Wednesday, November 24, 2010
This blog has moved to a new site
Effective NOW, Daily Prayers for Moravian can now be found at dailyprayersformoravians.wordpress.com . Sorry for the in convinience this might cuase you. So if you have my blog stored as a favorite in your web browser, please be sure the change the setting to the new address. I am blessed that you continue to use these prayers to guide your daily journey in faith. Blessings and Peace to you, Chris
Monday, November 15, 2010
Prayers for the 25th Week of Pentecost - Christ the Chief Elder
Watchword for the Week:
Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing
what is right. 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Loving God, from the busyness of this day,
Call us into your presence.
From the distractions of our lives,
Call us into your presence.
From the slumber into which our faith can fall,
Call us into your presence.
From the pain present in our lives as well as in the world around us,
Call us into your presence.
Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing
what is right. 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Loving God, from the busyness of this day,
Call us into your presence.
From the distractions of our lives,
Call us into your presence.
From the slumber into which our faith can fall,
Call us into your presence.
From the pain present in our lives as well as in the world around us,
Call us into your presence.
Psalm for the Week: Psalm 98
O sing to God a new song,
for God has done marvelous things.
God's strong hand and holy arm
have given God the victory.
God has made known his victory;
and has revealed his vindication
in the sight of the nations.
God has remembered having steadfast love
and faithfulness to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth
have seen the victory of our God.
Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song
and sing praises.
Sing praises to God with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the Ruler, the Sovereign.
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who live in it.
Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of God,
for God is coming to judge the earth.
God will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with equity.
If we say that we have no sin, we have deceived ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sin, and lead us to live a new life.
O Holy One, we call to you and name you as eternal, ever-present, and boundless in love. Yet there are times when we fail to recognize you in the living of our lives. Forgive us for the times when we feel that church activity counts for living a Christian life. Holy God, in the daily round from sunrise to sunset, remind us again of your holy presence hovering near us and in us. Awaken us so that we might see you in the moment-by-moment possibilities to live honestly, to act courageously, and to speak from our wisdom.
The Lord says to each of us: “I will be merciful to your sins, and I will not remember them. Peace be unto you.” Standing in the light, let us give praise to the triune God:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Reading of the Daily Texts
Prayers of the Community of Faith (spoken and silent)
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, hear us.
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, the power and the glory. for ever and ever. Amen
Lord awaken us,
To see your presence with us in each moment.
Lord awaken us,
To see the suffering of others.
Lord awaken us,
To the ways in which we can serve you this day.
Lord awaken us,
To see the value that we have in your great kingdom on earth.
Lord awaken us,
To accept the grace that you have already extended to us.
Lord awaken us,
To see how we can share grace with those around us.
Lord awaken us,
To place you squarely at the center of our lives and to follow you faithfully.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
And whatever we do in word or deed, may we do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. AMEN.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Prayers for the 24th Week of Pentecost
Watchword for the week:
For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at
the last he will stand upon the earth. Job 19:25
The Lord is in the holy temple; let all the earth keep silence.
Gracious Lord, we are your holy temples when we acknowledge your presence within us.
As we marvel at the beauty of the changing seasons, we give praise to your creative power.
May we open our hearts to that same creative power within us.
Psalm for the Week: Psalm 17:1-9
Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry;
give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.
From you let my vindication come;
let your eyes see the right.
If you try my heart, if you visit me by night,
if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me; my mouth does not transgress.
As for what others do, by the word of your lips
I have avoided the ways of the violent.
My steps have held fast to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me, hear my words.
Wondrously show your steadfast love,
O savior of those who seek refuge
from their adversaries at your right hand.
Guard me as the apple of the eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings.
Who among us has clean hands and a pure heart? Who among us has not given in to vanity, or yielded to selfish desires?
If we say that we have no sin, we have deceived ourselves, and the truth in not in us.
