60 days of prayer

OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH60th ANNIVERSARYPRAYER BOOKLET

60 Days of Prayer

Our Savior congregation is celebrating its 60th

anniversary this year. For 60 years we have experiencedGod’s hand of blessing to us and through us.

As I consider God’s many blessings to us over theyears, I am reminded of Luther’s words in the explanation ofthe First Article of the Apostles’ Creed: “For all this it is my dutyto thank and praise Him (with my lips), serve and obey Him(with my life)”.

The anniversary committee thought it would be a goodidea for us as God’s people in this place to set aside 60 Daysof Prayer prior to the anniversary celebration on All SaintsSunday, November 6th.

This booklet contains prayers written by our members,alternating between prayers for the congregation and prayersfor the community we serve. Thanks to all of those who wrotethe prayers.

To God alone be the glory!Pastor Loy Schlote

September 7, 2016

A PRAYER FOR OUR CHURCH

We praise You Heavenly father and thank You for the 60years of grace You have given this church. We give thanks for thewisdom and knowledge of the pastors, leaders, teachers, and otherswho have served and are serving here.

We ask You to continue to bless the ministries shared by somany; that the work may be done in humble thanksgiving for Yourblessings and that we are encouraged through one another whileserving.

Especially Father, may our Sunday School grow so thecoming generations will know of the unconditional love andforgiveness we have through Your Son Jesus Christ. May we alwaysremain true to Your word. Amen

~ Ron and Marilyn Johnson

***************************************************************************September 8, 2016

A PRAYER FOR OUR COMMUNITY

Heavenly Father,You know me and all my ways. You know how many times

I have fallen short and yet Your love for me never ceases. I rest inthe refuge of Your grace.

Lord, today I especially give You thanks for the good workthat You’ve given me to do. You’ve placed me in this community sothat I may give the good news of Jesus Christ to Your children. I askthat You empower me with Your Holy Spirit that I may be a faithfulwitness to Your great mercy and love. Amen

~ Steve Grant

September 9, 2016

PRESS ON: OUR LORD IS WITH US

Dear Heavenly Father and Giver of Life, We thank You that You have preserved Your church through theages and continue to do so into eternity. You have blessed us hereat Our Savior by Your grace and Your strong Word of truth. ThankYou for blessing us with faithful pastors, leaders, teachers,secretaries, elders, volunteers, and officers throughout the years. May this congregation continue on its mission of glorifying You,serving others, and spreading hope to the lost, by spurring on thenext generation of servant leaders. Daily encourage us all to bestudents of Your Word, and boldly declare You as Lord of our lives. As Paul wrote to the Philippians, “I press on toward the goal…forwhich God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”. In His Holyname we pray. Amen.

~ Tom Cox

***************************************************************************September 10, 2016

A PRAYER FOR THE COMMUNITY

Dear Lord, Thank You for the many blessings that our localcommunity has. We pray for those who are in the offices that governthis community and county and that they make wise and godlydecisions which are always in the best interests of the community. We pray for law enforcement to be blessed by You God. Pleaseprotect them in their line of duty so that they might protect us whohave placed our trust in them. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen

~ Jeff Brauer

September 11, 2016


Abba, Thank You for creating me and all of the members of OurSavior. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to save us fromour sins. Thank You for taking care of all of us. Thank You forproviding each one of us with a blessing that we are able to use tohelp others.

On behalf of the members of Our Savior, I humbly ask thatYou send Your Holy Spirit to guide us. Please help us realize whatgifts that You have blessed each of us with, and show us when,where, and how to use them.

Please make our church Your church. Amen

~ Stu and Sue Clark

***************************************************************************September 12, 2016

FOR HOSPITAL AND NURSING HOMES

Lord and Giver of Life,You are the heavenly Physician who is able to give health to thebody, wholesomeness to the mind, and peace to the soul. Walkdown the corridors of our hospital and nursing homes and enterevery room with Your tender mercy and healing care. Grant all whowork in these facilities the wisdom they need for their appointedtasks. Refresh them when they become weary in serving others.Give them patience and love and understanding toward those whoare frightened and in pain. In Jesus’s name. Amen

~ My Prayer Book

September 13, 2016


Dear Lord, bless our pastors and continue to work through them asthey grow closer in their faith and lead us so our church may be acommunity of grace and forgiveness. Through community outreach,help us teach one another to be faithful ministers of Your Son andenable us to meet the needs of those in the community through fooddrives and volunteer work. Bless those that are part of our musicprograms for the hours of practice and dedication that furtherimprove their talent to beautifully praise You at the services and bea guiding light for the youth of the congregation as they continue togrow in and strengthen their faith. Use them to encourage and teachothers as scripture has taught them. In Your Name we pray, Amen.

