Merciful Heavenly Father, as we open your word now, we confess willingly, even gladly,

that we are utterly dependent upon the Holy Spirit now to apply this word faithfully to the hearts of

your people and for them to responsibly and transformingly here.

And so I invite you, Father, to pour out your spirit on me, the preacher, and on your people, those who hear that they would allow the word to

go deep, that they would have ears to hear and eyes to see and I pray for a

transaction Lord of sanctification and I pray that the holiness that you beget by your word and spirit would shine in loving deeds of service so that the world can give glory to you.

Lord, let not these moments be in vain.

Let not your word go forth and come back empty.

But according to your promise, may it bear fruit.

I pray for healing upon sick. I pray for clarity for the confused. I pray for hope for the despairing.

I pray for humility for the proud.

I pray for strength for the weak.

I pray for courage for the weak, I pray for courage, for the timid.

I pray for your fellowship for the lonely.

Your word is designed for all these things and 10,000 more blessings besides.

Come, please do it. In Jesus' name.

Amen.

Would you take your Bible or a Bible from the pew in front of you and open to the book of Romans in the

New Testament.

Romans chapter 15.

This Sunday we will focus on verse 30.

Next Sunday we will focus on verse 31, even though today we'll have to reach forward once at least

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