Prayer and Worship Night

We will be having a wrap-up prayer/worship night on Thursday night at 9 p.m., meeting at Oaks Cafe (otherwise known as the M&M Diner).

Address is 2954 6th Ave.

September 30: Praise

Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens![a]
Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!

Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!

- Psalm 150

Lord, fill our city with your praise.

September 29: Angelic Allies in a Spiritual War

"Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And tthe great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, 'Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.'"
-- Revelation 12:7-11

Many churches today are celebrating the feast day of St. Michael and all of the holy angels -- the supernatural beings who serve God and consider us "brothers" (and sisters) in the spiritual battle being waged on the earth.

Troy is obviously a part of that battle, and very real demons have had their way here in far too many lives for far too long. Let's pray for the Holy Spirit to give us supernatural eyes to see the unseen -- to understand the demonic influences around us for what they are so we can better pray in Jesus Christ's authority for deliverance and healing. Let's also ask the Father to send his holy angels to fight alongside us, protect us, and minister to us.

September 28: Joy

"Then young women will dance and be glad,
    young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning into gladness;
    I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow." - Jeremiah 31:13

Lord God, we know that you love Troy and its people. We know that you want to give us your joy. Work in the hearts of the people of Troy so that their sorrow turns to joy and their sack-cloth to garments of praise. Instead of a cloud of sorrow, give us the light of your joy. Release your Spirit in our hearts and our streets so that we overflow and become a city known for the joy of the Lord.

Final Prayer Walk: Tonight

Tonight's prayer walk will be in (and for) South Troy, beginning at 9 p.m. outside St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church at 416 Third Street.

September 27: The Strong and Humble City

September 26: Transformation

"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” - Jeremiah 31:33-34

Lord Jesus, by the power of your Spirit, rewrite our hearts. Make us into a city that when people look at it, they say "Troy knows the Lord." Put your law in our hearts - that we may be your people and you our God. Lord God, you are a God of transformation; you are the God who takes the sinner and makes him beautiful; who takes the leper and makes him clean; who takes the broken and makes them whole. Transform our hearts and lives into the image of your Son, Jesus Christ. Transform our city into a city of the Holy One.

September 25: Filled with the Fullness of God

"I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." -- Ephesians 3:14-19

Let's pray the above Scripture, out loud, for the people of Troy today. Let's ask God to empty the hearts of the people of everything that would take away from him -- idols, distractions, addictions, "good" things outside his will, selfish desires, ambitions. Let's ask the Holy Spirit to fill those hearts with his power -- for Christ to make his home in each heart, for the glorious love of the Father to woo and overwhelm every life in this city. Lord Jesus, change us from the inside out.

September 24: Peace

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
- John 14:27

Lord Jesus, send your peace on Troy. Protect those who live in fear - fear of violence, fear of others, fear of different parts of town, fear of themselves or their families. Transform this city into a place of peace, filled with people of your peace. Let there be no more quarreling and rage and blame in the streets, but let there be your love alone. Peace in this city can only come from you, Lord - send forth your mighty hand and touch the hearts of each person until there is no tinder left for anger to ignite.

Let's each pray this today;
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
- Prayer of St. Francis

From Deacon Alicia Todaro

Historical Precedent for what we are doing:

Charles G. Finney, who lived from 1792 to 1875, had a remarkable ministry that revived many Christians and God used his preaching to bring 500,000 to Christ. Finney said that the spirit of prayer which prevailed in his meetings was a very marked feature. New converts were so moved that they sometimes spent whole nights of prayer. A preacher named Daniel Nash traveled with Finney as a prayer partner. Nash would pray three or four hours a day. Finney himself spent so much time in prayer that he sometimes thought he was literally praying "without ceasing." Through prayer God moved mightily....A powerful spiritual awakening swept through Troy, New York under Finney's preaching in 1826. A remarkable spirit deepened during the 11:00 a.m. daily prayer 

meetings. At one meeting a bank cashier was so burdened for the salvation of his boss that he could not get off of his knees. The whole group shared his agony. Soon their prayers were answered.

