Dear God,
We come to you today, your children, to praise you for who you are and what you have done for us. We thank you for calling us your own and leading us from darkness into light. We thank you for creating us, sustaining us, and redeeming us to eternal life through the sacrifice of Jesus. We thank you that even though we see dimly the truth of your glory, you continue to make yourself known to us and we look forward to the day that we may know you fully.
We come to you today God, your children, to ask forgiveness for falling short of your will and desire for us. Forgive us for our sinful actions, those we recognize and those we’re still too blind to see. Give us humility to recognize our own shortcomings and the grace to forgive them in others. Forgive us God for our sinful omissions. Lead us to always act in the way that you would guide us. Forgive us for failing to encourage and lift up. Forgive us for sitting by in the midst of injustice. Forgive us for thinking we’re better than we really are. Take away our arrogant spirits, quick to point out the mistakes we perceive in others. Replace it instead with an humble heart, recognizing that the battle is over, the victory is won.
We come to you today God, your children, to lift our needs to you. You are a good God, and provide for us well. We pray that you would hear the need of our hearts and show us your peace. We pray for our children. Help us to raise them that they might grow to reflect your glory, knowing that they too are yours. Give us the compassion to hold them tight when they are vulnerable and give us the wisdom to let them go when they are strong.
God, we come to you today, thankful that we are your children, but knowing that we fall short of the honor of that title. For this we are indebted to you for providing the sacrifice that would clean our dirty souls that we might present ourselves to you, the living God through prayers such as this, that you might hear our voice and speak to us in return the good word needed in our ear.
(1 John 3:1-7)
Showing posts with label prayers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayers. Show all posts
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
A Prayer for Grace
Dear God,
We thank you for your abundant grace so freely given to our broken selves and world. While we wait for eternity to fully realize the depth of your forgiveness and grace, we pray that we might learn to draw strength from it today. We work so hard to be right, but let us not forget the priority of compassion and forgiveness. Fill us with your grace so that we might truly put others before ourselves. Your grace allows us to find contentment. Free us from unrestrained consumption, the belief that because it is available that it is good. Remind us that though all things may be permissible, that all things are not profitable. Give us grace to resist our temptations. We rely on our own strength and will too often seeking our own definition of good. Without your grace, no amount of good is good enough, for only through you can we find redemption.
We lift to you this morning our burdens and needs God. We know that you hear the cry of our heart. Give us ears to hear and a heart to listen in return. Your way is the way of peace and fulfillment God, we pray that you set our feet on that path as we look to our Savior Jesus as our guide. We pray for our world, and troubles faced by our brothers and sisters of which we’re not even aware. We pray for our nation and thank you for a system in which we our voices may be heard. May our voices reflect the voice of hope, joy, peace, and love. We pray for our community that we might forge relationships and connections that allow us to share life together, celebrating the good and mourning our losses, and continually striving to realize thy kingdom come. We pray for ourselves, that you would reach into our very souls and shape us into the people you would have us to be for we realize that community, nation, and world will never be any better than the individuals who populate them.
We pray for your blessing God. Give us knowledge for our minds, strength for our bodies, and courage and compassion for our hearts. We ask for this not for our glory, but yours, that we might be your people in this world. You are our God and for this we are thankful.
Amen.
We thank you for your abundant grace so freely given to our broken selves and world. While we wait for eternity to fully realize the depth of your forgiveness and grace, we pray that we might learn to draw strength from it today. We work so hard to be right, but let us not forget the priority of compassion and forgiveness. Fill us with your grace so that we might truly put others before ourselves. Your grace allows us to find contentment. Free us from unrestrained consumption, the belief that because it is available that it is good. Remind us that though all things may be permissible, that all things are not profitable. Give us grace to resist our temptations. We rely on our own strength and will too often seeking our own definition of good. Without your grace, no amount of good is good enough, for only through you can we find redemption.
We lift to you this morning our burdens and needs God. We know that you hear the cry of our heart. Give us ears to hear and a heart to listen in return. Your way is the way of peace and fulfillment God, we pray that you set our feet on that path as we look to our Savior Jesus as our guide. We pray for our world, and troubles faced by our brothers and sisters of which we’re not even aware. We pray for our nation and thank you for a system in which we our voices may be heard. May our voices reflect the voice of hope, joy, peace, and love. We pray for our community that we might forge relationships and connections that allow us to share life together, celebrating the good and mourning our losses, and continually striving to realize thy kingdom come. We pray for ourselves, that you would reach into our very souls and shape us into the people you would have us to be for we realize that community, nation, and world will never be any better than the individuals who populate them.
