Luke 11:1 (Praise God!)

Let's welcome God this morning by reflecting on this short Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which is based on Living Faith. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples. Luke 11:1 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Jesus' answer to his apostles' request never fails to interest and challenge me. For he offers more than a prayer whose words are to be repeated. He offers a pattern--a model that involves praising and acknowledging God before we say another word." by Amy Welborn

Rich's comments: Prayer use to be challenging for me. I never knew how to begin. Now I know that I should follow Jesus' example by praising and acknowledging God first. In doing so I realize that everything is a gift from God and that I should be grateful for everything that is given to me. We read this morning in the Old Testament reading (Jonah 4:1-11) that Jonah learned this lesson as well. Lord, may I place You before all of my desires, my aggravations, my questions, and my pain. All glory goes to You. Amen.

Faith Challenges: Let's all invite one person each week (John 14:6) to join our LIFE Group (>240 of God's children).
* NEW: Pray to God by praising and acknowledging Him first.

Pro-Life News: The LIFE Runners (Dave, Jason, Doug, Rich, John, Jim, Steve, Pat, Tammy, Brenda/Aaron/Trevor) ran the Twin-Cities Marathon (26.2 miles) on Respect Life Sunday (October 4th). So far our team has raised over $2,100 towards the purchase of an ultrasound machine for A Woman's Answer Medical Center in Gainesville, FL. Although the marathon is done, the fight to defend life is not. Please consider making a donation to this worthy cause. Please make checks payable to "Knights of Columbus" and mail them to PO Box 14044, Gainesville, FL 32604.

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas in footnote below.
* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, Peters family (JP in hospital), Lynn Bishara (for son Alex), Stephanie Spader (for pregnancy).

Feast Day: Our Lady of the Rosary

Faith Quote: "Prayer is the key to Heaven, but faith unlocks the door." - unknown author

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn't, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'

* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).

* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don't stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).

* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead a friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service (Matt 28:19).