2013 Week 15

Made Alive in Christ
¹As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, ²in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.  ³All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.  ⁴But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.  Ephesians 2:1-5 (NIV).

1. Praise Him for the mercy and grace made available through Christ. In Him, we have indeed been enriched in every way . Pray that He will keep us strong to the end so that we will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God who has called us into fellowship with His Son is faithful (1 Cor 1:8-9).

2. Please continue to pray for the Building project and the Construction Project Team (CPT) who is overseeing all the administrative details and needs wisdom in the many decisions to be made. Pray for the Leasing Strategy Team and the urgent need of renting at least 50%  of the 4th and 5th floor. Pray for the relationship with Fieldgate as there are a number of delays and extra cost items to be resolved. Pray for the project to be completed in time by the end of June. Pray for the CPT to have wisdom and skills to negotiate fair and reasonable agreements and for controlling costs. Continue to pray for our fundraising needs. May God continue to touch people’s hearts to give and lend to the project.  Praise the Lord that the entire ground floor has been rented.

3. Pray for the ESC spring retreat to be held April 26-28. Pray for our speaker Angel Silva who will build on what he shared at last year's retreat about the cycle of sin. Pray for all the participants at the retreat that they will be able to find practical application in their personal lives. Pray for the Holy Spirit to be at work and for us to listen to His rebuke and/or His promptings. Pray for good fellowship and good conversations so as to edify and encourage each other as we get opportunities to share about what is happening in our lives.

4. Pray for the new initiative of encouraging  brothers and sisters to participate in intercessory prayer during our worship service  starting April 14th. Pray that as the worship team is leading the congregation in praise and adoration and the sermon is being preached, there will be a deep anointing of the Spirit to touch our hearts and minds and lead us to deeper revelation and understanding of Him, resulting in a deeper love for Him and others.

5. Pray for the ESC youth pastor search committee and the candidate, Mr. Allen Hester who was introduced to us last weekend. Pray for continued guidance and confirmation from the Lord regarding the decisions to be made. Pray for our youth that they will continue to draw strength from Him and trust Him in their daily living.

6. Pray for the Sunday School class on Journeying through Grief taught by James Lam. Pray for those in need of His comfort and grace right now. Pray for emotionally healthy spirituality as we allow Him to bring transformation in the deep places of our hearts.

7. Continue to pray for our pastoral staff, Board of deacons and other leaders as they mobilize all the congregations for the  challenges ahead. Pray for God to give them unity of vision, good spiritual leadership in managing God's household, strong faith and ability to endure and wait upon His perfect timing.