Prayers of the People - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

September 16–22 September 23–30
“The snares of death encompassed
me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on
me; I suffered distress and anguish.
Then I called on the name of the
LORD: ‘O LORD, I pray, save my
life!’ Gracious is the LORD, and
righteous; our God is merciful.”
—Psalm 116:3–5
“Who is wise and understanding
among you? Show by your good
life that your works are done with
gentleness born of wisdom.”
—James 3:13
10
CBF-endorsed chaplain Kim Sheehan serves at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, where she ministers among
patients, families, and hospital staff. Rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer, Baptist Hospital is committed to
serving all persons, especially the poor and vulnerable. The hospital is a 683-bed facility with the busiest emergency
room in town and medical, coronary, neurosurgical, and neonatal intensive care units, where more than 14,000
surgeries are performed annually. Sheehan’s ministry reaches out to patients at both the beginning and the end of
life. Each year 7,000 babies take their first breath at Baptist Hospital and 450 patients take their last. Pray for the sick
children, their families, those in intensive care, those facing surgery, and those facing the loss of a loved one. Pray
also for the staff as they provide care to the sick and live out the values of service and dedication.
Transitions are always difficult and fraught with opportunities for failure, but the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s
history has always been ripe with the chance for growth. As CBF enters a transitional period in which the arc of the
past will be interrupted by change, we say good-bye to Executive Coordinator Daniel Vestal and prepare to receive
CBF’s next leader and reorganize the structure of the Fellowship. Pray for these transitions and what they mean.
Ask God to guide CBF churches, field personnel, staff, and all other partners in these days where every decision is
important. Pray that God will grant wisdom and guidance to the Executive Coordinator Search Committee, members
of the Coordinating Council, and all officers who work alongside the CBF staff.
11