We pray for your blessing God. Give us knowledge for our minds, strength for our bodies, and courage and compassion for our hearts. We ask for this not for our glory, but yours, that we might be your people in this world. You are our God and for this we are thankful.
Amen.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
An Advent Prayer of Joy
Psalm 126
A song of ascents.
1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
4 Restore our fortunes, LORD,
like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
4 Restore our fortunes, LORD,
like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.
Dear God,
May this morning bring us assurance of the eternal joy we have in you. In the midst of this advent season, among all of the displays of our world we’re given a message of joy. Bright colors and catchy songs pervade our lives and tell us we should be happy. Yet even the coming of Christmas doesn’t end our worries in this world. We lift our troubles before you this morning God because as much as we try to hide our suffering behind polite smiles we need you in our lives and in our world. We pray for the day when polite smiles aren’t needed and we beam with a joy that comes from restoration.
Be with us God as we mourn the losses in our lives. In this season we cherish our time with loved ones, but the absence of some grows even larger in our hearts. As we deal with physical struggles we ask for comfort. When our bodies break down, we pray even more that you rest in our soul and give us peace. Politics and economics bring spirit crushing anxiety when governed by the rules of the world. We pray that you help us to practice God’s politics and live in a heavenly economy that brings life and light into our lives and the world.
Fill our mouths with laughter, fill our tongues with song, for the Lord has done great things for us. We need look no further than our hands can reach from left to right to find proof of your faithfulness to us. We thank you for the life-giving relationships in our lives. Through good and bad we thank you for our friends and family. We curse the traffic and hate the crowds this time of year, but help us to notice the friendly smiles, the people who hold a door for us or offer their spot in line. Right after you made us you said it was good, let us remember that and hope for the day when humanity will be restored in all of the goodness in which you created us.
Until that day God may we seek your will and strive to live out all of the goodness that is in us through the grace and goodwill of your Son, Jesus. In all of our troubles remind us that God is with us. As we prepare ourselves for Christmas and remember the birth of Christ, help us to draw strength from the knowledge that just as you entered the world through a baby to draw us close to you, that we may continue to allow Christ into this world through us. You have done great things for us Lord, and we are filled with joy. Amen.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
A Prayer of Rest and Forgiveness
Dear God,
We come to you in thanksgiving. May our hearts and minds rest in you. We thank you for stillness. As we sit in your space give our bodies rest from a week of work, school, and play. Clear our minds of all the clutter we've filled them with this week. Help us to give away all of our thoughts that we may think only of you. We pride ourselves on our independence and how well we take care of ourselves, this might not be all bad, but relieve us of that pressure so that we may rely wholly on you.
Thank you for taking care of us even when we don't recognize it. Help us to see you for all that you are to us. More than a good idea, more than a set of values, you are the God who created us and longs to draw us close.
Forgive us for the space we create between you and ourselves. Forgive us for ignoring you because we're so content with the way things are. Forgive us for the hurt we cause each other because we're so wrapped up in ourselves. Forgive us for misrepresenting you and causing others to doubt you. Forgive us for our overconsumption. Forgive us for turning negative when things don't go our way.
We know that you are with us, may we remember this and let it drive our words, thoughts, and deeds, daily. We preay for our world, that we could truly find peace and understand how living together should work. We pray for our country, that we could make wise decisions with civility. And we pray for our church, that we would bring your light into this world, reflecting the glory of the God whom we serve.
Break our hearts for the things that break yours God and give us a submissive spirit that we might be shaped into the men and women that you have intended for us to be. We ask all of this in name of our Savior who taught us to pray, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And, forgive us of our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Forever, Amen.
We come to you in thanksgiving. May our hearts and minds rest in you. We thank you for stillness. As we sit in your space give our bodies rest from a week of work, school, and play. Clear our minds of all the clutter we've filled them with this week. Help us to give away all of our thoughts that we may think only of you. We pride ourselves on our independence and how well we take care of ourselves, this might not be all bad, but relieve us of that pressure so that we may rely wholly on you.
Thank you for taking care of us even when we don't recognize it. Help us to see you for all that you are to us. More than a good idea, more than a set of values, you are the God who created us and longs to draw us close.