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive us. Indeed we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous one, and He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Loving God, we thankfully acknowledge that you have stamped your very image within each of us and therefore we are holy, just as you are holy. We confess, however, there are times when we forget who you are, and therefore we lose sight of who we are both as individuals and as communities of faith. We ask that you forgive us for the times when we forget that our bodies are your holy temples and do not care for them, or use them in ways which are unholy. We also confess that we do not always acknowledge your holy image pressed within the essence of those who are around us, both near and far. We are far more willing to divide ourselves by class, culture, race, ideology, and geography than to unite with one another under your banner of grace.
Hear us and renew us, gracious Lord and God.
The Lord says to each of us: “I will be merciful to your sins, and I will not remember them. Peace be unto you.” Let us therefore give praise to the triune God:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Take time now to read and ponder the Daily Texts. Then pray for your needs, the needs of your community, and the needs of the world. Pray especially this week for the needs in Haiti. The recovery from the earth quake continues at a very slow rate, and this has been componded by the heavy rains of Hurrican Tomas.
After your prayer continue as follows:
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, hear us.
Creator of the heavens and earth, praise be to your holy name. We pray that the gracious ways of heaven may be made real in the world that we inhabit. We hunger for much more than food today, and we pray that you will satisfy us, and all who have need. We are awed by your forgiving nature, and pray that you would inspire us to forgive each other in like manner. While we know that you have created us to be holy, we ask that you keep us from the temptation of living a life which would tarnish your image within us. You have created a world that is holy, and your glory and power are displayed in many wonderful ways; may we give thanks for your blessings all the days our lives, even as we live into eternity. Amen.
And so my brothers and sisters build yourselves up on your most holy faith.
May we be strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit to pray every day and so be drawn closer to our living Redeemer.
May we live a life that gives space for silence to ponder the mercy of our Lord, Jesus Christ,
and give praise for God’s miracle of the sacred within us and others.
Think about the following things: things that are true and honorable, just, and pure;
meditate on things that are lovely and of good report; ponder things that are of virtue and worthy of praise. These are things that are holy, and for them we give thanks.
And now unto the God who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you as holy before the throne of grace with exceeding joy,
To the only wise God, our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at
the last he will stand upon the earth. Job 19:25
The Lord is in the holy temple; let all the earth keep silence.
Gracious Lord, we are your holy temples when we acknowledge your presence within us.
As we marvel at the beauty of the changing seasons, we give praise to your creative power.
May we open our hearts to that same creative power within us.
Psalm for the Week: Psalm 17:1-9
Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry;
give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.
From you let my vindication come;
let your eyes see the right.
If you try my heart, if you visit me by night,
if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me; my mouth does not transgress.
As for what others do, by the word of your lips
I have avoided the ways of the violent.
My steps have held fast to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me, hear my words.
Wondrously show your steadfast love,
O savior of those who seek refuge
from their adversaries at your right hand.
Guard me as the apple of the eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings.
Who among us has clean hands and a pure heart? Who among us has not given in to vanity, or yielded to selfish desires?
If we say that we have no sin, we have deceived ourselves, and the truth in not in us.
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive us. Indeed we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous one, and He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Loving God, we thankfully acknowledge that you have stamped your very image within each of us and therefore we are holy, just as you are holy. We confess, however, there are times when we forget who you are, and therefore we lose sight of who we are both as individuals and as communities of faith. We ask that you forgive us for the times when we forget that our bodies are your holy temples and do not care for them, or use them in ways which are unholy. We also confess that we do not always acknowledge your holy image pressed within the essence of those who are around us, both near and far. We are far more willing to divide ourselves by class, culture, race, ideology, and geography than to unite with one another under your banner of grace.
Hear us and renew us, gracious Lord and God.
The Lord says to each of us: “I will be merciful to your sins, and I will not remember them. Peace be unto you.” Let us therefore give praise to the triune God:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Take time now to read and ponder the Daily Texts. Then pray for your needs, the needs of your community, and the needs of the world. Pray especially this week for the needs in Haiti. The recovery from the earth quake continues at a very slow rate, and this has been componded by the heavy rains of Hurrican Tomas.
