Prayer 120812 (Shine Like Stars - Philippians 2)

Our Father God,

We come before you in thanks that you have revealed yourself to your people at many times and in various ways. We praise you for being the God of mysteries revealed, not just mysteries, and for revealing yourself to us through history, through miracles, through your gospel message, through your Son Jesus Christ, and also through each of us, and your people around the globe, as we all seek to live a life worthy and pleasing to you. Help us to be thirsty for your word, and hungry for your righteousness, that we might seek out your wisdom and act out your teaching in our lives.

As a church we are thankful for our building work, which continues to make progress. We thank you for the opportunities this new building is going to present, and the new face it will help our church present to the people of Waitara. In the meantime, we thank you for the use of this hall, inside which we have seen our numbers grow, and been able to be a witness to the community of our love for you in a different way. Help us to continue to prayerfully support the work of the church here in the school, and out in the community. We think of our partners in mission who are working in schools here, and in Asquith, and we pray for the work of scripture teachers and of HADCEA, that it will continue to reach children with knowledge about who you are, who Jesus is, and how they can relate to you. We pray for our supported missionaries in outback Australia and overseas, who help us to be linked with your larger mission and your greater church. We pray for their good work to continue in making Christ known, and upholding and supporting your people everywhere, and we pray you will meet their financial, emotional and physical health needs at this time. We would also pray for our church's leadership, staff and volunteers. We pray that their weekend away together at Mt Victoria was useful, beneficial, but also relaxing and refreshing and fun. Renew their spirits, Lord, as they continue to serve us and to serve you, and help us to better understand and appreciate their work each week.

Finally, Father, we thank you for the many opportunities you give us, as individuals and as a church community, to be a light for you in this world, in the places we live and the people our lives touch.  Help us to take up those opportunities, and to make the most of them for your sake and your glory, and also out of love for those around us, from amongst your people and the world around us. We now take a moment to bring to you those people we would seek to uphold in prayer, in their sickness, struggles and times of need. Bless these people we bring before you, Father, and bring them comfort and healing through the closeness of your spirit, and the actions of your people.

For all these things we pray by the authority of Jesus,

Amen