Please find below the notes from the Elder's Prayer this past Sunday.

Each of us will inevitably struggle many times, and in many ways throughout our lives on earth. Even as we gather today, we know that is true. But no matter our circumstances, as Paul, who was imprisoned for Christ, reminds us that "Christ dwells in our hearts". Listen to his words of encouragement in Ephesians 3, beginning in verse 14:

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:14-21)

Let’s pray.

Father, great is your faithfulness. We bow before you today, asking to be reminded of that as we each face different challenges and circumstances in our lives.

As we worship and as we hear the preaching of your word, remind of the riches of your glory that each of us, who are in Christ, possess.

May we find rest in the knowledge that you are the sovereign Creator and Ruler of all things.

Strengthen us by your power so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. Help us to live in the knowledge and wisdom of the truth of your word every moment of every day.

Grant us the comprehension of the depth and breadth of your love. Fill us with the fullness of God.

Help us to find joy in the trials we face by heeding your Spirit who is at work within us; he is the one who can do far more abundantly than all we can ask or think.

Like those who went before us--that great cloud of witnesses--may we live for your glory and not our own, embracing the knowledge that in all things you are bringing about your will and are conforming us to the image of your son.

We give thanks for that today in His precious name, Amen.