Who has given me the gift of life?  Living organisms on earth are amazing. From tiny gnat to huge blue whale, from smallest wildflower to giant sequoia, we can see the hand of the Creator. And among all these is God’s most wondrous creation: us! God created us to love and serve Him. He loved us even before we were born.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well (Psalm 139:13-14).

Not only did God create us, but He gave us the beauty of the earth and relationships with others. He gave us everything we need to live our daily lives. And yet, all too often we are worried about future events or past experiences. But God tells us not to worry about our daily lives.

“So do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:31-33).

• Prayers of concern come before your throne of grace, O Lord, for Pastor Peter Kelm, son of Paul & Lynne, as his cancer continues to progress. Guide their family through the sadness, yet the certainty about reunion in heaven.  Keep Angie strong in her role as mother and as a teacher who is starting a new preschool effort.
• Grant the surgeons a special measure of skill as Joey Ford, 12 years old, enters hip reconstruction surgery Friday, so that his pain is reduced and his movement increased. Keep his family stable as they attend to his needs.
• As Doug & Sue Schnell celebrate their 37^th Wedding Anniversary, remind them of your presence and power alongside your incredible love that secures them.  Bless their daughter and her family as Dan & Jacque raise the twins secured by your love.
• Bless both teachers and students at Our Savior as our Lutheran Elementary School begins this coming week. Allow them to center each day on your salvation, ever thankful for your Word and forgiveness.
• We thank you along with the Wagie Family on the occasion of John & Beth’s 45^th wedding anniversary; and Adam & Hannah Wagie’s 5^th. We ask that you keep them in your love, strengthen them for the challenges of life and grow their confidence in your promises.
• We join Annette, Anna & Jacob Diener in prayers of love and memory as this is now the fourth year that Dick has been with you forever in eternity. Bless this family as they know and continue to learn of your sufficient, strengthening grace.
• Our prayers arise to the throne of heaven for the Schmidt Family from Trinity in Crete, IL. Eddie lost his wife Lindsey, their unborn child and 3 sons (Weston, Owen and Kaleb  – 2, 4, 6 years old) after a car accident on their way to VBS on July 24^th.  Lord in such severe loss be gentle on all who grieve and remind them that we are not those who grieve without hope.

Lutheran Schools – Father, Son, and Spirit, as classes resume in schools across our synod, we ask your blessing on the new school year. Accompany students as they begin the task of learning and growing. Feed their faith as well as their intellect and make their work a joyful gift of thanks to you. Grant our teachers patience, diligence, and wisdom, as they instruct and lead our future leaders. Bless the staff at each school with the desire to work for you with all their hearts. Let this whole year be a year lived to the glory of your name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL PRAYER:

 We include Carol Campbell’s extended family which had a sudden, sad tragedy on Thursday.  Her youngest cousins 44 yr old daughter and her 18 yr old daughter were killed by a drunk driver while walking on a road. They are from DePere.  Our prayers go out for this family during their time of grieving.