At this time of year attention is called in a variety of ways to those who have died. Of course, this coming Monday is Memorial Day, when we pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to our country.  Typically, many cemeteries around this time of year observe “Decoration Day” or “Remembrance Day”, when families come together to honor those in their families who have died.  This week let’s focus on praying for those in our lives who are at varying stages of grief, depending on how recently they have experienced the death of their loved one or friend. It doesn’t matter how long ago a death might have been. The grieving process can be very lengthy, and it is different with every individual. Everyone pays attention to praying for them in the immediacy of the death, but they are often forgotten as time moves on.  Recall specific families and individuals that you personally know who have  experienced death in their midst, even as much as a year ago or longer. Use the following verses, where appropriate,  to pray specifically for them.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”  -- Psalm 34:18  (NIV)
 
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.”   -- 2 Corinthians 1:3-5  (NIV)
 
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”   -- Psalm 23:4  (ESV)
 
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”    -- John 14:27  (NIV)

WEEKLY PRAYER UPDATE –  May 20, 2026
Missions: 
Capstone Church, Helena, Montana – Caleb Groteluschen, pastor; Ben Quigg, worship leader
Juan Pablo and Sol Herrera –  Hispanic ministry in Ponder
Senator Barnes & family –  East Asia Anti-Human Trafficking Initiative for World Ventures
Stephen & Sabrina Marshall –  church planting in France
Church:
Enlistment of VBS staff
Planning for starting Mother's Day Out in the fall
Staff search for worship leader
This week’s worship service, Bible studies, and BodyBuilder groups
Personal Needs:
Spiritual awakening in our community, in our nation
Salvation -- Those on your "Who's Your One?" list
Martha Wyatt –  hospitalized to deal with infection
Jennifer Ishmael – dealing with issues related to her cancer
Paula Haddix (former member) – has malignant mass in kidney; having kidney removal May 26
Blake Crutsinger – Ponder coach in ICU with fractured skull, brain swelling due to being accidentally hit with a shotput at the high school regional track meet; is improving
Manda Marquis Campbell – hospitalized with fungal infection in lungs & spinal cord that could spread to brain
Grief:  Family of Gary Carrington – Gary passed away on Tuesday evening, May 12
Shelly Pope – seeking to start immunotherapy trial treatment for stage 4 liver cancer
Charlotte Hodges (Darrell Pope's sister) – diagnosed with bone cancer
Kerr Broadstreet  (Kim's brother) – undergoing more treatment for tumor in shoulder
Tristen Garza (grandson of longtime PISD administrator, Kent Josselet) – experiencing difficulties with lower extremities, with walking; undergoing testing and physical therapy
Tommy Bean –  needing renewed strength following his mini-stroke
Those in assisted living/nursing homes:  Barbara Nofziger, Carolyn Gillespie, Mary Alice Benton
Run-off elections on Tuesday, May 26
Our government leaders
First responders