The Reverend Daniel Nash (1763 – June 4, 1837) was an Episcopal priest and missionary to Native Americans and European settlers on the frontier of central New York...At the age of 48, Nash decided to devote himself entirely to praying for the work of Charles Grandison Finney. He would enter a town a few weeks before Finney was due to preach there and pray for his ministry. Nash would not attend Finney's meetings, instead praying "for the conviction of the Holy Spirit to melt the crowd." He continued until his death twenty years later.

September 23: Faith in Christ

"Peter said, 'Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.'

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?'

And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.'" Acts 2:36-39

On this day of worship, let's ask the Holy Spirit not only to bless the people of Troy with "broken and contrite hearts" of repentance -- let's ask him to point to Jesus Christ as the Lord and the only source of forgiveness and grace. Let's pray that repentance will be the "firstfruit of joy" for many -- that thousands would receive God's saving grace through faith. Let's pray for an explosion of joyful, grace-filled new Christians in Troy, newborn from the waters of baptism and filled with the Holy Spirit of the Living God.

September 22: Repentance

"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

Lord, on behalf of our city, we repent of all that separates us from you. We repent of pride, independence, rebellion; violence, anger and hatred; divisiveness, racism and prejudice; sexual sin and abuse; greed; self-justification; idolatry; deceit, slander and malice; selfishness and abuse.

Lord, hear our prayer - listen for our cry for your mercy and forgive us and heal our city. Only you can break the oppression that is over this city. Turn the hearts of the people in Troy towards you; change our hearts; make us a city of people who seek your face and who know your abundant love and forgiveness. Sweep across Troy with your Spirit so that each heart would seek after you and find you. Give us humility and repentance. Pour out your grace upon us, Lord Jesus.

September 21: Hope instead of Despair

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." -- Jeremiah 29:11

Let's pray today against the lie that Troy can never change -- that it will always be the depressed city, the violent city, the lousy city. Troy is God's city. Let's pray for his living hope, his perfect peace, his eternal glory to shine in the hearts and faces of every person in this city. Let's believe the broken places are loved and will built up, even as our Father will rebuild broken lives through the mercy of his Son and the power of the Holy Spirit.

September 20: The Elderly

"They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; he is  my Rock." - Psalm 92:14-15

Today, let's give thanks for the elderly who have taught us and prayed for us in this city - for the God-fearing grandmothers and grandfathers who have kept our communities in prayer. Let's pray for them that god's strength and peace will be poured upon them; that they would be honored and cared for; that they would not be lonely; that sickness would be lifted; that they may see their prayers answered and that they would reflect the glory of God in what he has done with their lives.

September 19: The Unborn

"Listen to me, O coastlands, and give attention, you peoples from afar.
The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name." -- Isaiah 49:1

Let's pray today for unborn children in Troy -- that their lives would be acknowledged and protected by all -- that they would be born in good health and find loving homes awaiting -- that their mothers and fathers would know and receive God's grace, provision and strength as they prepare to care for these little ones. We also pray for God's grace to touch every person who has taken part in an abortion -- that they would receive Christ's tender love, healing power and certain forgiveness.

September 18: College Students

"Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart." Psalm 51:6

Let's pray for college students in Troy today. Let's pray that they would learn not only academics, but the wisdom of God and his truth; that God's truth would defeat the cynicism and wisdom of this world and shine forth on the college campuses. Let's pray that the Christian ministries on campuses would flourish and for emboldening and strengthening of the faith of the Christian students. Let's pray for protection for the students, and for them to make wise choices; let's pray against substance abuse, sexual abuse and sin.

Lord, as your students seek to learn academically, we pray that they would find you. We pray that they would become passionate about sharing your word, and boldly proclaim their faith in you. We pray that you would rescue those who are searching in the wrong places for meaning and importance in their lives. And we pray that you would break down the barriers between the colleges and the rest of the city - that we would become one people, one body in you. Amen.