~ Lori and Marla Slaboszewski

***************************************************************************September 14, 2016

A PRAYER FOR OUR COMMUNITY/WORLD

Thank You for the blessing of living in this country and communitywhere we have so many blessings of education, shelter, supportservices, parks, infrastructure and first responders. Please givestrength and patience to families who are caring for aging familymembers while raising children at the same time. Please be withfamilies who may be struggling being a family in the way that Youwant families to be, place people in their lives to support and remindthem of what a loving, caring family is. Let them be aware of Yourpresence and continually give them strength and support, the sameway that You gave us love and forgiveness even though we did notdeserve it. Please Lord be with and continue to share Your love andstrength to refugees and other displaced people of the world. Givethem support, strength and love through Your ministries andmissionaries. With Gratitude, Amen

~ Lacey Jo Anderson

September 15, 2016


Dearest Heavenly Father,We praise You for the wonderful gifts that You have given us,

especially the gift of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.Thank You for Your forgiving grace in our sinful daily lives.

Please help our congregation by providing our members withcourage and dedication in order to fill all of the positions ofleadership.

We pray that our congregation would be loving and caringtoward each other and thus fulfill our commandment to love ourneighbor as ourselves.

These things we ask in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ Amen

~ Linda Wolter

***************************************************************************

I AM

I was regretting the past and fearing the future.Suddenly, my Lord was speaking:

My name is I AM.

He paused. I waited. He continued.When you live in the past with its mistakes and regrets, it is hard.

I am not there.My name is not I WAS.

When you live in the future, with its problems and fears, it is hard.I am not there.

My name is not I WILL BE.

When you live in this moment, it is not hard.I AM HERE.

My name is I AM.

Helen Mallicoat

September 16, 2016

A PRAYER FOR THE COMMUNITYThe Lutheran Comfort Dogs

Heavenly Father, the Creator of all creatures which swim, fly, creepor roam. Your boundless imagination, artistry, and genius aredisplayed in each animal’s design and are a testament to Your Gloryfor all to see. Your love and caring for all creatures is shown to usin securing each species survival during the great flood (Gen. 7:9)and Your concern when even the smallest bird falls from the sky (Matthew 10:29-31). You continue ownership of all creatures asPsalm 24:1 reminds us “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains.” Forgive us for our misuse of Your creatures. Forgive us for ignoringor allowing any mistreatment of Your creatures which daily provideus nutrition, assistance, and affection. Help us to be better stewardsof Your precious creatures. We are thankful for the nutritious mealsgiven to us from livestock; the assistance of service animals and thejoy our pets provide. We are particularly thankful for the LutheranChurch Charities Comfort Dog ministry which brings dogs for petting,companionship and interaction to churches, schools, nursing homes,hospitals, and disaster situations providing a special peace to peopleafflicted with illness, loneliness or tragedy. Please continue to blessthis ministry and all who handle the dogs; care for the dogs andthose who are in need of the comfort these beautiful dogs provide. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

~ Garry and Linda Slabaugh

September 17, 2016

A PRAYER FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Thank You heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son,for blessing us with our church family. We are grateful for ourpastors and their faithful dedication to proclaiming Your Wordthrough their preaching, teaching and life examples. Thank You alsofor the church staff and volunteers who work diligently to serve Youand our congregation with love and humility. Thank You for the manyopportunities You give us to share our own individual gifts with oneanother. May we always remember how much we have personallybeen forgiven so that we can give grace and forgiveness to others.Use us to be examples of Your love and mercy in all that we say anddo. In Jesus’ name. Amen

~ Don Page

***************************************************************************September 18, 2016

FOR THE LOST IN OUR COMMUNITY

Great God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,You desire that all people be baptized and saved from eternal death.We humbly ask You to remember in mercy and love the unbelieversin our community. Remember those who have never heard the wayof salvation and lead them to the knowledge of truth of Jesus Christ. Grant that the messengers of Your Gospel may reach many andbring them the sweet tidings of Your redeeming grace. Also help ourcongregation to be one of those messengers who carry Your Wordinto our local mission field. In Your mercy. Amen

~ Lutheran Book of Prayer

September 19, 2016


Thank You Lord for Our Savior congregation. Sixty yearsago it was started as a mission church and today we are still meetingthe needs of all of our members.

We thank You for our pastors and the messages they bringto each of us each weekend and their faithful visits and prayers intime of need. Thank You also for our committed support staff,congregational officers, Sunday school and Bible study leaders. Because of Your many blessings, we are able to meet the needs ofall of our members through the music program, stewardship,women’s and men’s fellowship, and youth and senior fellowship. Weare thankful to be a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church and apart of this congregation.

~ Bob and Helen Berg

***************************************************************************September 20, 2016


Dear Father,Thank You that You call us Your children, and that You can use usas we are for Your Will. Thank You that our congregation hasalways responded generously to the needs of those around us. Continue to be with the ministries we serve that provide importantneeds to our community, such as Morning Star Mission, Daybreak,AA, CrossRoads Life Recovery, Lutheran Church Charities, andothers. Bless those they serve. Be with and sustain our dedicatedpolice and firemen and women and their families. Also be withmilitary families and single parents and their children; help them toknow Your love. Help us all to be diligent in service and faithfullytake the truth to those in need, ‘just as the Son of Man did not cometo be served, but to serve’ (Matt. 20:28). By Your grace we humblypray, Amen.

