Above the expanse … was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown … (Ezekiel 1:26-28)
 

In our life group recently, we were asked to discuss around our tables what we think heaven is like. Our responses included: No more tears; no more pain. I’ll have a new body! I’ll see my loved ones again. I’ll finally get all my questions answered! Later, as I thought about our discussion, I realized how self-centered most of our responses were. Scripture tells us, however, that heaven is completely God-centered. Too often our prayers, like our ideas about heaven, are self-centered instead of God-centered. Even as I spill out all my troubles, which He is glad to hear, I need to remember who is on the throne!

Here are some suggested prayer topics for this week:
 
1.  Thank you for praying for Bible Week, held in and around Pszczyna, Poland, the last week in May. Pastor Tomasz Chylka reports that it was a time of spiritual warfare. The church’s youth leader was in poor health, Tomasz’s mother was diagnosed with cancer, and his car needed an urgent repair. Nevertheless, the seed of the gospel was sown in more than 2,000 lives. Read Tomasz’s full report here and pray that the seed will sprout and flourish.

2.  The 16 people of Calvary’s GO Team depart for Kenya early next Sunday morning. Travel time from LAX to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi is 36 hours. Ask the Lord to shield them from all harm and buoy their strength during their long journey. If you would like to pray with them in person just before their departure, meet at church on Sunday at 6:30 a.m.
 
3.  A decision from the U.S. Supreme Court on same sex marriage is imminent. Even at this 11^th hour, pray that the justices will rule in favor of the biblical definition of marriage. Ask the Lord to gird His church with strength and boldness to stand for righteousness in the face of increasing cultural pressure to fold.

4.  I am thankful that Calvary is led by a group of elders, not a single person. Thank God for the elders – and deacons – we voted on yesterday and ask Him to guide these men in all they do.
 
5.  Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.  (Psalm 68:19)
 
In Christ,
Carol Gilbert, Prayer Chair
Calvary Community Church of Brea