Ephesians 6:18

September 15 2010

2010-09-15T11:32:00.004-04:00

In Chapel we read the Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin. Mrs. McLoughlin talked about losing things and then finding them. She reminded the students that they are lost in their sin, BUT Jesus finds them and saves them through His work on the cross.

Focus: God is our Sanctifier.

The Holy Spirit empowers us to live holy lives. (Jehovah M'Kaddesh). Sanctification is that act of God within the sinner in which God works with the new man in a lifelong process of restoration.

"May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Thessalonians 5:23

Verses to Read

1 Peter 2:9
Hebrews 12:2
Leviticus 20:8
Ephesians 2:10
Philippians 1:4-6
2 Thessalonians 2:13

Prayers for our children

"Since then, _______ has been raised with Christ, set _______ heart on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set ________ mind on things above, not on earthly things."

Colossians 3:1-2

Prayers for our school

Oktoberfest
5 K Walk
Parent's Work Day
Volleyball team
Soccer team
Service Squad
Entertainment book fundraiser
Smart Board fundraising efforts
Scholastic Book Fair
Hot Lunch Program
Service Squad
Preschool students

September 8, 2010

2010-09-08T12:43:00.012-04:00

We met for the first time for the 2010/2011 school year. In chapel the students listened to a reading from Deuteronomy 30. The students were reminded that God speaks to us through His Word and that the Holy Spirit gives us the ability to hear Him. We hear Him when we read the Bible, when we memorize Bible verses and when we sing. The students were encouraged to put God first and to read His Word daily. And finally we serve our neighbors.

Focus: God is our Creator

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation." 2 Corinthians 5:17

"If praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:14

In his book, The Fire and the Staff, Pastor Klemet Preus says of praise:

"Praise of God is using verbs to tell what He did for us in Christ. Look at the Apostles, Creed: 'I believe in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord, who...' then we list eleven verbs that tell us what Jesus did for us. The creed is praise of Christ."

The 1st Article of the Apostles' Creed

"I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth."
What does this mean? Answer

Prayer for our children

O Precious Savior, may ___________ marvel at the creation of the world and how you create and sustain faith in them by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Prayer for our school

Lord, our Father, make our school bright, safe halls of learning. Fill it with health and joy. Furnish the tools necessary for good learning. Make Our Shepherd a place where children grow into the people You want them to be. Keep those who would injure our students far away. Give students and teachers deep love for one another and for their work together. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Prayer for our teachers

Lord, bless our teachers at the start of this school year and throughout the coming year. Pour love into teachers’ hearts, so that they will care for their students. Fill them with enthusiasm for their subjects, so that they may inspire eager love for learning. Through our teachers, train up our young people in the way they should go. Grant them wisdom in all they do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Specific prayers

Successful fundraiser with the Entertainment Books
Adjustments for the new students
Oktoberfest
Confirmation for the 7th and 8th graders
Curriculum Night
New hot lunch program and staff
The Book Fair
The new teachers from the Berkley School District

Reading the Psalms with Luther -- Psalm 139

2010-08-28T15:21:00.002-04:00

Reading the Psalms with Luther is a wonderful book that tells you a little about each Psalm and includes prayers to accompany them.

From Concordia Publishing House:

"This is an English translation of Luther's Summaries of the Psalms, 1531 which was originally done in 1993. This latest edition includes the ESV translation of the Psalms, Luther's introductions to each of the 150 psalms and a suggested schedule for reading the Psalter.

The introductions demonstrate how Luther understood the Psalter as a Christ-centered book and how he used the psalms as the model for Christian prayer. Luther classifies each psalm as a psalm of prophecy, instruction, comfort, prayer, or thanksgiving and applies the message of the text to the life lived out under the cross. Luther also connects the psalms to the Ten Commandments and the petitions of the Lord's Prayer. For Luther, all aspects of the Christian's life, including the Psalms, relate to Christ and His Gospel of forgiveness, life, and salvation."

One of the prayers for Psalm 139:

To You, O God, belong praise and glory for Your wonderful providence, that You are present with all Your creatures, and preserve them in their being. Teach us to remember at all times and all places that Your eyes are upon us, and that all our deeds are recorded in Your book. Blot out the sins that are past with the blood of Christ, and cause us to walk in Your fear, and to avoid sin. Amen

Psalm 139

2010-08-28T14:53:00.005-04:00

Our theme verse for this school year is from Psalm 139

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."

Here's Psalm 139

Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.

Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,"
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.

For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.

Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
O men of blood, depart from me!
They speak against you with malicious intent;
your enemies take your name in vain!
Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
I hate them with complete hatred;
I count them my enemies.

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!

A Prayer of Martin Luther

2010-08-07T16:03:00.003-04:00

A Prayer of Martin Luther

Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it. I am weak in the faith; strengthen me. I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor. In you I have sealed the treasure of all I have. I am poor; you are rich and came to be merciful to the poor. I am a sinner; you are upright.

O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in you.

Amen.

Made for Praise

2010-08-06T18:26:00.004-04:00

The theme for this school year is "Made for Praise". It is based on Psalm 139:14

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."

New Beginning for 2010/2011 School Year

2010-07-05T16:56:00.006-04:00

Last year was a lost year as far as blogging was concerned. However, Theresa and I met faithfully every week to pray for our students, staff, school, church and nation. We will begin again in September to pray as a group. This will be my last year at Our Shepherd as my son Alex is an 8th grader. I want to send him off with prayer.

We are changing our day and time. We will be meeting on Wednesdays following Chapel. We will NOT meet on the 4 th (or 5th) Wednesday of the month at this point as I deliver Meals on Wheels that Wednesday of the month. We also plan to attend Chapel and plan to meet in the library to pray.

Jesus tells us:

"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20)

Christ Be My Leader

2009-07-25T13:49:00.006-04:00

The theme verse for the 2009/2010 School Year is

Christ Be My Leader

Ephesians 4:15-16 (New International Version)

¹⁵Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. ¹⁶From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Friday, March 27, 2009

2009-04-06T08:52:00.004-04:00

Petitions to our heavenly Father,

Focus: God is Sovereign (Holding the position of ruler, royal, reigning; independent of all others; above or superior to all others; controls everything, can do anything)

‘The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights."

Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV)

Verses to read

DEUTERONOMY 3:24
ISAIAH 28:16
JOB 42:2
PSALM 135:6-7
II CHRONICLES 20:5-6
I CHRONICLES 29:10-13

Psalm 93

Prayers for our children

“The Sovereign LORD is ______ strength;
he makes his/her feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables ______ to go on the heights.”

