor Clarence and the youth ministry team to discern, equip, and support all our youth workers.
4. Ask the Lord to bring together each person who is in any kind of need with someone(s) who will minister to them by meeting the need. Pray for God to give us a renewed sense of "the priesthood of all believers", that is, we each have a ministry and a vital part of the spiritual life of our community.
5. Please pray for the sick that you are aware of. Ask the Lord to give them a deep sense of his presence with them. Praise God for those who are making progress and/or have recovered from illness. Ask for continued health and a vibrant testimony of the God's goodness.
6. Pray for the followers of Jesus suffering violent persecution in South Asia. Please look up the news available on this issue and bring the situation before the Lord. Please pray for our loved ones who will be returning to South Asia to work.
7. Please pray for the Church Building Project. With ground-breaking expected in the coming spring, many things must happen: spiritual growth even as the facilities expand; steady congregational commitment and cooperation; creative solutions for space shortage during building; God's provision as well as faithful giving and fervent fund-raising; smooth work and anticipation of issues in the building process; etc.
8. Ask for the Lord's guidance and blessing upon our church as we go through our annual process of electing Deacons (every two years) and affirming Ministry Group Members. Ask the Lord to raise up and confirm brothers and sisters to the various leadership capacities in our church family. Our annual meeting will be held on October 19.
1. Ask the Lord to pour out his grace on this new prayer initiative, "The ESC Prayer Wall." The "Wall" is simply a way to work out what we feel is a vital and indispensible part of the life of our worshipping community. Ask God to raise in each one of us the urgency to wait before him in prayer. Ask him to move us to prayer individually and together, lifting up to heaven everything the Spirit lays on our hearts.
2. Ask the Lord to renew our vision. This month, the leaders of the ESC need to share a clear message about how we feel the Lord is leading our community. Public opportunities for this to happen will be during the worship service on October 19, and at the "town hall" gathering during Sunday School hour on October 26. Ask the Lord to give our leaders adequate time to pray and decide what to share. Ask the Lord to help all of us to be engaged in developing and living out the vision. Plead with the Lord to move us steadily into being a community that actively cares for and nurtures every person among us, and reaches out to the world around us.
3. Pray for the need for adult leaders for our youth. Ask the Spirit to identify among us youth group counsellors and Sunday School teachers. Ask the Lord to give wisdom to Pastor Clarence and the youth ministry team to discern, equip, and support all our youth workers.
4. Ask the Lord to bring together each person who is in any kind of need with someone(s) who will minister to them by meeting the need. Pray for God to give us a renewed sense of "the priesthood of all believers", that is, we each have a ministry and a vital part of the spiritual life of our community.
5. Please pray for the sick that you are aware of. Ask the Lord to give them a deep sense of his presence with them. Praise God for those who are making progress and/or have recovered from illness. Ask for continued health and a vibrant testimony of the God's goodness.
6. Pray for the followers of Jesus suffering violent persecution in South Asia. Please look up the news available on this issue and bring the situation before the Lord. Please pray for our loved ones who will be returning to South Asia to work.
7. Please pray for the Church Building Project. With ground-breaking expected in the coming spring, many things must happen: spiritual growth even as the facilities expand; steady congregational commitment and cooperation; creative solutions for space shortage during building; God's provision as well as faithful giving and fervent fund-raising; smooth work and anticipation of issues in the building process; etc.
8. Ask for the Lord's guidance and blessing upon our church as we go through our annual process of electing Deacons (every two years) and affirming Ministry Group Members. Ask the Lord to raise up and confirm brothers and sisters to the various leadership capacities in our church family. Our annual meeting will be held on October 19.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
