Dear Lord,

Thank you for bringing us together today to commune with You. We invite the Holy Spirit to join our praise and worship, to guide our prayer and to renew our spirits.

Our days are ones of constant interruption. Plans go awry. We find ourselves dismayed, frustrated and sometimes angry at the change of plans. Yet You know all our days and sometimes use these interruptions to get our attention. We’re listening Lord. Your word gives light and imparts understanding to the simple. Let us open our hearts to your Word in Matthew 9:18-26.

While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. And the report of this went through all that district.

Jesus, let us learn from your example at the interruptions in our lives. For you were interrupted while speaking by the ruler, then again while going to the ruler’s house by the woman who touched your garment. You didn’t either to come back later at a more convenient time or take a number. Teach us to handle interruptions with grace, to see them as an opportunity to serve You and a blessing instead of a curse.

Your blessings are all around us when we take the time to look. Despite the interruptions today, Lord, we thank you for all our blessings.

[Lift praises and thanksgiving]

Lord, we are also distressed and anxious at circumstances around us. You tell us to cast all our anxieties on you. We entrust the following difficult circumstances to your care.

[Cast anxieties.]

Lord, these concerns, whether spoken or unspoken, we release them to you.

Holy Spirit, giver of life, come fill us with your presence. Comfort our sorrows. Renew our vision for your purposes. Dispel our discouragement. Give us strength and courage against our fears. Let our light shine before others, so they may give glory to you (Mt 5:16).

Let us go forth into the world with a refreshed heart and soul to share Your love with those around us.

AMEN!