Habakkuk 3:19

Prayer Requests for Mrs. Pineau

Preschool enrollment for next year.
For the parents of all the children in the classroom
Patience and strength
Show the love of Christ daily
Health
Volunteers and staff that help out

Prayer Requests

Registration for the 2009/2010 School Year
Volunteers for Cirque Amongus
Iowa Basic Skills testing
Joyous Easter
Team going to Mexicali
Track Team
The Proclaim Drama this weekend

Other Requests

Continued prayers for our economy especially the auto industry
Prayers for President Obama as he leads our nation

Friday, March 20, 2009

2009-04-06T08:37:00.004-04:00

Petitions to our heavenly Father,

Focus: God is our Shepherd, Jehovah Raah

‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

John 10:11 (ESV)

Verses to read

ISAIAH 40:11
REVELATION 7:17
EZEKIEL 34:14-16
MATTHEW 18:12-13
GENESIS 48:15-16
JEREMIAH 31:10
JOHN 10:14
1 PETER 2:25
JOHN 10 IS ALL ABOUT THE SHEPHERD AND HIS FLOCK

23rd Psalm

Prayers for our children

The LORD cares for his nation, just as shepherds care for their flocks and so he cares for ________. He carries the lambs in his arms, while gently leading the mother sheep. May _______ believe Jesus when he says “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

Isaiah 40:11; John 10:28; John 10:14

Prayer Requests for Mrs. Williams

A clean kitchen that continues to exceed codes
That God continues to bless the lunch program and keeps us all healthy.
The kitchen budget
Continued preparations of nutritious and delicious foods
For all the volunteers who lovingly serve in the kitchen
For Mrs. Williams as she opens her heart and home to2 children in the foster care system
Pray that Mrs. Williams relies on God to give her the strength, stamina and patience, understanding and love to care for these children
That she teaches her foster children about God and Jesus

Prayer Requests

Registration for the 2009/2010 School Year
Volunteers for Cirque Amongus

Other Requests

Continued prayers for our economy especially the auto industry
Prayers for President Obama as he leads our nation

Friday, March 13, 2009

2009-04-06T08:27:00.003-04:00

Petitions to our heavenly Father,

Focus: God is our Hope

‘Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

Verses to read

ISAIAH 40:28-31
LAMENTATIONS 3:25-26
1 PETER 1:3
ROMANS 15:4,13
JEREMIAH 29:11-13
PSALM 42:11
PSALM 31:24
PSALM 71:5

Prayers for our children

Almighty God,
May _____ be strong and take heart, let him/her hope in the LORD. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given _____ new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for him/her, who through faith is shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Psalm 31:24; 1 Peter 1:3-5

Prayer Requests for Mrs. Kowitz

Patience as Mrs. Kowitz teaches computers and Spanish to a wide range of students.
Teaching the students to be wise in their use of the computers.
Creativity in teaching the students how to use a variety of computer programs.
Good health
Teaching the middle school students Spanish in a way that is engaging
Providing care to the students in the before and after school programs.

Prayer Requests

Roller Skating Party on March 13 to support the Mexicali Mission Trip
Registration for the 2009/2010 School Year
Our Shepherd Open Houses – March 18th
Volunteers for Cirque Amongus

Other Requests

Continued prayers for our economy especially the auto industry
Prayers for President Obama as he leads our nation

Friday, March 6, 2009

2009-04-06T08:21:00.004-04:00

Petitions to our heavenly Father,

Focus: God is Perfect

“O LORD, you are my God;
I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
you have done marvelous things,
things planned long ago.”

Isaiah 25:1

Verses to read

PSALM 12:6
PSALM 19:7
DEUTERONOMY 32:1-4
II SAMUEL 22:31
MATTHEW 5:48
PSALM 18:31
2 CORINTHIANS 12:9
HEBREWS 7:28

Prayers for our children

Almighty God,
Let ____ fix his/her eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of his/her faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrew 12:2

Prayer Requests

Roller Skating Party on March 13 to support the Mexicali Mission Trip
Registration for the 2009/2010 School Year
Our Shepherd Open Houses – March 11th and 18th
Volunteers for Cirque Amongus

Other Requests

Continued prayers for our economy especially the auto industry
Prayers for President Obama as he leads our nation

Friday, February 20

2009-04-06T08:14:00.002-04:00

Petitions to our heavenly Father,

Focus: God is Eternal

“The LORD will reign for ever and ever.”
Exodus 15:18

Verses to read

PSALM 45:6
ROMANS 1:20
ISAIAH 26:4
1 TIMOTHY 1:17
DEUTERONOMY 33:27
PSALM 90:1-2

Prayers for our children:

Almighty God,

May ____ know the truth when Jesus declares “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am.” Let him/her marvel that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.”

John 1:1-4; 8:58

Prayer Request

Camp Wolverine – safe travel
Refreshment during the 2 day Winter Break
Health
Final preparations for the Fine Arts Fair

Other Requests

Continued prayers for our economy especially the auto industry
Prayers for President Obama as he leads our nation

From The Treasury of Daily Prayer, for February 20

Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life, grant us to know Your Son, Jesus to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow His steps in the way that leads to life eternal; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Friday, February 13, 2009

2009-04-06T08:01:00.002-04:00

Petitions to our heavenly Father,

Focus: God is Truth

“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
John 1:17

Verses to read

PSALM 119:160
JOHN 8:32
PSALM 43:3
JOHN 17:3, 17
1 JOHN 5:20
JOHN 1:17

Prayers for our children:

Dear Jesus,

May ____ believe with all his/her heart, mind and soul the truth you say in Your Word "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6

Specific prayer requests for Mrs. Fuller, Mrs. O'Boyle and the kindergartners

Fruit of the spirit for the kindergartners

Love for others outside ourselves
Joy in everyday things- contentment for what we have, thankfulness for families, creation, help us with frustrations to have joy.
Peace in classroom when both K classes are together- when we are many the voices get loud and it can be less than peaceful.
Patience- for our children with one another as they wait for things, their turns, .
Kindness- within the classroom, use of kind voices and words, esp. not to leave some children out.
Goodness- let the children have pure speech and seek to be good- be good citizens , be polite , raise their hands, listen to others.
Faithfulness- to be loyal to friends and family, families to be faithful in Bible study, worship and prayer, in spending time with one another.
Gentleness- May we all know how to answer one another in gentleness when wronged by someone else or when we have a need or when I correct or need to encourage a student.
Self-control- within the classroom.