Forgive us for the space we create between you and ourselves. Forgive us for ignoring you because we're so content with the way things are. Forgive us for the hurt we cause each other because we're so wrapped up in ourselves. Forgive us for misrepresenting you and causing others to doubt you. Forgive us for our overconsumption. Forgive us for turning negative when things don't go our way.
We know that you are with us, may we remember this and let it drive our words, thoughts, and deeds, daily. We preay for our world, that we could truly find peace and understand how living together should work. We pray for our country, that we could make wise decisions with civility. And we pray for our church, that we would bring your light into this world, reflecting the glory of the God whom we serve.
Break our hearts for the things that break yours God and give us a submissive spirit that we might be shaped into the men and women that you have intended for us to be. We ask all of this in name of our Savior who taught us to pray, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And, forgive us of our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Forever, Amen.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
A Prayer for Sunday, September 11, 2011
Dear God,
When words fail to meet our need to express our desires for you we are grateful that you know us even better than we know ourselves. When we can’t even know what we should be asking from you we are thankful that you have known what we need even before we were born. We come to this place today to connect with you. Bless us with the knowledge that you are in this place, that you are with us. May our worship be pleasing to you.
We come today with an acute mindfulness of this date, ten years past the day our world changed before our eyes. Even today we try to make sense of what happened and our reactions to that day, both collectively and individually have yet to find an end. Help our children to understand the significance of what they can’t remember, to know that comfort and safety are gifts to show gratitude for and not to be taken for granted. As we pray and hope for comfort and safety for our children, we also recognize the value of struggle; as we struggle in this world may we do so together, walking step by step with you.
May you lead us to forgiveness God. We may never know how much debt we owe to you. The trials you’ve led us through in this life that we’ve failed to attribute to your hand or the trials to come in eternity that according to your promise you have overcome. As we pray for our children we offer the same prayer for ourselves. Your grace has brought us safe thus far, may we understand the significance of what we can’t remember, to know that your sacrifice in the body of Jesus has brought us from a living death into eternal life. With this measure of forgiveness let us know that nothing is unforgiveable to us, the children of God.
You are a God of beauty, of restoration, of making good out of ugly things. We reflect today on the ugliness of September 11 and pray that through your spirit we can turn this tragedy into a victory of love over hate, peace over war, sacrifice over selfishness, humanity over evil. You have given no less to us, from us no less is expected.
We want this God, to walk in the light of forgiveness and mercy, but we know that it can’t be done from our own strength and will. May we follow your will on this path.
Amen.
When words fail to meet our need to express our desires for you we are grateful that you know us even better than we know ourselves. When we can’t even know what we should be asking from you we are thankful that you have known what we need even before we were born. We come to this place today to connect with you. Bless us with the knowledge that you are in this place, that you are with us. May our worship be pleasing to you.
We come today with an acute mindfulness of this date, ten years past the day our world changed before our eyes. Even today we try to make sense of what happened and our reactions to that day, both collectively and individually have yet to find an end. Help our children to understand the significance of what they can’t remember, to know that comfort and safety are gifts to show gratitude for and not to be taken for granted. As we pray and hope for comfort and safety for our children, we also recognize the value of struggle; as we struggle in this world may we do so together, walking step by step with you.
May you lead us to forgiveness God. We may never know how much debt we owe to you. The trials you’ve led us through in this life that we’ve failed to attribute to your hand or the trials to come in eternity that according to your promise you have overcome. As we pray for our children we offer the same prayer for ourselves. Your grace has brought us safe thus far, may we understand the significance of what we can’t remember, to know that your sacrifice in the body of Jesus has brought us from a living death into eternal life. With this measure of forgiveness let us know that nothing is unforgiveable to us, the children of God.
You are a God of beauty, of restoration, of making good out of ugly things. We reflect today on the ugliness of September 11 and pray that through your spirit we can turn this tragedy into a victory of love over hate, peace over war, sacrifice over selfishness, humanity over evil. You have given no less to us, from us no less is expected.
We want this God, to walk in the light of forgiveness and mercy, but we know that it can’t be done from our own strength and will. May we follow your will on this path.
Amen.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
A Sunday Prayer to Reclaim the Reality of God
Acts 1
Dear God,
Weekends like this remind us that sometimes when things come to an end it isn’t the end at all, but a new beginning. We thank you for being the God of fresh starts and new beginnings. We thank you for being the God who will even work goodness through death. When we forget that you have that kind of power, remind us God and help us to keep the faith.
