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October 13, 2024 – “What to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Pray” – Rev. Dr. Shane Green

Worship (SPUMCColumbus)
Worship (SPUMCColumbus)
October 13, 2024 - "What to Pray When You Don't Know What to Pray" - Rev. Dr. Shane Green
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Ephesians 3:14-21

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“First Steps,” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green, December 9, 2024

December 9, 2024


“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27.


Peace is a characteristic of Godā€™s Kingdom.  Much of Jesusā€™ ministry was spent establishing peace.  In fact, the heavenly choir sang of peace (Luke 2).  Many mistakenly think Biblical peace is the absence of strife or trouble.  Biblical peace is not the absence of things but a profound calm in the middle of the storm.  Therefore, peace is not a removal of strife but an inner strength to endureā€”to rise above.


During Advent, the message of Christ draws our attention to the Prince of Peace entering the world inviting all to rest in the peace that God offers.  In the middle of the storms, God offers peaceā€”not the absence of thingsā€”but an inner calm in the midst of it all.  This week, consider the peace of Christ.  As you are pulled in many directions by many voices competing for your attention, listen for the voice of Christ offering peace.


Give yourself to unencumbered moments, those brief flashes of communion with God.  Look for them so that God can give you peace.  O Lord, thank You for the peace that surpasses all understanding. Help us to rest in Your presence this Advent and to carry Your peace with us, sharing it with a world that so desperately needs it, Amen.


This Week’s Readings:

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  We are completing Numbers and beginning Deuteronomy. You may join anytime.  Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:

  • Pray for a time of preparation during this Advent Season.
  • Pray for hope, especially for those less fortunate.
  • Pray for personal commitment during worship.
  • Pray for our absent members and those who are homebound.
  • Comfort for those who mourn.
  • Guidance and wisdom for our church, local, and world leaders.
  • Healing and forgiveness to restore families.
  • Continued strengthening of faith in our community.
  • Pray for a faith that transcends understanding.
  • Pray for spiritual maturity.

ā€œDonā€™t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.ā€ – Philippians 4:6

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“First Steps,” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green, December 2, 2024


“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawnedā€¦For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on Davidā€™s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.ā€  Isaiah 9:2, 6-7.

I think every time a squirrel sneezes the power in my house goes out.  The last time we lost power it was before the time changed, where daylight lasted well into the evening.  I fell asleep, while still light outside, only to wake up in total darkness, for it was the middle of the night.  It was strange and disorienting.  Thankfully, I had a flashlight close and could navigate without tripping over what couldnā€™t be seen.  It reminded me of the power of light.  We need it to find our way.

Isaiahā€™s prophecy describes a hope that Jesus bringsā€”a hope that is as certain as light breaking into darkness. Godā€™s promise to send a Savior was fulfilled through Christā€™s birth, and this gives us confidence as we wait on Him in our own lives.  We wait for the one who fully identifies with us and ushers in the peace of God.

Can you hold onto this hope today?  Allow the ā€˜lightā€™ of God to break forth into your life, bringing hope and peace.  Trust in the Lord.  

Dear God, thank you for the light of hope You have given us in Jesus. As we prepare our hearts during this Advent season, help us to trust in Your promises and share Your hope with those around us.



This Week’s Readings:

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  We are now reading Numbers. You may join anytime.  Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:

  • Pray for a time of preparation during this Advent Season.
  • Pray for hope.
  • Pray for our absent members and those who are homebound.
  • Comfort for those who mourn.
  • Guidance and wisdom for our church, local, and world leaders.
  • Healing and forgiveness to restore families.
  • Continued strengthening of faith in our community.
  • Pray for a faith that transcends understanding.

ā€œDonā€™t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.ā€ – Philippians 4:6

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“First Steps,” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green, November 25, 2024

November 25, 2024

In between two appointments, I briefly caught part of an article that mentioned the top ten things most people are thankful for in their lives.  They were:

  1. HealthĀ ā€“ Being in good health or the ability to recover from illness is something to cherish.Ā 
  2. Family and FriendsĀ ā€“ The support, love, and companionship of family and friends bring joy and comfort in life.
  3. A HomeĀ ā€“ Whether large or small, having a place to call home provides a sense of security and stability.
  4. Food and WaterĀ ā€“ Having access to nourishment and clean water is essential, and not everyone is fortunate enough to have it readily available.
  5. Opportunities for GrowthĀ ā€“ Be it educational, professional, or personal, opportunities to improve yourself are invaluable.
  6. NatureĀ ā€“ The beauty of nature can bring peace and rejuvenation.
  7. FreedomĀ ā€“ Living in a society that allows personal liberties, it’s a privilege.
  8. Learning and KnowledgeĀ ā€“ The ability to learn new things and expand your understanding of the world is a gift that enriches life.
  9. Moments of JoyĀ ā€“ From small pleasures to big celebrations, the moments that make you smile or laugh are worth treasuring.
  10. Kindness and CompassionĀ ā€“ Both giving and receiving kindness make the world a better place and provide a sense of connection to others.

The article was universal in nature.  Yet, for the Christian, we see these as blessings, directed by God.  We look through the lens seeing past the immediate to something greater.  Our view is on the forest and not the trees.  We see the one who gives health, friendship, shelter, sustenance, growth, freedoms, grace, compassion, and so much more.  We see the supplier of life.

How about you?  What do you see?  Better yet, what are you most grateful for this year?



This Week’s Readings:

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  We are now reading Numbers. You may join anytime.  Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:

  • Lift up our veterans in prayer.
  • Seek spiritual maturity for all.
  • Pray for our absent members and those who are homebound.
  • Comfort for those who mourn.
  • Guidance and wisdom for our church, local, and world leaders.
  • Healing and forgiveness to restore families.
  • Continued strengthening of faith in our community.
  • Pray for a faith that transcends understanding.

ā€œDonā€™t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.ā€ – Philippians 4:6

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“First Steps,” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green, November 18, 2024

November 18, 2024

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Dear Gracious and Blessed Lord,

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude, lifting our voices in thanksgiving for Your steadfast love and abundant blessings. As Your Word says in Psalm 107:1, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” We acknowledge Your goodness and Your unchanging nature throughout the generations. From the days of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to our present time, You have been faithful, providing for Your people and guiding us with Your wisdom and grace. We thank You for the ways You have protected, provided, and sustained us, just as You sustained the Israelites in the wilderness, never leaving them in their time of need.

Lord, we are grateful for the greatest gift of allā€”Your Son, Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” We thank You for the salvation we have in Him, for the forgiveness of our sins, and for the hope of eternal life. In Christ, we are new creations, and we praise You for the work You are continually doing in our hearts and lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord, for the new mercies You grant us every morning, as we strive to live in a way that reflects Your love and grace.

Father, as we gather during this season of thanksgiving, we also remember Your command in Deuteronomy 8:10, “When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you.” Help us not only to express our gratitude with words but also with our actions. Teach us to share the blessings You have bestowed upon us with those in need, to live with open hands and generous hearts. May our thanksgiving not just be a once-a-year event but a daily posture of humble gratitude, glorifying You in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

This Week’s Readings:

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  We are now reading Numbers. You may join anytime.  Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:

  • Lift up our veterans in prayer.
  • Seek spiritual maturity for all.
  • Pray for our absent members and those who are homebound.
  • Comfort for those who mourn.
  • Guidance and wisdom for our church, local, and world leaders.
  • Healing and forgiveness to restore families.
  • Continued strengthening of faith in our community.
  • Pray for a faith that transcends understanding.

ā€œDonā€™t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.ā€ – Philippians 4:6

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