Behold, the glory of the LORD was standing there … and I fell on my face.     (Ezekiel 3:23)
 
Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” (Galatians 4:6)
 
In three separate visions, Ezekiel beholds the glory of the LORD and, each time, his response is to fall on his face.  God is awesome in power and blindingly radiant in glory!  And yet this same God invites us to call him by the intimate, loving name Daddy.  Responding to last week’s blog post, a friend reminded me of this confidence-inspiring conundrum.  She wrote, “God answered Job with such a shout of His attributes that I too fall to my face, body trembling.  And yet, His loving, gentle, Father hands are there to pick me up and hug me tight and remind me that He is good in all things and in all ways.”  It would be good for all of us to reflect on His attributes in our prayers this week.
 
Here are some suggested prayer topics to get you started:
 
1.  A natural reaction to the pointed sermon Dave preached yesterday is to think, I hope so-and-so is here today, listening.  He/she really needs it!  Instead, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to examine our own hearts and lives.  Do I misinterpret my freedom in Christ as license to do whatever I want?  Do I indulge myself without regard to how my choices affect others?  To what extent do I walk in the flesh, spending my limited time, money, and attention on self-gratification instead of God-obedience?
 
2.  John Gilbert, my husband, is undergoing open-heart surgery tomorrow to replace a valve and the ascending arch of his aorta.  Ask the Lord in His mercy to protect John.
 
3.  Carl Hough is also facing surgery this week.  He is having abdominal surgery on Friday and expects to be off work for eight weeks.  Pray that Carl’s surgery will be successful, that his recovery will be swift, and that he will know the Lord’s presence with him during the process.
 
4.  Lift up Michelle Ayling, who is has been experiencing debilitating headaches.  Ask the Lord to lead her doctors to the correct diagnosis and to an effective treatment plan.
 
5.  As the Chinese congregation grows, more Chinese children are attending Sunday School.  Praise God for this wonderful demonstration that His family transcends boundaries of culture and language.  Ask Him to help our Sunday School staff address the challenges of ministering to these families, especially the brand-new immigrants.
 
6.  Are you aware of an outreach of Calvary called theSelah Dance Company?  About ninety little girls come to weekly ballet classes taught by Jamie Gilbert.  The majority of the families involved are not Calvary attenders, and many are unchurched.  Pray for energy, creativity, and patience for Jamie.  Pray that the Lord will use Selah to build His kingdom.
 
7.  The Alpha group, aimed at seekers, startsSeptember 24.  Pray for people at Calvary who are well positioned to invite a nonbelieving friend or coworker – for the idea and the guts to extend the invitation.  Pray that those receiving an invitation will be open to it.   

Last call:  If you are interested in praying for the children of Golden Elementary on September 21, please contact Jamie Gilbert at  .

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