Wow…this has been a wild week for me.  My sermon prep routine was totally thrown off and my to-do list has been modified way too many times.  Now it is Sunday and amazingly enough, I am ready to go. 

Later this afternoon I head out of town for the SW MN Synod Fall Theological Conference in Mankato, MN.  Every fall the synod hosts this conference (a "required" event for all rostered leaders) and brings in a couple speakers on a specific theme.  This year our theme is, "Stewards of the Gospel".  Should be pretty interesting.  But maybe more than that, I am looking forward to getting out of the office for a few days (but not looking forward to time away from my wife).  I will be home Wednesday afternoon.  Hopefully I have Internet access where I am going, otherwise you will have to wait for any updates from me.  I know, I know…that will be tough, but you will survive 🙂

Anyway, let’s pray together…

Almighty and gracious God, you persistently love us and pursue us.  I don’t understand that but you do.  Since the dawn of creation, creation has rebelled against you, but you remained faithful.  Your chosen people often times went their own way, but you remained faithful.  We have way too often turned our backs on you, but you remain faithful.  You persistently pursue us through the love on your Son, Jesus Christ.  But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?  I certainly hope so.  Please strengthen our faith and our resolve to follow you each and everyday.  Help us be persistent in our prayer life; knowing that you will indeed grant justice.  Grant us vision to see your mighty works in the world so we may be reminded that you are not distant, but close by…in our hearts.  Dear God, thank you for hearing our prayers.  Through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord we pray…Amen!
(Prayer based on Luke 18:1-8)

Have an awesome day basking in the glow of God’s love for you.

-edh-