I Thessalonians 5:18

“Give thanks in all things for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for all circumstances.”

Father God, we rejoice today and give grateful thanks to You, Oh Lord for all you are doing at Gateway Church. We believe it is Your will that Pastor Al retires, and that Dylan Harper becomes our lead pastor. The pastor search team has prayed diligently for Your will to be done, and we believe that You have great plans for both of these men and their families. Thank You, Oh God our King. In Jesus name, Amen.

Psalm 103:1-2

“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul.”

Father GOD, Holy, Holy Holy is your name! We recognize your majesty, glory, and power without holding anything back. We exalt your name on high! For you are righteous, a promise keeper, You are faithful, and merciful beyond our understanding. Oh God, thank you for all your blessings!

Acts 13:2-3

“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”

Dear LORD, we pray for your servant Dylan Harper and his family. We have put all our faith and trust in you GOD. We believe as your word says that you called us by our name for such a time as this. We pray for your mighty protection as Dylan, Jessica and Brooklyn submit themselves to your will. Above all things, guard their hearts from anything that is not from you. Fill them, and all of those around them, with your HOLY SPIRIT. We pray for your peace LORD, to comfort their hearts and we also pray for unity in the body of your church to embrace your will. In your most Holy Name. Amen!

Isaiah 65:24

“I will answer their prayers before they ask and will meet their needs before they finish praying.”

Lord God, You alone are our provider and protector. You already know the neighborhood that Dylan, Jessica and Brooklyn will live.. We thank you that this house will be their new family home. We ask for a home that is in the El Capitan school district, we ask for a home that will best serve you as beacons of light. We ask for this home to be the right price and that it will serve as the reminder of your gifts and blessing to them and to us. We thank you ahead for your provision, wisdom and direction. Amen

Psalm 91:1

“He who dwells in the shadow of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

Lord God, you are our shelter and our rest. We pray that Dylan, Jessica, and Brooklyn will always be reminded that their home will always be their safe place because You, dear Father, are present and caring for them. May they always find rest there, may this be the home where they grow and mature. May this be the home to invite family and friends. May all people that enter their home,be touched by your love for them. Amen

Joshua 1:9

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Father God, You love Pastor Al and Joelene deeply, and have directed their lives since birth. Now we ask that You would strengthen and encourage them every step of the way as they move through this next transition of life together with You. Amen.

James 1:4

“perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete and lacking nothing.”

Thank you dear Father for the years Pastor Al and Joelene have led, served, and blessed Gateway Church. We thank you that even now as they retire, you are using them to show us your beautiful way to transition from one pastor to the next pastor. We thank you that you are speaking to their hearts about even more to come in their lives. We ask that you, gracious Heavenly Father, continue to bless them as they follow you all the days of their lives. Amen.

Psalm 23:6

“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Father God, we pray a special blessing for Pastor Al and Joelene. They have poured their lives into Gateway Church. Gateway has been and continues to be blessed by their obedience to You, Oh Lord! Bind them together in You as they continue in their journey. We ask this in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your and lean not on to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”

Father God, our Pastor Dylan has been selected. You, Oh Lord, have placed him at Gateway Church. Let us trust in You as we pray for and as we support Dylan. We trust in your guidance as we navigate this new season, and we will not lean on anything but You Oh Lord. Amen.

Matthew 28:18-20

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Lord God, you have brought your people together as Gateway Church. Holy Spirit, you are moving in all of us to reach all people with your saving grace, from our family and neighbors, to our schools and workplace, to every person we encounter, we speak the very name of Jesus. Amen.

Ephesians 4:11-13

“It was he (Jesus) who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ”

Father God, keep us centered in You, so that your Purpose and Your Heart will be ours. Father, we commit ourselves to You and Your Gateway Church! Let us not be distracted!! You, Oh Lord, are our Rock and our Salvation! Amen

1 Corinthians 12:4 -6, 12

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.” “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.”

Father God, bind us together in Your Love. Keep us, Oh Lord, focused on You so that Your purpose is ours. We thank You and praise You for the move of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in Gateway Church. Amen.

Ephesians 4:2-3

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Lord Jesus, we thank You for being the Cornerstone of Gateway Church. Help us every day to be centered on Your love for us, and our love for one another. Holy Spirit, draw us together in the unity of peace and patience. Amen.

1 Peter 5:8-9

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

Father God, make us aware of whom we battle, but keep us mindful that because of who You are, we will not be afraid! In Jesus Mighty Name and by His Precious Blood. Amen.