~ Tom Cox

September 21, 2016


Most gracious and loving God, we praise and thank You for themany blessings You have bestowed on this congregation over thepast 60 years. We are grateful for friendships made, relationshipsthat have sustained us in hard times, the good counsel andleadership of godly pastors, joyful celebrations of Your love andfaithfulness, facilities in which to meet and work, and faithfulmembers who have been examples of loyal service. We pray to Younow, O Faithful God, who keeps all His promises to us to continueto guide us and be with us. Inspire us to proclaim Your love to eachother and all those with whom we come into contact. Excite us toshare the Good News. Motivate us to service, each in our own way,using the unique talents which You have given us. Fill us with joy aswe come together and worship You. Lead us to share each other’sburdens and to grow closer as a family of believers. You havepromised to always be with us. Give us wisdom to know how wemay serve You best and further Your kingdom here on earth until wejoin You and the faithful who have gone before us. Amen.

~ Diane Uden

September 22, 2016


Heavenly Father, all things are possible through You. We praise andthank You for being able to serve the community by happily sharingour blessings. Our gifts of time and resources at Daybreak. We prayfor the homeless and less fortunate. We pray for the residents wholive there and their continued well being. Lord bless each soul. Givethem comfort and keep them safe. Bless the volunteers who preparethe food and serve the residents. Bless the staff who volunteer tohelp guide and advise the homeless. May Daybreak continue to befavored and blessed through us from You Lord. In Jesus’ name.

~ Linda Musser

***************************************************************************September 23, 2016

A PRAYER FOR OUR CHURCHStewardship, Time, Talents

Father in Heaven, creator of all things, who governs the livesof each and every one; who, by the power of the Holy Spirit, givesfaith – the foundation of our relationship with Jesus. Lord God, weask Your blessing upon all the members of our congregation, thatthrough their stewardship of time and talent, they find a deeperrelationship with You, and also those they serve.

Abba, Father, giver of every good gift; provider; sustainer;comforter; protector; by the power of the Holy Spirit, allow Yourpeople, in this congregation, the desire to joyfully share our gifts forthe good of all people.

Finally, Lord, we offer up a prayer of thanksgiving for theabundance of treasure and abilities with which You have blessed us.In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen

~ Bob and Kathy Harringer

September 24, 2016


Dear Heavenly Father I would like to lift up the truly least of these toYou now: our children with special needs, shut ins and elderly. Lord,society seems to look the other way when people cannot contributein conventional ways. Help us to be sensitive to their needs. Helpthem to feel Your love, to see Your purpose for their lives, and helpthem to feel valued.

Prayerfully, Pam Ellison

***************************************************************************September 25, 2016

A PRAYER FOR THE YOUTH OF OUR CONGREGATION

Please take a moment today to pray this prayer for the youthof our congregation as they continue to learn how much God lovesthem, so that they will become more confident that He is able to dofar more in and through them than they could ever imagine.In relation to Paul's prayer for Spiritual Empowering in Ephesianschapter 3 vs. 16-19

Dear Lord, creator of everything in heaven and on earth, wepray that from Your glorious unlimited resources that You will giveYour inner mighty strength to the youth of our congregation throughYour Holy Spirit, so that You will be more at home in their hearts asthey put their trust in You and that their roots go down deep into thesoil of Your marvelous love and give them the power to understand,how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your love really is, andas they experience Your love, give them the fullness of life andpower that comes from You. Amen

~ Vicki Denewellis

September 26, 2016

FOR PUBLIC SAFETY WORKERS

Dearest Lord,Hear our prayers for all of those in authority. As You have ordainedthese powers so that we might live a quiet, peaceful, and Godly life. Prosper them in their vocations as police, firemen, and emergencyworkers. As they protect, protect them from all harm and danger.Give them success in preserving the life and the property You haveso graciously given us. May they find fulfillment in performing theservice You have given them to do. In the name of our BlessedRedeemer, Jesus Christ I pray.


***************************************************************************September 27, 2016


Dear Heavenly Father, We need Your help in fulfilling the Great Commission which Yougave to each of us in Your Word. We are so grateful to You forallowing us to meet freely at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Joliet.We are privileged to have beautiful surroundings, wonderful Pastors,and congregational leaders to guide our Communion of Saints as welearn more about You and share fellowship with each other. Help usto share with others what we already have and know, never judgingothers for that is Your privilege. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen

WHEN GOD SAYS NO

I asked God to take away my pain.God said: No. It is not for me to takeaway, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped childwhole.

