Bethany Community Church

Sometimes we make prayer too difficult.  Paul’s instruction on the matter can be summarized by half of Philippians 4:6, which reads:  “tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand…”

In keeping with Paul’s practical instruction, I’m happy to invite to join with me in praying the following thanksgivings and intercessions, blended together in the following areas of our life as a church:

Thank God for all He has done

1. We’re profoundly grateful to the Lord that our community has been able to raise over $100,000 for relief and rebuilding in Haiti.  Pray for the World Vision team and all their affiliates as they use these resources for both immediate needs and long-term issues.
2. Give thanks for Scott Sund, Shonnie Scott, and the families that are forming core leadership teams for satellite campuses in both West Seattle and North Seattle.  Pray for their continued wisdom and strength, asking that God would shepherd them every step of the way so that the works that are established testify of His grace and power.
3. Give thanks for the provision of two wonderful finalists in our search for a new Director of Worship & Arts.  Pray for our search task force as we meet soon to make important decisions regarding next steps, asking that our decisions would be right.
4. I’m grateful for the many people at Bethany who have signed up to attend retreats.  Pray for the Middle School, High School, Post-College/Early Career, and Guys’ retreats, all of which are happening this month.  Pray with me that each participant will encounter the living Christ in significant ways, resulting in transformation, and the strengthening of life in Christ, both for individuals and for our church.
5. Pray also for the upcoming Ash Wednesday service and the beginning of Lent.  We’ll be inviting the Bethany community to go deeper with Christ and enter an intentional discipleship effort (which we’re calling Rule of Life) during this season, focusing on the areas of Bible Reading, Prayer, Service, and Generosity.  Pray that we will collectively be responsive to Christ’s invitation to follow Him fully, and that our development of a Rule of Life community will result in Christ’s life being seen with greater clarity.
6. We’re searching for a new children’s ministry director and ask for prayer for the task force involved in that search.
7. Megan Dobrasz is preparing a team for a March trip to Macedonia.  Pray for Megan, her team, and their preparations, asking that God would be providing all that’s needed for His purposes on this trip.
8. There are many who continue to feel the effects of unemployment.  Pray for those looking for work and direction, asking for God’s provision of both, and comfort in the midst of the trials.
9. Finally, Bethany continues to be the recipient of God’s mercy and grace in countless ways.  Please pray for all our leaders, especially our staff and church council, asking that God would protect us from presumption, keeping us ever dependent on Him for each step, and ever grateful for His goodness.

Thanks so much for making time to pray with me on these important matters. May His life continue to strengthen, protect, and direct us in all we do.

In His Service,

Richard Dahlstrom

Senior Pastor