School Requests

Camp Wolverine

Other Requests

Continued prayers for our economy especially the auto industry
Prayers for President Obama as he leads our nation

Friday, February 6

2009-02-09T09:02:00.004-05:00

Petitions to our Heavenly Father,

Focus: God is our Fortress

"God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling"

Psalm 46

Verses to Read:

Psalm 18:1-3
Psalm 91:1-8
Psalm 59:16-17
Psalm 144:1-2
Proverbs 14:26
Jeremiah 16:19

A Might Fortress is Our God

Prayers for our children:

Dear Heavenly Father,
May ____ love you, O LORD, you are his/her strength. May _______ know that The LORD is his/her rock and his/her fortress and his/her deliverer, may he/she take refuge in You O Lord, his/her rock, his/her shield, and the horn of his/her salvation, and his/her stronghold. Let _______ call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and may _______ know that he/she is saved from his/her enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3

Prayer Requests

Prayers for our principal as she recovers from pneumonia.
Prayers for successful preparations for the class trip to Chicago for the 8th graders
Prayers for the Skate Party tonight.
Healthy school
Prayers for preparations for Camp Wolverine and for good weather at camp
Prayers for the hard work that the students are doing as they prepare for the Fine Arts Fair
Continued prayers for our economy especially the auto industry
Prayers for President Obama as he leads our nation

Friday, January 30

2009-02-09T08:50:00.003-05:00

Petitions to our Heavenly Father,

Focus: God is our Comforter

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4

Verses to Read:

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (Trials of life)
Isaiah 61:10 (Less than righteous living)
John 10:10 (Meaninglessness in life)
Psalm 103:12 (Certainty of forgiveness)
Matthew 6:34 (Anxious about the future)
1 John 4:4 (Fighting temptation)

For our children:

Dear Lord Jeusus, help _____ every day to remember that his/her participation in Adam and Eve’s sin has caused him/her to travel a road of life that is filled with thistles, thorns and other painful experiences. Thank You for dying on the cross to day for _____ sins, and for being the Light by which he/she is miraculously drawn to You and Your heavenly home. I praise You and Your Spirit, Who tells _____ that You are “THE SUNRISE FROM ON HIGH (WHO) SHALL VISIT US TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH” (Luke 1:76-79). Thank You for the gift of faith, for giving ______ the assurance of Your blessed forgiveness, comfort and lead him/her back to Paradise to be in Your blessed presence, forever! In Your name, I praise You. Amen (Good News Magazine, Issue 33 Comfort)

Specific Prayer Requests for Mrs. Gnewuch, Mr. Gerds and the 8th graders:

Pray that the 8th graders think and do those things which are God-pleasing and bring honor and glory to Him.
Prayers for Mrs. Gnewuch and Mr. Gerds as they meets the diverse needs of the students in the 8th grade and inspires them to learn.
Prayers that students don’t lazy during the long winter months when it’s hard to stay motivated.
Prayers for a successful preparation for the class trip to Chicago.
Prayers for confirmation and that faith increases.
We also have some talented young men and women who would make outstanding church workers as pastors and teachers.

School Requests

Healthy school
Prayers for preparations for Camp Wolverine and for good weather at camp

Friday, January 23

2009-01-27T10:44:00.004-05:00

Petitions to our Heavenly Father

Focus: God is just and righteous

“The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made..”
PSALM 145:17

Verses to Read

Romans 3:25-26
Deuteronomy 32:4
II Chronicles 19:7
Isaiah 30:18
II Thessalonians 1:5-7
Revelation 15:3-4
Psalm 9:7-10
Psalm 119:137-138

For our children

Heavenly Father, I pray that _________ understands that righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; that love and faithfulness go before you. Bless ______ has he/she learns to acclaim you, may _______ walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. Let _______rejoice in your name all day long; and exult in your righteousness. (Psalm 89:14-16)

Specific Prayer Requests for Mrs. Spanos and the 7th Graders

Specific student prayers:
Health of various friends and family members
Prayers of Ben's family as they await home reconstruction following a house fire.
Prayers for the 7th graders to focus and listen in class.
Prayers for Mrs. Spanos as she meets the diverse needs of the students in the 7th grade and inspires them to learn.
Prayers that students don’t lazy during the long winter months when it’s hard to stay motivated.
Prayers for a spirit of organization within the classroom.
Prayers for students to manage their time well so they complete their work in school
Fruit of the Spirit for the 7th graders
Love for others outside of themselves.
Joy and contentment in everyday things.
Peace that passes all understanding and patience within the classroom
Kindness as the students interact with each other daily.
Goodness in thoughts, words and deeds.
Faithfulness in Bible study, worship and prayer, in spending time with one another.
Gentleness with each other in all circumstances.
Self-control in the classroom.

School Requests

Healthy school body -- teachers, students and staff

Other Requests

Continued prayers for our economy especially the auto industry
Prayers for President Obama

Friday, January 9, 2009

2009-01-11T17:23:00.008-05:00

Petitions to our Heavenly Father,

Focus: God is the Creator

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
GENESIS 1:1

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
2 CORINTHIANS 5:17

Verses to Read

PSALM 95:3-7
JOB 38:4-7
JOHN 1:3
ACTS 17:24-28
COLOSSIANS 1:16
HEBREWS 1:2
REVELATION 10:6
PSALM 100:3

The First Article of the Apostles Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

What does this mean?

"I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my limbs, my reason, and all my senses, and still preserves them; in addition thereto, clothing and shoes, meat and drink, house and homestead, wife and children, fields, cattle, and all my goods; that He provides me richly and daily with all that I need to support this body and life, protects me from all danger, and guards me and preserves me from all evil; and all this out of pure, fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me; for all which I owe it to Him to thank, praise, serve, and obey Him. This is most certainly true."

For our children

O Precious Savior, may ___________ marvel at the creation of the world and how you create and sustain faith in them by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Specific Prayer Requests for Mrs. Klausmeier and the 7th Graders

Prayers for the 7th graders to focus and listen in class.
Prayers for Mrs. Klausmeier as she meets the diverse needs of the students in the 7th grade and inspires them to learn.
Prayers for Mrs. Klausmeier as she balances being a middle school teacher and mom to 3 children.
Prayers for a spirit of organization within the classroom.
Prayers for students to manage their time well so they complete their work in school.
Fruit of the Spirit for the 7th grader
Love for others outside of themselves.
Joy and contentment in everyday things.
Peace that passes all understanding and patience within the classroom
Kindness as the students interact with each other daily.
Goodness in thoughts, words and deeds.
Faithfulness in Bible study, worship and prayer, in spending time with one another.
Gentleness with each other in all circumstances.
Self-control in the classroom.