September 17: Prisoners

"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them...." -- Acts 16:25

Let's pray today for prisoners -- for those in the Rensselaer County Jail and those from Troy who are in state or federal prisons. Let's ask Jesus to reveal himself to them and to give them living hope -- true repentance and true redemption. Let's pray for Christian fellowships in prison to multiply and for believers to be protected physically and spiritually. Let's pray for their families -- that God would protect and comfort them. Let's pray for a fresh start for prisoners being released -- that they would find work, new patterns of life and freedom from stigma.

September 16: Fathers

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." 1 John 3:1a

Lord Jesus, we pray for the fathers in Troy - for those who know you and those who do not. We pray that those who are your children would look to you, their heavenly Father to see how a father should love his children. And we pray that those who do not would come to know you.

We pray for reconciliation, love and compassion between fathers and children; that those who do not know how to be fathers would receive guidance; that absent fathers would return; that abusive fathers would repent; that those who hate their fathers or do not know them would receive healing and forgiveness. We pray that the hearts of the fathers would turn to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers.

We pray for strong men of God to show this city how great and transforming the love and example of our heavenly Father is. We pray that the fathers in Troy would lay down their lives and serve their families just as Christ has done for each of us. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

September 15: Children

"And they were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, 'Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.'" -- Mark 10:13-14

Let's pray "that children will hear the gospel and encounter Christ early in life; that God's great fatherly heart will be revealed with healing power to kids who have been wounded or disappointed by their parents; for lasting family stability; for excellence in education; for wisdom to be formed in their early days; for safety from violence and perversion; for laughter and joy."

(Note: The above prayer is quoting "Seek God for the City 2012" published by Waymakers...the book has been an inspiration for a number of our posts, but this prayer said things so well it seemed appropriate to quote it).

September 14: Gangs

“Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan,
I will now arise,” says the Lord;
“I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” Psalm 12:5

Let us pray that those who seek their safety in gangs would find it in the Lord. Pray that our Savior would grant gang members true brotherhood and belonging, a Brother and a Father who will always be there for them. Pray for blessing upon their neighborhoods, and for a breaking of the spiritual ties that hold them captive. Pray that the light of the Gospel would fill them and that they would share the good news of forgiveness even with their enemies.

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord,
to know you is eternal life,
to serve you is perfect freedom:
defend your servants from all assaults of their enemies,
that they may trust in your defense
and not fear the power of any adversaries;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thursday Prayer Gathering

This week's prayer gathering will be meeting at RPI in front of the Student Union on 15th Street. Thursday, September 13th, 9-10 pm.

September 13: Government Leaders

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." -- 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Let's pray for the government leaders in the City of Troy -- for God's wisdom in their decisions, righteousness in their actions, and integrity in their work. Let's pray that the Christians in government would be protected and encouraged and that others would come to follow Christ. Let's pray for specific officials -- for Lou, the mayor; for Peter, the deputy mayor; for Lynn, the City Council president; and for Nina, Rodney, Kevin, Mark, Dean, Robert, Ken, and Gary, council members.

September 12: Police Officers and Firefighters

"For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you rwill receive his approval, for she is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer." -- Romans 13:3-4

Today let's pray for Troy's police officers, firefighters and other emergency response personnel, who God has appointed to restrain evil and keep public peace. Let's pray for John, the police chief, and for Thomas, the fire chief. Let's pray for the safety of these women and men who put themselves in danger for the public good. Let's ask Jesus to heal their memories of the trauma they routinely experience and to heal their hearts where they've been tempted to anger and cynicism -- replacing those temptations with a renewed passion to uphold justice and defend the weak. Finally, let's pray that the arsonists setting fires in Troy will be caught.

September 11: Memories of Trauma

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
    and saves the crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18

As we remember what happened eleven years ago in New York City, let us pray for all those who have been affected by traumas in their lives. Pray for healing from the trauma and its effects; pray for cleansing from bitterness, revenge and unforgiveness; pray for a renewal of their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Pray for grief to turn to gladness, and the joy of the Lord come instead of mourning and ashes.