God said: No. Her spirit was whole, herbody was only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.God said: No. Patience is a byproduct oftribulations; it isn’t granted, it is earned.

I asked God to give me happiness.God said: No. I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.God said: No. Suffering draws you apart from worldlycares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.God said: No. You must grow on your own, but I will pruneyou to make you grow.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.God said: No. I will give you life so that you may enjoy allthings.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as he loves me.God said.....Ahhhh, finally you have the idea!

September 28, 2016


Dear Lord,I was hungry and You gave me food. Thank You for the opportunityto serve at Daybreak. Bless all of the volunteers who so willinglydonate their time and resources. Bless the staff and also theresidents. May Your love shine through in all we do. Amen

~ Dick and Dorothy Milling

***************************************************************************September 29, 2016

A PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Dear Lord,For the past 60 years You have blessed our church in so

many ways. One of those blessings is our Christian Educationprogram for all ages. Lord, we’ve seen and continue to see the lovethere is in this church for You and Your Word. We thank You for allthe dedicated people who are a part of Christian education. InIsaiah 55:11 You tell us that Your Word will accomplish its purposes. Lord, make it our desire to always make Christian education apriority and may the hearts of those who hear Your Word have thathunger and thirst to learn more and grow closer to You.

~ Pat Grant

September 30, 2016


As we look at our local and national community we see somuch need for compassion and understanding. Help us to contributewith our time and talents where needs are the greatest. Bless ourwillingness to share our blessings with those in need through localmissions and food pantries.

We lift up those who serve the public, whether it be as aleader or worker, and ask that they be kept safe and that they seeYour will in all that they do. In Jesus’ name Amen

~ Ron and Marilyn Johnson

***************************************************************************October 1, 2016


Lord, we pray that You keep the youth of our congregation in YourWay. We ask that You help them to continue to live their lives inYour Light, even as they grow older into adulthood. Help them to begood examples for their peers who may not be strong in their faith.Let them be the renewed hope in the future for our community.Guide them to show Your Love on every road they may travel. Keeptheir eyes on Your everlasting Love. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

~ Penny, Annamae, Brayden and Caitlyn Behning

October 2, 2016


Dear God,Please be with the people of this world as they struggle with thetemptations that take them away from You. Please be with us todayas we face the challenges of living in a world that doesn't seem tohave room for You. Help us overlook the judgments of others, evenwhen they seem to threaten our beliefs. Help us stay focused on theguidelines You have given us with Your word. Help us make choicesthat reflect Your teachings. Help us be a guide to others, openingdoors that will help them stay in Your Word or return, if they haveleft. Help others see that we can all live together in a peacefulcoexistence. In Your name I pray.

~ Tammy Ohm

***************************************************************************October 3, 2016

PRAYER FOR OUR SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS

“But whoever hates another believer is in the darkness, walksin the darkness, and does not know the way to go, because thedarkness has brought on blindness.” 1 John 2:11

Lord Jesus, please work in the hearts and minds of all of ourmembers so that they are free from the pain of hate and anger thatour own sinfulness and circumstances have brought our way. Workhealing forgiveness in our souls so that we can be eager to sharethe Good News of Your forgiveness to all those we meet. Bring Lightinto our darkness of sin and help us to be a beacon of light to allthose that You place in our daily path. In Your name we pray.

~ Nancy Schlote

October 4, 2016


Heavenly Father, as You send Your holy angels to serve and protectus, Your children, we pray this day for this protection to be done alsoin our community. We place in Your tender care first responders,police, fire fighters, and all others who willingly put the needs ofcommunity ahead of themselves as they perform their duties for ourprotection and safety. Bless all who serve, and may Your holyangels continue to keep their loving arms above and around them asthey serve the citizens of Joliet and beyond. Amen

~ Ethel Garret

***************************************************************************October 5, 2016


Dearest Lord God our Heavenly Father, as we praise You and givethanks to You, we humbly ask that You forgive those things we havedone to hurt one another in our family of faith. We ask You to helpus to seek Your Will in all we do to love, and comfort our fellowChristians. Help us to lift up our pastors and remind us to pray forour leadership. In our Savior’s Name. Amen

~ Jodi Page

I asked for Strength.......And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for Wisdom.......And God gave me Problems to solve.

I asked for Prosperity.......And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.

I asked for Love.......And God gave me Troubled people to help.

I asked for Favors.......And God gave me Opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted.......I received everything I needed.

October 6, 2016

A PRAYER FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND WORLD

I pray to You Lord Jesus Christ, our Father, our Redeemer,the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Lord I come to You on my kneesin prayer. Your world, all that was created by You is crumbling andis in deep turmoil. We are a hurting world. The use of guns is outof control, innocent people are being killed. The war on terrorism isin the media daily, the very people who are to protect, military andpolice are in harm’s way.

I pray for peace, for kindness, for love and forgiveness. I praythat You heal this land and that we come together as one. I pray thatYou guide and protect those who devote their time to serving thepeople and this country. Lord be their strength and hope.

