This Week at Mt. Olive

Good evening, fellow redeemed!

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy, be gracious to all who have gone astray from Your ways and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of Your Word; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

This Week at Mt. Olive:
This morning at the 10:30 a.m. service, Mike Shumway made mention of Martin Luther's little book, "A Simple Way to Pray." I have located the book and will have copies of it available this week beginning Monday. As both Mike and Rev. Matthew Harrison, president of the LCMS say, this is an excellent resource for prayer.

That brings up a thought about daily prayer. Daily prayer is something which should be part of every day. I won't lie to you, it's difficult. Here are a few tips I've learned from my time as a pastor, going back to some gloomy days at the seminary.
-Pray at the same time every day. It helps to make it part of your schedule.
-Use a guide. Martin Luther's little book is good, as is the Litany from the hymnal (I can provide that, too). This is especially helpful when there is trouble focusing on the task of prayer. Other good guides are Treasury of Daily Prayer, A Little Book on Joy by Matthew Harrison, and Portals of Prayer.
-Use a notebook for petitions. This isn't to see how the prayer is answered, because you've already committed the issue to the Triune God. It's a matter of organization.
-Get rid of the noise during prayer time.
-Finally, read Pastor Harrison's article in the latest edition of the Lutheran Witness. I'll have that reprinted, too.

This Week at Mt. Olive. Lenten services and meals continue. The texts are Psalm 102, 2 Samuel 11:6-13 and Luke 12:22-31.

There is a Church Council meeting Monday evening at 7 p.m.

The Scripture texts for next Sunday:

Finally, I will be out of the office Thursday and Friday, taking my children to see their grandparents during Spring Break.

Prayer Concerns:
Kim Waddle and her family at the death of her uncle
Marilyn Hamer, Frank Jennings, Becky Chamberlain
Ruby Rieder, Ann Cleveland, Charlotte Birnbaum, Walter and Pearly Theiss
Those who serve in the Armed Forces and their families: Rob Vadney, John Sorensen
The Church as she continues the road to the cross during Lent
Those who travel during this busy time of Spring Break

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Monday, March 12
6:30 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics

7 p.m.
Church Council meeting

Wednesday, March 14
9;30 a.m.
Bible Study (Revelation 18)

12:15 p.m.
Midday Prayer

5 p.m.
Choir rehearsal

6 p.m.
Lenten meal

7 p.m.
Hymn Sing

7:15 p.m.
Evening Prayer

God bless!
PKJ