FPC Prayer Page

Dear God, You are my engine and you make my highway manageable. Before I start this day, I ask you to help me stay alert and focused. Help me to work through any problems that arise. If I vear off the road, strengthen me to get back to doing all things for you. I am truly leaving it all up to you. Amen

Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
Psalm 23:1

One day, a small opening appeared in a cocoon; a man sat and watched for the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through the little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could not go any further.

So the man decided to help the butterfly; he took a pair of scissors and opened the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a withered body, it was tiny and shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would open, enlarge and expand, to be able to support the butterfly’s body, and become firm.

Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of his life crawling around with a withered body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly. What the man in his kindness and his goodwill did not understand was that the restricting of the cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening, were God’s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings, so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in life. If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as we could have been – never been able to fly.

I asked God for strength and God gave me difficulties to make me strong. I asked for wisdom and God gave me problems to solve. I asked for prosperity and God gave me a brain and brawn to work. I asked for courage and God gave me obstacles to overcome. I asked for love and God gave me troubled people to help. I asked God for favors and God gave me opportunities. I received nothing I wanted, but I received everything I needed.

Live life without fear, confront all your obstacles and know that you can overcome them.
Author Unknown

Man is born broken. He lives by mending. The grace of God is glue.
Eugene O’Neill

Trouble and perplexity drive us to prayer, and prayer driveth away trouble and perplexity.
Philip Melanchthon

Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Luke 6:38

We shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed on God.
St. Francis De Sales

Lord, help me to be strong and courageous in my prayers -- to reach out in faith. Give me the confident assurance that what I’m trusting You to do in my life is going to happen. Teach me to pray with a hopeful heart, a heart that expects to be blessed. Give me the certainty that what I hope for is waiting for me even though I cannot see it. Guide my thoughts and guard my words. Help me to look to You for all my needs. When I hesitate to take the next step, give me a gentle nudge to get me going -- trusting you to take me somewhere new, even if it is down a different path than I wanted to tread. For I know that all things that come from your hands are good and meant for my best. Amen

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Titus 2:7 – 8

The man of integrity walks securely.
Proverbs 10:9

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:16

An emperor in the Far East was growing old and knew it was time to choose His successor. Instead of choosing one of his assistants or his children, he decided something different. He called young people in the kingdom together one day. He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next emperor. I have decided to choose one of you." The kids were shocked! But the emperor continued. "I am going to give each one of you a seed today, one very special seed. I want you to plant the seed, water it and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from this one seed. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next emperor!"

One boy named Ling was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his mother the story. She helped him get a pot and planting soil, and he planted the seed and watered it carefully. Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown.

After about three weeks, some of the other youths began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Ling kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks went by. Still nothing.

By now, others were talking about their plants but Ling didn't have a plant, and he felt like a failure. Six months went by; still nothing in Ling's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Ling didn't say anything to his friends, however. He just kept waiting for his seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the youths of the kingdom brought their plants to the emperor for inspection. Ling told his mother that he wasn't going to take an empty pot but his Mother said he must be honest about what happened. Ling felt sick to his stomach, but he knew his Mother was right. He took his empty pot to the palace.

When Ling arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other youths. They were beautiful-in all shapes and sizes. Ling put his empty pot on the floor and many of the other kids laughed at him. A few felt sorry for him and just said, "Hey nice try."

When the emperor arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted the young people. Ling just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees and flowers you have grown," said the emperor. "Today, one of you will be appointed the next emperor!"

All of a sudden, the emperor spotted Ling at the back of the room with his Empty pot. He ordered his guards to bring him to the front. Ling was terrified. "The emperor knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me killed!"

When Ling got to the front, the Emperor asked his name. "My name is Ling," he replied. All the kids were laughing and making fun of him. The emperor asked everyone to quiet down. He looked at Ling, and then announced to the crowd, "Behold your new emperor! His name is Ling!"

Ling couldn't believe it. Ling couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be the new emperor?

Then the emperor said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone here a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds, which would not grow. All of you, except Ling, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found
that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Ling was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new emperor!" If you plant honesty, You will reap trust.

If you plant goodness, You will reap friends.
If you plant humility, You will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, You will reap victory.
If you plant consideration, You will reap harmony.
If you plant hard work, You will reap success.
If you plant forgiveness, You will reap reconciliation.
If you plant openness, You will reap intimacy.
If you plant patience, You will reap improvements.
If you plant faith, You will reap miracles

But If you plant dishonesty, You will reap distrust.
If you plant selfishness, You will reap loneliness
If you plant pride, You will reap destruction.
If you plant envy, You will reap trouble.
If you plant laziness, You will reap stagnation.
If you plant bitterness, You will reap isolation.
If you plant greed, You will reap loss.
If you plant gossip, You will reap enemies.
If you plant worries, You will reap wrinkles.
If you plant sin, You will reap guilt.

