Missouri Shared Prayers [link removed] Devotion
In February, we considered the practice of praying the alphabet described in the book Mercy and Melons. The author reflects on two words; one word describing an ordinary object and a second that relates to faith. For example, for the letter “V” she focused on “Votive Ships and Vows.”
I thought of those votive ships while reflecting on thankfulness. Beginning in 15th-century Europe, sailors made models of ships and presented them to the church. The models represented an offering for God’s protection before a journey or a symbol of thanksgiving after surviving a dangerous voyage. The ships were hung in the sanctuary of their churches.
In 2021, Saint Paul’s Episcopal church in Brooklyn, which once displayed votive ships in its sanctuary, decided to commission a new votive ship. It was an offering of thanksgiving to God for surviving the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic. The votive ship became a tangible reminder of hope and gratitude.
Why use a tangible object to remind us to express our thankfulness to God? Colossians 4:2 CEB tells us to “Keep on praying and guard your prayers with thanksgiving.” The numerous challenges we face today may threaten our faith. Praising God shifts our focus from hardship to blessing, transforming our attitude. In that way, thankfulness guards our prayers. This month, consider placing an object or picture that reminds you of God’s blessings in a prominent place. When you see it, thank God. You’ll be guarding your prayers with gratitude.
Prayer Request
Prayers are requested for Rev. Dick Curry and his wife Rebecca. Rev. Curry has been in the hospital this week. Notes of Comfort can be sent to Dick and Rebecca Curry, 117 Melody Ln, Salisbury, MO 65281
This Week's Churches and Pastors
Northeast District
November 3
Paris
mailto:[email protected] Church Council Chair Donald Murphy
November 4
Park (Hannibal)/First (Hannibal)
mailto:[email protected] Senior Pastor Kim Parker
November 5
Salem in Ballwin
mailto: [email protected] Senior Pastor John Kinnard
November 6
Salem in Ladue
mailto:[email protected] Senior Pastor Terri Swan and spouse Joe
mailto:[email protected] Associate Pastor Deborah LeMoine and spouse Bryan
mailto:[email protected] Associate Pastor Tim Power and spouse Jessica
mailto:[email protected] Associate Pastor Elisabeth Danielson
mailto:[email protected] Associate Pastor Nick Savage and spouse Elizabeth
November 7
Saverton /Ilasco
mailto:[email protected] Senior Pastor Richard Stilley (Rich) and spouse Stephanie
November 8
Scotland County Parish Arbela/Granger
mailto:[email protected] Supply Pastor Kathy Gardner and spouse Ronald
November 9
Scott’s Chapel
mailto:[email protected] Senior Pastor Helen McFarland
November 10
Shiloh (Foristell)
mailto:[email protected] Senior Pastor Meagan O’Brien and spouse Todd


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Missouri Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
3601 Amron Court, Columbia, MO 65202 | Phone 573-441-1770 | www.moumethodist.org