What do you pray for?

Today’s “Bliss” comic shows a grown man kneeling beside his bed in prayer “What part of ‘Porsche 911 Targa 4S with direct fuel injection and VarioCam Plus’ don’t you understand?!”

As I visit in the hospital I ask people what they would like us to pray for. Not surprisingly I never hear requests for fancy cars or fame. When the illusions of control are gone we are humbled by the simple requests for strong legs, simple breathing and the chance to be at home with our loved ones. In this very insight we are made well regardless of whether the fever goes down or the cancer goes into remission.

Mark 10:51-52 51 Then Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said to him, "My teacher, let me see again." 52 Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has made you well." Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

Lord Have Mercy

Mark 10:49-51 And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; get up, he is calling you." 50 So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 Then Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?"


What do you want from Jesus? Do you have the courage to ask?

Sometimes we don’t ask because we are afraid of appearing selfish. (Other people are in more need than me.) Maybe we are afraid we might actually get what we pray for and then our lives will change. (If our troubles define us we might unconsciously choose to remain as we are.)

I don’t believe that prayer will heal every cancer or eye disease but I do believe that if we bring our real problems along with our fears, doubts and anxiety to God then we can be made whole through our faith.

Will you come and pray with us this Sunday?

P.S. Look for the latest newsletter on “Current News” tab of our web page: epworth.yacumc.org

Lay Leadership

It’s time for us to look at the leadership of our church for the coming year.


Mark 10:43-44 but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.

How will you be in ministry this year?

This coming week the Lay Leadership team of our church will begin its work of nominations for church offices but more than that it will attempt to help each of us articulate a call to ministry.

Isaiah 6:7-8 "Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out." 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I; send me!"

Just as we are asked to give a portion of our income to God’s work so we can also tithe our time.

Your ministry may or may not be directly in or through the church but it is a Call in the service of Christ. Still, the church does need people’s help and your dedication is what moves us beyond the One-Man-Band model and into the beauty of the Orchestra working together for Christ.

Where are you going to be in ministry this coming year? Don’t necessarily wait to be asked. Volunteer!