Lord those who do not know or believe that You are “I AM”,I pray they fix their eyes on You, as their Lord and Savior.

We ask all this through You Christ who lives and reignsforever, Amen

~ Francine Ulm

***************************************************************************October 7, 2016


Dear Heavenly Father,Thank You for allowing us to live in a country where we can openlypraise and worship You. Please help us to not take this blessing forgranted. Give each of us the courage to do what is right even if it isnot always "politically correct". Remind us to treat all of Your creationwith love like Jesus taught us. Allow us to use Your gifts to be ablessing to our families, church and community. In Jesus' name I pray.

~ Stu and Sue Clark

October 8, 2016


Heavenly Father, Ruler of the Universe, Gracious Savior, Please bless our local community. In these times of racial strife,financial difficulty, and often corrupt and dishonest dealings, allowYour love and guidance to shine through and bring out the good inour residents, local government and social services. Raise up wiseand moral leaders and community officials whose goal is to servethe people and not themselves. Inspire all with compassion for thepoor, homeless, hungry, addicted and struggling. Help us to seewhere we as a congregation and as individuals can plug in and makea difference. Make us strong in our faith as we are called upon towitness to a culture that continues to become less godly. Show ushow to stay true to our beliefs and yet minister to others in a loving,caring, non-judgmental way, welcoming others without criticizing,leading them to the open arms of their Savior and His grace. Guideus as we study and preach Your word, that we may become morelike You. Give us courage to lift high the cross of Christ. Let YourGospel light shine through us! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

~ Diane Uden

***************************************************************************October 9, 2016

A PRAYER FOR OUR SCHOOL

Jesus, Savior and Good Shepherd,You have told us to feed Your lambs. Bless our preschool andstrengthen, equip, and encourage all the teachers and staff. May ourpreschool be a blessing to our little ones and their families, to ourentire congregation, and to the community. Strengthen andencourage each of the preschool families so that they grow in faithtoward You and love toward one another. Let them become a lightin the world that is held captive in the darkness of sin. In Jesus’name we pray.


October 10, 2016


Dearest Heavenly Father,Creator of all things both seen and unseen, we praise and

thank You for Your bountiful love and mercy in forgiving our sins andgranting us eternal life.

We ask You today in our confusing world to watch over allthose who are protecting our community. Protect the police, firefighters and all those who face danger in order to keep us safe.

Father, we would ask You also to be with those in nursinghomes, retirement homes, or confined to their own homes. Helpthem to know that they are not alone-that You are with them always. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

~ Linda Wolter

***************************************************************************October 11, 2016


Gracious Lord, Giver of all good gifts, we give thanks and praise forthe numerous blessings that You have bestowed upon Our SaviorLutheran Church for the past sixty years. Now we come before Youand beseech Your blessings for our future. Bless us so that we usethe gifts and talents You have given us for Your kingdom here. Maywe be mindful of the opportunities to serve You right here in ourcongregation in whatever role You set before us. Bless our servicein Jesus’ name.

~ Ethel Garret

October 12, 2016

A PRAYER FOR NURSING HOMES,RETIREMENT HOMES, SHUT-INS

Dear Lord:We love to gather together as a congregation. It is within this

community that we find friendship, assistance, encouragement andunderstanding. We love to be able to worship You with our brothersand sisters of faith.

There are those who cannot attend our church services andgatherings – those that are shut-in at home, in nursing homes andretirement homes. They cannot feel the support and love that we,who can attend services and gatherings, can feel. We have to bringthat support and love to them where they are.

We read in James 1:27 that “Religion that God our Fatheraccepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans andwidows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted bythe world.” Help us also to remember that in as much as we haveseen the sick and visited them, we have done it unto you. (Matthew25: 34-46)

Grant us the grace and power needed to share Your love tothose in these circumstances. Empower our pastors by Your HolySpirit, as they visit, perform services and administer communion tothose who are unable to attend church.

~ Bob and Kathy Harringer

October 13, 2016


Heavenly Father,Thank You for the gift of music. Martin Luther reminds me of

that fair and Glorious gift when he said, “Singers are never sorrowful,but are merry, and smile through their troubles in song. Music makespeople kinder, gentler, more staid and reasonable. I am stronglypersuaded that after theology there is no art that can be placed ona level with music; for besides theology, music is the only artcapable of affording peace and joy of the heart.”

Thank You for those who continue to share their talents andthose that lead us. Thank You for the example of those that haveserved before us. Continue to lead those with a heart for music toservice.In Your Son's name, Amen.

