But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love.  (Psalm 33:18)
 
Eye contact is surprisingly infrequent. The shy girl is unsure of her own worth and fears rejection reflected in the other’s eyes. The arrogant man is too full of himself to closely consider the other. The disobedient child stands with eyes cast down out of guilt and shame and, maybe, fear. Most often, we are simply too busy or distracted to really look at the other person.
 
Scripture tells us that the eyes of the Lord are constantly on the people who belong to Him. He is waiting for me to lift my eyes and meet His gaze, which is one way to define prayer. What will I see in His eyes? Unfailing love and probing desire for communication deeper than words can express.
 
As you meet God’s gaze this week, here are some things to bring to Him:
 
1.  You may have heard that doctors suspected severe genetic problems with Jamie and Keith Gilbert’s first baby, due in September. Jamie and Keith are praising God that the results of amniocentesis were normal. Other tests have revealed, however, a missing kidney and a serious but fixable heart defect. Baby will need open heart surgery sometime between 1-week and 4-months of age. Ask the Lord to cup Baby Gilbert in His strong hand of protection and to continue to strengthen these young parents for what lies ahead.
 
2.  Perhaps you know someone else who is going through a fiery trial. Consider praying for them as I have been praying for Jamie and Keith: That, like the burning bush, they will not be consumed by the trial and that, like Moses, they will discover they are standing on holy ground because the Lord is there.
 
3.  Tomasz and Kamilla Chylka have been home in Pszczyna, Poland, for less than a week and are already fully engaged in Bible Week, which started on Friday. Bible Week is an outreach event featuring street evangelism with music and drama, shared testimonies, distribution of Christian materials, and prayer stations. Bible Week lasts three weeks for the Chylkas and their church because they conduct the event in three different towns. Pray for open hearts and abundant fruit.
 
4.  Lift up Kevin Quinn’s mother, Debbie. She suffers from multiple health problems, including diabetes and congestive heart failure, and had a foot amputated last week because of a wound that would not heal. Pray also for the Quinn family as they help Debbie and try to move her closer to family.
 
5.  The process of preparing next year’s budget (for July 2016 – June 2017) is underway. Lift up the church leaders who are involved, asking for wisdom and clear direction from the Lord.
 
6.  Mother’s Day is a reminder to be praying for mothers throughout the year. Mothers of young children need physical energy to make it through busy days. Mothers of teenagers need wisdom from above and stubborn steadfastness. Mothers of adult children need the grace to let go of their offspring and respect healthy boundaries.

7.  In Pastor Dave’s sermon yesterday, he contrasted our tendency toward self-absorption with John the Baptist’s focus on Jesus instead of himself. Think and pray about that this week. Lord, show me times I am self-absorbed. Pinch me when I look for opportunities to shift attention to myself. Help me to decrease and You to increase. (John 3:30)

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert, Prayer Chair
Calvary Community Church of Brea