After your prayer continue as follows:
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, hear us.
Creator of the heavens and earth, praise be to your holy name. We pray that the gracious ways of heaven may be made real in the world that we inhabit. We hunger for much more than food today, and we pray that you will satisfy us, and all who have need. We are awed by your forgiving nature, and pray that you would inspire us to forgive each other in like manner. While we know that you have created us to be holy, we ask that you keep us from the temptation of living a life which would tarnish your image within us. You have created a world that is holy, and your glory and power are displayed in many wonderful ways; may we give thanks for your blessings all the days our lives, even as we live into eternity. Amen.
And so my brothers and sisters build yourselves up on your most holy faith.
May we be strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit to pray every day and so be drawn closer to our living Redeemer.
May we live a life that gives space for silence to ponder the mercy of our Lord, Jesus Christ,
and give praise for God’s miracle of the sacred within us and others.
Think about the following things: things that are true and honorable, just, and pure;
meditate on things that are lovely and of good report; ponder things that are of virtue and worthy of praise. These are things that are holy, and for them we give thanks.
And now unto the God who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you as holy before the throne of grace with exceeding joy,
To the only wise God, our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Prayers for the 23rd Week in Pentecost
The Watchword for the week together:
Jesus says, "For the Son of Man came to seek
and to save the lost." Luke 19:10
The Lord is in the holy temple; let all the earth keep silence.
Gracious Lord, we are your temples; we acknowledge your presence within us.
As we marvel at the beauty of the changing seasons, we give praise to your creative power.
May we open our hearts to that same creative power within us.
Psalm for the Week: Psalm 32:1-7
Happy are those whose transgression
is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom God imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
While I kept silence, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand
was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up
as by the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to God,"
and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Therefore let all who are faithful
offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
shall not reach them.
You are a hiding-place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive us. Indeed we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous one, and He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Loving God, forgive us for wandering. We have followed paths of self-centered desires that have taken us far from you. Rather than seeking to bring our communities together we have divided ourselves according to race, creed, and class. We have lost our way, and confess our need for your guidance. Bring us back to you.
The Lord says to each of us: “I will be merciful to your sins, and I will not remember them. Peace be unto you. Let us therefore give praise to the triune God:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Take time now to read today's Daily Texts. Don't rush, instead take time to ponder and reflect on words and phrases that catch your spirit today. This may be where the Spirit of God is seeking to speak to you. Next, take time to pray for your needs, the needs of your congregation, and the needs of the wider world. When you are ready, continue with the prayer as follows:
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, hear us.
Creator of the heavens and earth, praise be to your holy name. We pray that the gracious ways of heaven may be made real in the world that we inhabit. We hunger for much more than food today, and we pray that you will satisfy us, and all who have need. We are awed by your forgiving nature, and pray that you would inspire us to forgive each other in like manner. While we know that you have created us to be holy, we ask that you keep us from the temptation of living a life which would tarnish your image within us. You have created a world that his holy, and your glory and power are displayed in many wonderful ways; may we give thanks for all of your blessings everyday of our lives, even as we live into eternity. Amen.
And so my brothers and sisters build yourselves up on your most holy faith.
May we be strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit to pray every day and so draw us closer to holiness.
May we live a life that gives space for silence to ponder the mercy of our Lord, Jesus Christ,
and gives praise for God’s miracle of the sacred within us and others.
Think about the following things: things that are true and honorable, just, and pure; meditate on things that are lovely and of good report; ponder things that are of virtue and worthy of praise.
These are things that are holy, and for them we give thanks.
And now unto the God who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you as holy before the throne of grace with exceeding joy,
To the only wise God, our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Jesus says, "For the Son of Man came to seek
and to save the lost." Luke 19:10
The Lord is in the holy temple; let all the earth keep silence.
