“Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye land: Sing forth the honour of his name; make his praise glorious. Say unto God, how terrible art thou in thy works through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee, they shall sing to thy name. Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men. He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot; there did we rejoice in him. He ruleth by his power forever; his eyes behold the nations; let not the rebellious exalt themselves. O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard” (Psalm 66:1-8).

Thought for the week: “Anywhere Is a Place of Prayer If God Is There”

“I have prayed on my knees in the morning, I have prayed as I walked along, I have prayed in the silence and darkness and I’ve prayed to the tune of a song — I have prayed in the midst of triumph and I’ve prayed when I suffered defeat, I have prayed on the sands of the seashore where the waves of the ocean beat — I have prayed in a velvet-hushed forest where the quietness calmed my fears, I have prayed through suffering and heartache when my eyes were blinded with tears — I have prayed in churches and chapels, cathedrals and synagogues, too, but often I’ve had the feeling that my prayers were not getting through. And I realized then that our Father is not really concerned where we pray or impressed by our manner of worship or the eloquent words that we say…He is only concerned with our feelings, and He looks deep into our heart, and hears the “cry of our soul’s deep need” that no words could ever impart… So it isn’t the prayer that’s expressive or offered in some special spot; it’s the sincere plea of a sinner and God can tell whether or not we honestly seek His forgiveness and earnestly mean what we say, and then and then only He answers the prayer that we fervently pray.”

The Rev. Nathaniel Bracy will celebrate his 22nd anniversary as pastor of Carter Spring Missionary Baptist Church in Billingsley tomorrow at 2 p.m. The Rev. Ellis H. Stoudemire, pastor of Locust Bluff United Methodist Church in Prattville, will be the guest speaker. All ministers and their churches are invited.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service led by the junior choir with Jennifer Peoples and Julian Lucas as musician. Songs sung included, “Glad To Be In This Service,” “I Want To Go Home” and “Stand By Me, Lord.” The scripture was read by Willie Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Willie Nunn.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme was, “The Power of Respect: What Respect Can Do For You When Properly Used.”

The prodigal son never lost the respect of his father. Respect people even when they are wrong. Remember, respect is earned. When respect makes you realize that you are wrong, how do you show God respect? There are several ways we can do so:

1) Respect his orders; 2) Respect his leaders and everything done in decency and order; 3) Respect his people; everybody is part of God’s people. Don’t put stipulations on people; love and respect everybody. You won’t be afraid to go home. Your attitude toward your children can make them return. Don’t make it hard for someone to return home. Respect will teach you how to return home. Keep the light on at home; respect allows you to see the benefits of home; 4) Respect God’s house and God’s people at church. Respect will not allow you to be turned away. Return to Jesus; he is waiting for you.

The service ended with fellowship led by Pastor Dukes, deacons and the congregation.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Mr. Andrew Hall Sr. in their time of bereavement. Mr. Hall will be funeralized today at noon at Agee Brother’s Funeral Home Chapel. Also we extend sympathy to Sam and Vivian Hicks of Jemison in the passing of their granddaughter, Paige Hicks in Houston, Texas. She is the daughter of their son, Nathan.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Luther Lee, Vivian and Sam Hicks, William White, Mattie Nix, Linda Clay, Charles Binion and Joseph McCall. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.

Note: Emily Agee is a religious columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each Saturday.