Great Expectations

"We should act with as much energy as those who who expect everything from themselves, and we should pray with as much earnestness as those who expect everything from God." Charles Caleb Colton

Lord God, Heavenly Father, King of Kings, Prince of Peace, we do expect big things, but unfortunately we do tend to rely on ourselves to provide them ... and sometimes we don't expect much and aren't surprised when not much happens. Instead of us being complacent, we are letting go of any old, bad habits and crying out to you, earnestly in prayer! We know we need change in order to grow Your Kingdom, Father. We know we need unity so that we can all work together, side by side, with a one-mindedness, focused on You. Lord, we're asking You now to be the King of the Universe to the children and teens of our congregation; to reveal Yourself in a new way to them and draw them close to You. We need your help, God, and we have been also looking for manual help by adding a staff member dedicated to serving You by working with our youth. We have been blessed with the addition to our paid staff and we ask you to lead and guide Terry as he endeavors to rally our youth for You! Father, help Terry stay the course and run the race marked out for him. Provide him everything he needs; health, energy, time, focus, and helpful parents. Holy Spirit, fill the kids with the desire to want to know you more and help them to see that this is a great opportunity to be a part of something big! Fill the parents with Your conviction to also be a part of the new improved youth program, Lord. Instill in them that parents are to "train up a child" in Your way, God. Show them that everything they do and say is a model for their children and teens. Help us all be supportive of Terry, encouraging to him and our youth. Help us to seek ways to be a positive part of the youth program. Convict our hearts to know what to do and how to pray, Lord Jesus. Be with us, the kids, Terry, and our pastoral staff and ministry leaders. Guide us, lead us, protect us from Satan, and teach us to go out and make disciples for you, Jesus. Amen.