A PRAYER FOR FIRST BAPTIST

Lord, you have been the dwelling-place of your people throughout all generations. We bless you now for the vision and sacrifice of those who brought this church into being. Others have labored and we have entered into their labors. God of all times and places, we celebrate your continuing presence with us, and for the challenges we face.

We thank you for the gifts you have bestowed upon your church: that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the building up of the Body of Christ. We thank you especially for your Son, jesus Christ, for the truth of his word and the example of His life, for His faithfulness, His dying, His rising again, by which we, too, are raised to life anew.

Make this church, 0 Lord, a redemptive force in this community, seeking the lost, bringing hope to broken lives and shattered dreams, caring for the desperate plight of the abused, the poverty-stricken, and the marginalized. We cannot do your work without your aid, and so we pray:

Come, liberating Spirit, and free us from the powers of sin and death.

Come, Spirit of truth, abide in us and lead us in paths of righteousness.

Come, Spirit of power, and make us bold and credible witnesses to your saving love.

Come, reconciling Spirit, and unite us all in the love of Christ.

Come, creative Spirit, and plant in us a reverence for all that you have made, that the whole earth may tell forth your glory.

Enable us as we face thefuture to be willing to take risks and make sacrifices that love requires. Rule in our hearts. When thejourney gets too hard, when we feel depleted, when our compassion wanes, and when our efforts seem in vain, look upon us with kindness and grace, through the mercy of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen

- Dr. Harold l. Mitton, August 2006 Pastor, Charlottetown Baptist Church 1955 - 1962

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