Lord, we thank Thee that Jesus is with us all year long. From Sabbath to Sabbath, he comes to us and meets us here in this Church. When we hear His word preached, we see Jesus. When we partake of the Lord's Supper, we see Jesus. When we have the opportunity to help the poor and needy among us, we see Jesus.

Our Father, we plead this day for mercy upon the sick in our own congregation. May we not forget to pray for them. Lord, we have widows without husbands. We have those who are home-bound. We have those who fight illness on a daily basis. Lord, be gracious to them. Hear their prayers. Uplift their spirits and remind them that a day will come when there will be no more suffering. There will be no more tears. There will be no more doubting. All will be well in the land of peace in the presence of Jesus Christ himself.

Our Father, bless the elders of this Church as they seek to be faithful as the Lord has given them wisdom. They volunteer their time without pay. They agonize over what is right and best for this Church. They do not respect persons. They are not partial. They seek to be faithful to Thy word to the best of their ability. Lord, we thank Thee that you have given us men who know the Holy Scriptures, who know the doctrines of our holy religion, who are very aware of the vows they have taken, and who seek to promote the peace and purity of this congregation. Where we have failed, show us. Where we have been inattentive, give us eyes to see. Where we have been to slow to act give us boldness, and where we have been too impetuous, give us patience. We thank Thee for those who watch over our souls and who know very well that they must give an account some day for those allotted to their charge.

Lord, we thank You for the Deacons of our Church. They have been given the task of assessing the needs of our people. They have been responsible, yet they have been merciful. For those without sufficient clothes and daily food, they have responded quickly. Lord, we thank You for the support system we have in this Church. No member of this Church will go hungry. No member of this Church who needs help will go without that help. Lord, we thank Thee that our safety net is here for anyone here who finds themselves in need.

Our Father we pray for our missionaries. We support a good number of men and ministries throughout the world. These are men with special gifts. They get discouraged. They ache for fruit. Lord, give them the desire of their hearts which is to see the spreading of the gospel and the expansion o the Kingdom. Lord, we support ministries at home from the University to the Bible College to the local Salvation Army and Hope House. We support ministries to women pregnant without husbands. We send money and food to the local Food Bank. Lord, we do not always see the hand that reaches for help, but may our people be assured that the money they give today goes to helping hands to fill those hands who reach out for help.

Our father, provide for the retired ministers in our denomination and for widows of men who spent their lives preaching the gospel. The ministry is not a calling rewarded with great wealth. Some men and their families struggle just to put food on the table and to pay their bills. May what we give today go to relieve even young ministers who are without calls. There is no unemployment insurance for ministers. They are totally dependent on the mercy of the Church.