So be careful what you plant now, It will determine what you will reap tomorrow. The seeds you now scatter will make life worse or better your life or the ones who will come after. Yes, someday, you will enjoy the fruits, Or you will pay for the choices you plant today.
Author Unknown

God our Guide, where we see no way forward, teach us to reach out in faith, not bound by our securities, but trusting you to take us somewhere new in the company of those of whom we had never thought. Amen

When you draw close to God, God will draw close to you.
James 4:8

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10

There are little eyes upon you, and they’re watching night and day.
There are little ears that quickly take in every word you say.
There are little hands all eager to do anything you do.
And a little boy who’s dreaming of the day he’ll be like you.

You’re the little fellow’s idol -- you’re the wisest of the wise.
In his little mind about you, no suspicions ever rise.
He believes in you devoutly, hold all you say and do.
He will say and do, in your way – when he’s grown up just like you.

There’s a wide-eyed little fellow who believes you’re always right.
His eyes are always opened, and he watches day and night.
You are setting an example every day in all you do.
For the little boy who’s waiting to grow up, to be like you.
Author Unknown

Lord, teach me to be loyal and loving, and when the two collide, give me a heart big enough never to diminish the one by ignoring the other.
Amen

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12-14

For whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.
1 Peter 3:10-11

If I had my child to raise all over again,
I’d build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I’d finger-paint more, and point the finger less.

I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.

I would care to know less and know to care more.
I’d take more hikes and fly more kites.

I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.

I’d do more hugging and less tugging.
I’d see the oak tree in the acorn more often.

I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I’d model less about the love of power, and more about the power of love.
Author Unknown

Oh Lord, teach me to be a good Dad. Open my heart and give me a love others can count on ...a steadfast, unconditional love that will not fail. Help my time and effort be dedicated to making dreams come true. Help me to make each unfolding day beautiful bringing out unique talents and skills in others, so that they will be able to face every challenge that lies ahead. As You flow through me to minister to others, I know that You are flowing within me to heal my life too. Thank You for flooding the deep places of my life with Your electric love. Help me to hear Your soft, gentle call as You work through me to accomplish Your will. Thank you for the gift of life. When I would choose to stay and rest on the blessings You’ve given me, remind me there will always be time for my comfort, but now is the time to love others. Amen

Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Luke 6:31

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10

GOD KNOWS
When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts...
God knows how hard you have tried.
When you've cried so long and your heart is in anguish...
God has counted your tears.
When you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by...
God is waiting with you.
When you're lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call...
God is by your side.
When you think you've tried everything and don't know where to turn...
God has a solution.
When nothing makes sense and yo confused or frustrated...
God has the answer.
When suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope...
God has whispered to you.
When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for...
God has blessed you.
When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe...
God has smiled upon you.
When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow...
God has opened your eyes and called you by name.
GOD KNOWS
Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are facing!
Author Unknown

Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow; it only saps today of its strength.
A. J. Cronin

Dear God, Help me to realize that anxiety separates me from experiencing a good life to know that it may cut me off from giving and receiving love. I know there is nothing You cannot handle. Remind me that I must ask for help. Be my partner and let me release all of my worries and live life with love. Help me to understand that success and prosperity are results of thinking positive. Remind me that every member of Your family needs each other. Help me to remember to build up, not tear down, encourage, not discourage, to cheer one another on. May I look closely at the lovely things surrounding me each day, to be quick to forgive, always eager to make peace, and forgetful of any wrong committed against me -- for I know that in every act of forgiveness is the remembrance of Your grace. Amen

Men are wise in proportion not to their experience, but to their capacity for experience.
George Bernard Shaw

Love one another deeply, from the heart.
1 Peter 1:22

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2

Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.
Mark 11: 22-25

Thank you for my loved ones. Let me not be so impatient when my life doesn’t go according to my plans. Help me to be sensitive to the suffering of others. Guide me so that I build rather than destroy lives. When I am faced with decisions today, please guide me through the maze. Amen

I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.
John 5:24

Open your heart to the promise of daybreak. Welcome each morning, embrace all it brings. See every dawn as the Father’s own promise. For life is a gift, and it holds wondrous things.
Ezekiel 34:26

Don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.
Matthew 6:3

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

One handclasp lifts a soul. One star can guide a ship at sea. One word can frame the goal. One vote can change a nation. One sunbeam lights a room. One candle wipes out darkness. One laugh will conquer gloom. One step must start each journey. One hope will raise our spirits. One touch can show you care. One voice can speak with wisdom. One heart can know what’s true. One life can make the difference. You see it’s up to YOU!
Author Unknown

You go no where by accident.
Wherever you go, God is sending you.
Wherever you are, God has put you there.
He has a purpose in your being there.
Christ who dwells in you has something
He wants to do through you where you are.
Believe this and go in His grace and love and power.
Richard C. Halverson, Chaplain of the United States Senate

O God, help me to touch someone today with my eyes, my words,
my smile, my voice, my laughter, Your word.
Change my life, so I can make a difference.
Let my actions bring someone closer to you.
Help me to make Christmas last all year.
Help me to use my gifts for Jesus.

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March 2003	Jan/Feb 2003