Jonathan Moore
“I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.”
Psalms 138:1-3
God doesn't always answer prayer by action. Sometimes we are the ones who must act. But first , He responds not by action but by infusion - an impartation of encouragement and strength. How often, after you have prayed, you find that you have peace about a situation? Or you suddenly are struck by an idea for an appropriate action or response? Prayer doesn't change God, it prepares us to stand in confidence or to act in faith
Prayer from First Presbyterian Church Grenada Heavenly Father, we know that wind, water, rain , sleet and snow àre yours. This Sabbath we come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your protection and grace.
We pray you will place Your mighty hand over this storm and calm its force. Shield us from the fury of the wind, rain, snow and ice. Care for those in the grip of the storm and keep them from harm. We pray for the safety of every person, home, and community at risk. We lift up all rescue workers, police, firefighters, and utility crews, asking for clear minds, steady hands, and safe passage as they heroically assist others in dangerous situations. Calm the anxious thoughts and steady the restless hearts of those filled with fear. Remind them of Your constant presence, that even when life seems dark and stormy, You are with us, guiding us to safety. In the wake of the storm, we pray for swift recovery and restoration. Provide essentials like water, food, and adequate shelter, and inspire communities to come together in support and care for one another.
We trust in Your unfailing love and mercy, knowing You are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. We pray in Jesus Name. Amen
🌾 Modern Parable: The Bridge on County Road 12
There was a small town divided by a narrow river. Years ago, a storm washed out the old wooden bridge that connected the east side and the west side. At first, folks said they would rebuild it soon. But weeks turned into months, and months into years. People got used to staying on their own side. They shopped on their side. They worshiped on their side. They talked mostly to people who looked like them, voted like them, and lived like them.
One day, a young woman who had just moved into town noticed something strange. Every morning, she saw people from both sides walking down to the riverbank — not to cross, but to stare at the gap where the bridge used to be. It was as if everyone wanted connection but didn’t know how to start.
So she went to the hardware store and bought two boards. She laid them across the narrowest part of the river. It wasn’t much — just a shaky little walkway — but it was a start.
The next morning, she found someone had added two more boards. By the end of the week, a retired carpenter brought tools and reinforced the frame. A group of teenagers painted the railings. A local farmer donated lumber. A welder from the west side installed metal braces. A teacher from the east side planted flowers at the entrance.
Within a month, the bridge stood stronger than ever — not because one person built it, but because everyone did.
When the town gathered for the ribbon‑cutting, the mayor said, “We didn’t just rebuild a bridge. We rebuilt each other.”
And from that day on, people crossed freely — not just to get to the other side, but to remember what mercy looks like when it becomes action.