Prayers for Our Church - April 30, 2026
A Word for This Week
Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.” So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Gracious God, you filled Stephen with grace and power so that even his accusers could not argue against the wisdom your Spirit gave him.
Fill us with that same Spirit, a spirit not of fear, but of boldness to speak and live your truth.
When opposition arises, when we are misunderstood or discouraged, may our faces reflect the light of your presence just as Stephen’s did.
Guide us through this week with your peace, and let us rest tonight trusting that you hold us in your hand. Amen.
Prayers for Our Church This Week
We lift the following to God in prayer:
Thursday, April 30
- Prayers for the Church, 6:00 PM — Lord, as your people gather this evening to pray together, open our hearts to intercede faithfully for one another, for our community, and for the world you so deeply love. May this time of prayer bind us together in your Spirit.
Sunday, May 3
- Sunday School, 8:45 AM — Send your Spirit to open our hearts and minds to your Word; may all who gather to study be drawn deeper into faith and fellowship.
- Worship, 10:00 AM — Bless all who lead and all who gather in your house; may the preaching of your Word and the gift of your presence strengthen, comfort, and send us out renewed in faith.
- Fellowship Potluck, 11:00 AM — Thank and bless those who prepare and bring food to share; may our time around the table deepen our bonds as a community of faith and reflect the hospitality of your kingdom.
- Church Council Meeting, 11:45 AM — Guide our council’s deliberations with wisdom and unity of purpose; may every decision we make be rooted in your will for this congregation and our neighbors in Dothan.
In Christ’s peace,
Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church
Dothan, Alabama