Ephesians 6:10-18

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against, the authorities, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all of this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayer and requests. With this in mind, be alert and keep praying for all the saints.”

Thank You, Father God, that through Jesus we are victorious over the evil one. You have given us the powerful tool of prayer, that by calling out the Name of Jesus over Your people at Gateway, Your saving grace and protection will be manifested. Amen.

Hebrews 12:1-2

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus, watch over our church. We put our trust for salvation and redemption in you alone. You are the author and finisher of our faith. We live our lives with our eyes toward you, forsaking sin and bad habits that hinder us. For we can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us. Amen.

Proverbs 3:5-8

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”

Holy Spirit, move in all of us at Gateway Church to stay so close to you that we hear your voice. Help us to recognize the counterfeits that try to sell us lies and lead us down wrong paths. It is our desire to move in your direction as your children and as the body of Christ. Amen.

Hebrews 11:6

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Father God build our faith, make us aware of who You are. Build our faith so that we totally trust You and believe You in all situations! You Oh Lord are our Strength and our Salvation! You alone are our Mighty God! In Jesus Name and by His Precious Blood. Amen.

Ephesians 4:4-7

“There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.”

Dear Heavenly Father, we praise You and give You glory for each and every staff member at Gateway Church. They are gifts to us from You. Holy Spirit, help them to draw ever closer to You, and to each other, in unity of grace and hope during this season of transition. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

Abba Father, Bless the partnership between Pastor Al and Dylan. May they both learn what your heart is for Gateway Church and follow Your desires and plans. Fill them with your wisdom and power to lead the congregation. May peace, love and joy abound in their hearts as they serve the Lord and feed His sheep. Amen.

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Lord God, you are calling our Gateway Church staff to a higher calling. Renew their minds, fix their thoughts on what is good. Grant them wisdom and discernment to see where You are leading. Remind them that their faithfulness is what pleases You. Amen.

John 15:5

“I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing.”

Lord God, we lift all our ministers and staff at Gateway Church before you. Holy Spirit, continually remind the Harpers of Your nearness, Your patience, Your love, as they support and encourage each other to lean into You as they lead Gateway Church as a team. Amen.

1 Timothy 3:1-7

“Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap,”

O Lord, You have brought Dylan Harper to Gateway Church as our new lead pastor. Cause him, Holy Spirit to seek wisdom and to be faithful to You, Jessica and Brooklyn. Fill him, Lord, with Your fruit of the Spirit, as he humbly serves You and this Church through the teaching of the Word and in prayer. Amen.

Jeremiah 3:15

“Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.”

God, you alone are our good Shepherd. It is by your design that you sent Dylan to feed us, your people. Use him to care for us and to lead us in knowledge and understanding of your word. He is a man after your heart. May Dylan’s servanthood never be for selfish gain but for your glory. Amen.

Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law.”

Jesus, may the fruit of the Spirit abound in their hearts and in the Harper’s relationships, their marriage, family, friends and the Gateway Church family. Amen.

John 15:16-17

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.”

Father God it is your love that holds us, changes us, keeps us and renews us each day. Holy Spirit move in all of us to stay fully present in You. Lord Jesus, it is you that has called Dylan Harper to be a pastor to Gateway Church. You have called him and equipped him to be a Shepherd. We trust in you and your plans for all that is good and for your glory. Amen.

Psalm 25:4-7

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”

Father God, there is no one else, no other thing, that we desire more than You. Please lead and guide the Harper family as they begin a new life here at Gateway Church. Help them to place their hope and trust in You every day. Holy Spirit, reveal to them Your paths. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 19:14

“May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight. O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

Precious Savior, the Rock and Cornerstone of our lives, we lift Dylan, Jessica, and Brooklyn to Your throne of grace. We humbly ask for Your Spirit to touch their hearts and souls deeply, all three of them, as they begin their new journey of serving You here in Merced. Protect them, Jesus, that their minds may be focused each day on You. Amen.

Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Thank you, Jesus for Your promise to be with us during this transition of welcoming our new pastor, Dylan. You promise us that you will strengthen us, be with us, and that you will uphold us in Your righteous right hand. We praise You that we can depend on your promises. Amen.

Joshua 1:6-8

“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it right or left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

Father, thank you for preparing Dylan, Jessica and Brooklyn Harper for your God-sized assignment in Merced County. We stand together with the Harpers, to lead people into a relationship with You, Dear God. We ask that your Holy Spirit would move in all of us to disciple each other to walk like Jesus. Thank you for including all of Gateway Church in the good plans that you have for us. Amen.