And they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy … Luke 24:52
Unfortunately, it’s a typical Sunday morning: spilt cereal, toothpaste-spitting contests, arguments in the car. Attempting to concentrate on the service surrounded by squirmy children causes you to wonder, “Is this really worth it?”
Even for those without young children, worries and distractions interfere with our intent to worship. God understands us and forgives us when we are inattentive. He truly accepts us just as we are. Before worship begins, we can ask our Father for help in opening our hearts and minds to His presence. The Holy Spirit will enable us to hear and absorb the Word, as well as renew us to serve Him.
Our Lord loves it when we come to His house, and He loves when we bring our children. The visit may not always be perfect, but He welcomes us in love and is delighted to fill our hearts with His forgiveness and encouragement. We can return home refreshed and with great joy!
Ministering to Millennials – Lord Jesus, people of every age and generation are precious in your sight. We humbly ask your blessing on the efforts of those who are working to develop and promote the “Ministering to Millennials” resources for WELS Congregational Services. Make these materials a blessing to many congregations as they strive to retain and gain members from this largest generation in America. Open the eyes of believing millennials to see the benefits and blessings of being connected regularly to a local family of believers. Bless this program in your saving name. Amen.
- We lift up our prayers of thanksgiving along with Tom & Barb Ade as Tom went through a carotid artery surgery on Friday and it went well. Not only do we ask that this extend his life, but that he might also find that it strengthens him as it restores oxygen to his whole system.
- Dear Lord, we ask a special measure of your care and compassion for Sue Reel. Help her to always rely upon You for direction, peace and rest in her life. Lead her along the still waters of Your love and strengthen her both body and soul as she remains firmly planted on You as her Rock.
- Secure Candy Spietz’s grandmother, Leona Riley in faith as her last days on earth approach. Help her to look up to you for strength and deliverance from this veil of tears, as you provide for each of us through Jesus’ suffering, his death and his resurrection.
- Lord, grant strength and comfort to Dianne Robertson and her family as you have called home to heaven her mother, Janet Stirmel. Remind Janet’s loved ones of your victory over death and your promise of the resurrection. May their Easter celebration this year give them a special measure of hope and peace knowing that Janet has received the goal of her faith, the salvation of her soul.
- Protect and guide Lance Backhaus, Jeremiah’s father, as he has sustained an attack of meningitis and was held in a coma for a couple days. Help him to recover all his abilities, dear Lord. Be also with Sharon, Jeremiah’s mother, as she attends to his needs.
- We join Tim & Shirley Crosslen in prayer and concern for Tim, who will soon begin chemo treatments for cancer again. We pray that another treatment to boost his immunities is also effective. Bless them as they watch and pray and trust you for their future.
- Sarah Smith’s Grandfather Nels Harvey has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It has been just over a year since he was last diagnosed and treated for pancreatic cancer. It appears that surgery did not get it all and the same cancer has spread to his lungs. We ask for the faith to trust fully in your plans for him.
- Pete Suelflow requests prayers for Cari, who will be going through a heart catherization and balloon procedure with possible placement of stents. Lord, when our hearts are weak teach us to depend all the more on you.