Ephesians 5:20 “always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.”
Unthankfulness is one of the most prevalent sins of men. Despite the abundant benevolence of God, we tend to complain and grumble against Him. However, as Christians, we should be constantly thankful to God. It is one of the marks of a Spirit-filled believer. We should not forget what God has graciously done for us in Christ.
As we draw near to God in prayer, may we come with thankful hearts remembering all the blessings we have received from Him through Christ.
I. KINGDOM CONCERNS
Bro. Mario Betangcol will give an update concerning the Lord’s work in General Santos City.
II. PERSONAL CONCERNS
1. Thanksgiving
Let us thank God for His sustaining grace. Let us praise Him in continually providing life, breath, and all things amid the pandemic.
2. Frontliners
Let us continue to pray for our medical front liners (see the full list here). May they be protected from the disease. May they do not grow weary in their duty of caring for the sick.
3. Sick
Let us pray for our sick brethren: Dairo Family, Pas. Alex, Annie, Acel, Brenda, Johnny, Louie, Mel, Chippy, Delia, Tina, Edna, Pas. Roland, Mano, and Pas. Tony.
Let us pray for our friends and loved ones who are sick: Mr. Pong, Conrad, Jun, Ludel, Randy, Neal, Amy, Lola Soledad, Marilyn, and others. May God use their illness for their salvation.
4. Birthdays
- Dennis (September 21) – Thanksgiving for God’s preserving mercies all throughout these years in spite of all my frailties and shortcomings. For His blessing upon our business as a means to provide for our needs and provide employment to others; grace in leading the family especially now with Marcus again under our care; to be useful in His kingdom and be faithful in our remaining times here on earth and finally, the salvation of unsaved loved ones.
- Tin (September 23) – Continues service po in the kingdom, perseverance in the faith, at baby.
5. Employment
Let us continue to pray for job-seekers that God would provide gainful employment to them. May He also keep from infection those need to report to their workplaces. Let us pray for Bro. Carl, who is in Bulacan due to work. Let us pray for those who own businesses. May the Lord sustain their businesses amid our struggling economy.
6. Relocation of Pastor Rolly and his family
Lets us pray for provision and guidance as they seek a new home.
7. Wedding of Viljohn and Flor
May the Lord provide for their needs as they prepare for their wedding. May they be kept from temptation. Let us pray for the last session of their pre-marital counseling with Pas. Alex.
8. Nation
May God be merciful and put an end to the pandemic so that things will go back to normal, especially the gathering of His people to worship. May He grant wisdom to our leaders in managing the crises that our country is facing. Let us pray for the salvation of sinners amid these crises.
III. CHURCH CONCERNS
1. Preachings
In our Sunday School, we were reminded of what should be our response in the face of calamity or trial. We are to pray for mercy. We are to worship God for His sovereignty. We are to find delight and strength in Him.
In our first service, we were reminded not to treasure earthly possessions. They are temporal. They distract us from our devotion to God and predispose us to wrong decisions and goals. We are to lay treasures in heaven by having an eternal perspective in our priorities and practices.
In our second service, we were challenged to run the Christian race with endurance. We are to be inspired by the saints of old who overcame difficulties by faith. We are to lay aside anything that hinders us in running the race.
2. Services
- Deacon Mario will teach in Sunday School.
- Pas. Rolly will preach in the 1st service.
- Pas. Clyde will preach in the 2nd service.
May God grant them wisdom in their preparation. May He use them mightily in the preaching of His Word.
Let us pray there will be no technical issues during our services. May our worship be undistracted. May we delight in the Lord and sanctify His day whether we worship at church or in our homes.
3. Online Bible Studies
Let us thank the Lord for the online Bible studies held last week. Let us pray for Pas. Rolly, Pas. Clyde and Bro. Simon as they teach in Bible Studies every week. This Sunday, Sis. Elaine, Sis. Mano, and Sis. Acel will teach in the Children’s Sunday School.
4. Discipline case
Let us continue to pray for our sister that she would not persist in her sin and suffer its consequences. May she repent and return to Christ.
