August 23, 2026
Today's Verse
Ephesians 4:29[29] Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Today's Memory Verse
Matthew 28:19-20 - Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.Today's Westminster Catechism Q/A
22 - How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin.
Today's Church Staff
Kristen Owsley - Assistant to Lead PastorSpecial Prayer Requests
- Intercede for Sophya, Ollie, Remi, Harley, and Cassidy.
- Pray for Seth and John's relationship.
- Pray for the Bugis and Pashtun people.
- Pray for Cole Mitchell and his recovery from a stroke.
- Pray for Katie Ballard dealing with health/pain.
Today's Country
BulgariaRegion: Southeast Europe — Located in Southeast Europe, on the eastern half of the Balkan Peninsula. It borders Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east.
Current Situation: As of August 2026, Bulgaria continues to grapple with persistent political fragmentation and governmental instability, characterized by frequent electoral cycles and fragile coalition governments struggling to implement crucial reforms, particularly in combating pervasive corruption. The nation faces long-term demographic challenges, including a declining and aging population due to emigration and low birth rates, which strain economic growth despite its integration into the EU. Socially, there is an ongoing struggle for judicial reform and addressing socioeconomic disparities. The dominant Bulgarian Orthodox Church maintains significant cultural influence, while evangelical Protestant communities, though growing, face challenges of internal unity, theological depth, and a call to greater missional impact amidst a predominantly traditional religious landscape and occasional societal skepticism. The need for godly leadership and spiritual renewal across all sectors remains profound.
Prayer Needs:
- For the pure preaching of God’s Word and sound doctrine to prevail in all Christian churches in Bulgaria, guarding against error and apathy (2 Timothy 4:2-5).
- For renewed spiritual vitality, courageous witness, and effective discipleship within the evangelical Protestant communities, especially among the youth, that they may boldly proclaim Christ (Acts 4:29).
- For the Lord to raise up and grant wisdom, integrity, and stability to Bulgaria’s governmental leaders, that they may govern righteously and work for the common good (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
- For the eradication of corruption within all levels of Bulgarian society and for the establishment of true justice according to God’s standards (Psalm 33:5).
- For the preservation of life and strong families, and for the Lord to reverse the trends of demographic decline, glorifying Him in Bulgarian households (Psalm 127:3-5).
AI-generated insights (updated: 2026-08-23)
Prayer Time (Minutes)
Select a Prayer Category
Today's Request
Church:Lord, cultivate in us a genuine spirit of discipleship, nourished by Your Word faithfully proclaimed and a community overflowing with grace. May the Gospel be our daily sustenance, marking our lives with holiness and willing generosity. Keep our gaze fixed on the hope of heaven, granting us courage to share Your message—both across the street and around the world—and preparing us to stand firm through every situation. Amen.
Community Group:
Interceding for Andrew Omerzu, Hayden and Emmalynn Sphire, Jake and Bri Rose, Joey and Sarah Koo, Clay and Natalie Winslow, Kyle Soiste, Mike and Charissa Napoles.
Coworkers:
Lord, may we truly elevate the Gospel's impact and be a genuine blessing to those we work alongside—specifically Arihant, Veda, Chris, Amit, Austin, Salli, Vivian, and Justin. For the team and the wider IT groups at W&S. Foster a psychologically safe space among us for genuine learning. Inspire and assist me to embrace new understanding and to build the others. I want to make others grown, learn, and improve. May we commit wholeheartedly to our duties, doing them as for You, truly serving Christ in all we undertake (Colossians 3:23–24).
Extended Family:
We humbly pray for the salvation of each person listed, asking that it would clearly display Your abundant mercy and favor. Should Your ultimate plan for them be otherwise, may their lives still glorify You: Cheryl; Josh; Dale and Lora, Dustin and Carrie, and Erin and family; Ed and Barb; Rod and Mary Dawn, and Hailey; Scott; Tyler, Alex, and Royce; Tanner and Tristan; Curt and Christy; Aunt Carol and Jerry; Bruce and Betsy; Jonathon and Jamie; Amanda, Donna, Holly, Scott, Craig, and their families; Kristi, Robert, Jayson, Levity, Kaylyn, Bella, and Sophya; Tim and family; Zach and family, Tiff and family, Timi and family; Chris and Tim, Erin and her family; Lori and Mike, C.J. and his family; Carlee and her family; Rayder and Eli; Aunt Sharon, Tiffany and Nathan, their daughters Taylor and Ryan and their families; Kearsten and family; Becky, Cheryl, Steve, and their families and their children's families; May God genuinely transform our anxieties, our felt needs, and our frustrations into firm faith in Christ.