School Requests

Healthy school
Safe and fun filled fieldtrip to the Detroit Institute of Arts for the 6th and 7th graders

Other Requests

Continued prayers for our economy especially the auto industry
Prayers for President-Elect Obama as he prepares to take office
Prayers for President Bush as he prepares to leave office and reenter life as a private citizen.

Friday, December 12

2008-12-16T10:12:00.004-05:00

Petitions to our Heavenly Father

Focus: Joy

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
LUKE 2:14

Verses to Read

Psalm 119:24
Psalm 9:1-2
Isaiah 55:12
Habakkuk 3:18
1 Peter 1:8
Romans 15:13

Joy to the World

O Precious Savior, may ___________ marvel at the miracle of Your birth in Bethlehem. Though You seemed but a helpless child when You were lying in a manger, You were the almighty Son of God. May ______ rejoice to confess that You are his/her Savior who came to rescue him/her and the entire world from eternal death. My ________ bow in worship and thanksgiving for the priceless gift of his/her salvation.

Amen

(Portals of Prayer, Oct-Dec 2008)

Friday, December 5

2008-12-16T09:57:00.003-05:00

Petitions to our Heavenly Father.

Focus: Emmanuel

Immanuel or Emmanuel or Imanu'el "God [is] with us" consists of two Hebrew words: El, meaning 'God' and Immanu, meaning 'with us'.

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel" which means, "God with us."
MATTHEW 1: 23

“A prison cell, in which one waits, hopes... and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside, is not a bad picture of Advent.”

DIETRICH BONHOEFFER

Verses to Read

Genesis 3:15 (FIRST PROMISE OF CHRISTMAS)
Isaiah 7:14 AND Matthew 1:18
Genesis 49:10 AND Luke 3:23, 34
Micah 5:1-2 AND Matthew 2:1
Psalm 16:10 AND Matthew 28:9

For our children:

Lord, Jesus, as ______ enters the season of Advent, bless _____ as he prepares to celebrate Your coming as the Son of Mary, born in Bethlehem, and the eternal Son of the heavenly Father. Let ______ rejoice that You come to ______ through Your Holy Word and Sacrament. Keep _______ strong in ____ faith as You prepare ______ for Your coming again on the Last Day. We pray in Your name.

Amen

(Portals of Prayer, Oct-Dec 2008)

Specific Prayer Requests for the 6th Graders and Mrs. Lanthier

Prayers for the 6th graders to focus and listen in class as the holiday season approaches.
Prayers for Mrs. Lanthier as she meets the diverse needs of the of students in the 6th grade and inspires them to learn
Prayers for a spirit of calmness and organization within the classroom.
Prayers for students to manage their time well so they complete their work in school
Prayers for kindness in the classroom as students interact with each other especially when teachers are not near by.
Fruit of the Spirit for the 6th graders
Love for others outside of themselves
Joy and contentment in everyday things.
Peace that passes all understanding and patience within the classroom
Kindness as the students interact with each other daily.
Goodness in thoughts, words and deeds.
Faithfulness in Bible study, worship and prayer, in spending time with one another.
Gentleness with each other in all circumstances.
Self-control in the classroom.

Note: The 6th graders provided us with 2 pages of personal prayer requests!

School Requests

Healthy school as the cold and flu season
Cookie Walk
Drama (Jenni and Amani) on Saturday night at church
A sense of wonder and anticipation as we wait for Christmas

Other Requests

Continued prayers for our economy especially the auto industry
Prayers for President-Elect Obama
Prayers for a peaceful, stress-free Advent season

Friday, November 21

2008-12-01T10:53:00.005-05:00

Petitions to our heavenly Father:

Focus: Giving Thanks to God

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Colossians 3:17

Verses to Read:

Psalm 92:1-2
Psalm 147:7-8
Ephesians 5:4
Ephesians 5:19-20
Revelation 7:12
Psalm 138
Colossians 1:10-12
1 Chronicles 16:8
1 Thessalonians 5:18

For our children:

________, shout for joy to the LORD and worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. ______, I pray that you know that the LORD is God. God made you, and you are a sheep of his pasture. So enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. Amen (Psalm 10)

Specific Prayer Requests for Mrs. Nimtz and the 5th Graders

Prayers for the 5th graders to focus and listen in class as the holiday season approaches
Prayers for Mrs. Nimtz as she meets the diverse needs of the of students in the 5th grade and inspires them to learn
Prayers that a desire to learn develops in each student.
May the Lord strengthen their faith and show Mrs. Nimtz ways to model His love to them.
Fruit of the Spirit for the 5th graders
Love for others outside of themselves.
Joy and contentment in everyday things.
Peace that passes all understanding and patience within the classroom
Kindness as the students interact with each other daily.
Goodness in thoughts, words and deeds.
Faithfulness in Bible study, worship and prayer, in spending time with one another.
Gentleness with each other in all circumstances.
Self-control in the classroom.

School Requests

Healthy school as the cold and flu season begins
Plentiful giving for the Mission for November — Carol's Cupboard
The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders are performing a musical on Nov. 21

Other Requests

Continued prayers for our economy especially the auto industry
Prayers for President-Elect Obama
Prayers for a safe and joyous Thanksgiving Day holiday

Friday, November 14

2008-11-18T09:35:00.005-05:00

Petitions to Our Heavenly Father:

Attribute: God is Almighty

Definition: (El Shaddai) All powerful, having unlimited power; omnipotent
We praise you because you are the almighty, all-sufficient God!

Hymn # 577 Almighty God, Your Word is Cast

"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all."

1 Chronicles 29:11

Verses to Read

Psalm 147:5
2 Corinthians 12:9
Ephesians 3:20-21
Psalm 62:11
Psalm 89:8-13
Jeremiah 32:17
Colossians 1:10-12
Ephesians 1:18-21
Matthew 19:26

For our children:

________ did you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding you can not fathom. He will give you strength when you are weary and increase your power when you are weak. Even though you grow tired and weary, stumble and fall; because you have hope in the LORD, He will renew your strength. And ____, you will soar on wings like eagles; and you will run and not grow weary, and you will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)

Amen

Specific Prayer Requests for Ms. Sellers and the 4th Graders:

Health for extended family members especially grandparents and great-grandparents.
Love for others outside of themselves.
Joy and contentment in everyday things.
Peace that passes all understanding. Patience for children as they wait for things, their turns.
Kindness as the students interact with each other daily.
Goodness in thoughts, words and deeds.
Faithfulness in Bible study, worship and prayer, in spending time with one another.
Gentleness with each other in all circumstances.
Self-control in the classroom.