~ Jeff Brauer

***************************************************************************October 14, 2016


Dear Heavenly Father,Thank You for the cities and towns in which we live, and for thefriends and neighbors who so richly bless our lives. Bless our publicservants, especially our police, firefighters and other firstresponders. Keep them safe from all harm as they encounterchallenging and dangerous situations each day. During times ofstress and tension, give them Your grace and peace to deal witheach situation in ways that are pleasing to You. When they aredisrespected, may they show restraint. Give them wisdom anddiscernment to use force as a last resort and never excessively. MayYour holy angels guide and guard them each step of the way.In Jesus’ name. Amen

~ Don Page

October 15, 2016

A PRAYER FOR OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL

Dearest Jesus, Savior, Redeemer,You have given the command to bring the children to You that theymay find hope in the promise of everlasting life with You. Therefore,please help our Sunday School teachers and pastors as they assistour parents in nurturing the baptismal faith of Your little lambs. Blessthe instruction offered in our Sunday School and bless those whoshare Your Word with the children. May Your Word nourish andsustain all who hear it. Amen


***************************************************************************October 16, 2016

A PRAYER FOR MINISTRIES IN OUR JAILS AND PRISONS

Lord please be with those that minister to others in our jailsand prisons, and bless them with Your wisdom as they pray with andfor others.

We also pray for those in prison and ask You as they growin their relationship with You that they will experience Your love,accept You as their Savior, allow You to work in them to accomplishYour purpose in their lives. We also pray that they would earnestlyseek You and get involved with chapel services and other Christianprogramming offered within the prison and for their relationships withtheir families, that despite being separated from them that they areable to maintain a strong connection with them. As they grow in You,we also pray that they make godly friends to support and encouragethem, stay away from associations that will lead them astray and tobe a friend to the lonely, the discouraged, and the lost. We pray thatthey remain strong in their faith, find a volunteer mentor toencourage and disciple them, have the strength and courage towitness to other inmates, and help them resist temptations andremain good role models. Amen

~ Vicki Denewillis

October 17, 2016


Dear Father,We come to You on behalf of our youth here at Our Savior andelsewhere. We live in a different world and the temptations are allaround. It is so easy to go along with the crowd. Watch over themand protect them from evil. May they stay close to You in all theirthinking and doing. Give guidance to parents and keep them all inYour care. We pray in Your name. Amen

~ Dorothy and Dick Milling

***************************************************************************October 18, 2016


Heavenly Father, thank You for the local food pantries and thegenerous donors that supply them with much needed items, so theymay continue to provide for those in need as You have provided forand fed many. Bless the private and public schools and watch overthe teaching staff so they may teach with patience and kindness withYour guidance and help the children expand their knowledge andgrow into good Christians. Enable the first responders to act quicklyand use good judgement while keeping them safe in dangeroussituations and be with them as they help others. Amen.

~ Lori and Marla Slaboszewski

October 19, 2016

A PRAYER FOR OUR CHURCHThe building, grounds, and overall maintenance

Heavenly Father, our perfect and eternal God, Who provides all weneed through Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Forgive us for taking for granted Your many blessings we enjoyincluding the freedom to assemble in peace; the beautiful churchgrounds; the stunning stained glass windows which share theGospel with all who view them; and the comfortable church buildingwe enjoy each week. We are aware every good thing comes fromYou God. Help us to be truly grateful and thankful for the manyblessings which Our Savior Lutheran Church provides as our churchhome. Thank you Father for the custodians; volunteers who tendthe grounds; all who participate in interior maintenance; those whodecorate for the Church seasons; those who change the outsidesign; and all who maintain the utilities; security/police protection; andthe public works allowing Our Savior Lutheran Church to functionand stand as a testament to the Joliet Community of the hope wehave in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Please continue to watch overand protect our church home and bless all who enter for worship andpraise in the name of Jesus. Amen.

~ Garry and Linda Slabaugh

October 20, 2016

A PRAYER FOR OUR WITNESS TO THE COMMUNITY

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You so much for the community weserve in this area of Joliet. We are so blessed to have the beautifulchurch building that we have and the grounds and other buildingsthat You have provided for us to enjoy and be blessed by.

We thank You also for the many years it has served thiscommunity and this congregation. We would love to have it fullevery Sunday, Lord. Please help us to have a strong desire to go outinto this community to bring Your Good News to all of those whohave not yet heard it. Lead the way for us, Lord, and prepare thosewe meet with an open heart and mind to come to faith in You astheir Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name.

~ Nancy Schlote

***************************************************************************October 21, 2016

A PRAYER FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS

Heavenly Father,Thank You for the gift of those who are willing to share Your Wordwith our children. You alone can create faith and love in thesechildren, yet You call men and women to teach Your Holy Word.Give the teachers the wisdom, understanding, and the ability toproclaim the Gospel to the children entrusted to their care. Givethem patience and support them with the promise of Your presence.In Jesus’ name we pray.


October 22, 2016


Together, we pray for all of our first responders and emergencypersonnel. Lord, help our police officers to stay safe as they risktheir lives to keep our community safe. Keep all of the paramedicsand other medical staff in Your arms to keep them healthy so theyare able to continue to help others. May the Good Lord put His everloving hands in their work to heal and protect the broken. In Hisgracious name we pray, Amen.

