Missouri Shared Prayers [link removed] Devotion
I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:19)

In the Muppet version of Charles Dickens’ story, A Christmas Carol, the narrator describes Ebenezer Scrooge’s amazement at returning home after an encounter with three Christmas spirits. The narrator says Scrooge’s greatest happiness was that “…his life lay before him, and it could be changed.” With the birth of Jesus, God reminds us our lives can be changed. Opportunities abound for new life if we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

In the Conference, we are taking an opportunity to try something new with the prayer calendar. In 2024, I am inviting persons from what we call different “come-froms” (i.e., different cultures, ethnic backgrounds, and perspectives) to share their insights on prayer. Through their sharing, we will be able to see prayer from new points of view. I look forward to the ways we will grow in our understanding of prayer through their insights.

As we prepare for the new things God is doing among us, consider using a prayer from the United Methodist Hymnal to begin the new year:

New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen (UMH 877)
This Week's Churches and Pastors
Northeast District
December 29
Country Club
mailto:[email protected] Senior Pastor Angie Colina McNeil
December 30
Webster University
mailto:[email protected] Extension Ministry Paul Stroble
December 31
Mercy South Hospital
Chaplain Rhonda Feurtado
January 1
Drake’s Chapel
mailto:[email protected] Certifield Lay Minister Margie Briggs
January 2
Elmo
mailto:[email protected] Church Council Chair Gary Hull
January 3
Evolution
mailto:[email protected] Senior Pastor Leanna van Zandt Nauman and spouse John
January 4
Fairmount
mailto:[email protected] Senior Pastor Jim Coffer and spouse Tebby
January 5
Faith (Grain Valley)
mailto:[email protected] Senior Pastor Mike Cassidy and spouse Liz


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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