School Requests

Healthy school as the cold and flu season begins
Plentiful giving for the Mission for November — Carol's Cupboard
The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders are performing a musical on Nov. 21

Other Requests

Continued prayers for our economy especially the auto industry
Prayers for President-Elect Obama

Friday, October 31

2008-11-12T08:18:00.002-05:00

Petitions to Our Heavenly Father:

Attribute: God is Unchangeable

Definition: He is immutable. God’s essence never changes; God’s attributes – His kindness, His wrath, His will never changes

We praise you because you are unchangeable, faithful, and never varying.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

HEBREWS 13:8

Verses to read

PSALM 100:5
ISAIAH 51:6
PSALM 102:25-27
MALACHI 3:6-7
JOHN 3:36
HEBREWS 6:17-20
ISAIAH 54:10
1 SAMUEL 15:29
PSALM 119:89

For our children:

My prayer for ________ is that as he/she lifts up her/his eyes to the heavens and looks at the earth beneath; he/she will see the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But ________ will know that the Lord’s salvation will last forever, and His righteousness will never fail. (ISAIAH 51:6) Impress on his/her heart that every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (JAMES 1:17) Help ______ to know that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (HEBREWS 13:8)

AMEN

Specific Prayer Requests for Ms. Kern and the 3rd Graders

Encouragement for parents to break bad habits
Healing for sick grandparents and uncles.
Prayers for a brother who is studying for the ministry.
Good health for Ms. Kern, the 3rd graders and all their families.
Prayers for the students and parents as report cards come home.

School Requests

School conferences
Healthy school as the cold and flu season begins
Praises for the volleyball and soccer teams as their seasons end. Thanks to coaches for all their hard work — Tracy Bean, Kim Woodfin, Ryan Harding, and Ray Swayze. Thanks to the parents and all the athletics who worked so hard —All to the glory of God!
Plentiful giving for the Mission for November — Carol's Cupboard

Other Requests:

Prayers for our country and our leaders
Prayers for the election
Prayers for our economy
Prayers for a safe Halloween for those who will be trick or treating.

Martin Luther Rap

2008-11-10T09:57:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Martin Luther

2008-11-10T09:11:00.007-05:00

(Painting by Lucas Cranach, 1529)

German reformer Martin Luther was born in Eisleben, Germany on November 19, 1483.

"Our faith is an astounding thing-astounding that I should believe him to be the Son of God who is suspended on the cross, whom I have never seen, with whom I have never become acquainted."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther

Praying the Psalms

2008-11-10T09:02:00.003-05:00

The Book of Psalms has been called the "Prayer Book of the Old Testament”. There are 150 poems in the Psalter that have been used as prayers for over two thousands years by The Old and New Testament believers.

There are psalms of confession of sins, laments by the individual, laments for the nation, intercessions for help, praise and thanksgiving. You can read through a particular Psalm as a prayer or personalize.

Concordia Publishing House publishes a wonderful book by Martin Luther titled Reading the Psalms with Luther.

If you open your Bible, Psalms is right in the middle.

Try reading Psalm 33 for a family devotion time.

On Electing a New President

2008-11-05T07:54:00.003-05:00

A long and difficult election cycle has ended. Every 4 years we are blessed to elect our leaders. Our school had a mock election in which John McCain won big. However that didn't follow how the country voted. In a historic election Barack Obama was elected. So now we have an opportunity to pray President-Elect Obama, for our nation and its leaders.

In Romans 13:1-5 we are told:

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience." (ESV)

And in the Lutheran Service Book:

"Almighty God, You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Grant that we, who came from many nations with many different languages, may become a united people. Support us in defending our liberties, and give those to whom we have entrusted the authority of government the spirit of wisdom, that there may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, may our hearts be thankful, and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail; through Jesus Christ, our Lord."

Amen

Happy Reformation Day

2008-10-31T20:40:00.002-04:00

Friday, October 24

2008-10-27T08:57:00.005-04:00

Petitions to Our Heavenly Father:

Attribute: God is Our Father

We praise you because are faithful, constant, loyal, reliable, steadfast, unwavering, devoted, true and dependable.

“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
2 CORINTHIANS 6:18

FROM THE FIRST PETITION OF THE LORD’S PRAYER:

Our Father, who art in heaven

What does this mean?

With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that he is our true Father and that we are his true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask him as dear children ask their dear father. (From Luther's Small Catechism)

Verses to Read

1 JOHN 3:1
ROMANS 8:15-16
HEBREWS 4:16
PSALM 103:13
2 CORINTHIANS 1:20
GALATIANS 3:26

A Father’s Love Letter

For our children:

Even before he made the world, God loved _____ and chose ______ in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt ______ into his own family by bringing ______ to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

EPHESIANS 1:4-5

Specific Prayer Requests for Ms. Mazur and the 2st Graders

Please pray that the 2nd graders are able to stay focused during school day.
Pray for the students who are struggling with responsibility such as turning in homework, following directions, and controlling our talking.
Pray for a student whose dad was deployed on October 23. He will be gone for the next year. Keep dad safe and give strength to mom. Help the family not too miss dad too much.

School Requests

For the mock election as we celebrate the freedom we have in our country to choose our leaders and vote on important issues
The Fall Festival
Basketball and cheer leading tryouts
A successful October Community Connection

Other Requests

Prayers for our country, our leaders
Prayers for the election
Prayers for our economy

Friday, October 10

2008-10-10T12:02:00.008-04:00

Our petitions to Our Heavenly Father.

Attribute: God is faithful.
Definition: reliable, constant, loyal, unwavering, steadfast, dependable

We praise you because are the Lord who is faithful.

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
Deuteronomy 7:9

Psalm 33

Verses to Read

2 Timothy 2:13
Psalm 145:13
Lamentations 3:21-24
Hhebrews 10:23
2 Corinthians 1:20
Isaiah 25:1

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Gracious and almighty Father, You are the source of all lovingkindness, and You act in mercy toward Your creation. You formed all things and send life throughout the world. You have come into our lives and performed wonders of forgiveness and healing. Thank You for Your love and mercy. Thank You for Your Word of salvation in Your Son. In Him, we will join the angles in praising You forever.

Amen

(Portals of Prayer Oct-Dec 2008)

For our children:

My prayer is that ________ knows, O Lord, that Your Word is eternal; it stands firm forever in the heavens. Fill _______ with the knowledge that Your faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 119: 89,90

This week we were privileged to pray for Ms. Pierce and the 1st Graders

Please pray for patience and guidance for all my children and their parents.
Safe travels for those that will be going away for the long weekend.
Open up their hearts to continue to know the Lord and learn more about him.

