Davis Park Church of Christ

901 W Rumble Rd / Modesto, CA 95350 / 209.522.7226
www.davisparkchurchmodesto.com / davisparkcoc@sbcglobal.net

In Constant Prayer, part 2

What does it mean to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5.17)? Perhaps it is akin to being “constant in prayer” (Romans 12.12). Typically it gets defined for what it does not mean: being on our knees always; never coming out of our prayer closet; staying on a mountain top alone with God. Usually it is described as having a continual attitude of prayer or a mindset focused on the abiding presence of God wherein we converse with Him in a persistent manner. I believe all that is right. But in a world which is increasingly apathetic and even hostile toward things religious, the deck is stacked against us when it comes to being in continual communion with God.

This has always been the case when it comes to God’s people seeking His presence. David once wrote how, “In return for my love, they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer” (Psalm 109.4). The latter half of that verse can also be rendered “but I am prayer.” The context for these words is an occasion when “wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues” (verse 2). They are all around David, surrounding him, ready to attack (verse 3). In other words, the deck is stacked against David. So what would David do? Get angry? Fight back? Return reviling for reviling? No. Instead, he loved his enemies and prayed. In fact, so constant was he in prayer that he literally said “I am prayer.”

“Always pray,” says Paul. Because often that is our only recourse. Because often that is all we have. Because sometimes we just need to be prayer. And if David, who lived nearly a millennium before Jesus lived, could so give himself over to prayer, surely those infused with the Spirit of God can do no less. Much more should we be prayer!

COVID-19 INFORMATION

We are complying with state and county guidelines
Sunday morning worship transitioning to online
Sunday Bible classes cancelled until further notice
Wednesday Bible classes cancelled until further notice
Junior Worship cancelled until further notice
Travelers Motel – food service only
Potlucks cancelled until further notice
Food Pantry closed until further notice
Shower Shuttle cancelled until further notice
Recommendations – Those who are over 60 or have underlying health conditions are encouraged to stay home.
Guidelines – If you are sick, stay home. Wash your hands. Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.
http://schsa.org/publichealth/pages/corona-virus/

Other Online Resources for Worship, Sermons, Bible Classes, etc.

COVID 1900 – daily thought and prayer – 7pm daily.
Davis Park Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/dpcoc/

Sunday Morning Live Stream
Davis Park YouTube Channel. Sundays @ 10:30 am.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqiMua30RpdxaycQwjFz6UA

Davis Park Church of Christ (page)
Davis Park Church of Christ (group)
Davis Park Youth Group

Instagram – Davis Park Church

Twitter – Davis Park Church of Christ

YouTube – Davis Park Church, Live Streaming Sunday Morning Worship Service. Bible Studies, Daily Prayer & Encouragement

Other Online Resources for Worship, Sermons, Bible Classes, etc.

Fairmont Park Church of Christ (Midland, TX)

Live Streaming & Recorded Sermons & Bible Classes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FPCOFC/ Website: https://www.fmpchurch.com/ App: (Apple & Android)

Fairmont Park Church of Christ *Children’s resources now available

The Christian Chronicle

The Christian Chronicle is compiling a list of Churches of Christ nationwide who offer live streaming services. https://christianchronicle.org/churches-of-christ-offeringlivestream-worship/

Let the Bible Speak

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/LetTheBibleSpeak

NOTE: Those needing help with food or other supplies may call the office, a staff member, or an Elder for assistance. Office hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Did You Think to Pray

Mary A Kidder, 1876

Ere you left your room this morning,
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ our Savior,
Did you sue for loving favor,
As a shield today?

Refrain:
Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day;
So when life seems dark and dreary,
Don’t forget to pray.

When you met with great temptation,
Did you think to pray?
By His dying love and merit,
Did you claim the Holy Spirit
As your guide and stay?

When your heart was filled with anger,
Did you think to pray?
Did you plead for grace, my brother,
That you might forgive another
Who had crossed your way?

When sore trials came upon you,
Did you think to pray?
When your soul was bowed in sorrow,
Balm of Gilead did you borrow
At the gates of day?

Opportunity to Make a Difference

Many of our Shut-ins are not allowed visitors at this time. Please take the time to send them a card or note of encouragement if you can.

Contact Info for our Shut-Ins

Jewel Cherry, 2117 Bridgewood Way, Modesto, CA 95355
Nadine Greff, Vintage Faire, 3620 Dale Rd, Rm. 25, Modesto, CA 95356
Mary Ellen Heinrich, Casa de Modesto, 1745 Eldena Way, Room 906, Modesto, 95350
Betty McGoldrick, 13754 Jasper St., Lathrop, CA 95330
Russ Ortloff, 511 East D Street, Oakdale, CA 95361
Joyce Percival, Casa de Modesto, 1745 Eldena Way, Room 4, Modesto, 95350
Jody Thompson, Stratford Place, 3529 Forest Glen Dr., Apt. 113, Modesto, 95355
Evelyn Wood, Bethel Assisted Living, 2345 Scenic Ave., Apt. 323, Modesto 95355

***Please submit additions, corrections & updates to the office.

Prayer Requests

Coronavirus

Diagnosed or Tested

Sandra Franklin (Family Promise organizer) – dad has COVID-19 & is in his last days
Gary Laguna – mom, Sarah, is recovering from COVID-19 and another virus
Lee Walls – aunt Dorothy diagnosed with COVID-19
Wayne Vanderford – dad diagnosed with COVID-19
Sharon Corley – brother Jim McGoldrick diagnosed with COVID-19 & pneumonia, still on ventilator
Joan Ortloff – sister Jan’s congregation has a senior member diagnosed with COVID-19

Health Care Workers

Tonya Barnard, RT
Tamara Wallers, RN
Debbie Cree, RN
Betty Weldon, RN
Krista Gray, RN
Dawn Young, RN
Rick Kelley, PA (Shower Shuttle Volunteer)
Rose Kelley, PA
Christie, RN
Ellen Tostado, Medical Lab Technician (daughter of John & Patty Ford)

Cities/Countries in Crisis

USA
China
Germany
Italy
Iran
Pakistan
Modesto
Spain
France
Stanislaus County
Midland, TX (COVID-19 plus a dramatic drop in oil prices)
World Leaders

Recent Requests

Clementina Robles – chemo & alternative treatments going well
Solomon & Bontha Raju (preachers in India) – fellow preacher in India lost a 10 year-old daughter to starvation
Paula Meler – Lois Terry in ICU with an infection & other health issues; Rosie Duarte having surgery for breat cancer
Diana Delaney – brother-in-law Bill hospitalized with a mass on his bile duct; prayers for peace for his wife Janice
Helen Hinton – recovering from wrist surgery; brother Harold having an angiogram on May 7th & his wife has been diagnosed with bone cancer
Darlene Evans – lung problems
Jim Greff – recovering from knee surgery
Rose Mary Cowan – mourning the loss of her sister, Marge Ruth Womack – (Waterford CoC member) fell & broke her hip & wrist
Michael Brown – retired colleague & founder of company passed away
Marianne Durso – cancer has returned, will start chemo soon
Sheila Walls – undergoing radiation treatments, awaiting MRI results
Terry & Traci McEnery – Terry’s daughter Katie Lynn is having marital & other problems
Famine in India
Oklahoma, Georgia, Nashville, TN & Jonesboro, AR – tornado victims
Leadership – for guidance & wisdom in this time of uncertainty