| Over the last few months, I have been praying this prayer: Lord, Grant me a clear mind, a calm heart, a resolved heart, and a graceful eye. Over this past week, I’ve added another aspect: A Kind Tongue. Now, about 10 to 20 times a day, I will pray this prayer: Lord, Grant me a clear mind, a calm heart, a resolved heart, a graceful eye, and a kind tongue. John Wesley was aware of the power of the tongue. He said (as it relates to the power of the tongue), “It is good to renew ourselves from time to time by closely examining the state of our souls, as if we had never done it before. For nothing tends more to the full assurance of faith than to keep ourselves by this means in humility and the exercise of all good works.” To examine your soul is to reflect upon: How do you speak? What actions/words need to change? What are the intentions behind your words and your actions? In the end, the hope is that all three answers are infused and bathed in Christ. If for some reason we have a little bit more to do, invite the Holy Spirit to change your heart so that all things belong to him.  This Week’s Readings: *Monday – Acts 27 *Tuesday – Acts 28 *Wednesday – Mark 1 *Thursday – Mark 2 *Friday – Mark 3 Prayer Requests: -Children, Leaders, and Counselors at Camp. -Families traveling throughout the summer. -Our unwillingly absent members. -Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. -Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. -Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times. -Guidance for those seeking to find their way. -Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC. |
| “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 |