Gracious Lord, we are your temples; we acknowledge your presence within us.
As we marvel at the beauty of the changing seasons, we give praise to your creative power.
May we open our hearts to that same creative power within us.
Psalm for the Week: Psalm 32:1-7
Happy are those whose transgression
is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom God imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
While I kept silence, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand
was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up
as by the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to God,"
and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Therefore let all who are faithful
offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
shall not reach them.
You are a hiding-place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive us. Indeed we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous one, and He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Loving God, forgive us for wandering. We have followed paths of self-centered desires that have taken us far from you. Rather than seeking to bring our communities together we have divided ourselves according to race, creed, and class. We have lost our way, and confess our need for your guidance. Bring us back to you.
The Lord says to each of us: “I will be merciful to your sins, and I will not remember them. Peace be unto you. Let us therefore give praise to the triune God:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Take time now to read today's Daily Texts. Don't rush, instead take time to ponder and reflect on words and phrases that catch your spirit today. This may be where the Spirit of God is seeking to speak to you. Next, take time to pray for your needs, the needs of your congregation, and the needs of the wider world. When you are ready, continue with the prayer as follows:
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, hear us.
Creator of the heavens and earth, praise be to your holy name. We pray that the gracious ways of heaven may be made real in the world that we inhabit. We hunger for much more than food today, and we pray that you will satisfy us, and all who have need. We are awed by your forgiving nature, and pray that you would inspire us to forgive each other in like manner. While we know that you have created us to be holy, we ask that you keep us from the temptation of living a life which would tarnish your image within us. You have created a world that his holy, and your glory and power are displayed in many wonderful ways; may we give thanks for all of your blessings everyday of our lives, even as we live into eternity. Amen.
And so my brothers and sisters build yourselves up on your most holy faith.
May we be strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit to pray every day and so draw us closer to holiness.
May we live a life that gives space for silence to ponder the mercy of our Lord, Jesus Christ,
and gives praise for God’s miracle of the sacred within us and others.
Think about the following things: things that are true and honorable, just, and pure; meditate on things that are lovely and of good report; ponder things that are of virtue and worthy of praise.
These are things that are holy, and for them we give thanks.
And now unto the God who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you as holy before the throne of grace with exceeding joy,
To the only wise God, our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Prayers for the 21st Week in Pentecost
Proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching.
2 Timothy 4:2
Gracious God,
In the midst of a busy day
We pause to build our lives around you.
In the midst of a busy life
We pause to build our lives around you.
In the midst of the pain that we carry in our hearts,
We pause to build our lives around you.
In the midst of our joyful celebration of the gift of life,
We pause to build our lives around you.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Psalm for the Week: Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills—
from where will my help come?
My help comes from God,
who made heaven and earth.
God will not let your foot be moved;
God who keeps you will not slumber.
God who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
God is your keeper;
God is your shade at your side.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
God will keep you from all evil;
God will keep your life.
God will keep your going out and your coming in
from this time on and forevermore.
Let us confess our sins to our loving God:
(Adapted from the Liturgy of Christian Unity in the Moravian Book of Worship, page 125. Used by permission)
Gracious Lord and God we know that we will remain less that the whole persons you have called us to be in Christ Jesus until we acknowledge our sins to you, so we bow before you and pray: We confess that we have tried to run away and hide from you. We constantly deceive ourselves into thinking that we can live without you. We have made idols of our own achievements. We have treated other persons as though they did not bear your image. We have failed to enfold and include all persons within the outstretched and open arms of Jesus Christ, our Savior. And we have left undone those deeds of loving kindness and godly justice that you want us to pursue in your name. Bring your Spirit upon us in a gracious, healing way. Make us agents of reconciliation as we live within your holy presence. Amen.
Hear the comforting words of our Lord: Your sins are forgiven. Go and sin no more.
Thanks be to God.
