Dear First Pres,

My eyes have been burning for the last few days; all the smoke in the air seems to be having its effect. So, like many of you, I've been beseeching the Lord, "Lord, please send rain. Please bring an end to these fires that are ravaging our mountains. Please blow a fresh wind through this valley that does not provoke the fires but clears the air. Lord, please."

That's just one of the many prayers I've been lifting to the Lord these past several weeks.  There are so many other things to be praying for these days: God's comfort for those who grieve, God's healing in marriages that are struggling, God's grace to transform us, God's power to heal, God's call to inspire us, God's blessing for WednesdayNights@FPC, and God's Kingdom through our Community Groups.  Plus, as I've said before, there are little reminders that I've created in my everyday life to help me pray for our city and world; no matter what I'm doing, when I see those reminders I  shoot a prayer to the Lord who is above every kingdom. 

There is so much to be praying for isn't there? That's why several Fresno pastors are joining together to hold A Call To Prayer: Worship, Prayer, Healing this Friday night, September 11, from 7 - 9 p.m. at People's Church.  The details have been floating around our FPC Weekly, web-site, and bulletin for the last month, but this is the first I've mentioned it.  I'm going to be one of the pastors participating in this important event, and I invite you to join me.  It'll be an encouraging time of seeking God's face together for the needs of our community. I hope to see you there, I'm sure it'll be a blessing.

Blessings,

P.S. I just received word that Pastor Ernie Bradley has died and is now receiving the fullness of God's gracious reward in Christ. Pastor Ernie had a profound influence for Christ on thousands, including me. May the Lord grant his family and all of us comfort as we grieve his death and celebrate his life.