Praying for the Gulf Coast

Have you already committed to prayer for the Gulf Coast? Several denominations are gathering in their local churches to pray for the Gulf Coast and protecting the environment that God created.

As you know, much sealife and vegetation are being destroyed which DOES affect many things. Our natural resources are God's creation and we are called in scripture to protect it.

Genesis 1:26-28(the Message)

God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth."

God created human beings; he created them godlike, Reflecting God's nature.

He created them male and female.

God blessed them: "Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth."

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Here are some specific prayer points:

1. Pray for those in charge at BP to have wisdom and motivation to get this spill under control. Pray for heart change.

2. Pray for good communication between those working on the coast and those in charge.

3. Pray for those along the coast whose businesses and livelihood are dependent on tourism.

4. Lastly, pray that God will protect the wildlife and vegetation in the ocean and at the coast. Let us all join together this week and remember these things.

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Psalm 104:24-30(the Message) God Cares About Our Ocean....He made it!

What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.

Oh, look—the deep, wide sea, brimming with fish past counting, sardines and sharks and salmon.

All the creatures look expectantly to you to give them their meals on time.

You come, and they gather around; you open your hand and they eat from it.

Send out your Spirit and they spring to life— the whole countryside in bloom and blossom.

Praying for Those In Prison

I spent some time yesterday with some members of McGehee Road Baptist Church. They have been doing ministry/Bible studies and evangelism at the city jail downtown for about 25 years....being loyal and persistent. Sharing the gospel with both inmates and staff. God is pleased with their faithfulness. The fruit of their labor will not be in vain.

As you pray today, lift up McGehee Road Baptist and other churches who have a heart for sharing the gospel to those incarcerated.

PRAYER POINTS

Pray for heart changes in those who are breaking the law.

Pray for a radical transformation of their lives and circumstances.

Pray for the Lord to take away desperation.Pray for those who break the law who may be mentally ill. Many mental illnesses can influence decision making....impulsivity and lack of conscience are just two of the more severe illnesses that can lead to crime. Pray for someone to enter that persons life who can give them life giving help and healing. According to federal statistics, over half of inmates in the USA were fetal alcohol exposed in utero. That sets a person up for lack of impulse control. Pray for women who are pregnant right now to show discipline and take care of their babies while in the womb. Long term consequences can affect our city.

Pray for public safety officers. One remarked once that an offender once said, " If I can't get some attention from home, at least I get attention if I break the law". Pray that PS Officers will have wisdom and see past their crime and find help for those who they detain.

Pray for neighborhoods to own their neighborhoods again. To take notice and reach out and get to know their neighbors. The more we know people, the safer things can be.

Pray for those in prison already. That someone will come to them and reach their hearts for Christ.

Pray for family members of offenders. That their needs will be met and the kids of offenders will be sheilded from repeating the offense of their parent.

Matthew 25: 36 " I was in prison and you visited me.."