Take time now to read the Daily Texts for today. Don't rush over words, but pause where words or phrases catch your attention. Relect and pray on those words. Then pray for your needs, the needs of your community of faith, and the needs of the world.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, hear us.
Creator of all humanity, we call you Holy, and seek to worship you all the days of our lives. We pray that the ways of your heavenly kingdom may be made real in the world that surrounds us. May the bread that we need for today be made available for us and all who are hungry; and may you forgive us, just as we are able to forgive those who have sinned against us. In the time of moral testing, may we listen first for your voice calling to us. This world, and all that is in it, always has been and always will be yours, help us to lose ourselves to you and your kingdom. Help us to find who we truly are as we walk in your light. Amen.
God of all creation we thank you for the great things you have done for us.
Help us to make you the cornerstone upon which we build our lives.
We thank you for the way that you have gifted each of us in unique and wonderful ways,
So that we may live gracefully as a reflection of what you have given us.
Savior of the world guide us to build our lives on you,
Fan the flames of our faith so that we may passionately share your love with those with whom we live, and work, and play.
May the love of God, the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
Be with us throughout the living of this day we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
2 Timothy 4:2
Gracious God,
In the midst of a busy day
We pause to build our lives around you.
In the midst of a busy life
We pause to build our lives around you.
In the midst of the pain that we carry in our hearts,
We pause to build our lives around you.
In the midst of our joyful celebration of the gift of life,
We pause to build our lives around you.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Psalm for the Week: Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills—
from where will my help come?
My help comes from God,
who made heaven and earth.
God will not let your foot be moved;
God who keeps you will not slumber.
God who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
God is your keeper;
God is your shade at your side.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
God will keep you from all evil;
God will keep your life.
God will keep your going out and your coming in
from this time on and forevermore.
Let us confess our sins to our loving God:
(Adapted from the Liturgy of Christian Unity in the Moravian Book of Worship, page 125. Used by permission)
Gracious Lord and God we know that we will remain less that the whole persons you have called us to be in Christ Jesus until we acknowledge our sins to you, so we bow before you and pray: We confess that we have tried to run away and hide from you. We constantly deceive ourselves into thinking that we can live without you. We have made idols of our own achievements. We have treated other persons as though they did not bear your image. We have failed to enfold and include all persons within the outstretched and open arms of Jesus Christ, our Savior. And we have left undone those deeds of loving kindness and godly justice that you want us to pursue in your name. Bring your Spirit upon us in a gracious, healing way. Make us agents of reconciliation as we live within your holy presence. Amen.
Hear the comforting words of our Lord: Your sins are forgiven. Go and sin no more.
Thanks be to God.
Take time now to read the Daily Texts for today. Don't rush over words, but pause where words or phrases catch your attention. Relect and pray on those words. Then pray for your needs, the needs of your community of faith, and the needs of the world.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, hear us.
Creator of all humanity, we call you Holy, and seek to worship you all the days of our lives. We pray that the ways of your heavenly kingdom may be made real in the world that surrounds us. May the bread that we need for today be made available for us and all who are hungry; and may you forgive us, just as we are able to forgive those who have sinned against us. In the time of moral testing, may we listen first for your voice calling to us. This world, and all that is in it, always has been and always will be yours, help us to lose ourselves to you and your kingdom. Help us to find who we truly are as we walk in your light. Amen.
God of all creation we thank you for the great things you have done for us.
Help us to make you the cornerstone upon which we build our lives.
We thank you for the way that you have gifted each of us in unique and wonderful ways,
So that we may live gracefully as a reflection of what you have given us.
Savior of the world guide us to build our lives on you,
Fan the flames of our faith so that we may passionately share your love with those with whom we live, and work, and play.
May the love of God, the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
Be with us throughout the living of this day we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Prayers for the 20th Week in Pentecost
The Watchword for the week together:
If we have died with him, we will also live
with him. 2 Timothy 2:11
Praise be to you, creator God;
to you be glory and praise forever!
