Cahaba Springs members and friends, join us in person or online for worship on Sunday, September 17 at 11 led by liturgist Jennifer Smith and pastor deNay Kirkpatrick. Our Bible readings are from Romans 14 and Matthew 18 and our choral anthem is Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Click here for our worship bulletin, hymns and readings, prayer list, and coming events: CSPC-Bulletin-9-17-23.
Pastor's Corner:
Dear Cahaba Springs Family, The Session is nearing completion of its first week of daily prayer as outlined by Joan Gray in Sailboat Church. If you are joining us on this journey, you will find the prompts for Week Two below.
We have another full week of activities, including yesterday's dedication of new tiny homes for the Union Village project at the PHFC at 2:00 on Wednesday, September 13 and Dog Daze on Saturday, September 16. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday for worship as we continue our study of the Gospel according to Matthew. Peace, deNay
40 Days of Prayer*
Week Two September 18 - 24, 2023
Day Eight
Scripture: Luke 15:11–24
Focus Text: “While he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him” (v. 20).
Listening to God: Your unfaithfulness does not change my faithfulness to you. Your sin does not erase our relationship. Jesus died on a cross so that sin would not have the last word between us. Turn and take one step in my direction, and I will run to meet you. You cannot imagine how the angels rejoice when they see you turn for home.
My Prayer:
Day Nine
Scripture: Revelation 2:1–7
Focus Text: “I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first” (v. 4).
Listening to God: Haven’t you been missing something in your life? There is so much more I want to give you if you would only turn and open up to me again. I did not move away from you, but you have put distance between us. This makes everything in your life out of kilter. I will rekindle the passion of our relationship, the fire of my presence in your life. Just ask me and wait in my presence.
My Prayer:
Day Ten
Scripture: Luke 3:1–14
Focus Text: “And the crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’” (v. 10).
Listening to God: I care about how you live. I created you to reflect my love in the world. No matter what your situation in life, I have marked out this calling for you, a way of life that gives me joy. Are you consciously and intentionally living toward my will for your life? When was the last time you invited me to direct your way? Turn to me now! I can make your crooked paths straight and your rough places like a plain.
My Prayer:
Day Eleven
Scripture: Matthew 18:1–4
Focus Text: “Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (v. 3).
Listening to God: When I made you, I wove your spirit together with mine. You will always be my child. The best parent in all the world cannot love as I can love you. My love is unconditional and unbreakable. When you live into this relationship, you fulfill the purpose for which you are placed on earth. Why are you always struggling to be independent? I created you to depend on me and your fellow human beings. It is when you let go and become as dependent as a little child that I can do the most in your life.
My Prayer:
Day Twelve
Scripture: Matthew 11:20–30
Focus Text: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (v. 28).
Listening to God: Your walk with me was never meant to be a weary slog. If you are feeling worn out and overburdened, check your load to make sure that you are not carrying things I have not called you to carry. When you get in the yoke with me, I always provide what you need to carry the load. When you load yourself up and try to go it alone, I can’t help you. Try putting the things that are making you weary in my hands right now. Call on me to do what only I can do. I will give you rest.
My Prayer:
Day Thirteen
Scripture: Isaiah 43:1–21
Focus Text: “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (v. 19).
Listening to God: Never think you have me figured out. I am always doing something new. If you are too comfortable, you are probably not living close enough to me. Do not resist when life takes you out of your comfort zone. Do not struggle to hold on to the way things are or have been. I am a God of the future, and I am always walking with you into the unfolding surprises of my will. Relax and enjoy the journey!
My Prayer:
Day Fourteen Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:1–7 Focus Text: “When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out his hand to the ark of God for the oxen shook it” (v. 6). Listening to God: I have called you to partner with me in my work in the world. But never forget that you are the junior partner. I do not have to have your help. Instead I invite you to join me because I love you. I am the God of the universe. I am in control! When you start thinking you need to fix things, you open yourself up to all kinds of trouble. Today, trust me to be the senior partner in what we are doing. My Prayer: *Gray, Joan S.. Sailboat Church (p. 125). Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. Kindle Edition.
Come Home to Cahaba
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