Lord we just read today a story about your son, who walked among us, died because of us, and through your power ascended into heaven from where he came. Don’t let us sit here today and just pretend we believe this, because if we really believe something like that really happened how can we be comfortable with just being comfortable. Help us to ponder the reality of what we have heard and let our hardened hearts break under the weight of the mystery that God almighty cares about us and desires relationship with his creation.
We don’t get lost when we follow the leader; may you be the leader of our lives. Help us to pursue you with an unfailing faith in your goodness, with a hope that we can become what you intend for us to become, with a love that overflows bringing blessing to all of your creation. Forgive us for our boredom when we stop considering the power of your story and think it is familiar. Forgive us for our apathy when we confuse a comfort that keeps us in our seat with blessing. Forgive us for our selfishness when we strive to make ourselves first not remembering we’re headed for last place in that direction.
Most of us are here today for something. Whatever the reason we came, I pray that we all would seek first your kingdom and your righteousness, that we would be willing to follow you into death so that we may learn what it means to live. May we draw strength and encouragement from this community of faith as we journey in the path of God together. For this we pray together the prayer that Jesus taught his followers to pray. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us of our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
6Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk[a] from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Dear God,
Weekends like this remind us that sometimes when things come to an end it isn’t the end at all, but a new beginning. We thank you for being the God of fresh starts and new beginnings. We thank you for being the God who will even work goodness through death. When we forget that you have that kind of power, remind us God and help us to keep the faith.
Lord we just read today a story about your son, who walked among us, died because of us, and through your power ascended into heaven from where he came. Don’t let us sit here today and just pretend we believe this, because if we really believe something like that really happened how can we be comfortable with just being comfortable. Help us to ponder the reality of what we have heard and let our hardened hearts break under the weight of the mystery that God almighty cares about us and desires relationship with his creation.
We don’t get lost when we follow the leader; may you be the leader of our lives. Help us to pursue you with an unfailing faith in your goodness, with a hope that we can become what you intend for us to become, with a love that overflows bringing blessing to all of your creation. Forgive us for our boredom when we stop considering the power of your story and think it is familiar. Forgive us for our apathy when we confuse a comfort that keeps us in our seat with blessing. Forgive us for our selfishness when we strive to make ourselves first not remembering we’re headed for last place in that direction.
Most of us are here today for something. Whatever the reason we came, I pray that we all would seek first your kingdom and your righteousness, that we would be willing to follow you into death so that we may learn what it means to live. May we draw strength and encouragement from this community of faith as we journey in the path of God together. For this we pray together the prayer that Jesus taught his followers to pray. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us of our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
A Prayer for the First Sunday of Lent
Dear God,
We enter your presence humbled that you will hear the needs of our heart. We thank you for our many blessings. You have given to us in abundance. All that we need your hand has provided. But like spoiled children, often the more we have the more we want. Forgive us for our sin Lord.
Thank you for inviting us to join you in this journey of Lent. Christ himself set us an example who being in very nature God, did not consider it something to use for His gain, but humbled himself in obedience even unto death on the cross. May we remind ourselves of this self-sacrifice during this season of Lent. Teach us to be thankful for and faithful with what we have and free us from the never-ending quest for more. May we remember that just because it is possible for us to buy it, to eat it, to own it, or to keep it, that sometimes it truly is better to sacrifice.
This week has touched our hearts with yet another disaster stealing many lives and disrupting countless others. In tragedy so large we don’t even have the language to know what is needed. We want to pray for a fix, but what is broken cannot be restored without fault. But we know that you have a way of making things new in ways even better than we can imagine. We pray for your healing and restoration in the pacific.
We also pray for our own hearts and minds, along with those around the world. These tragedies can shake our faith. As we travel this Lenten journey and face tragedy both global and personal, may we remember that you are not a God removed from our suffering. We know that Jesus wept while here on Earth, and we take strength from knowing that our God was, is and will ever be with us.
We are a people of blessing, may we live lives worthy of your call God. We pray these things together and offer you the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray,
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us of our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
We enter your presence humbled that you will hear the needs of our heart. We thank you for our many blessings. You have given to us in abundance. All that we need your hand has provided. But like spoiled children, often the more we have the more we want. Forgive us for our sin Lord.