Just as your creative power moved over the face of the waters to bring light and life to your kingdom on earth,
Pour out your Spirit on us this day,
that we may live as children of light.
By your grace reveal your presence to us,
that we may be reflections of your love for the world.
Psalm for the Week: Psalm 111
1 Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.
Let us confess our sins to our Gracious God:
Gracious Lord and God we confess that we often fail to seek after our Savior and instead use our own minds to guide our lives. In so doing we bend to the influence of prevailing culture which can lead us to self-centered decisions and separate us from you and our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are sorry for our sins and seek now to turn away from them. For the sake of your Son who died for us, forgive us, cleanse us, and change us so that we might truly live. By your Holy Spirit, enable us to seek after the mind of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hear the comforting words of our Lord: Your sins are forgiven. Go and sin no more.
We praise God by saying: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. AMEN.
Tkae time now to read today's Daily Texts, then pray for your needs, the needs of your family and friends, and the needs of the world.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, hear us.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours.
Now and forever. Amen
Living God, you invite us to take on the mind of Christ.
Everyone who follows you in the ways of your love is born of you and knows you well.
Loving Savior, you sacrificed your life in love for us,
You show us how to love by being vulnerable, unconditional, and persistent to the end.
Since you love us so much,
you empower us to love one another.
And if we love one another,
you abide in us, and we live in you.
Your love will bear fruit through us,
complete and perfect at the harvest.
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid;
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You, and worthily magnify Your holy name, through Christ the Lord. Amen.
If we have died with him, we will also live
with him. 2 Timothy 2:11
Praise be to you, creator God;
to you be glory and praise forever!
Just as your creative power moved over the face of the waters to bring light and life to your kingdom on earth,
Pour out your Spirit on us this day,
that we may live as children of light.
By your grace reveal your presence to us,
that we may be reflections of your love for the world.
Psalm for the Week: Psalm 111
1 Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.
Let us confess our sins to our Gracious God:
Gracious Lord and God we confess that we often fail to seek after our Savior and instead use our own minds to guide our lives. In so doing we bend to the influence of prevailing culture which can lead us to self-centered decisions and separate us from you and our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are sorry for our sins and seek now to turn away from them. For the sake of your Son who died for us, forgive us, cleanse us, and change us so that we might truly live. By your Holy Spirit, enable us to seek after the mind of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hear the comforting words of our Lord: Your sins are forgiven. Go and sin no more.
We praise God by saying: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. AMEN.
Tkae time now to read today's Daily Texts, then pray for your needs, the needs of your family and friends, and the needs of the world.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, hear us.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours.
Now and forever. Amen
Living God, you invite us to take on the mind of Christ.
Everyone who follows you in the ways of your love is born of you and knows you well.
Loving Savior, you sacrificed your life in love for us,
You show us how to love by being vulnerable, unconditional, and persistent to the end.
Since you love us so much,
you empower us to love one another.
And if we love one another,
you abide in us, and we live in you.
Your love will bear fruit through us,
complete and perfect at the harvest.
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid;
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You, and worthily magnify Your holy name, through Christ the Lord. Amen.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Prayers for the 19th Week in Pentecost
The Watchword for the Week:
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and
he will act. Psalm 37:5
Stir up our hearts, O Lord,
to prepare the paths for your Only-begotten Son:
that we may worthily serve you
with hearts purified by His coming.
Psalm 37:1-9
Do not fret because of the wicked;
do not be envious of wrongdoers,
for they will soon fade like the grass,
and wither like the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
Take delight in God,
who will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
God will make your vindication shine like the light,
and the justice of your cause like the day at noon.
Be still before God, and wait patiently;
do not fret over those who prosper in their way,
over those who carry out evil devices.
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath.
Do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For the wicked shall be cut off,
but those who wait for God shall inherit the land.
Let us confess our sins, knowing that God is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins.