We prayed that the Fruit of the Spirit would be evident in the 1st Grade

Love for those around us.
Joy in everyday things.
Peace in the classroom, with friends and family.
Patience in all situations.
Kindness as the students interact with each other.
Goodness in all words and deeds.
Faithfulness with friends and family.
Gentleness as the students go through the day
Self-control in every situation.

School Requests

Prayers for the Rummage Sale – lots of stuff to sell, plenty of volunteers and shoppers
Successful and safe October Community Connections events

Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling

2008-10-03T17:16:00.004-04:00

1. Holy Spirit, ever dwelling
In the holiest realms of light;
Holy Spirit, ever brooding
O’er a world of gloom and night;
Holy Spirit, ever raising
Those of earth to thrones on high;
Living, life-imparting Spirit,
You we praise and magnify.

2. Holy Spirit, ever living
As the Church’s very life;
Holy Spirit, ever striving
Through us in a ceaseless strife;
Holy Spirit, ever forming
In the Church the mind of Christ:
You we praise with endless worship
For Your gifts and fruits unpriced.

3. Holy Spirit, ever working
Through the Church’s ministry;
Quick’ning, strength’ning, and absolving,
Setting captive sinners free;
Holy Spirit, ever binding
Age to age and soul to soul
In communion never ending,
You we worship and extol.

Based on:

Genesis 1:1-2
1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Ephesians 3:7-9

Text: Timothy Rees (1874-1939) Anglican hymnographer
Tune: 1710

Friday, October 3

2008-10-03T17:07:00.006-04:00

Our petitions to you Our Heavenly Father.

Attribute: God is our Sanctifier

Definition:

The Holy Spirit empowers us to live holy lives. (Jehovah M’Kaddesh)

Sanctification is that act of God within the sinner in which God works with the new man in a lifelong process of restoration.

We praise you because are the Lord who sanctifies.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:23

Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling
Hymn #650 (Lutheran Service Book)

Verses to read:

1 PETER 2:9
LEVITICUS 20:8
PHILIPPIANS 1:6
HEBREWS 12:2
EPHESIANS 2:10
2 THESSALONIANS 2:13

For our children:

Since, then, ______ has been raised with Christ, set ______ heart on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set ______ mind on things above, not on earthly things. For ______ died, and ______ life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is ______life, appears, then ________ also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to _____earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

COLOSSIANS 3:1-5

This week we prayed for Mrs. O’Boyle and the Kindergartners. Her classes shared personal prayer request which we were privileged to pray for.

Holy God, We Praise Thy Name by 7 Moms

2008-09-26T14:17:00.004-04:00

What a blessing this morning as we began to pray. One of the moms (thank you Jill) suggested that we sing Holy God, We Praise Thy Name. So the 7 of us joined voices and we sounded pretty good! Here are the verses in case you don't have a hymnal handy.

1. Holy God, we praise Thy Name;
Lord of all, we bow before Thee!
All on earth Thy scepter claim,
All in Heaven above adore Thee;
Infinite Thy vast domain,
Everlasting is Thy reign.

2. Hark! the loud celestial hymn
Angel choirs above are raising,
Cherubim and seraphim,
In unceasing chorus praising;
Fill the heavens with sweet accord:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord.

3. Lo! the apostolic train
Join the sacred Name to hallow;
Prophets swell the loud refrain,
And the white robed martyrs follow;
And from morn to set of sun,
Through the Church the song goes on.

4. Holy Father, Holy Son,
Holy Spirit, Three we name Thee;
While in essence only One,
Undivided God we claim Thee;
And adoring bend the knee,
While we own the mystery.

5. Thou art King of glory, Christ:
Son of God, yet born of Mary;
For us sinners sacrificed,
And to death a tributary:
First to break the bars of death,
Thou has opened Heaven to faith.

6. From Thy high celestial home,
Judge of all, again returning,
We believe that Thou shalt come
In the dreaded doomsday morning;
When Thy voice shall shake the earth,
And the startled dead come forth.

7. Therefore do we pray Thee, Lord:
Help Thy servants whom, redeeming
By Thy precious blood out-poured,
Thou hast saved from Satan’s scheming.
Give to them eternal rest
In the glory of the blest.

8. Spare Thy people, Lord, we pray,
By a thousand snares surrounded:
Keep us without sin today,
Never let us be confounded.
Lo, I put my trust in Thee;
Never, Lord, abandon me.

Some additional information on the hymn:

The text for this hymn comes from the fourth century Latin hymn Te Deum Laudamus, which is often attributed to Ambrose of Milan (c. 339-397), but it may go back even further. The German version, which we sing, is attributed to Ignaz Franc (1774).

Ignaz Franz was born: October 12, 1719 in Protzau, Silesia (Poland) and died: August 19, 1790, Breslau, Silesia (now Wrocław, Poland). He was a Roman Catholic priest and is remembered as a hymnologist and compiler.

Friday, September 26

2008-09-26T13:56:00.005-04:00

These are our petitions to You Heavenly Father!

Adoration — This is an opportunity to praise God for who HE IS.

Attribute: God is holy.

Definition: spiritually perfect or pure, sinless, deserving adoration

Jesus, we worship You because You are holy and perfect, deserving awe, reverence, and adoration.

Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
Hymn #940 (Lutheran Service Book)

Verses to read

EXODUS 15:11
1 PETER 1:15-16
1 COR 15:20-23
PS 31:1-4
REVELATION 15:4
PSALM 77:13

Supplication — This is our time to call on God for guidance and help, and to intercede for others.

For our children:

But just as He who called __________ is holy, let ___________ be holy in all _____ does; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

1 PETER 1:15-16

Specific Prayer Requests for Mrs. Fuller and the Kindergartners

Fruit of the spirit for the kindergartners

Love for others outside ourselves
Joy in everyday things- contentment for what we have, thankfulness for families, creation, help us with frustrations to have joy- help me not to complain when things seem burdensome or schedules seem overwhelming to find joy in each day.
Peace- for children when they are fearful; For a peaceful classroom when both K classes are together- when we are many the voices get loud and it can be less than peaceful.
Patience- for our children with one another, esp. little girls that get their feelings hurt by other little girls. Patience for children as they wait for things, their turns.
Kindness- some of our children are starting to show true colors and are not always kind. The problems are minor, but help Mrs. Fuller to teach and model kindness and the children to use kind voices and words, esp. not to leave some children out.
Goodness- let the children have pure speech and seek to be good- be good citizens , be polite , raise their hands, listen to others.
Faithfulness- to be loyal to friends and family, families to be faithful in Bible study, worship and prayer, in spending time with one another.
Gentleness- May we all know how to answer one another in gentleness when wronged by someone else or when we have a need or when I correct or need to encourage a student.
Self-control- for the students through the day and especially when the kindergarten classes do joint activities.

