Jesus has told us to be free from fear of the future. All will be well. He is the way! God has been revealed to us through Jesus. If we know him, we know the Father, and there will be a place for us with them for all eternity. Now, dear God, we rest on this knowledge. Help us to be living proof of your love here on earth, to be worthy stewards of your creation, and to trust in your presence through the Holy Spirit.

In Jesus' name we pray: Amen

In this fourth week of Easter, let us be reminded that we have put down the burden of our past sins. Let us pick up the cross of Christ and follow him into the fold where there is work to be done among "the sheep of his pasture."

Dear God: Through your love, our belief in the resurrection of our Lord, and acceptance of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we choose to do your will. We humbly give thanks and pray in Jesus' name: Amen

Dear Heavenly Father, Your beloved Son was mocked as "King of the Jews", while a cruel crown of thorns was forced upon his head. He subsequently died alone on a cross of shame.

Today we crown him as "King of Kings" and "Lord of Lords!" We pray that we will fully inherit a place in his kingdom which, in his words, " ... is not of this world."

In his name we pray: Amen

Dear God: We pray that you will guide us and bless us so that when your call comes, our deeds will deem us worthy to be a part of the age in which death has been conquered and we will see you face to face.

Today we give you thanks for your servant Samuel Seabury, the first American Episcopal Bishop. May his loyalty and tenacity be a source of pride for us in the Episcopal Church of America.

In Jesus' name we pray: Amen

We read it, we say it, we sing it ... "Rest in the Lord", "Trust and Obey", "He will neither slumber nor sleep.", "Wait patiently". Do we receive into our hearts complete trust in God, patience, faith in God's omnipresence? Jacob endured through the night as he wrestled with an unknown being. He prevailed and finally acknowledged the presence of God. Dear God: Help us to receive into our hearts your undying love that remains with us through the trials of life. May we truly believe that we may "rest in the Lord", "wait patiently for Him", "endure through the night and awake to joy in the morning."

In Jesus' name we pray: Amen

Dear God, you have given us the great bounties of this earth. We continue to give you thanks and praise. May our expressions of appreciation go beyond mere words. Deeds have more meaning than lip service as we act as good stewards of your earth, your church, and your people. Turn our thoughts away from selfish wants and instead to the needs of the sick, the homeless, the imprisoned, the impoverished, and the lonely. Please bless those who are involved in Outreach here at St. Thomas' and inspire us all to support their efforts.

In Jesus' name we pray: Amen

We pray that the light of Christ will shine upon us and through us. Though this light may expose our weaknesses, let them be a vessel for your strength, dear God, where all things are possible. We give thanks that as children of this light, we will clearly see and have the faith to carry out your purpose for us in the world.

In Jesus' name we pray: Amen

We thank you, dear God, for the gift of your Son, who came into the world to save sinners. We thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who remains with us as we struggle to maintain your Church, being of one mind in honor due your name. Today we honor and give thanks for your servant Theodore of Tarsus, archbishop of Canterbury, who in his wisdom was able to heal the wounds of the church in his day. We pray that we become instruments of your peace in our church today.

In Jesus' name we pray: Amen

Hate those closest to us? How can this be? Our Lord tells us to love our enemies, yet be prepared to hate our families in order to follow him. Enlighten us, dear God, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Strengthen our resolve to love you above all else. Empower us, so that we will stand firm against adversity and carry out our ministries in the midst of the confusion of the world. Awaken in us the Holy Spirit, who teaches us to listen to your word and understand what Jesus is saying to us concerning discipleship.

And now let us pray that Sherrie Shaw will know peace and comfort during this difficult time following her fall.

In Jesus' name we pray: Amen