Maughan Uniting Church

Week beginning 2 March 2009

“Lord, how often does our preoccupation with living make us forget your presence?  Yet it is in living the way you have taught us to do that we find the purpose for our lives.  Sometimes it is the things that we put off doing until another day that tire us the most.  We become caught up in the ‘everyday’ and then find we do not have enough time for you and yet if we made time, the rest of our lives would come into perspective. Slow us down so that we may hear your Holy Spirit speak to us and discover our heart’s true longings and therefore recover my energy and my purpose for living. 

Amen”

“Sovereign Lord, we seem to be in the midst of worldwide confusion, moral decay and political quandary.  We need to remind ourselves that you are still in control so that we do not give way to despondency, but keep our eyes firmly focused on you.   Help our leaders to seek your will and your direction before they make their decisions, tempering them with compassion.  Forgive them for their arrogance in thinking they have outgrown you.   Help us to stand up for what is right so that we may show the decision makers that there are other solutions to problems than those made purely for economic reasons.    

Amen“ 

“Almighty God, please show us how to ready our hearts during this Lenten Season.  Help us to want a commitment to you.  We know it is not just giving up things we enjoy, like chocolate or desserts, but a commitment to spend time studying your Word, praying and seeking your will for our lives.  You sacrificed your son for us, but also sent the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort and empower us.  For this we thank you.  We are overwhelmed when we consider the suffering that you endured on the cross when you became the sacrifice for the sins of all humankind.  Because of this we are not only forgiven, but have eternal life.  Help us to come to know and love you more and more during this Lenten period.     

Amen”

 Week beginning 23 March 2009

“Happiness is not something we can search for, Lord.  It is like the butterfly that is so elusive when we try to catch it, and yet when we don’t try, one may come to rest on our shoulder.  We can come to know true happiness by living the life that you would have us lead, by making the world a better place, serving you and showing your love to others.  You have a purpose for each one of us, one that will help our hearts sing.  Help us to love all those around us, our families, our friends, those we meet through our work or leisure. Let your love shine out from our faces so that others may see the happiness that lies behind following your teaching and your ways.   

Amen.”

“Dear One, how often we need your mending.  There have been so many times when we have been bruised and battered by circumstances beyond our control, yet through it all you were there, faithful to your promises.  Your grace is sufficient and it mends my brokenness.  Thank you for always being there in my weakness.  Sometimes we feel beaten down by ridicule, broken dreams, physical illness, or unfair circumstances, yet through it all we are able to call on you and in our weakness we are able to discover your strength.  Please help us to remember this as sometimes we forget.  

Amen.”