Other classroom needs for kindergartners

Growth of concentration for the students.
Bless the relationships of each child.
Give insight into each child.
Confidence for the children as they learn their letters.
Prayers for the home lives of each child

Wisdom for the Drama Club- plays to pick, help me to be a quick learner

Prayers for school pictures on Monday -- what to wear and how to style your hair, wonderful smiles and for the volunteers.

Prayers for the stewardship emphasis this weekend --- time, talent and treasures.

Holy God, We Praise Thy Name

2008-09-24T08:18:00.003-04:00

Lutherans love to sing and we have a rich heritage of music.

Martin Luther says, “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.”

The Lutheran Service Book (LSB) is filled with hymns that can be read or sung as part of a devotional time.

In prayer this week we are focusing on the truth that God is Holy and we are praying for Mrs. Fuller and the kindergartners.

This hymn speaks clearly --- “Holy God, We Praise They Name”. The text for this hymn comes from the fourth century Latin hymn Te Deum Laudamus, which is often attributed to Ambrose of Milan (c. 339-397), but it may go back even further. The German version, which we sing, is attributed to Ignaz Franc (1774). It’s hymn #940 in the LSB. While our hymnal only gives 5 stanzas, there are really 8 stanzas. If you are not the singing type, there are many Youtube videos that will bring the tune to mind.

“Holy God, we praise Thy Name;
Lord of all, we bow before Thee!
All on earth Thy scepter claim,
All in Heaven above adore Thee;
Infinite Thy vast domain,
Everlasting is Thy reign.” (Stanza 1)

For more stanzas, either grab your hymnal or go to Cyberhymnal.

Here's additional information on this particular hymn.

Issues Etc

2008-09-21T10:20:00.006-04:00

TALK RADIO FOR THE THINKING CHRISTIAN...Tune in daily (M-F) to a radio talk show that engages the issues of the day from a distinctively Lutheran perspective.

Issues, Etc. is hosted by Lutheran Pastor Todd Wilken and is produced by Lutheran Public Radio.

You can listen 'live' on the Internet -- but it's during dinner time.....so you can listen on demand 24/7 or better yet, subscribe to the podcast and fill your ipod with good talk radio.

This is an example of a show entitled "Daily Prayers from Luther's Small Catechism" which aired on September 11th. Have a listen.

Friday, September 19

2008-09-19T11:25:00.005-04:00

These are petitions to you Heavenly Father!

Adoration — This is an opportunity to praise God for who HE IS. No answer to prayer or prayer requests during this time.

Love is the fruit for September

Attribute: God is Love.

Definition: strong and intense affection, benevolence, kindness, and tenderness

We worship you, Lord Jesus, because you are love!

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

1 John 4:7-10

Verses to read:

Psalm 136:1-9
Ephesians 3:16-19
1 John 3:1
John 3:16
Romans 8:38-39
1 John 4:16
1 john 4:10
Isaiah 49:15-16
Jeremiah 31:3

Supplication — This is our time to call on God for guidance and help, and to intercede for others.

For our children:

I pray that out of Your glorious riches You may strengthen _________ with power through his Spirit in _____ inner being, so that Christ may dwell in ______ heart through faith. And I pray that ________, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that __________ may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:16-19

For our school:

Lord, our Father, make our school bright, safe halls of learning. Fill it with health and joy. Furnish the tools necessary for good learning. Make Our Shepherd a place where children grow into the people You want them to be. Keep those who would injure our students far away. Give students and teachers deep love for one another and for their work together. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen (from Portals of Prayer, July-Sept)

For our teachers:

Lord, bless our teachers at the start of this school year and throughout the coming year. Pour love into teachers’ hearts, so that they will care for their students. Fill them with enthusiasm for their subjects, so that they may inspire eager love for learning. Through our teachers, train up our young people in the way they should go. Grant them wisdom in all they do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen (from Portals of Prayer, July-Sept)

Specific Prayer Requests for our School:

Unity with the teachers and staff
Sufficient enrollment
A successful October Community Connection
Volunteers and ‘goods’ for the rummage sale and lots of sales
Thanksgiving for all the helpers with the library book sale
Generous giving to the Church and our budget
Wisdom in spending
A safe, fun and faith-filled Oktoberfest
Successful start for some of the clubs at school -- The Drama Club, The Latin Club and the Technology Club

Prayer, the Heartbeat of Faith

2008-09-17T14:00:00.005-04:00

“Prayer is inseparable from the spiritual life of the child of God; it is the heartbeat of his faith. Whoever has become a child of God desires to speak to his heavenly Father; he prays. The Christian worships God in prayer.”

Quoted from Light from Above by Alfred Koehler

BibleGateway

2008-09-15T12:46:00.002-04:00

If you can't find your Bible or you want to type a Bible verse there is a great website on the Internet with the Bible in numerous translations ranging from the NIV to Chinese to Arabic to Icelandic to the King James and everything in between.

http://www.biblegateway.com

16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

16 「神爱世人，甚至将他的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信他的，不至灭亡，反得永生。 (Chinese)

What's the Collect?

2008-09-15T09:29:00.002-04:00

Every Sunday in our liturgy the pastor reads a prayer called the Collect. It has a very rich history. It's changes weekly and reflects the theme of the day. It's printed in our weekly bulletin so that you can read it at home throughout the week as part of a personal devotion time.

But exactly what is the 'collect'?

The collect is the 'prayer of the day'. The collect begins with "Let us pray", inviting the worshipers to join their hearts in prayer with the pastor. The collect is a prayer that gathers request related to the Scriptures of the day. They have been used by the church for at least 15 centuries.

The parts of this formal prayer usually include:

Invocation - addressing God
Basis - why ask these things
Petition - our specific request
Purpose or benefit - desired result
Closing doxology - praise to God

Most Collects are addressed to God the Father and all close in Jesus' name, as Jesus instructed. John 15:16

The Collect of the Day for Sunday, September 14 which is the 18th Sunday after Pentecost:

"O God, your refuge and strength, the author of all godliness, hear the devout prayers of Your Church, especially in times of persecution, and grant that what we ask in faith we may obtain: through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever."

What is Prayer? The Small Catechism

2008-09-10T08:21:00.003-04:00

Luther’s Small Catechism (as well as the Large Catechism) is a treasure trove when it comes to prayer. In the explanation of the Lord’s Prayer (1943 edition) it says:

“What is Prayer?”