Thank you for inviting us to join you in this journey of Lent. Christ himself set us an example who being in very nature God, did not consider it something to use for His gain, but humbled himself in obedience even unto death on the cross. May we remind ourselves of this self-sacrifice during this season of Lent. Teach us to be thankful for and faithful with what we have and free us from the never-ending quest for more. May we remember that just because it is possible for us to buy it, to eat it, to own it, or to keep it, that sometimes it truly is better to sacrifice.
This week has touched our hearts with yet another disaster stealing many lives and disrupting countless others. In tragedy so large we don’t even have the language to know what is needed. We want to pray for a fix, but what is broken cannot be restored without fault. But we know that you have a way of making things new in ways even better than we can imagine. We pray for your healing and restoration in the pacific.
We also pray for our own hearts and minds, along with those around the world. These tragedies can shake our faith. As we travel this Lenten journey and face tragedy both global and personal, may we remember that you are not a God removed from our suffering. We know that Jesus wept while here on Earth, and we take strength from knowing that our God was, is and will ever be with us.
We are a people of blessing, may we live lives worthy of your call God. We pray these things together and offer you the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray,
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us of our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Saturday, March 05, 2011
A Prayer for Transfiguration Sunday
Good Morning Lord,
We lift our voices high this morning singing praises to you alone. Glory be to you, our God.
You are there with us on days that are filled with joy and on days filled with sadness. On bright, sunny days and on cloudy, rainy days. During our times of busyness and those times of rest. You are with us on days that begin and continue to feel chaotic and on days where everything goes smoothly.
We pray for patience... we pray for understanding... we pray for peace... and we pray for love.
Our Father, you have provided us with mountain top experiences where we feel so incredibly close to you and we thank you for these moments. Thank you for the grace moments that remind us that you are real and that we are your children. Thank you for coming close to us and loving us--
unconditionally.
Help us to let these moments empower us.
Help us to love others as you love us.
Help us to be the hands of Christ and serve.
Help us to react and go without hesitation.
Continue to be with us in our moments.
We pray these things as you taught us to pray, Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power forever and ever. Amen.
*Thanks to my wonderful wife for this post, she wrote this prayer.
We lift our voices high this morning singing praises to you alone. Glory be to you, our God.
You are there with us on days that are filled with joy and on days filled with sadness. On bright, sunny days and on cloudy, rainy days. During our times of busyness and those times of rest. You are with us on days that begin and continue to feel chaotic and on days where everything goes smoothly.
We pray for patience... we pray for understanding... we pray for peace... and we pray for love.
Our Father, you have provided us with mountain top experiences where we feel so incredibly close to you and we thank you for these moments. Thank you for the grace moments that remind us that you are real and that we are your children. Thank you for coming close to us and loving us--unconditionally.
Help us to let these moments empower us.
Help us to love others as you love us.
Help us to be the hands of Christ and serve.
Help us to react and go without hesitation.
Continue to be with us in our moments.
We pray these things as you taught us to pray, Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power forever and ever. Amen.
*Thanks to my wonderful wife for this post, she wrote this prayer.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
A Sunday Prayer for History
Dear God,
In a world of smoke and mirrors and shifting sand, we thank you for being the Rock on which we stand.* The passing of time brings loss and change, enough to shake the most steady soul, but you are ever with us. When we fail to cope and berate each other give us peace within our hearts. Remind us when we provoke our children, lose patience with our spouses, and complain about our work that we are a people of blessing. Keep us mindful of your promises to us that our hearts may grow thankful and not bitter.
We continue to fret over money. Paying three dollars a gallon seems unfair, and we hate to be burdened this way. As we deal with economy and make hard decisions we pray that you would show us the way of simplicity. In our thanks for food and drink, family and friends, community and health may we learn that is enough.
We honestly pray for our leaders. They have such tough decisions to make. May our voices inform them and not deflate them. Give them wisdom to lead. We pray as well God that when political answers are not the end of our problems that you would give us the wisdom to lead. We are the body of Christ on earth, may your Christians practice the discipline of “Thy Kingdom Come.”
Thank you God for being our Rock, for today we stand at the end of history and the beginning of future and we don’t know what it may bring. We give thanks for the people of North Africa and the Middle East that they have found a voice and the world can now hear what they call for. But we pray for peace to come, along with an end to oppression and tyranny. May the people of Africa and the Middle East gain the freedom they desire that we have taken for granted. As troubling as the affairs of the world may be, and as uncertain as they leave our future—from political changes in Africa to growing populations and economies in Asia may we remember to rest our hope in the future on you, that we may know that all things will work out for good.
