Lord, it is early and i want to start the day with you. You know my heart, my strengths and my weaknesses. I pray for Marge, and i thank you for her passion for your kingdom. Bless her as she sleeps, thank you for her willingness to serve you and to serve me and to serve with me. She has blessed my children and those who know her. Will you hold my three children in your hands? Lord, we took seriously the responsibility to raise our three children in your ways, and i pray for your Holy Spirit to protect them and to help them to grow. They are so different, but so alike. One of the best things you have done with me is to allow me to watch them. One just finished helping a friend in Florida with a wedding and is now having her batteries charged with friends from her support team. Another is growing by reading "War and Peace" and has grown in trusting you. Another child is a daily blessing by constant caring. When we get to visit in March, will you prepare all us to love you and show your love to others?

Father, yesterday was a tough day but a good one. i ask, will you bless those i talked to, and bless the words we shared, and remember the prayers we offered to you? Forgive me for any idle words or proud words that i have shared. LORD, will you right now bless those who crossed my path, every person who was open and honest with me? Thank you for allowing me to serve you. Will you make me more of a blessing? Help and bless those who work for your church, especially those who have been chosen to serve you at bcc. You know our hearts, and you know the sacrifices made, in time and in humility to serve you as a part of a team of workers. You also know the temptations and problems which cross our path. Forgive us if we have made light of your opportunities.

Father, i pray for all those who lead in your church. We have been blessed with elders and staff who are not perfect, but who know and love your ways, and want to honor you. When we meet this week, we will begin a new year of service and growth for you. We have many tough questions to answer over the next few years; will you give us wisdom guarded by love? Help us to find answers to problems and vision greater than our problems. We want to continue to fulfill our mission, to bring people to you, to communicate your message, and to care for all who cross our path.

Father, in a week or so i will be meeting with a few guys for study, prayer and growth. They are so different, some i know well, and some are new to my circle of caring. Will you prepare our hearts, and clear our minds so we can grow for you? I am so anxious to see how you use this time. Help us to prepare to make the best use of our time together. Help us to know what to do, how to meet, and where to meet to make this a success.

Our starting verse is Mark 1:35, “The next morning Jesus awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray.” LORD, give us a holy passion for you. We love you and want to be like Jesus.