Prayer is an act of worship wherein we bring our petitions before God with our hearts and lips and offer up praise and thanksgiving to Him.

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. "

Psalm 19:14

"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. "

Matthew 6:7

"LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear."

Psalm 10:17

"Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear. "

Isaiah 65:24

Ready to Listen Always

2008-09-01T09:58:00.011-04:00

Last week was very eventful on many fronts. Barak Obama accepted the Democratic Nomination becoming the first African American to run for president. Senator McCain picked his running mate, Governor Sarah Palin from Alaska, making her the first Republican woman on a national ticket. Then today, Hurricane Gustav is slamming the Gulf Coast states. Not a boring week if you like to watch Fox News.

On a more personal level, we're been in school for a week. The routine for another year of learning is being created. Kids are seeing their friends again. Teachers are getting to know their new students. Parents are finding all kinds of volunteer opportunities.

The Lutheran Hour devotion for August 31 reminds me of the simplicity of prayer. So often we make prayer more complicated and the consequence is that prayer doesn't happen.

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Ready To Listen"

August 31, 2008

But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14

People like pastors to pray with them. At least some people do. Maybe they think a pastor has a more direct line. We don't, but we do like to pray.

Some years ago, I was on the phone and talking with a friend. During the course of the conversation he asked me to have a prayer with him over the phone. I had just begun with, "Dear Lord," when my daughter came in.

Overhearing that "Dear Lord", she stopped in her tracks, and without any kind of smile said, "Is that God on the phone, daddy? If it is, don't let Him hang up when you're done, I've got a couple of things I need to talk to Him about, too."

Did you smile at that story? I'm glad you did. You probably smiled because you recognized that, as a little child, she believed God was really right there, and He really wanted to listen to her prayer.

Since that day, I've drawn a great deal of contentment from the knowledge that my daughter, without any kind of sophistication, had a better understanding of God than her daddy, the preacher.

She knew what I sometimes forget: God really is ready to listen. Maybe you've forgotten that, too.

Which is why, if you have felt that God is distant in your life, or if you think He has stopped paying attention to your prayers, I'd like you to think of my daughter.

Even more, because of Jesus and the reunion His life, death and resurrection have brought about, God is really there, and He is ready to listen to His children. Because of the Savior, your heavenly Father wants to know what you have to say.

The truth is: God doesn't hang up on you. If you've got something to say to Him, He's ready to listen to you.

From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for always being ready to listen to me. I am comforted and strengthened in the knowledge that You will, because of Jesus, never hang up on me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Simple thoughts on how to pray

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Informal Prayer

Believers in Jesus Christ can pray with the knowledge that God knows their desires whether they say them out loud or only think them. You can therefore pour out your heart before him in whatever way you can best express yourself, knowing that it is not the quality of your prayer but the saving work of Jesus that makes your prayers acceptable to God.

Formal Prayer

Formal prayers can be helpful for you as they help you draw on the experience of others to find words to formulate your thoughts in difficult situations. Formal prayers also tend to broaden your perspective as they remind you of things for which you ought to pray which you might otherwise overlook or forget.

From Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Detroit, MI

Instilling a Desire to Learn

2008-08-22T21:30:00.002-04:00

Lord,

I pray that (name of the child) will have a deep reverence for You and Your ways. May he (she) hide Your Word in his (her) heart like a treasure, and seek after understanding like silver or gold. Give him (her) a good mind, a teachable spirit, and an ability to learn. Instill in him (her) a desire to attain knowledge and skill, and may he (she) have joy in the process. Above all, I pray he (she) will be taught by You, for Your Word says that when our children are taught by You they are guaranteed peace. You have also said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). May he (she) never be a fool and turn away from learning, but rather may be (she) turn to You for the knowledge he (she) needs.

I pray he (she) will respect the wisdom of his (her) parents and be willing to be taught by them. May he (she) also have the desire to be taught by the teachers You bring into his (her) life. May he (she) also have to the desire to be taught by the teachers You bring into his (her) life. Handpick each one, Lord, and may they be godly people from whom he (she) can easily learn. Let him (her) find favor with his (her) teachers and have good communication with them. Help him (her) to excel in school and do well in any classes he (she) may take. Make the pathways of learning smooth and not something with which he (she) must strain and struggle. Connect everything in his (her) brain the way it is supposed to be so that he (she) has clarity of thought, organization, good memory, and strong learning ability.

I say to him (her) according to Your Word, “Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge” (Proverbs 23:12). Lord, enable him (her) to experience the joy of learning more about You and Your world.

Amen

Taken from The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian

What is Prayer?

2008-08-22T08:18:00.004-04:00

What is Prayer?

This is a short video that explains 'what is prayer?' as Lutherans understand. This is part of a 15 week adult instruction course. It's only 5 minutes long!

Prayer is talking to God with your mouth and lips or with your heart. Prayer is an opportunity for you to exercise your faith.

Psalm 139: 1-4

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Matthew 6:7-8

We are Praying Moms

2008-08-21T19:55:00.009-04:00

We are MOMS who know that prayer makes a difference.

We want to . . . .

To pray for our children and families in all their needs.

To pray for our children as they grow in their faith.

To pray for our teachers, staff and pastors.

To pray and encourage moms who carry heavy burdens for their children.

To be a faithful witness to Our Shepherd Lutheran School.

"Prayer is a strong wall and fortress of the church; it is a goodly Christian weapon."

Martin Luther

Be Encouraged to Pray....

2008-08-21T19:28:00.008-04:00

Be encouraged to pray for your children during the school year. The resources abound:

The Scriptures, especially the Psalms
Use the concordance to find Bible verses
The Small Catechism
The Hymnal
Portals of Prayer

Non-Lutheran Resources

The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian
When Mothers Pray by Cheri Fuller
Every Child Needs a Praying Mom by Fern Nichols

Why God Created Teachers

2008-08-21T15:49:00.003-04:00

Why God Created Teachers

When God created teachers,
He gave us special friends
To help us understand His world
And truly comprehend
The beauty and the wonder
Of everything we see,
And become a better person
With each discovery.

When God created teachers,
He gave us special guides
To show us ways in which to grow
So we can all decide
How to live and how to do
What's right instead of wrong,
To lead us so that we can lead
And learn how to be strong.

Why God created teachers,
In His wisdom and His grace,
Was to help us learn to make our world
A better, wiser place.

~Author Unknown~

A Prayer of Martin Luther

2008-08-08T20:00:00.000-04:00