In Colossians 4:2,3 Paul says, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us…." Just as Paul requested prayer from the Colossian Christians, Sheri and I ask you to pray for us while we're apart from you this summer. Perhaps you'd ask, "What are some specifics we can prayer for?" I'd like to share with you specific requests for prayer.

For our trip to Israel (June 25-July 9):
" For the land of Israel: for justice, for peace, for understanding. Psalm 122:6-9
" For health and strength for us to make the most of this gift. 1 Sam. 25:6, Nehemiah 8:10
" For travel safety to, from, and within Israel. Ps. 43:3
" For a good relationships among the participants. Jn. 17:21
" For the leaders of the group, for good choices, good communication, for sensitivity and patience. Gal. 5:25
" For all of us to grow in our understanding of the Bible and to deepen our faith in Jesus Christ, our Messiah. Ps. 119:34-36, Deut. 6:5
" For us to be faithful witnesses during this trip wherever we go. 2 Tim. 4:2
" For the glory of God in all this. Ps. 34:3

For our trip to Scotland (July 11-August 8):
" For discipline to study hard and stay on task. 1 Cor. 10:31
" For adjustment to life in another country. Joshua 1:9
" For our hearts to expand in love, devotion, and passion for Christ and his church. Phil. 3:10
" For a renewed sense of how precious the church is to Christ and must be to me. Eph. 2:19-21
" For safety to, from, and within Scotland. Ps. 43:3
" For refreshment and renewal. 2 Thess. 2:16,17
" For the development of deeper bonds within our family and marriage as we are together in a concentrated way for a month. Eph. 5:22-6:4
" For us to be faithful witnesses during this trip wherever we go. 2 Tim. 4:2
" For the glory of God in all this. Ps. 34:3

Richard Baxter summarized a couple of goals I have as he talked about the pastor/preacher being hot in the faith and preaching boldly, as if it were his last time. Baxter said,
…A minister should take some special pains with his heart, before he is to go to the congregation; if he be then cold, how is he like to warm the hearts of the hearers.

"As one that ne'er should preach again, and as a dying man to dying men."

I pray God will make my heart hotter for Christ. And I pray that I might preach and teach with gravity and gladness.

Looking forward to returning to ministry with you,

Pastor Tom