There are a number of examples in scripture where we are told that Jesus went off by himself to pray. "And after he had dismissed the crowds, he (Jesus) went up the mountain by himself to pray." (Matthew 14:23) Since we are living at a time when many are being encouraged to stay at home and observe social distancing might we use this time for prayer? In I Timothy 2:1 we read: "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone." Who might you pray for: doctors, nurses, other medical staff, truck drivers, food service workers, grocery store employees, parents home schooling their children, bus drivers delivering meals, pastors & chaplains, the sick and the grieving, and many others. Also remember in your prayers the following from our prayer list: Ann Helmann, Sharon Halverson, Mark Stauffacher, Ron Miller, Nancy Dallman, Charlotte Shore, Madelyn Novacheck, Diane Shore, Gavin Nelson, Bernice Steffen, Clayton Jacobson, Chris Lanners, Harlen & Joni Newlun, Judy Forsythe, Judy Persall, Alan & Carol Leopold, and Danny Olson. Pray for those home bound: Helen Milne, Verna & John Thompson, Frieda Grilley, Dorothy Klipstein, Sylvia Sanders, Evelyn Emrich, Miriam Burdick, Janet Ackerson and Violet Jones. If there are others you wish us to pray for let us know.
I encourage you to make use of the worship service that is posted on our parish web page www.fgtlp.org
Let us pray: By your power, great God, our Lord Jesus heal the sick and gave new hope to the hopeless. Though we cannot command or possess your power, we pray for those who want to be healed. Mead their wounds, soothe fevered brows, and make broken people whole again. Help us to welcome every healing as a sign that, though death is against us, you are for us, and have promised renewed and risen life in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (ELW page 84)
Let us remember that Jesus is ever present!
Pastor Jim & Deacon Karen Gerth