Our Father, deliver us from temptation. Sin is always just a thought away. Sin is always just a look away. Sin is ever hungry and seeking its next victim. Lord, we seldom realize how much sin destroys us until after it has done its damage. It can burden us with a load of guilt. It can break intimate relationships. It can make friends into enemies. It can crush us and cause us to fall on our faces. It can make men cry. It can torment us. It can beat up on us. It destroys men. It destroys families. It destroys nations.

Lord, we cannot go back into the past and undo our sins. We cannot reach outside of time and change all the trouble we have caused ourselves and others. We cannot undo the damage. Lord, cover all our sins with your blood and repair the damage we have done. Restore broken relationships and enable us to forgive as You have forgiven us. Help us not to live with bitterness, for bitterness is rottenness to the soul.

Our Father, bless those who graduate from schools this month. Give them direction as they pursue new venues and as they make major changes in their lives. May they never forget the things they have learned here at this Church. They will be challenged with new ideas and by other people. May they remember that nothing is really new. There is nothing new under the sun. Sin comes dressed with the allurement of offering something better. Guard our children when they are alone. They will be tested. They will be tried. Provide Christian support that will uphold them in the day of temptation.

Our Father, bless the word of God wherever it is preached this day. Bless the missionaries we send away to foreign fields with the funds we give here this morning. Lord, grant the gospel success for the Andersons in the Czech Republic, the Parks in Korea, the Johnsons in Sweden, the Carrs in South Africa, and the Davidsons in Mexico. Lord, bless the ministry of Pastor Donnan through Reformation Christian Ministries. Give success to the Voice of the Martyrs as they engage unbelievers in hostile lands. Grant blessing on the truth taught to the students at Graham Bible College. Bless the ministry of Rev. David Balzer as he ministers to students at East Tennessee State University.

Our Father, bless the work of Mike Gant among us. May his love of the Lord bless those to whom he ministers. Grant the gospel success under his ministry. Bless his desire to disciple others. May his time here in this Church add to the building of the Kingdom of God.

Lord, give wisdom to the elders of this Church as they oversee the flock. Help them to put out the fires before they spread and do damage to our fellowship. Help them to protect our Church from heresies. May they lead us in the zeal for evangelism and missions. May they be examples to the flock. Who among men is worthy of overseeing the flock? Who is worthy Oh Lord? Yea, none are worthy, but You have chosen weak men to strengthen the Church. Give them the grace to protect the peace and purity of this Church. Enable the Deacons to use their gifts of mercy and wisdom. May shysters be refused help, but may the truly needy get everything they need.