I hope you have had a wonderful summer! Although this summer has not been typical in terms of weather, I trust you have had an opportunity to relax, to build family relationships, to connect with friends over meals and outings, and to enjoy the beauty and grandeur of God’s creation. Every day is a gift from the Lord. May we not take it for granted, but live each day fully for Him. I hope you are refreshed and rejuvenated for the season ahead, and I look forward with joyful anticipation for what the Lord has in store for us corporately as a family of God.
Please be in prayer for the following:
- Children, Youth & Young Adults – As September draws near, we remember our children as they prepare to return to school. For our School aged children, we pray for return to routine and bedtime curfews with little resistance and grumblings. We pray for a year of growth in academic learning and healthy friendships. We pray for safety in their commutes, in classrooms and playgrounds. We pray the Lord would guard their minds and hearts in Christ Jesus. For those who are entering Senior School and Post Secondary, we pray for smooth transitions emotionally and psychologically. We pray for wisdom and discernment for those who are studying away from home, may they make wise decisions on campus. We pray the peace of God to be with them in times of stress and anxiety. Regardless of their academic achievements, we pray they would secure their identity and self-worth in Christ alone. May the Lord bless them and keep them in the palm of His mighty hands.
- SCBC Community – When I think of SCBC, my heart well up with affection and thanksgivings. I give thanks for sisters and brothers in Christ who have opened their hearts in friendship and hospitality. I give thanks for the opportunity to journey in faith together, to share life experiences, support and encourage each other in the Lord. I give thanks for faithful, steadfast and passionate Christ centered leadership. I give thanks for SCBC Vision (Be a Blessing to All Peoples) shared by our deacons at the SCBC Retreat this July. I give thanks for Unity in the Spirit and every effort to preserve the bond of peace. Pray for upcoming SCBC 30th Anniversary Celebration program and workshops! Pray we would continue to submit to one another out of love for Christ. Pray we would continue to serve with a humble heart. May the blessing and favor of the Lord be upon us as we commit to build up the body of Christ – SCBC.
- Alpha & Fall Sunday School – I give thanks that SCBC love the Word and diligently teach God’s Word. I give thanks for gifted Sunday School teachers and facilitators who teach with clarity and passion for Christ. Pray for Alpha course and Fall Sunday School classes, that all participants would grow in the knowledge of Christ. Pray the Holy Spirit would minister to the minds and hearts of those in attendance. Pray that through faithful teaching of God’s Word, SCBC would be built up and equipped to make Christ known among the nations.
- Women’s Retreat – September 29-30 at Kempenfelt Conference Centre. I give thanks for the opportunity for the ladies to spend time away together. A gigantic “Thank You!” to the retreat team for organizing this event. Pray for refreshing time of fellowship together as well as time of solitude with the Lord. Pray the Holy Spirit would minister to each one of us through the teaching of the Word and seminar. Pray for the keynote speaker, that the Lord would accomplish His purpose through her.
- Short Term Missions Team – We remember brothers and sisters ministering abroad on Short Term Missions. Pray for smooth transition into their respective environment and culture. Pray for physical, emotional and spiritual resilience for the work ahead. Pray they would abide in Christ and trust in His promises regardless of what may come their way. Pray for unity and the bond of peace among team members. Pray that if/when conflicts arise, it would be resolved quickly with wisdom and grace from the Lord. Pray for spiritual protection and discernment in all situations. May the Lord sustain them and uphold them with His all sufficient grace.
- Disaster Relief Efforts – British Columbia fires and Houston Hurricane Harvey. Pray for victims and their families who have lost their homes and belongings, hopefully not loved ones. Pray for communities that are pending evacuation. Pray for authorities to make wise decisions and logistical evacuation plans to go smoothly. Pray for rescue and fire fighters, for protection, strength, and courage to carry out their tasks. Pray the Lord would have mercy upon the land its people.
I look forward to a refreshing time of prayer and fellowship together this Sunday at 8:30 am in the Community Room.