Crosby, Minnesota
April 2024
Prayer by Elaine Karel
Psalm 121:1-2 “I lift my eyes to the hills where my help comes from. My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”
I am so grateful that I know I have a place where I can go and find help and be heard. I cannot imagine living without this ever-present heavenly Father. I am sharing today just a few biblical references to prayer that comfort and keep me in my daily faith walk.
Romans 8:26-27 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”
Isn’t that awesome?! When we can’t express it ourselves, the Spirit intercedes for us and knows our every need.
Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Be joyful always, pray continuously: give thanks in all circumstances, forthis is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
This is one of my favorite verses. As we go through our days, we can have continuing conversation with our heavenly Father; sharing with him both our concerns and our joys. This is God’s will for us.
Ephesians 6:18 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
We are blessed as a praying church to be reminded each week of those among us who need our prayers. The apostle Paul is admonishing us to pray for each other and then goes on with another request in 6:19 “Pray also for me that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” Remember our pastors in our prayers.
Psalm 4:11 “Answer me when I call to you, oh my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.”
Many of the Psalms are Psalms of prayer as David calls on the Lord. We too can find comfort in thee prayers and can read through them as prayers for ourselves.
Philippians 4:4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness beevident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Amen & Amen. God hears our prayers. He knows our hearts.
There are so many Bible references and helps about prayer. Matthew chapter 6 gives us the Lord’s prayer as a model for how to pray.
God bless and keep you all; continue with praise and prayer. Your heavenly Father hears you and loves you.
Prayer Requests
If you have a prayer need, please share with us and we will pray for you. If you have a prayer of thanksgiving, we will rejoice with you. Contact the church at 218-546-6010 or email [email protected].
What is the Path of Hope?
by Jill Mattson
It is a special place to walk and hope and pray. It is open to anyone in our community who is seeking peace. Due to the increased rate of suicide in recent times and struggles with mental wellness, we hope this will be a place of help and hope, grounded in God’s word for our community. This path journeys around the memorial garden cross which features scripture to pause and reflect and pray. It is our hope that many in our community will find this place helpful and hopeful. All monies donated will help support this vision and mission. Thank you very much!
Dream Intercessors
The Dream Team intercessors pray specifically for the needs of our pastor and his family. The prayers are communicated every 2 weeks via email or printed up by the office staff for those without email. The Prayer Chain is communicated via email. The prayers are generated from the bulletin Friendship cards, email and phone calls. The PRT (Prayer Responsibility Team) assignments go out to member’s church mail boxes at the beginning of each month. Each month a different church ministry is rotated through each box. These prayers are for the at home prayer support of Immanuel’s ministries.
Prayer Shawl Ministry:
A Prayer Shawl is meant to be given to anyone (male or female, including children) who has had surgery, been diagnosed with an illness, lost a loved one or is dealing with a hardship.
Prayers are said while the shawl is being made, that recipients may feel comfort and love as they wrap themselves in it. Shawls are available in the Fellowship Hall in the far right hand corner on the cabinet shelves. Please be sure to check/sign the book saying to whom you are giving a shawl because we don’t want to duplicate.
Please let me know of anyone you believe should receive one of
these Prayer Shawls.
Thank you, and if any questions, please feel free to call or contact me at 218-546-6065 or by email
[email protected].
Marsha Larson
