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Father, our Lord Jesus came from you to enter this world; he then left this world to return to you. We believe that he alone came from you. There is none other who can reveal to us your will, your plan, your character.

He sent us out into the world, also. We do not belong to the world, but to you. He has given us your task of pulling others from the world into the Kingdom. Give us sight to discern what is worldly and what is of the Kingdom. May we never mistake the values of one for the other, or the goals of one for the other.

Help us, O Lord, to fulfill our task as did Jesus. Like him, we want to leave this world and return to you. Amen.

Pertinent passage: John 16:28; 17:14-19.

Lord, creator of every creature, your love extends to all people, regardless of sex, race, class, color, or type of sin. Let our love be as wide as yours, and not shown only to those who are like us. Make us see the lowly who do not appear on the world's radar. Let us not be reticent to preach to the high and proud. Let us see every person as a soul to be won for the Kingdom and for eternal life with you. For Jesus also spoke to kings and governors, as well as to those of humble circumstances. Amen.

Pertinent passages: Matt. 5:43-48; Luke 5:32; 24:47; Acts 11:18; 17:30; 2 Pet. 3:9

Lord who is present in every place, you want the Good News to reach every person, every people group, every location where man has gone. With the gospel goes new communities of the faithful. Many of these churches are new, struggle with being small, feel impotent against the forces of evil.

Lord, cause new churches, so necessary for the progress of the gospel, to spring up everywhere. Give them the vision of being the vanguard of the Kingdom's movement in this world. Make them courageous to preach the gospel, fearless to meet criticisms and persecution, persevering when results do not seem to appear.

Jesus gathered Twelve, and they began the spread of the faith. We follow his path. Amen.

Lord, this is a time of year when many people, including preachers, are moving. You know the reasons and motives of each one's decision to move. We pray that you will bless those whose lives are being uprooted, that they may find their grounding in your eternal nature.

May each move bring gains for the Kingdom. May those preachers who are moving find new opportunities, new enthusiasm for ministry, renewed eagerness to study and preach the Word. Father, cause many souls to be saved by these relocations.

And bless, too, those who choose to remain where they are. Bless them for their perseverance, their patience, their love for those who surround them.

We know all is possible because Jesus "relocated" from heaven to earth and will soon move us from earth to heaven. Amen!