Forgive us loving God for the winding path upon which you have to travel to find us. As we bend to the selfish influences of our culture we lose sight of your intended will for us. Too often we live by fear rather than by faith because we underestimate your power to heal the parts of us that are broken, and to correct the parts of us that have drifted from your influence. Bring us back to you so that we might respond to your Grace living it each day. Give us the courage to give you unhindered access to all of who we are.
Comfort, comfort my people says your God. Speak tenderly to them and proclaim that they have suffered long enough, that their penalty is paid, and their sins are forgiven.
We praise God by saying: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. AMEN.
Take time now to read the Daily Texts for today, or another selection of Scripture. Ponder the meaning of those words for your life today. Then pray for your needs, the needs of your family and friends, and the needs of the world. When you are ready, proceed with the prayer as fallows:
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, hear us.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours.
Now and forever. Amen
ISAIAH 40:30-31
Even those who are young grow weak;
the young can fall exhausted.
But those who wait on the Lord for help
will find their strength renewed.
They will rise on wings like eagles;
they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.
Christ, the Light of the world, empower us to live as lights in this dark world of sin.
Christ, lead us into good stewardship of creation that we and our children may preserve and enjoy the world entrusted to us.
O Emmanuel, God with Us, Jesus Christ, desire of every nation, Savior of all peoples,
come and dwell within our hearts and lives.
We praise you, for you are good,
And your mercy endures forever. Amen.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and
he will act. Psalm 37:5
Stir up our hearts, O Lord,
to prepare the paths for your Only-begotten Son:
that we may worthily serve you
with hearts purified by His coming.
Psalm 37:1-9
Do not fret because of the wicked;
do not be envious of wrongdoers,
for they will soon fade like the grass,
and wither like the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
Take delight in God,
who will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
God will make your vindication shine like the light,
and the justice of your cause like the day at noon.
Be still before God, and wait patiently;
do not fret over those who prosper in their way,
over those who carry out evil devices.
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath.
Do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For the wicked shall be cut off,
but those who wait for God shall inherit the land.
Let us confess our sins, knowing that God is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins.
Forgive us loving God for the winding path upon which you have to travel to find us. As we bend to the selfish influences of our culture we lose sight of your intended will for us. Too often we live by fear rather than by faith because we underestimate your power to heal the parts of us that are broken, and to correct the parts of us that have drifted from your influence. Bring us back to you so that we might respond to your Grace living it each day. Give us the courage to give you unhindered access to all of who we are.
Comfort, comfort my people says your God. Speak tenderly to them and proclaim that they have suffered long enough, that their penalty is paid, and their sins are forgiven.
We praise God by saying: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. AMEN.
Take time now to read the Daily Texts for today, or another selection of Scripture. Ponder the meaning of those words for your life today. Then pray for your needs, the needs of your family and friends, and the needs of the world. When you are ready, proceed with the prayer as fallows:
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, hear us.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours.
Now and forever. Amen
ISAIAH 40:30-31
Even those who are young grow weak;
the young can fall exhausted.
But those who wait on the Lord for help
will find their strength renewed.
They will rise on wings like eagles;
they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.
Christ, the Light of the world, empower us to live as lights in this dark world of sin.
Christ, lead us into good stewardship of creation that we and our children may preserve and enjoy the world entrusted to us.
O Emmanuel, God with Us, Jesus Christ, desire of every nation, Savior of all peoples,
come and dwell within our hearts and lives.
We praise you, for you are good,
And your mercy endures forever. Amen.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Prayers for the 15th Week of Pentecost
The Watchword for the week:
Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him. Deuteronomy 30:19,20
In the midst of this busy day we pause to place God at the center of all that we are.
We lay aside the menial tasks as well as the important decisions for just a moment as we focus our attention on God’s grace.
Holy God, hear us now,
Listen to us as we lift up the prayers and petitions of our hearts, and may you open our ears so that we might hear your voice speaking to us.
Psalm 1
Happy are those who do not follow
the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of God,
and on God's law they meditate
day and night.
