Little moments of prayer can bring love to one’s day

Judy Russell
·5 min read

Prayer can become a way of life for us if we take the time, even a bit of time, to practice it.

While sorting through more of my clutter, I came across a Stewardship handout titled “10 Ways to Pray in 10 Minutes a Day.”

Here are some of the suggestions, in abbreviated form:

When you see/hear a siren, fire truck or ambulance, say a prayer for the person(s) who may be hurt or ill.

When you’re sitting at a red light, say a prayer for the person in front or in back of your vehicle.

Standing in line at a grocery store? Say a prayer for those who have no money to buy food.

Park at the end of the parking lot, and thank God for your ability to walk as you approach your destination.

Keep a notebook by your bed. Before going to sleep, write down one thing that occurred that day for which you are grateful.

Smile and greet people as you pass them on the street, at work, or in school.

Tell your children, your spouse and your friends that you love them.

When you say to yourself, “Why me, God?” take the time to listen for an answer.

Say a short prayer of thanks before and after every meal.

Pick a family member or friend each day and say a short prayer for them as you brush your teeth.

Here are some upcoming church and religious events in the Oshkosh area:

  • St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 1100 E. Murdock Ave., Oshkosh, is a drop-off location again for the Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids campaign, which runs through Oct. 25. The donation box is in the hallway near the Fellowship Hall doors. Needed items are new or gently used coats, hats, mittens and gloves for children.

  • All decorations at the three Catholic cemeteries in Oshkosh – Sacred Heart, Calvary, and Riverside – must be removed by Oct. 15 for fall cleanup. Items may be returned or replaced after Nov. 1. If anyone thinks something may be lost in the cleanup process, please remove it.

  • Wesley United Methodist Church in Oshkosh will celebrate Laity Sunday on Oct. 22. The worship service will be led by all three of Wesley’s lay speakers: Jerry Krueger, Donna LaPoint and Randy Lovell, and Pastor Charles Emery. The theme is “Why We Are Methodists.” There will be extra volunteers to make the service possible, and special music is planned.

  • An ecumenical healing service, open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday at St. John’s Episcopal Church in New London. The service, at 1513 Pinewood Lane, is hosted by the St. John’s Order of St. Luke Christian healing ministry. The guest presenter will be the Rev. Paul Feider and the theme is “Receive & Radiate the Love of Jesus.”Feider, who has a Master of Divinity degree, was ordained in 1977. In 1994 he took a year of Anglican Studies and continued his ministry as an Episcopal priest. He previously served as pastor of St. John’s Church and Center for Inner Peace in New London. He is on the board of Christian Healing Ministries, and is a member of the Association of Christian Therapists.The St. John’s Order of St. Luke is part of an international, interdenominational Christian healing organization and has groups that meet in Oshkosh, Appleton and New London. For more information about Wednesday’s service, call 920-716-5757.

  • Retired TV reporter Jerry Burke will share stories from his book about his career experiences, and his memories of EAA AirVenture, when he speaks this Wednesday at the Senior-Young-at-Heart Potluck at St. Jude Parish in Oshkosh, where he is a member. The event will begin at 11 a.m. in Leannah Hall at the Sacred Heart site, 519 Knapp St.

  • A Trinkets and Treasures/Bake Sale will be held this week on Friday and Saturday at St, John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 808 N. Main St., Oshkosh. Sale hours on Friday are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Household items, books, puzzles, clothes/outerwear and holiday items will be among the items for sale.

  • The Borth Community Church (formerly the United Methodist Church) will hold its annual luncheon and auction Oct. 15, after the 9 a.m. worship service. Serving of the plate lunch will start at 11 a.m., and the auction begins at noon. The auction will include baked items, gift boxes, farm produce, crafts and miscellaneous items. The church is at the intersection of Waushara County D and XX.

  • The next Bible Study and Breakfast Group session at Father Carr’s Place 2B, 1062 N. Koeller St., Oshkosh, is scheduled for Saturday. The study is led by Father Dave Duffeck. Reference materials and breakfast are provided free of charge. Participants are asked to bring their own Bibles. For more information, call 920-233-8044.

  • Veterans Day is Nov. 11. For the past four years Peace Lutheran Church, 240 W. Ninth Ave., Oshkosh, has been compiling a video montage of their veterans. This video has been played at the Sunday service nearest to Veterans Day. If you, or someone in your family who has been a part of Peace, is or was a veteran, consider submitting a photo for the montage. The photo should be in the church office by Oct. 31 to be included in this year’s video.

Thought for the Day: Go out into the world today and love the people you meet. Let your presence light new light in the hearts of people.

Judy Russell of Oshkosh writes about happenings at area centers of worship. To submit news for her consideration, email oshkoshsubmit@thenorthwestern.com with the subject “Church news.” Deadline is 5 p.m. Mondays.

If you missed Judy's column last week: The Place 2B: helping, providing hope, changing lives, living the gospel

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Moments of prayer can lift up your day