We pray for the earthquake victims of New Zealand, and those coping with the aftermath of flood in Australia; and as we consider the world, we lift also the needs of our friends up to you God. We know of many who have received word in the last weeks of serious health concerns for themselves or for family and we pray that as their worlds change in a way that will render them forever different that you would be their strength.
And we pray for your Church dear God, and our little part in it. May we be the agents to drive change for your Glory instead of the reactors that infuse anxiety into the world. We can do this through your will, and for this reason we pray the prayer you taught us through Jesus, our Saviour: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us of our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever, Amen.
*credit to Jerry Varner for this line, a youth minister and friend from Richmond.
In a world of smoke and mirrors and shifting sand, we thank you for being the Rock on which we stand.* The passing of time brings loss and change, enough to shake the most steady soul, but you are ever with us. When we fail to cope and berate each other give us peace within our hearts. Remind us when we provoke our children, lose patience with our spouses, and complain about our work that we are a people of blessing. Keep us mindful of your promises to us that our hearts may grow thankful and not bitter.
We continue to fret over money. Paying three dollars a gallon seems unfair, and we hate to be burdened this way. As we deal with economy and make hard decisions we pray that you would show us the way of simplicity. In our thanks for food and drink, family and friends, community and health may we learn that is enough.
We honestly pray for our leaders. They have such tough decisions to make. May our voices inform them and not deflate them. Give them wisdom to lead. We pray as well God that when political answers are not the end of our problems that you would give us the wisdom to lead. We are the body of Christ on earth, may your Christians practice the discipline of “Thy Kingdom Come.”
Thank you God for being our Rock, for today we stand at the end of history and the beginning of future and we don’t know what it may bring. We give thanks for the people of North Africa and the Middle East that they have found a voice and the world can now hear what they call for. But we pray for peace to come, along with an end to oppression and tyranny. May the people of Africa and the Middle East gain the freedom they desire that we have taken for granted. As troubling as the affairs of the world may be, and as uncertain as they leave our future—from political changes in Africa to growing populations and economies in Asia may we remember to rest our hope in the future on you, that we may know that all things will work out for good.
We pray for the earthquake victims of New Zealand, and those coping with the aftermath of flood in Australia; and as we consider the world, we lift also the needs of our friends up to you God. We know of many who have received word in the last weeks of serious health concerns for themselves or for family and we pray that as their worlds change in a way that will render them forever different that you would be their strength.
And we pray for your Church dear God, and our little part in it. May we be the agents to drive change for your Glory instead of the reactors that infuse anxiety into the world. We can do this through your will, and for this reason we pray the prayer you taught us through Jesus, our Saviour: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us of our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever, Amen.
*credit to Jerry Varner for this line, a youth minister and friend from Richmond.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
A Prayer for the Church (and the ordination of servants)
Dear God,
We pray that you bless our gathering. We know that we can’t just keep on doing our own thing and hoping that you’ll approve. Give us the heart and mind to seek you and your will for our lives and our communities that we might follow the path of blessing that you’ve set before us. May our gathering be blessed because we’re on this kingdom path.
We give you thanks for bringing us here today, for all the simple things that we take for granted. From the air, food, and water that keeps our bodies alive to your Holy Spirit, scripture, and Christian community that keeps our souls alive. We thank you today for your church and our small part of it. We thank you for the blessing of friendship, guidance, and support provided by this family. We also thank you for the opportunities offered through this body to spread your blessing to the world. We ask that you continue to fill our cups and fill our cups and fill our cups so that we can spill out all over the world because your love will not be contained.
We give you thanks also for the Christian men and women of your church who bear the blessing of call. For those who hear and respond to your call of service we give you thanks.
Please keep us honest and true God. We may think we speak the truth with our lips, but we come today with lips proclaiming love for you. May we not make ourselves liars by ignoring the plight of the poor. Help us to stay true to you by serving others and worrying less about whether we’re getting our fair share. Because we love you God, may we not forget the prisoners and assume that handcuffs and manacles are always the just reward and Christian answer for errant behavior. God we pray that we learn to take a break from trying to get ahead so that we can push others toward your kingdom.
