Message from Pastor Michelle

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.”

– Romans 12:12

I’ve been praying a lot lately.  I mean, I’ve always prayed, at least as long as I can remember. 
But lately, I’ve been praying even more and more intensely.  The Spirit has been putting things
on my heart with increasing frequency, and so I just pray, pray, pray . . .

But I don’t understand how prayer works, at least not exactly.  Sometimes, miracles happen
and people are cured.  Sometimes, miracles don’t happen and the cure doesn’t come in this life. 
The “why” of all that is beyond me at times.

And still, we’re called to persevere in prayer.  This verse from Romans sums up the
Christian life about as concisely as possible.  We rejoice in the hope offered in Christ.  We’re patient in times of suffering. 
And we persevere in prayer.  Even when we don’t understand why we’re praying, or what good it will do, we keep those lines
of communication with God open!  Why?  Because God promises that he hears us, and will help us, and most importantly,
God loves us more than we can possibly imagine.

So this next month, I have a challenge for all of us here at BLC… let’s pray without ceasing!  For some of you,
this will change very little in your daily routine.  But for a lot of us, this will require some extra effort.  Put the weekly
prayer list by your nightstand or carry it in your wallet.  When you hear of someone who needs prayer, pray right then and
there.  Trust God enough to give him your problems . . . and know that our grace-filled God is at work in each of our lives.

Raising children?  Teach them to pray!  Prayer doesn’t come to us naturally, we have to learn it.  I have many vivid
memories of praying with my family as a child, particularly at meals and before bed.  Don’t let a meal pass without
thanking God for it.  Don’t let a bedtime routine go by without teaching your kids how to talk to God about their day. 
It is one of the greatest gifts my parents gave me, teaching me how to live a life in prayer . . . and your kids will think
the same someday, even if they’re not saying it now.

In Him, Pastor Michelle

New Office Hours

Monday & Tuesday: 1:00 to 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 to noon
Thursday: Visitation
Friday: Pastor’s day off
Sunday: Worship and Bible study

“He is Risen!
He is Risen indeed!
Alleluia!”