This week’s prayer requests

"For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, that the tender branch of it will not cease."  Job 14:7 (WEB)

-  Praise God for the gift of good leadership at Alive, asking Him to lead Alive to just the right future lead pastor.  Ask that there will be clear direction for the "dirt space" next door and that God will provide at every turn.

-  Ask God to help our staff, board, and council - even with their specific roles and leading -  to be able to advise, guide, serve, and counsel cohesively.  Pray that they will seek the leading of the Holy Spirit in all decisions.

-  As we remember God's command to go out into all the world...pray that we will portray Jesus to those who are hurting and those who are lost.  Pray that He will work through us to encourage them.  Ask Him to open our eyes to those He sends to us who need a Savior.

-  Pray for peace that only Christ can bring to our world and its leaders.  Ask for wisdom that can only be God given.  Pray that all eyes may be turned to the One who rules all things and who holds all things.

-  Looking ahead to the harvest time of year, starting already in some parts, ask God for weather that allows each farmer to get on the field to get the crop off.  Pray for markets that are capable of giving a fair price for each thing grown.  Ask God for safety and protection all the way to the consumer.  Above all, pray that God be given the thanks and glory for it all.

-  Continue to pray for all those going through transitions of any kind, for those who are struggling with their faith, who may be angry at God for their situation in life, for those in any kind of pain or confusion, for those who are battling depression, for parents who are suddenly empty-nesters, and for blended families.  Ask God for His loving direction, comfort, and help.

Healing is not always linear.  Some days, the weight of the past may feel heavier than others.  But each day offers a choice:  to keep holding onto what wounds us or to begin loosening our grip.  Trust that God is at work even in the unseen places, preparing you for the season when new growth will emerge.  You are not finished.  You are being restored, piece by piece, into something stronger, something deeper, something whole. -- from: "No Distance Too Great," by David Alan Wolters (Season One)