Less Than a Week!

Next week at this time, 11 members from St. John's will be slumbering away after a hard days work in Haiti.  This year's servant team leaves next Monday, February 20 with 9 members returning on Sunday the 26th and two other members staying an extra day.  The team consists of Sarah Finger (yours truly), Jim Lofgren, Paul Swicord, Tom and Liz DeMik, Christine Payne, Mark Guilfoil, Greer Putnam (fearless leader), Yvette Moy, and newcomers Tish Nordvall and Marilyn Newstrom.

Below are prayers for each day that we ask you to include in your daily prayer routine.

Monday, Day 1

Psalm 50:1

The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets.

Heavenly Father, we pray for safe early morning departure and safe arrival of St. John’s Servant Team to Hope House. Open all hearts and minds to the needs of others, that with eagerness, energy and joy your love may be lavished on the children and people of Haiti. Bless and keep hosts Bert and Roberta Anderson.

Tuesday, Day 2

2 Kings 2: 1-2

When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel.”

Carnival Tuesday in Haiti marks the beginning of one the holiest times of the year. It leads to a time of repentance and abstinence. A time when millions of Christians all over the world are engulfed in prayer, reflection, forgiveness and rebirth. It commences the celebration of the miracle of the life of Christ.  O Lord, we pray particularly for Sarah and Jim to be attentive to the whisper in the whirlwind.

Wednesday, Day 3

2 Corinthians 4: 3-6

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.  The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.  For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

On this Ash Wednesday, pray that Christ’s light would shine out in the darkness. Help all to see the physical and economic needs among sisters and brothers. Real love is expressed in deed as well as in word. Help us to encourage the oppressed, plead the case of the widow and defend the cause of the fatherless.  May the work of Tom and Liz’s hands in worship and mercy give God the glory.

Thursday, Day 4

Mark 9:2-4

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.  His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

Praise God for mountain top experiences. May we tend and keep the garden of God with Gospel seeds. By the Spirit may we enhance the earth’s beauty, usefulness and fruitfulness despite sickness, hunger, natural disaster and hostile environment. May we give until the need is gone.  Thanksgiving for Mark, Tish and Paul.

Friday, Day 5

Matthew 6:6

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Jesus, help us to practice hospitality to strangers. May God bless the prayers of his people and assist us to model Christ in humble service. Pray for blessings on Christine and Marilyn.  

Saturday, Day 6
Psalm 5: 12
Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

The ministry of mercy is a costly one. Jesus, you asked the rich young ruler to give up all his riches to follow you. Our willingness to carry this out is a critical sign of our submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ.  Pray for protection on Yvette and Greer.

Sunday, Day 7

Psalm 67:1-2

God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us,  Selah.   That your way may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.
 

It is always hard to bid farewell. May God bless and keep you until we meet again. Pray for safe travels and good health for all.