This is your Father your dealing with

Today we are preparing for several special events as the church. Tomorrow - May 1, 2008 is the National Day of Prayer. Everyone is invited to the join us in the Worship Center at North Raleigh at noon for a time of prayer. We will join with millions of people across the country for this event.

Several years ago I had the privilege to be in the Rose Garden at the White House and personally observe President Ronald Reagan sign the proclamation for the National Day of Prayer. I plan to share my insights about that experience and some other unique presentations to draw us into a time of prayer beginning at noon on Thursday.

Here is a message from Shirley Dobson - Chairperson of the National Day of Prayer Task force:

These words challendged me this morning in my time alone with God.

Matthew 6:7-13 from The Message:

"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:

Our Father in heaven,

Reveal who you are.

Set the world right;

Do what's best— as above, so below.

Keep us alive with three square meals.

Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.

Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.

You're in charge!

You can do anything you want!

You're ablaze in beauty!

Yes. Yes. Yes."

Tonight Pastor Brittany Cottle and I are teaching a Baptism Class. We are planning to baptize new believers during the worship service this coming Sunday. This is NOT what we plan to share about being baptised: