Prayers, People and Places

Copyright © 2016 by Kathryn Kurth Scudder.

Cover Photo of the Henry Ford Village Chapel, Dearborn, Michigan. Taken by brianclara photography. Used by permission.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

The NIV and New International Version trademarks are registered in the United State Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires the permission of International Bible Society.

*The NIV text may be quoted in any form (written, visual, electronic or audio), up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without any express written permission of the publisher, providing the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible nor do the verses account for 25 percent or more of the total text of the work in which they are quoted."

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Rev. date: 04/04/2016

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CONTENTS

PROLOGUE

PART 1:    A DEVOTED CHRISTIAN

THE STORY OF ROSEMARIE TYLER: A LIFE DEDICATED TO SERVING HER LORD AND SAVIOR

By Kathryn Scudder

PRAYERS FOR OUR LIVES

By Rosemarie Tyler

A New Beginning

Accepting God’s Grace

Ash Wednesday

Being Thankful For Our Friends

Can We Say We Believe?

Concerns For Famiies

Drawing Closer To God

Easter

Failure And Success

Finding The Right Path

For Those In Need Of Prayer

Forgiveness And Lent

Giving Thanks

God Listens

God’s Love

Having God In Our Lives

Holy Week

How Does One Live Without God?

In Appreciation Of A Musical Performance

In Troubling Times

Leaning On God

Loving The Lord

Oh! Poor Me!

Our Relationship With Others

Our Steady Anchor

Patience

Peace From The Lord

Prayer For A Choir Practice

Prayer Makes A Difference

Praying For A Good Night’s Rest

Praying For Individuals And Families

Praying For The Choir Members

Preparing For Christmas

Sharing God’s Love

Spring

Staying In Tune

The Lord’s Love

The Other Side Of Christ

The Summer Break

The Twenty-Third Psalm

The Weather

The Woods In Spring

Time With Jesus

Valentine’s Day

Visiting God’s House

When God Asks

Worshiping God

PART 2:   PRAYERS, PEOPLE AND PLACES

A GODLY MOTHER-IN-LAW

By Elaine Farmer

A HISTORY OF THE HENRY FORD VILLAGE PROTESTANT CONGREGATION

Notes from the Ten-Year Anniversary Bulletin

A LETTER TO A FELLOW CANCER PATIENT

By Geraldine Gerri Bloom

A PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE

By Elmer Dreyer

A SOCIETY OUT OF CONTROL

Notes from Sermon by Rev. Warren D. Pettis

A SPECIAL GAYLORD COUPLE

By Kathryn Scudder

ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE!

By Sheila Radtke

ANCIENT WORDS

By Darlene Ramus

ARE YOU A WISE MAN OR WOMAN?

By Sheila Radtke

BIBLE VERSES THAT WERE SPECIAL TO ROSEMARIE TYLER

By Rosemarie Tyler

CHOOSING A FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE

By Ralph Bloom

EASTER

Notes from Sermon by Rev. Warren D. Pettis

ENCOURAGEMENT

By Kathryn Scudder

FAITH

By Shirley Hiller

FAITHFUL IN PRAYER

By Emilie Mills

GOD IS OUR ANCHOR

By Ralph Bloom

GOD’S CALLING

By Frances Woodroofe

GOOD NEIGHBORS

By Kathryn Scudder

HE’S HERE

By Sheila Radtke

HOW PEACEFUL ARE YOU?

By Sheila Radtke

I THANK GOD

By Marilyn Wynne

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

By Kathryn Scudder

JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN

By Emilie Mills

MAKING CHOICES

By Kathryn Scudder

MUSIC AND GOD’S PLAN

By William Bill and Eleanor Floetke

MY ANCHOR AND MY ROCK

By Kathryn Scudder

MY FAITH

By Kim Brooks-Ondeck

MY FAVORITE BIBLE VERSES

By Geraldine Gerri Bloom

MY FUTURE

By Kathryn Scudder

MY TRIP TO GIRDWOOD, ALASKA

By Kathryn Scudder

NOURISHMENT FOR LIFE

Notes from Sermon by Rev. Warren D. Pettis

NOW, CONCERNING THE COLLECTION

Notes from Sermon by Rev. Warren D. Pettis

PASTOR ARTHUR BUD O. VAN ECK

By Kathryn Scudder

PRAISE

By Kathryn Scudder

PREPARING FOR THE SECOND PART OF OUR LIVES

Notes from Sermon by Rev. Warren D. Pettis

RUTH’S FAVORITE BIBLE VERSES

By Ruth Vigna

SERVICE AS A DISCIPLE OF JESUS

By Sr. Mary Downey

SERVING IN ONE’S RETIREMENT YEARS

By Kathryn Scudder

SHARING OUR FAITH

By Helen Quinn

SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE INTOLERANT?

By Sheila Radtke

SPIRITUAL OXYGEN

By Anna Gilbert

THE AMERICA I REMEMBER

By Kathryn Scudder

THE BIBLE AND I

By Kathryn Scudder

THE FIRST FIVE YEARS

By Kathryn Scudder

THE LORD AS OUR LIGHT

By Kathryn Scudder

THE LORD IS MY PHYSICIAN

By Geraldine Gerri Bloom

THE STORY OF MY FAITH

By Kathryn Scudder

TRUSTING IN JESUS

By Marilyn Kochkodan

TWO MIRACLES

By June Ebert

VIEWING THE BEAUTY OF GOD’S WORLD

By Helen Kowalski

WHAT DOES CHRIST WANT IN A CHURCH?

Note from Sermon by Rev. Warren D. Pettis

WORDS OF WISDOM

From the Notes of the Rev. Warren D. Pettis

PART 3:    BIBLE PASSAGES AND PRAYERS FOR LENT

By Kathryn Scudder

INTRODUCTION

Day 1, Ash Wednesday, The Beginning Of Lent

Day 2, Thursday The Clergy

Day 3, Friday Serving In The Church

Day 4, Saturday Missionaries

First Sunday In Lent Worship

Day 5, Monday Fellowship Of Believers

Day 6, Tuesday True Worship

Day 7, Wednesday Faith

Day 8, Thursday Hope

Day 9, Friday Love

Day 10, Saturday Grace

Second Sunday In Lent Mercy

Day 11, Monday Peace

Day 12, Tuesday Comfort

Day 13, Wednesday Contentment

Day 14, Thursday Joy

Day 15, Friday Sin

Day 16, Saturday God’s Will

Third Sunday In Lent Salvation

Day 17, Monday Evil

Day 18, Tuesday Those In Need

Day 19, Wednesday Health And Illness

Day 20, Thursday Grief

Day 21, Friday Anxiety

Day 22, Saturday Christian Living

Fourth Sunday In Lent Forgiveness

Day 23, Monday Aging

Day 24, Tuesday Speaking And Listening

Day 25, Wednesday Government

Day 26, Thursday Nations

Day 27, Friday Education

Day 28, Saturday Praise

Fifth Sunday In Lent Eternal Life

Day 29, Monday Freedom

Day 30, Tuesday Scripture

Day 31, Wednesday Virtues

Day 32, Thursday Serving

Day 33, Friday Commerce And Finance

Day 34, Saturday Prayer

Sixth Sunday In Lent, Palm Sunday

Day 35, Monday Of Holy Week

Day 36, Tuesday Of Holy Week

Day 37, Wednesday Of Holy Week

Day 38, Maundy (Holy) Thursday

Day 39, Good Friday

Day 40, Holy Saturday

Easter Sunday

Epilogue

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to the Glory of God. It is in Memory of my late husband, Kenneth E. Scudder, and in Honor of our children and their spouses, Jon (Sharon) Scudder, Randall (Adelaida) Scudder, Jan (Michael) Sampson, and Gordon (Jennifer) Scudder; and our grandchildren Anna, Ashley, Candace, Katelyn, Kenneth, Noah, Scott, Tara, and Trevor.

PROLOGUE

The Bible verses and articles were selected to encourage the readers’ faith. Thank you to the friends who contributed articles, and especially to Darcy Hoffman, for sharing the writings of her late mother, Rosemarie Tyler. May God grant all who read this book, with His blessings of strength, faith, and comfort.

This third book contains selected Bible verses, original prayers, and articles discussing various aspects of Christian living. Additional Bible verses and prayers can be found in Kathryn Scudder’s first two books, Everyday Prayers and More, and Prayer Thoughts for Every Day.

PART 1

A DEVOTED CHRISTIAN

THE STORY OF ROSEMARIE TYLER:

A LIFE DEDICATED TO SERVING

HER LORD AND SAVIOR

By Kathryn Scudder

I first met Rosemarie, when we were both entering our senior years. We attended the First United Methodist Church in Gaylord, Michigan. At that time, Gaylord was a much smaller city than what it is today. The church was the only United Methodist Church in the county, so the members also were from several smaller towns in the area. As people from Michigan would say, Gaylord is up-north. In fact, it is about 60 miles south of the Mackinac Bridge, which is located between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Much of northern and western Michigan provided lumber for other areas, but today, tourism is an important industry.

Rosemarie and her husband, Wayne, built a beautiful home in the forest area near Gaylord, while our family had a cottage and eventually a house near Gaylord. Our common interest was the church. Rosemarie had always been very active in it and enjoyed singing in the church choir. Both of us had retired, or so we thought, until we heard that the church secretary had left. Rosemarie had a background in finance and I had just completed computer training. The church decided to hire both of us to share the position, which we did until I moved out of the area about five years later. Rosemarie worked a few more years for the church and then decided it was time to retire once again. Both of us did our best, as it was our church. The members were helpful with the many chores a church of that size would have. Wayne and Rosemarie had a daughter, and eventually their family grew and they had grandchildren as well. Most of them still live in the Gaylord area.

One of Rosemarie’s projects was leading the prayer chain for the church, which at times can be quite time-consuming. However, Rosemarie was a strong believer in prayer. Another one of her projects was being the chaplain of the choir. Each of their practices began with a prayer led by Rosemarie. Some of the prayers she gave are in this book.

Although I got back to Gaylord a few times after moving away from Gaylord, Rosemarie, and I kept in touch. E-mails gradually replaced most of our phone calls.

As I am preparing this book for publication, in December 2015, I just learned a few hours ago that Rosemarie has become quite ill with cancer. She has been told that there is not any hope for being cured, and has decided not to undergo extreme measures to give her, what might only be a very short additional time. Rosemarie was a Hospice volunteer in years past, and well understood what is involved when a person has serious cancer.

Many phrases could be used to describe Rosemarie, and a prayer-warrior certainly is an accurate description. Prayer and her faith were a vitally important part of her life.

Note: Rosemarie passed away from cancer, a few days later, on December 11, 2015. She was remembered at a memorial service at Gaylord’s First United Methodist on December 16, 2015. Those who knew of her compassion, strength, and faith, will always remember her for those qualities.

PRAYERS FOR OUR LIVES

By Rosemarie Tyler

A NEW BEGINNING

Lord, we view the New Year as a time of new beginnings—a time to make a fresh start—a time to right the wrongs of the previous year. You give us this same opportunity every moment of every day. Our new beginning is but a prayer away. Let us all take this shining gift and not put it off. Bless us all with a new beginning wherever it is needed in our lives, whether it is in the healing of a bruised relationship or a broken promise in the righting of a secret sin. Draw us closer to you so we will be bold in following your lead. Give us the courage and love needed to be a living example of your ways and keep our hearts focused on you. May we sing our praises to you with joy! Watch over those traveling and bring them safely home to us. Be with us always, Lord Jesus. Amen.

ACCEPTING GOD’S GRACE

Almighty God, how can we ever repay you for the gift of your Son’s life and death? We know we cannot, for it is your plan that we accept your love and your grace, just as you intended. We are to accept it without payment, without any strings attached, simply because we are your beloved children and you want our company. Be with us as today and throughout our lives. In your Holy Name. Amen.

ASH WEDNESDAY

Father, our prayer to you this Ash Wednesday is a prayer for forgiveness. It is our sin that starts this season of Lent. It is your grace that put your Son on the cross to release us from that sin. Your offer us forgiveness for all our sins, regardless of what we have done. You gave your Son for us because you love us so dearly and want us always by your side. May we realize the depth of your love and grace and return it to you by passing it on to others. Keep our hearts and minds joined with you. Amen.

BEING THANKFUL FOR OUR FRIENDS

Dear God, we appreciate the times we can be with longtime friends and people we meet who can become our friends. We are thankful for the close friendships we share, especially those friends who share our joyful times, and are there when we need help of one kind or another. If we have pets, we are thankful for the faithful companionship they provide by showing their love and loyalty. God, life is better because of our friends. May they be blessed. Amen.

CAN WE SAY WE BELIEVE?

Dearest Father, often the music about you and your son, Jesus, winds through our minds, hour after hour, and day after day. We begin to realize how important you are in our lives. From our first breath, along the rocky road of life, to our last breath, you are ever by our sides, every wooing us, ever loving us, and ever offering us your peace and joy. Our part is simple; we only need to say that we believe. Lord, may the joy of music be comforting to us and to others. We ask for your blessing on those who serve you by preaching your word. May we keep our hearts bound to you as we continue our spiritual journey. Amen.

CONCERNS FOR FAMIIES

Dear Lord, we come to you with several concerns for families. The first burden is for families who have members in our military services and are not together. There is a special concern for those who are serving in dangerous areas. Having a family member away for an extended time can also make it difficult for those who remain at home, especially if they need to care for children or elderly relatives. The second concern is for