“Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy. Preserve my soul; for I am holy; O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. Be merciful unto me, o Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. Rejoice the soul of thy servant; for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee; for thou wilt answer me. Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore” (Psalm 86:1-12).

Thought for the week: “God’s Answers to Prayers”

“Dear Lord, help me understand as I kneel to pray, that You indeed will answer it, though there are several ways. The first, of course, is obvious, the one we most like to receive, if everyone got a “yes” to their prayers, it would be easy to believe. But, Father, there are two more ways You may handle my appeal, so, please don’t let Your denial dampen my spiritual zeal. For You alone can see beyond the benefits I ask for, so help me take “no” for an answer when You decide to slam the door. And don’t let me forget the third way You may answer my request, because You know exactly the time that it would benefit me best. You see, the hardest answer of them all, develops true virtue — for we develop patience, Lord, when we learn to wait on You.”

Announcements

The Rev. and Mrs. Melvin Hunter will celebrate his 21st anniversary as pastor of Union Baptist Church in Clanton on Sunday, April 5 at 3 p.m. Dr. Leon F. Ross, pastor of Weeping Willow Baptist Church in Montgomery, will be the guest speaker. All are invited.

New Life District Women’s Auxiliary will meet Saturday, April 4 at New Convert Baptist Church in Maplesville at 10 a.m. Sis. Nina F. Nix is president and the Rev. Turner is pastor. All ladies are asked to please be present.

Morning Star Baptist Church in Clanton will sponsor an hour-long worship service entitled “Guiding Light” Sunday, April 5 at Agee Brothers Chapel in Clanton from 8-9 a.m. Agee Brothers is located at 907 Samaria Road. For more information call (205) 217-3048, 755-5387 or (334) 546-1786. The Rev. Keith Moore is pastor. Everyone of any race or denomination is welcome. This is a community event.

New Life District Association will sponsor a 100 Women’s March on Tuesday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. at New Convert Baptist Church in Maplesville. Sis. Nina Faye Nix is president. They are celebrating being part of the District Convention and Association for over 100 years. All ladies of any faith, color or creed are welcome.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service by the praise team and senior choir. Songs sung included, “In My Heart To Serve the Lord,” “Come Along My Friend,” “Still Holding On” and “God Is My Everything.” The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Willie Nunn.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with his theme, “Guaranteed a Blessing.” Step to God, don’t tap dance with the devil. The battle comes before the blessing. Are you struggling because you refuse to stand for what’s right? If so, God is on your side. Elijah did what God told him to do, regardless of what people thought. Do what God has told you to do. Your attitude causes you to struggle sometimes. When God shows up in your life, everything will be all right. Keep looking for God; Elijah saw him in a cloud the size of a man’s hand. Come to Jesus and receive your blessing. Don’t fight against God.

The service concluded with fellowship and benediction by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Linda Clay, Lee Anna Worthey, Maude Moore, William White, Joseph McCall, Sam and Vivian Hicks, J. D. Scott, Bob Davis and Flora B. Franklin. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.

–Emily Agee is a religion columnist for the Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each Saturday.