Last Night at BSM

November 6, 2017

Last night, we gathered to hear from Rev. Michele Ward on Matthew 5:33-37 about God wanting us to be all in, but before we claim to commit, we must own that saying an authentic ‘yes’ or ‘no’ takes personal and communal risk.

Listen to the sermon here.

The community offered these prayers to God:

I am so thankful for my church community and so grateful that at times this week, it was easy to live.  Thank you God, ****.

Prayers for our nation.

Dear God, thank you for saying yes to me.  Give my partner rest and peace this week.  Heal my body and my weary spirit.  I love you.  Amen.

Almighty God, make your presence known today.  I think we all need to feel your Spirit.  Thank you for always saying yes to us.  I love you.  Thank you for loving me first.  Amen.

Dear Lord, help me to soothe my heart and mind and to ease my worries about the future.   Help me to cherish this time and not count the days too closely.  Grant me the strength to reach out and lift up those around me.  Thank you for all the blessings You have given me today and everyday.  Amen.

Prayers to be still, let the mind settle, and waters clear, so that my yes is yes and my no is no.  Prayers for **** as he struggles to figure out his homes and his place.  Prayers for me on Nov. 9th as I see the neurologist…may answers be forth-coming, and a path forward made clear.

For those of us discerning our place in God’s work and world.

Pray for me and my wellness.  Thanks.

All Saints Day!  Thank you Lord.  Thank you Jesus, for our veterans.  The parade was beautiful and peaceful.  May we find strength in the **** group.  May our country have record numbers going to the polls on Tuesday.  May we seek and find the correct people to provide leadership for us.  May our guests find warmth as the season moves on.  Thank you Lord.  Thank you Jesus.  Love the carpet and floor.

Prayers for peace, wholeness, rest, and assurance in Christ, in a time of conflict, stress, and overwhelming experiences.

Lord, I pray for willingness to be humble enough to change.

God, I praise Your holy name–help me to glorify you rightly.  Please be with **** and ****.  I love you.

I pray for strength to accept all of my identities, even the ones that don’t fit me anymore.  I pray for strength to give myself second chances.

Please be with my parents who are struggling in many different ways right now.  Please be with **** who just got admitted to a rehab and needs strength and guidance.  Please be with those job searching.  Please give them strength and guidance.  Please be with **** and ****.

I am at a crossroads in my life and feel like I am starting a new chapter in my life and I need discernment from God in where to go next in life.

Prayers that we understand what is at stake when “oath making”…that when “Jesus talking about not taking oaths” he is telling us not to be a “jive turkey” (someone who makes empty promises).