As we deal with each other God may we lift in all that we do. I pray that we never serve as an obstacle or stumbling block toward each other. Give us the words to encourage, the actions to support, and the courage to hold accountable in ways that would bring glory and honor to you.
Today we set apart a few of our own. Through your call, they take on the role of servant. They choose not to set themselves above, but to dedicate themselves to you in service to your church. We know that you can do great things through people, and we pray that you would do great things through these people that we lift up to you today.
You are our creator and provider, and we owe all we are to you. May we all be your people in word and deed. Please hear our prayers to you.
Amen.
We pray that you bless our gathering. We know that we can’t just keep on doing our own thing and hoping that you’ll approve. Give us the heart and mind to seek you and your will for our lives and our communities that we might follow the path of blessing that you’ve set before us. May our gathering be blessed because we’re on this kingdom path.
We give you thanks for bringing us here today, for all the simple things that we take for granted. From the air, food, and water that keeps our bodies alive to your Holy Spirit, scripture, and Christian community that keeps our souls alive. We thank you today for your church and our small part of it. We thank you for the blessing of friendship, guidance, and support provided by this family. We also thank you for the opportunities offered through this body to spread your blessing to the world. We ask that you continue to fill our cups and fill our cups and fill our cups so that we can spill out all over the world because your love will not be contained.
We give you thanks also for the Christian men and women of your church who bear the blessing of call. For those who hear and respond to your call of service we give you thanks.
Please keep us honest and true God. We may think we speak the truth with our lips, but we come today with lips proclaiming love for you. May we not make ourselves liars by ignoring the plight of the poor. Help us to stay true to you by serving others and worrying less about whether we’re getting our fair share. Because we love you God, may we not forget the prisoners and assume that handcuffs and manacles are always the just reward and Christian answer for errant behavior. God we pray that we learn to take a break from trying to get ahead so that we can push others toward your kingdom.
As we deal with each other God may we lift in all that we do. I pray that we never serve as an obstacle or stumbling block toward each other. Give us the words to encourage, the actions to support, and the courage to hold accountable in ways that would bring glory and honor to you.
Today we set apart a few of our own. Through your call, they take on the role of servant. They choose not to set themselves above, but to dedicate themselves to you in service to your church. We know that you can do great things through people, and we pray that you would do great things through these people that we lift up to you today.
You are our creator and provider, and we owe all we are to you. May we all be your people in word and deed. Please hear our prayers to you.
Amen.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
An Advent Prayer of Hope
Dear God,
We have come into your house with gladness, may you hear the praises of our hearts. We give you thanks for all that we have enjoyed this week, time off from work, more and better food than usual, and the company of family and friends. While we are thankful for all of this may we also know that our joy doesn’t come from holiday, our joy comes from you. The sounds of this week turn our minds to Christmas, whether we like it or not, the songs, the colors, the symbols and the sales are upon us. We pray that in the midst of our cultural expressions you would give us a keen focus on our spiritual expressions of hope for the coming messiah.
As we enter this season of advent, we come with hope. I’m not sure about everyone God, but when I look at the world I only see glimpses of hopefulness. It is troubling to see people in other countries oppressed because of their beliefs, not allowed to speak out against their leaders. It doesn’t make sense to see poverty and its results homelessness, hunger, and poor health. It hurts to see death at the hands of each other through wars whether between nations, ideologies, or individuals who can’t get along. I worry that I am aware of all of this because I have been blessed with much privilege. Too often the privilege I exercise is the privilege to do nothing.
I have hope for what you can do in the world. I have hope for what you can do in me. I have hope for what you can do in us. You came into this world to change it, to redeem it. May we open our hearts to this change. When we sing O Come, O Come Emmanuel, may we express the hope of our heart that you would enter our lives as you entered the world and reconcile us to you. In doing so God, may we stop looking into our world for glimpses of hope and look to your kingdom coming down on us daily bringing hope and redemption to our broken world through people just like us, your children, your own.
May we give our lives to you God. May you take every minute we give to you, every thought that centers on you, every action taken in your name, and every cent that is offered to you and bless it as hope, eternal hope which comes through your son, our savior, Jesus. O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Amen.
We have come into your house with gladness, may you hear the praises of our hearts. We give you thanks for all that we have enjoyed this week, time off from work, more and better food than usual, and the company of family and friends. While we are thankful for all of this may we also know that our joy doesn’t come from holiday, our joy comes from you. The sounds of this week turn our minds to Christmas, whether we like it or not, the songs, the colors, the symbols and the sales are upon us. We pray that in the midst of our cultural expressions you would give us a keen focus on our spiritual expressions of hope for the coming messiah.
