First Steps – September 11, 2023

If you feel like your prayer life is barren or nonexistent, then use this as a primer for the pump. Ā These are the words prayed by the Psalmist ā€” Psalm 63:

O Love, You are my Beloved, and I long for You, my soul thirsts for You; All that is within me thirsts, as in a dry and barren land with no water. So, I have called out to You in my heart, sensing your power and glory. Ā Because your steadfast love is Life to me, my lips will praise you. I would radiate your love as long as I live, becoming a blessing to others in gratitude to You. My soul feasts as with a magnificent banquet, and my mouth praises You with joyful lips, When I ponder on your kindness, and meditate on You throughout the night; For You have been my salvation, and in the shadows of your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You, your love upholds me. The fears that seem to separate me from you shall be transformed and disappear; As they are faced, each fear is diminished; they shall be gone as in a dream when I awaken. And my soul shall rejoice in the Beloved; You who open your heart to Love will live in peace and joy! Amen.



Ā 

Ā This Week’s Readings:
*Monday – 1 Corinthians 12
*Tuesday – 1 Corinthians 13
*Wednesday – 1 Corinthians 14
*Thursday – 1 Corinthians 15
*Friday – 1 Corinthians 16

Prayer Requests:
-Pray for guidance, protection, strength, courage, and faith.
-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.
-Family restoration through forgiveness.
-Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC.

ā€œDonā€™t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.ā€ – Philippians 4:6