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July 19th, 2024 | Rev. Dr. Mark Charles

Writer's picture: Memorial FernandinaMemorial Fernandina

Last Sunday morning we started a brand new series of sermons based on the New Testament Epistle to the Ephesians. I invited you to join with Pastor Rachel and myself as we read our way through this short letter chapter by chapter each week. I hope you took me up on that invitation and have spent some time each day reading from Ephesians chapter one.

 

In my own reading, I have centered my attention on the second half of the chapter where the writer prays for the readers. As Pastor, I have read this prayer dozens of times, making it my own prayer for the congregations I serve.  This week, I have been particularly drawn to the prayerful words of verses 18 and 19, and I have been praying them for you:

 

“[I pray that]…with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints,  and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.” (Eph 1:18-19)

 

It’s been a difficult week, friends. The horrific events in Pennsylvania last weekend were a stark reminder of the bitterness, hatred, division, and violence that often seems to dominate our life together in the United States these days.  Bearing witness to such events and listening to the varied pieces of commentary that have been made since can quickly and easily distract us, filling us with deep concern and perhaps even a sense of hopelessness.

 

So, my prayers for you have echoed those of the writer of this letter for the Ephesian Christians – that even in times that feel desperate and hopeless we all might perceive the hope to which we have been called. The God whose power is immeasurable in its greatness is with us today and every day, in the best of times and in the worst of times. 


Take a moment to pause now and let the presence of the eternal God comfort you, grant you peace, and fill you with hope once more.


See you Sunday!




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Sunday Services:

 8:00AM  In the Sanctuary

Weekly Holy Communion & favorite hymns

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