waiting for you

I pray to God—my life a prayer—
and wait for what he'll say and do.
My soul waits for the Lord,
waiting and watching till morning,
waiting and watching till morning. Psalm 130:5-6

My friend Jen is tired and weary; you have always given her strength for the coming day. She is of anxious heart; you have always given her peace for the coming day. She faces struggle on every side; you have always kept her safe in trials. Her road is hidden; you have always marked the road for the coming day. Night surrounds her; you have always lightened the darkness. Though you may be silent now, you have always spoken when the time was ripe. Keep her in the shadow of your wings as she watches and waits for the morning.

It's a season of little peace for Jen and Fred. I thank you for sending them as you promised to do, and I ask your special blessing on them as they come. May their household be safely and expediently packed. May their children ride the wave of change in their world with your support. May this family find a place to house them here, and begin to find peace anew.

for strength and purpose in the leadership of our church

“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:6-9 (NLT)

It's scary when we step out into something new, Yaweh. You hear these fears repeatedly in every generation so I'll be brief. Make us strong and filled with courage, equipped to fulfill your plans for us. BUT, teach us to rely on you rather than our own abilities, because of course, if we try to do it on our power the project is a failure from the start.

Strong and courageous. Strong and courageous. Strong and courageous. Let it be our breath in and out.

Let us listen to the voices of those who have your best interest at heart, and not be torn apart by the fearful and loud voices of dissention, deception, and disorder.

May the leaders be united, of one mind with you and each other; fending off attack, covering each other's backs, and reassuring the congregation with our faithfulness, unity and determination. May our love cast out fear. May we be strong and courageous. May we follow where you lead, even when – especially when – the road ahead looks difficult.