As we enter this season of advent, we come with hope. I’m not sure about everyone God, but when I look at the world I only see glimpses of hopefulness. It is troubling to see people in other countries oppressed because of their beliefs, not allowed to speak out against their leaders. It doesn’t make sense to see poverty and its results homelessness, hunger, and poor health. It hurts to see death at the hands of each other through wars whether between nations, ideologies, or individuals who can’t get along. I worry that I am aware of all of this because I have been blessed with much privilege. Too often the privilege I exercise is the privilege to do nothing.
I have hope for what you can do in the world. I have hope for what you can do in me. I have hope for what you can do in us. You came into this world to change it, to redeem it. May we open our hearts to this change. When we sing O Come, O Come Emmanuel, may we express the hope of our heart that you would enter our lives as you entered the world and reconcile us to you. In doing so God, may we stop looking into our world for glimpses of hope and look to your kingdom coming down on us daily bringing hope and redemption to our broken world through people just like us, your children, your own.
May we give our lives to you God. May you take every minute we give to you, every thought that centers on you, every action taken in your name, and every cent that is offered to you and bless it as hope, eternal hope which comes through your son, our savior, Jesus. O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Amen.
Sunday, July 04, 2010
An Independence Day Prayer
Dear God,
We thank you for freedom, and on this day especially, we give thanks for the freedom we enjoy as Americans. We are reminded that we are Christians first, followers of Jesus above all else, and while we are thankful for the ways that being American make it easy to be a Christian, we are mindful to not fall prey to the ways it is more difficult.
We thank you for men and women of good intent who have built this nation and defended her freedom. May we take this freedom as a blessing from You and share it with the world. We also lift up our many errors and mistakes from the past God, and humbly ask your forgiveness for the wrongs committed under the banner of our land under which we celebrate today. We do not hide from these transgression nor do we ignore them, because we fully trust that in Christ, all wrongs can be turned for the right when your people pray and humbly turn from their ways.
We give you great thanks for the mighty witness of Christian brothers and sisters who continue to claim your name without the benefit of the political, social, or economic freedoms that we enjoy. We pray for the persecuted Lord and ask that you teach us how to serve them in their struggles.
We celebrate our history and look ahead in hope on this day God. We pray for our leaders as we move into the future. President, Congress, courts, and local assemblies--God give them wisdom to do their jobs well. Give us also the wisdom to do our and to exercise a true freedom.
We come to this day with great joy around the awesome fruits that can grow through the freedom of man. Give us even greater joy in understanding the even greater fruit that can grow through the freedom of Christ. We know God that the best of any nation lies beyond the power of any other but you, either to give or take away. Because of this we pledge our allegiance first to you--
Our Father, who art in heaven
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on Earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us of our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
Forever!
We thank you for freedom, and on this day especially, we give thanks for the freedom we enjoy as Americans. We are reminded that we are Christians first, followers of Jesus above all else, and while we are thankful for the ways that being American make it easy to be a Christian, we are mindful to not fall prey to the ways it is more difficult.
We thank you for men and women of good intent who have built this nation and defended her freedom. May we take this freedom as a blessing from You and share it with the world. We also lift up our many errors and mistakes from the past God, and humbly ask your forgiveness for the wrongs committed under the banner of our land under which we celebrate today. We do not hide from these transgression nor do we ignore them, because we fully trust that in Christ, all wrongs can be turned for the right when your people pray and humbly turn from their ways.
We give you great thanks for the mighty witness of Christian brothers and sisters who continue to claim your name without the benefit of the political, social, or economic freedoms that we enjoy. We pray for the persecuted Lord and ask that you teach us how to serve them in their struggles.
We celebrate our history and look ahead in hope on this day God. We pray for our leaders as we move into the future. President, Congress, courts, and local assemblies--God give them wisdom to do their jobs well. Give us also the wisdom to do our and to exercise a true freedom.
We come to this day with great joy around the awesome fruits that can grow through the freedom of man. Give us even greater joy in understanding the even greater fruit that can grow through the freedom of Christ. We know God that the best of any nation lies beyond the power of any other but you, either to give or take away. Because of this we pledge our allegiance first to you--
Our Father, who art in heaven
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on Earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us of our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
Forever!
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