One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.   Luke 6:12

No matter how much you love each other and enjoy being together, there are times when you want (and need) to be apart. That doesn’t only mean apart, but alone. “Alone time” gives you time to consider relationships, to pray, to consider what you value most in life. It helps you get “centered.”

For Christians, being “centered” revolves around repentance and forgiveness, understanding that Christ is our very life. Having a period of rest and solitude, in turn, will enrich time spent with your spouse. Encouraging each other to spend time alone is a gift as genuine as any you might give.

Allow these special alone moments for God, through His Word, to renew, refresh, and rejuvenate each of you.

• We pray for the family of Jerry Gall, Joanne Breitenstein’s father. Dear Lord, in your mercy and wisdom you have called Jerry home to heaven this past week. We seek comfort for his wife, his children, and grandchildren as they cling to your promise of the resurrection and find strength in the certainty of your grace. Help them to walk through the coming days and weeks with the assurance that in Christ we too shall rise.
• As Justin Kraft, son of Mark & Shary Kraft, married Katie Lindfors on Friday, we pray that you bind them and their family close to your Word. Bless them with your joy as they learn to serve each other as you have served us – with grace, forgiveness and unconditional love.
• We delight to celebrate along with Dave & Terry Schiessl as they observe 62 years of marriage. Your love to them has continued to hold them through the challenges of life, and they know your grace and peace and joy in their oneness.  Be their guide and strength in the years to come.
• Lord, we give you thanks for your wisdom and guidance in providing us with a middle grades teacher for this coming school year, Mrs. Emily Rodrigue (Rŏd’ rĭg).   Her husband, Kenneth, is currently vicaring at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Princeton, WI. We are excited to welcome Mrs. Rodrigue later this summer and pray that you would be with them as they finish up his vicar year and soon transition to our ministry.
• Continued prayers for Tom Ade (now home from rehab); Sharon Kirsch (awaiting word on surgery); Zac Lippert; Rebekah Sueflow (continuing to make progress);.

Portugal – Heavenly Father, you have gathered people into your kingdom from every race and nation. By your grace, we rejoice in the bonds of fellowship we have with church bodies around the world. Today we pray for the Lutheran Church of Portugal. Keep our brothers and sisters strong in their faith and love. Give them courage to share the gospel and stand for the truth. If it is your will, bring many more into your kingdom through their work. We ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.