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Psalm 24

The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
He will receive blessing from the LORD
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
Lift up your heads, O gates!
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The LORD, strong and mighty,
the LORD, mighty in battle!
Lift up your heads, O gates!
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! 

 

 

N&C 
Sunrise Children’s Services

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services gave a final ruling on April 29th for state and tribal agencies to fully implement existing protections for LGBTQI+ youth in foster care. These rulings require all agencies that receive federal funds to have designated placement families to identify children who will receive additional and specific training to “support the health and well-being of the young person.” More details can be found at hhs.gov.

This decision threatens the work and funding of Sunrise, which has been operating since 1869, as well as other faith-based agencies. Lawsuits will inevitably be filed, and many are unsure how these decisions will shape or thwart their work. 

  • Pray for the lawyers and judges who will be dealing with these cases.
  • Pray that even the unbelievers will see that these policies will lead to more children w/o access to foster homes.
  • Pray for our hearts that we would speak against the evil and foolishness of these decisions while treating its advocates with the dignity and honor that they are due.
  • Pray for workers in these agencies to be free from fear and to be zealous for what is good

 

 

 

 

 

Good Works To All Men

 

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10

 

You have been freed from sin and a slave to righteousness; what a wonderful gift! We often pray for love to abound and RCC to be built up as we speak and serve one another. Today, let us pray that, using our freedom, we will pursue love and good works for people in our community.

Ways To Pray:

  • What opportunities can you think of to do good for strangers in our community?
  • What opportunity might you have to do good to those who you do not disagree with?
  • Do you know of any ways you might be able to “do good” and serve the least of these?
  • Pray for the Lord to help each of us individually be “do-gooders” in our daily life, on our own initiative and with genuine love that only comes from Him.
  • Pray for the simple obedience of doing good to give opportunity for gospel conversations and ongoing relationships.

 

 

 

Croatia

 

The deep impact of historical and recent hatred among Croat, Serb, and Bosnian may hurt the nation for generations to come. Pray for true reconciliation and for God to break these religious and ethnic bondages through the power of Christ! The Catholic Church holds much influence in society, and some Catholic leaders work towards reconciliation. Many people still suffer psychological and emotional trauma from the conflicts, and churches could have a great impact in this area where few others currently work.

 

Evangelicals are one of the few groups that straddle the ethnic divide. Many Bosnians, Croats, and Serbs have been won to Christ and brought into fellowship together. The churches' and missions' care and love for those who suffered in the war won much credit for the gospel. Pray that evangelicals would continue to demonstrate the boundary-breaking, universal love of God.

 

Specific groups for prayer:

  • Young people. High unemployment, little confidence in the future, functional godlessness, and widespread drug use (more than 20% of young adults) show that hope is in short supply.
  • Students. There is a witness among the 160 thousand university students through STEP(IFES) and Cru. More staff and volunteers are needed to reach this searching generation.