~ Penny, Annamae, Brayden and Caitlyn Behning

***************************************************************************October 23, 2016

A PRAYER FOR OUR CHURCHMinistries

Heavenly Father we praise and thank You for the opportunityto serve You by spreading Your Word through the Braille ministry.Lord, we are thankful for our many blessings; for eyesight to readYour Word and the ability to share it with the sightless throughBraille. Lord bless each worker as they print Your Word with care,trusting Your Word will bless the person now able to read it.

Lord, bless the quilts we make. As we sew each seam, andtie each knot, we are reminded of the comfort they provide. We askthat You deliver them safely to all in need. Lord, You have blessedus with spreading Your Word through the Spiritual Vitamin ministry.God's Word in little jars, one verse at a time, has made Your Wordavailable in the work place, social gatherings, and as gifts. We askfor continued blessings for the volunteers who are responsible formaking this possible. We ask this all in the name of Jesus.

~ Linda Musser

October 24, 2016


Heavenly Father,You are the creator of all that is good. Through sin, we have reallymessed things up. Please forgive us. Be with our elected officials. Let your Holy Spirit fill them, and let them govern with a Godly heart. Give them wisdom to do what is right in Your sight. Help all of usbring back a country that trusts in You above all things. Amen

~ Stu and Sue Clark

***************************************************************************October 25, 2016

A PRAYER FOR OUR PASTORS

Dearest Lord Jesus,During your earthly ministry You called men to be your apostles. Still today You call men to be pastors in Your church to proclaim theGospel of the forgiveness of sins, to baptize, to nourish Your peoplewith Your Holy Supper, and to minister in countless ways to Yourflock. Grant to our pastors fidelity to Your Word, wisdom by YourSpirit, and strength from above, that they may carry out their callingfaithfully. Make them fearless confessors of Your truth. Give themcompassion to bind up the broken hearted and admonish those whostray. Move our members to love and support our pastors and toaccept the Word preached to us. Keep our pastors and churchmembers faithful unto death that together we may receive the crownof life. In Your name Jesus. Amen


October 26, 2016


As the Holy Spirit empowers us with strength, power, and grace,may we seek opportunities to reach out, love, care for, and supportthose who are alone. May we carry the message of Christ’s love tothem by word and simple actions of kindness. A phone call, a visit,or an outing are welcome changes to those who experienceloneliness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

~ Jodi Page

***************************************************************************October 27, 2016


Dear Jesus,Please bless and guide the members of our church community thatwork so hard, give so much of their time and talents, to see thatothers have a spiritual safe haven. Bless the pastors who are ourspiritual leaders, be with them on their daily journey to serve ourneeds and guide our paths through You. Bless the Sunday schoolstaff who gladly bring the word to those seeking to understand andexpand their knowledge of You. Please bless those who reach outinto the community serving the helpless, less fortunate, faith-seekingor not. Let them know how much their service means to others.Bless the people who do all the little things that allow us the luxuryof being members of a Christian community, custodians, secretaries,grounds keepers and others. Bless the members of the Christianchurch who are trying so hard to live by Your Word, help them intheir struggle against worldly temptations. In Your name, we pray.

~ Tammy Ohm

October 28, 2016

A PRAYER FOR OUR GOVERNMENT

Lord God,You have revealed in Your Word that rule and authority ingovernment are in keeping with Your divine order. Therefore we prayfor all who are in authority, and we thank You especially for the formof government that we have in our land. Endow our leaders withwisdom and a spirit of sacrifice for the common welfare. Correct theevils of selfishness, greed and the abuse of power. Grant that thetrue purposes of government may prevail, safeguarding peace andprosperity so that we may tell others of You and Your kingdom.Grant that more people in our community will accept Jesus Christ astheir Lord and Savior. To You, O Lord, be all honor, glory and praise.Amen


***************************************************************************October 29, 2016


Dear Heavenly Father Thank You for being our beacon of hope, love and strength

throughout all eternity. Please help us keep that in the forefront ofour minds as we go about our day interacting with loved ones andstrangers.

Thank You Lord for our members, staff, pastors and theirfamilies, elders and music leaders. We are beyond blessed to notonly have talented and dedicated members who share and showtheir love for You, but to have a beautiful and safe building tocongregate in.

Lord, please help us to make and see space in our life toserve You and our church.

