2012 Week 50

For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.  Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.  Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.  Hebrews 2:17-3:1 (NIV)

Jesus the Great High Priest
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.  Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)

1. Praise Him for the opportunity of being able to celebrate Jesus' birth and coming to this earth for our salvation. As we reflect and ponder on another Christmas season, may we be grateful for His mercy and grace to us. Let us continue to draw near to Him. He has shown his faithfulness to us in so many ways this year and we want to continue to look to him for guidance and sustainance along this journey of faith.

2. Please continue to pray for our Building project. Weekly details are made available in the bulletin inserts. The offering target for this year is $1.5 million. Pray for the outstanding financial need, the Leasing Strategy team as they continue to seek out suitable tenants and for the project to continue smoothly.

3. Pray for the Mexico STM Team. 13 CSC members will be ministering from Dec 15 to 26. Pray also for P&C Ng who are in Panama until Jan 6, 2013. Pray for the Christmas and New Year evangelistic meetings. Pray for P&J and their 2 boys, as they wait before the Lord for next steps  as their resignation from CBM becomes effective at the end of the year. Pray for Pastor Lu-Lu as she make plans to go back on the field next year.

4. Pray for the ESC Christmas service on Sunday, December 23. Pray that we will have opportunities to invite friends and family members  and be able to testify about the reason for the season. As we celebrate Christmas with our loved ones, may we rejoice in His salvation and be bold to share about He means to us.

5. Christmas time can also be a difficult time for those who are feeling lonely, or mourning the loss of beloved ones or are without close family members or communities. Please pray that God will be their source of comfort and strength and allow his people to minister in a caring and loving way.

6. Pray for the Sunday School class taught by Pastor Richard. As we learn about what a Christian needs to know, may we more determined to grow in our knowledge of Him in order to engage society and live out our God-given responsibility to our generation. Pray also for the teachers and helpers involved in Children's worship and the Youth sunday school classes. May the Lord grant them much patience and wisdom and creativity in trying to capture the short attention span of the kids.

7. Continue to pray for the various worship teams leading in songs and prayer each Sunday. Pray also that as a community of believers, we will come prepared as well and come to him with a sincere heart to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Pray also for the teaching that we receive from the pulpit each week. May it find relevance in our lives and may we  be willing to respond obediently to the challenge of being his disciple.

8. Pray for the families and community affected by the Newtown, Connecticut elementary school mass shooting (December 14).  As they deal with the grief of the deaths of children and loved ones, may they receive support and care as needed, including prayer from believers everywhere.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!