You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.  As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless.  He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him  (Psalm 18:28-30). 



 

Thank you Lord that Rebecca, Kathy, Karla, and Theresa are able to come to the retreat.  If they have experienced the darkness of depression that settles over them like a mantle, if they are having thoughts descend in varying shades of gray, covering the essence of who they are, we ask for You, the true Light, to shine on their value, worth, failures, shame, and breathe into them Life-giving Spirit.  Create in them the breath of life, a reason for being.  May they feel deeply and fully, not reflecting their emptiness.  Lord, return to them the strength to color their world removing the shades of gray.  Our desire is that their time at the retreat be one of light and encouragement, lifting their spirits.

 

Lord, please help the volunteer staff to deal with jet lag quickly, stay healthy and enjoy bonding with one another while preparing for the ladies to arrive.

 

Father, we praise You for the growth of the Church in Singapore and the responsiveness of the educated.  Thank You that there has been a revitalization of traditional denominations and that Singapore has become a key Christian base and mission-sending country.  Lord, we ask that the growth continue to second generations and that You help many young Christians cope with the affluence and materialistic rat race.  We also desire that there be adequate family life and witness in high-rise apartments and full employment.  May You give wisdom in creative ways of releasing more long-term workers, as there is compulsory military service for men, career concerns in a competitive society, and cultural perceptions about overseas service.  Thank You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

© 2013 Thrive.