Lord Jesus, you are the great healer - you alone can heal this nation and this city of the wounds that they bear. Touch each person whose spirit has been crushed by trauma; restore their hearts, cleanse their anger, renew their spirits by your tender love and mercy. Amen

From Pastor Dave Martin

"Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).

God is FOR the people of Troy! Christ's atoning sacrifice proves that sinners are not God's enemies, but objects of God's love and desire to save. God's enemies are the spiritual forces of evil holding the beautiful people of this beautiful land in bondage. God loves us and fights with us and for us against those who seek only to steal, kill and destroy.

Cry out to God with David:
...

Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with the Body of Christ in Troy and Rensselaer County for this land and her people; fight against those who fight against us! Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to our aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue us. Say to Troy and Rensselaer County, "I am your salvation!"

May those who seek our lives be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot our ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind with the angel of the LORD driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them. Since they hid their net for us without cause and without cause dug a pit for us, may ruin overtake them by surprise--may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.

Then our soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in His salvation. The land and people of Troy and Rensselaer County will exclaim, "Who is like You, O LORD? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them!" (after Psalm 35:1-10)

September 10: Arts, Entertainment and the Media

"And he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft." -- Exodus 35:31-33

Let's pray today for Troy's artists and entertainers today -- that their art and performances would reflect the creative beauty of God, the heights and depths of human experience, and, ultimately, redemption. Let's also pray for the media -- reporters, filmmakers, and anyone who influences public opinion -- that they would glorify God and serve this city by doing their work with fairness, bravery and compassion.

Septemver 9: Women

“Fear not, for you will not be ashamed;
    be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced;
for you will forget the shame of your youth,
    and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more. 
For your Maker is your husband,
    the Lord of hosts is his name;
and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer,
    the God of the whole earth he is called."
Isaiah 54:4-5
 
Let's pray for the women in Troy: the grandmothers, mothers, single women and single mothers. Let's pray against sexism and sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, pornography and injustice. Let's pray that each woman would uphold the beauty of marriage and know her own worth as a daughter of God whom he lovingly created.

Lord, have mercy on the women in Troy. Strengthen those who follow you; comfort those who mourn; save those who are abused; redeem those who are lost, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.

September 8: The Sick

"When Jesus went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick." -- Matthew 14:14

Today let's pray for everyone in Troy who is sick. For those with 24-hour bugs. For those battling pain and illness that reduces their enjoyment of life. For those battling life-threatening illnesses like HIV/AIDS, cancer, heart disease and addiction. For those with mental and emotional illnesses, especially depression and suicidal ideation.

Jesus, come to our city and heal our sick. Walk alongside those who suffer moment by moment. Give comfort and strength to families and caregivers. Provide for the financial, emotional and spiritual needs of those who suffer. Amen.

September 7: Immigrants, Refugees and Exchange Students

"You shall not oppress a sojourner. You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt." -- Exodus 23:9

Today let's pray for the many people from other nations who live in and around Troy -- a group of people often hidden. Let's pray for God to bless and protect this vulnerable group of people. For immigrants, let's pray for work, for generous acceptance on the part of their neighbors and for skill in learning the language and ways of a new culture. For refugees, let's pray for Jesus to heal their wounds and for provision materially and spiritually. For students, let's pray for cultural adjustment amid certain loneliness, a blessing on their studies, and for friendships.

September 6: Schools

"Train up a child in the way he should go;
    even when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6

Schools start this week, so let's pray for the teachers and the students. Let's pray for the teachers, that they would not be worn out, burnt out, bitter or jaded, but would have a true joy in teaching that is infectious to their students. And let's pray for the children, that they would listen and learn well, and that school-time would train them to be responsible adults. Let's pray against shame for those children who don't have new clothes or shoes or who have been held back. Let's pray for safety for our schools; that they would be a place of peace.

Lord God, bless all the schools in Troy, that they may be centers for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom; and grant that those who teach and those who learn may find you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

From Dave Martin, Hope United Methodist

A word from July 26, 2012:

The day is coming when the River of God will overflow the banks in Troy. The walls of division and hatred and fear and prejudice will try to stand against the River of God, but the River is rising and it will overwhelm the walls, knock them down, break them into little pieces and sweep them away. The beauty of the Lord will be seen in Troy. The glory of the Lord will be seen here. The joy of the Lord will become synonymous with Troy.