Thank You Lord for the past 60 years of being blessed andplease bless us with 60 more. Your humble servant, Amen

~ Lacey Jo Anderson

October 30, 2016

A PRAYER FOR THE FAMILIES OF THOSE IN SERVICE

Heavenly Father,Lord of the nations and Ruler of all things visible and invisible, webring to Your throne the families of those who have been separatedby our nation’s call to service both in our community and in ourchurch. Let none doubt Your protecting care and grant that they willentrust themselves each day to You and Your almighty hands untilthey are united again. Let them know that You are with each of themas they are separated from each other. Bless the preaching of YourGospel in our community and in our armed services so that more willfind their way to Your eternal home. Amen

~ My Prayer Book

***************************************************************************October 31, 2016


Dear Heavenly Father,We lift our often unseen and unsung heroes up to you now. It is hardto imagine what our lives and worship experiences would be likewithout those who work behind the scenes. Quietly and dedicatedthey serve our congregation cleaning and preparing our worship andeducation spaces. I pray that Your Holy Spirit would fill them, helpthem feel appreciated and loved. Help us to be mindful of theirservice and express our thanks in words and action. Amen

~ Pam Ellison

November 1, 2016


Dear Heavenly Father, You have given us a beautiful world in which to live. Our sinfulnatures have caused so much damage to it. Please help us to try torestore that beauty. Help us to treat everyone we encounter eachday in a loving, respectful manner. Remind us to let our “lights shine”so others can see You through us. Guard over those people whohave the task of keeping us safe and keep them in Your care. ThankYou for providing us with individuals who have medical knowledgeand skills to help us lead healthy, productive lives. You are anawesome God. Amen.

***************************************************************************November 2, 2016

A PRAYER FOR CHURCH LEADERS

Lord Jesus, Head of the Christian Church on earth and King of kingson the throne of eternity, thank You for the board of directors, eldersand all leaders of our congregation. Give them the ability to performtheir duties well and give all a ready heart, willing hands, and a trulyChristian vision to grasp every opportunity to serve You, confessYou as Savior, and serve all people in and outside of the church. Allow nothing to rob them of the zest and zeal which is put into theirhearts by the Holy Spirit. Preserve our congregation with unity andpeace that with one accord we may pursue the tasks that lie beforeus. Yours is the praise and honor and adoration from our gratefulhearts. Amen

~ My Prayer Book

November 3, 2016


Heavenly Father,We come before You with humble hearts, thanking You for all of themany blessings You have bestowed upon our congregation. Wethank You for the vision that our founding members had to start OurSavior Lutheran Church, as a mission church in the community. Wehave been able to serve our community in many ways for the past60 years. Mainly with the food pantry, Morning Star Mission,addiction recovery programs, support groups, and those in need toname a few. We pray that we will continue to be a beacon of light inthe community for many years to come.

~ Helen Berg

***************************************************************************November 4, 2016


Dear Heavenly Father,Thank You for providing us with a place to worship You. In YourWord, You tell us that You have called some to be teachers, someto be preachers, and some to be leaders. Please watch over andguide our teachers, pastors and leaders. Give them wisdom to leadus in Your ways. Remind us that You are in control; that You carefor us and want Your church to thrive. Bless our church, dear Father. Amen

~ Stu and Sue Clark

November 5, 2016

A PRAYER FOR OUR HEARTS

Dear Lord,Let my heart be good soil, open to the seed of Your Word.Lord, let my heart be good soil, where love can grow and peace isunderstood.When my heart is hard, break the stone away.When my heart is cold, warm it with the day.When my heart is lost, lead me on Your way.Lord, let my heart, Lord, let my heart, Lord, let my heart be goodsoil.

~ From Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison Wisconsin Submitted by Linda Baumann

A HANDY REFERENCE LIST OF EMERGENCY NUMBERS

When in sorrow call John 14When men fail you call Psalm 27When you have sinned call Psalm 51When you worry call Matthew 6:19-34When you are in danger call Psalm 91When God seems far away call Psalm 139When your faith needs stirring call Hebrews 11When you are lonely and fearful call Psalm 23When you grow bitter and critical call 1 Corinthians 13When you feel down and out call Romans 8:31When you want peace and rest call Matthew 11:25-30When the world seems bigger than God call Psalm 90When you want Christian assurance call Romans 8:1-30When you leave home for labor or travel call Psalm 121When your prayers grow narrow or selfish call Psalm 67When you want courage for a task call Joshua 1When you think of investments and returns call Mark 10If you are depressed call Psalm 27If your pocketbook is empty call Psalm 37If you are losing confidence in people call 1 Corinthians 13If people seem unkind call John 15If discouraged about your work call Psalm 126If self pride/greatness takes hold call Psalm 19If you want to be fruitful call John 15For understanding of Christianity call 2 Corinthians 5:15-19For a great invention/opportunity call Isaiah 55For how to get along with fellow men call Romans 12For Paul’s secret to happiness call Colossians 3:12-17

ALTERNATE NUMBERSFor dealing with fear Call Psalm 3:47For security call Psalm 121:3For assurance call Mark 8:35For reassurance call Psalm 145:8

PLEASE NOTEEmergency numbers may be dialed direct. No operator assistanceis necessary. All lines to Heaven are open 24 hours a day! Feedyour FAITH, and DOUBT will starve to death.

60 days of prayer

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