A Joyful Prayer for us!

1Thess 5:10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. 14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. 16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not
scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 24 God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for sending Your Son that might have life eternal.

Please open our eyes today to these things; opportunities to encourage, to honor our spiritual leaders and pray for them. Help us see the path to peace with each other. Grant us wisdom and Grace in warning the lazy and in strengthening the timid and caring for the weak.

May we constantly see Jesus and hear him saying, "Father forgive them...", of those who nailed Him to the cross. Cause that fruit, patieince, we so carelessly mock, to flow through us in all our dealings with others.

Fill us with Your Joy. Remind us when we allow anything to cover it up. Cause it to be evident in our lives. Remind us to pray instead of worrying. At all times remind us to count our blessings.

Father forgive us for grieving your Holy Spirit. We yield to you today. Speak to us and grant us clarity of thought. Keep us from evil and make us Holy in every way.

We praise You that we can trust You in all areas of our lives.

In Christ our Lord, AMEN!

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr