Greetings Family,

Ponder these thoughts from the author of the book, “Discerning The Voice Of God”.

“Listening to God is a purposeful activity that we are supposed to start doing. It is the investment of time we must make in order to yield the spiritual dividends of wisdom we so desperately need. “ à (Page 25); Author: Priscilla Shirer}

For this week (April 30 through May 06), we beseech you to ‘pray aloud’ and meditate on the prayer themes and the scripture verses. In the blank line, make it personal by adding your name. Then repeat the process twice more, praying for another person or group or committee or church or family member. If possible, let's pray together during the 7am morning hour, 7pm evening hour or 12:00 noon time-frame.  

Prayer Themes and Scriptures

  • Believe, God has the answers
    • Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV): 1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. . 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
  • Believe, God has the answers
    • Philippians 4:6-8 (NIV): 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
  • Believe, God has the answers
    • Proverbs 3:5-6 (NRSV): 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
  • Believe, God has the answers
    • II Chronicles 7;14 (KJV): 14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land
  • Sunday School Lesson (5/6) – Giving from a Generous Heart
    • Exodus 35:20-29 (KJV): 20 And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. 21 And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. 22 And they came, both men and omen, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the Lord. 23 And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers' skins, brought them. 24 Every one that did offer an offering of silver and brass brought the Lord's offering: and every man, with whom was found shittim wood for any work of the service, brought it. 25 And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen. 26 And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats' hair. 27 And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate; 28 And spice, and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense. 29 The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the Lord, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the Lord had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.
    • 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NLT): 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

[Come join us, as we wrestle with and discuss the Sunday school lesson]

As we continue seeking the will of God and His discernment through the processes of prayer and meditation, we invite you to not only incorporate our Scripture & Meditation Focus into your daily life via the weekly newsletter insert, but also the entire archive on the Church website (Allen-Temple.org; click Pastoral Transition on the top blue bar of the home page), but to also join us at our Thursday Pastoral Transition Prayer Hours in the Sanctuary. The Prayer Hour will be followed by Thursday Evening Bible Study taught by Pastor Smith and Reverend Olu Bereola. Dates and times are:

Pastoral Transition Prayer Hour Schedule

Thursday, May 3 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, May 17 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, May 31 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, June 14 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, June 28 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, July 12 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, July 26 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

God Bless!!!