Thoughts on Today's Verse
While other preachers in Paul's day were parading around their credentials, Paul refused to get into a bragging contest to prove he was the most impressive of Jesus' disciples. Even though he had the religious education and Jewish pedigree to silence his rivals, he preferred to acknowledge the areas of his weakness where God had triumphed over his own limitations. Let's be careful today about examining and determining the ministry-worth of someone based on his or her resume. Instead, let's look for people in whom God's grace has triumphed.

My Prayer...
Almighty and loving Father, thank you for sustaining and enabling me to serve you in ways I would never have dreamed of doing. Please help me serve you faithfully as I depend upon your grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.
Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life
How Deep the Father's Love for Us
From the Upper Room
Most of my religious friends seem to think that religious people should fit a particular mold. I am outgoing and inquisitive, and my friends don’t think I should behave that way. Many times I have been confronted and attacked based on my personality and have come to resent who I am — even vigorously begging God to change me. I love spending time with other Christians, but I can’t hide my true self to fit their idea of what I should be like. I waited for God to remove my extrovert tendencies so that I would appear “spiritual” to my church and my religious friends. Then these words gave me perspective: God’s “grace is sufficient for me.” I now see that my outgoing personality gives me opportunities to initiate conversations. Knowing who I am in God has helped me to speak to others who feel rejected, for I know God is there with me. I have now more fully experienced love from God — the One who accepts me just as I am. What an encouragement to know that the Lord can be glorified even when we are misunderstood and misjudged. We can come to God — just as we are.

Prayer: Dear Savior, thank you for loving us as we are. Help us to make our lives reflect the truth of your word. Amen.
Timothy Olumide (Osun State, Nigeria) 
 
Prayer Through The Ages
O God, since without you we are not able to please you; mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Gelasian Sacramentary (7th century)

Our Prayers and Prayer Requests

Dear God, in this season of Lent, we’re reminded of our own difficulties and struggles. Sometimes the way has seemed too dark. Sometimes we feel like our lives have been marked by such grief and pain, we don’t see how our circumstance can ever change. But in the midst of our weakness, we ask that you would be strong on our behalf. Lord, rise up within us, let your Spirit shine out of every broken place we’ve walked through. Allow your power to be manifest through our own weakness, so that others will recognize it is You who is at work on our behalf. We ask that you would trade the ashes of our lives for the beauty of your Presence. Trade our mourning and grief for the oil of joy and gladness from your Spirit. Trade our despair for hope and praise. We choose to give you thanks today and believe that this season of darkness will fade away. Thank you that you are with us in whatever we face and that you are greater than this trial. We know and recognize that you are Sovereign, we thank you for the victory that is ours because of Christ Jesus, and we are confident that you have good still in store for our future. We thank you that you are at work right now, trading our ashes for greater beauty. We praise you, for you make all things new. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Father hear our continued prayers...

For those prayers too personal to share with anyone but You.

May we act with humility to not just preserve our own safety and health, but to look beyond ourselves and think of how our actions will affect others.

We ask for guidance for parents, children, youth and teachers adjusting to new ways of learning.

For Mary and Tom Kovoor who ask for prayers for the family of Siby Cherian. Tom’s cousin who passed away unexpectedly last week.

We are saddened by the deaths of 500,000+ of our fellow citizens. We join everyone across our nation in mourning.

We pray for their families, friends and all those they influenced either directly or indirectly. That they may keep close the positive memories of those they have lost and carry on with their daily lives in peace..

We pray for protection for the vulnerable the elderly, the poor, those with health issues and all who at risk..

For doctors and scientists diligently working to heal the sick.

For all persons on the frontlines, especially Alayne Snyder, Dr Johnny and Riny Kovoor. and Erik Lindholm who are risking their lives to help those who are sick and dying

Father, during this time may we be a source of hope, comfort and love to all. Grant peace. Grant comfort. Grant healing. Be with us, Lord. Amen.
Support VUMC
Support our church with you donation as we offer our community healing to the broken, hope to those in despair, light to those in shadows, and grace for all your people. 
Thank You!
Valhalla United Methodist Church | 200 Columbus Avenue, Valhalla NY 10595
914-949-6252 | valhallaumc@verizon.net | https://valhallaumc.org/