So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20)

I chose a phone as the new image for the prayer blog because it is a symbol of communication. Prayer, after all, is simply talking to and hearing from the Lord.

Another image I could have chosen depicts two people hugging. Think of prayer as sharing an embrace with God: not the perfunctory side-hug you see at a social event but rather the enveloping bear-hug you see at the airport baggage claim. Reread the climax to the familiar parable of the prodigal son as a description of prayer. The son comes to his father, burdened with failure and need. The father eagerly embraces him with compassion and love, and the son’s burdens dissolve in joy. So with us in prayer! Stretch out your arms and hug your heavenly Father in prayer this week.

 
Here are some things to talk about with Him this week:
 
1.  Lift up the Hodgson family this week as they prepare for Greg’s memorial service on Saturday. Pray that this will be a healing time as many gather to remember and celebrate Greg’s life.
 
2.  Pray over the baptism class scheduled for October 30. Pray that those who have been born again but who have not made a public “birth announcement” via baptism will feel a strong nudge toward obedience. Pray that those who are considering baptism for the wrong reasons – to placate a parent, for example – will refrain from taking this step.
 
3.  Valerie Dyer has shared that at least a dozen positions in the Children’s Department remain unfilled. Many are for helpers, not main teachers, or require service only once per month. I have to believe that the Lord has already provided among us the servants needed; they just need to be identified and enlisted. Pray that those the Lord may be calling to serve will hear about the needs and step forward to offer their time and gifts. Ask Him to abundantly reward their obedient service.
 
4.  Pray for someone in your life who believes vaguely in God and thinks that’s enough. Pray for an opportunity to share Jesus as the only way to the Father and for the boldness to seize it.
 
5.  The presidential election is three weeks away. In a bizarre and distressing election season, I have found one thing to be thankful for. Thank God that He has made it exceedingly clear that we cannot look for a political savior. The real solutions to our nation’s pressing problems are found in the Lord alone and his gospel.
 
6.  Pray this beautiful blessing over your dearly loved ones and your whole church family:  The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.  (Numbers 6:24-26)
 

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert
Calvary Community Church of Brea