September 15 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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