The day is coming and will not delay. The lies of pride and self-sufficiency and despair are being exposed by the Light of Christ. They can't stand in the beautiful light of God's faithfulness and steadfast love. Boldness is increasing among God's people. Not "I'm right and you're wrong" boldness. "Isn't He beautiful?" boldness. "I...

don't know why I'm not afraid anymore, but Jesus has set me free" boldness. "Look what Jesus has done" boldness. The boldness of laughter. The boldness of gentleness. The boldness of freedom. The boldness of generosity. The boldness of not needing to be right or impressive or better than. The boldness of knowing that we are loved. The boldness of resting in God's grace.

The River is rising. Rain is coming. It's so parched we can't even imagine it, but the rain is coming and it will not stop. God's promises are coming to fruition. The River is rising. The mighty are falling and the humble are being raised up by the River. Fear and pride sink beneath the waters. The humble are lifted up and carried to places they never dreamed possible.

Prayer Night #1

The first prayer night will be held at 9 p.m. on Thursday, September 6th at Oaks Cafe (otherwise known as the M&M Diner) at 2954 6th Ave. Please join us for a time of prayer and worship together on behalf of our city.

September 5: Families

"As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him."

Today, let us pray for the families in Troy. So many families here are broken; the parents do not know how to be fathers and mothers, the children often fend for themselves and their siblings. Families with both a father and a mother are rare.

Lord, we pray that you would turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers. We pray that parents would show your fatherly love and compassion to their children and to each other, and that children would honor and respect their parents. Lord Jesus, heal the broken families in Troy.

September 4: The Working Past of the Collar City

Jeremiah 20:18 -- "Why did I come out from the womb to see toil and sorrow, and spend my days in shame?"

Yesterday, we prayed for the laborers of Troy. Today, let's pray for God to heal Troy's working past -- the sadness and shame of a once proud and prosperous city that saw its manufacturing and steel jobs leave it, decade by decade. In the 1800s and early 1900s, Troy was one of the most prosperous cities in the state and even the nation. As the jobs vanished, Troy turned to operating speakeasies and brothels to make money. Aside from its sad past of decline and corruption, the city now struggles with an 11.5% unemployment rate.

Let's pray for God to heal the sadness and shame of this city. That older Troy residents who remember the good jobs can let go of the hurt and look to a better future. That younger Troy natives born as working poor could let go of anger and have their hope restored. That God would bless the little signs of financial renewal in downtown and other parts of Troy. And, that God would forgive us as a city for the sins of the past -- for turning to sex, drugs and crime in our greed, and bearing the slavery of sex, drugs and crime in this city to this day.

Jesus, give us freedom.

September 3: Prayers for Laborers

Matthew 6:11 -- "Give us this day our daily bread."

This Labor Day, let's pray for all workers in Troy -- for God's blessing on business owners and managers; for said owners to be fair and open-handed with their workers and customers; and, for the health, safety and provision for all who work. Let's also pray for the unemployed and those on government assistance -- that they would find jobs and/or the training they need to work.

September 2: Jesus' Church in Troy

John 17:22-23 -- "The glory that you have given me you have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me."

On this day of worship, let's pray for the unity of Jesus' Church in Troy -- that all the little churches (mine and yours) would live into their their call to be One Church in Jesus Christ. This doesn't mean we'll drop our doctrinal quibbles or worship preferences tomorrow. It does mean we must forgive one another and work together for the sake of others -- that the world may see a Church united in humility and love. And, that unity will witness to the One Lord.

September 1: The Forgotten

Isaiah 49:15-16 - "Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me."

Today let's pray for all those who are overlooked or forgotten in our city; those who feel alone or abandoned. The poor, homeless, single parents, lonely, elderly, etc.

Pray for hope instead of despair; comfort instead of destitution; joy instead of sorrow - that they would know that God hears their cry.