A Christmas Prayer for the South Central Ohio District
Gracious and Loving Father:
At this holy Christmas season, we come before You with hearts full of thanksgiving. We praise you for the many ways you have blessed the churches of the South Central Ohio District this past year. We thank you for lives that have been transformed by the Gospel, for those who have come to faith in Christ, for those who have publicly declared their new life through baptism, and for the ways our pastors and churches have focused on The One. We rejoice over stories of transformation, healing, and renewed hope. We thank You for children discovering Your love, students choosing to follow Jesus, and families being strengthened by Your grace. Every conversion, every testimony, every call to ministry, every step of obedience is a reminder that You are still at work among us. All glory belongs to You, Emmanuel—God with us.
Lord, we also lift up our pastors and their families with deep gratitude. Thank You for calling them, sustaining them, and empowering them to shepherd Your people with faithfulness and love. You know the sacrifices they make, the burdens they carry, and the unseen moments of prayer and service. This Christmas, we ask that You would bless them richly. Grant them rest for their bodies, peace for their minds, and joy for their hearts. Surround their families with warmth, laughter, and Your abiding presence. Renew their strength and remind them that their labor in You is never in vain. May this season be filled with Your comfort, provision, and the gift of Your nearness.
As we look ahead, Lord, we place the coming year into Your hands. We ask for a fruitful and faithful year for every church on the South Central Ohio District. Pour out Your Spirit afresh upon us. Bless Hocking Hills Retreat Center, and the ministries of our NMI, NYI, and NDI. Bless our summer camps, and our children and youth events. Give us renewed vision, bold faith, and compassionate hearts for our communities. Open doors for ministry, deepen our unity, and help us faithfully proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. May our churches be places of welcome, healing, and transformation. Lead us forward with hope, courage, and trust in You, as we continue to follow the Light who came into the world.
In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Eddie Estep
SCO District Superintendent
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