They are like trees planted in streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for God watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Let us humbly confess our sins.
Gracious Savior, we bow our heads before you and confess that too often we have forgotten that we are yours and that true life comes from you. We confess that too often our first thought is financial security rather than sacrifice for your kingdom. We confess that we often hold being right as a higher virtue than being compassionate. We confess that too often we accept the notion that the immediate gratification of our needs and wants is more satisfying than seeing your will be known and done. For these things we ask your forgiveness and we also ask for your strength. Give us clear minds and open hearts so we may choose life by what is good and acceptable and perfect. Enfold us in your arms so that we might feel your love for us and for the world.
My friends, the Biblical message is clear: Christ died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again that we might live in newness of life; new life both here and in the world yet to come. Let us give thanks to God.
Today we praise the God who created us, the God who is redeeming us, and the God who is sustaining us. Glory be to the triune God. Amen.
Take time to read the Daily Texts for the Day. Pause and ponder on words or phrases that happen to catch your spirit today. Then pray for yourself, your loved ones, and the issues that confront our world right now. When that is concluded continue as follows:
O Lord, hear us now as we, sisters and brothers in Christ, pray together.
Our Father in heaven, praise be your name; your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
The Apostle Paul writes:
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
4 For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.
Romans 12:1-5
As one body then let us together go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him. Deuteronomy 30:19,20
In the midst of this busy day we pause to place God at the center of all that we are.
We lay aside the menial tasks as well as the important decisions for just a moment as we focus our attention on God’s grace.
Holy God, hear us now,
Listen to us as we lift up the prayers and petitions of our hearts, and may you open our ears so that we might hear your voice speaking to us.
Psalm 1
Happy are those who do not follow
the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of God,
and on God's law they meditate
day and night.
They are like trees planted in streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for God watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Let us humbly confess our sins.
Gracious Savior, we bow our heads before you and confess that too often we have forgotten that we are yours and that true life comes from you. We confess that too often our first thought is financial security rather than sacrifice for your kingdom. We confess that we often hold being right as a higher virtue than being compassionate. We confess that too often we accept the notion that the immediate gratification of our needs and wants is more satisfying than seeing your will be known and done. For these things we ask your forgiveness and we also ask for your strength. Give us clear minds and open hearts so we may choose life by what is good and acceptable and perfect. Enfold us in your arms so that we might feel your love for us and for the world.
My friends, the Biblical message is clear: Christ died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again that we might live in newness of life; new life both here and in the world yet to come. Let us give thanks to God.
Today we praise the God who created us, the God who is redeeming us, and the God who is sustaining us. Glory be to the triune God. Amen.
Take time to read the Daily Texts for the Day. Pause and ponder on words or phrases that happen to catch your spirit today. Then pray for yourself, your loved ones, and the issues that confront our world right now. When that is concluded continue as follows:
O Lord, hear us now as we, sisters and brothers in Christ, pray together.
Our Father in heaven, praise be your name; your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
The Apostle Paul writes:
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
4 For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.
Romans 12:1-5
As one body then let us together go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Prayers for the 14th Week of Pentecost
The watchword for the week:
Let mutual love continue. Hebrews 13:1
May the love of the Lord our God be upon us.
Christ, inspire the work of our hands;
May the mercy of the Lord our God be upon us.
Christ, strengthen the work of our hands.
May the grace of the Lord our God be upon us.
Christ, empower the work of our hands.
Psalm 112
Praise be to God! Happy are those who fear God,
who greatly delight in God's commandments.
Their descendants will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in their houses,
and their righteousness endures forever.
They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright;
they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
It is well with those who deal generously and lend,
who conduct their affairs with justice.
For the righteous will never be moved;
they will be remembered forever.
They are not afraid of evil tidings;
their hearts are firm, secure in God.
Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid;
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.
The wicked see it and are angry;
they gnash their teeth and melt away;
the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.
Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.
Almighty and most merciful Father, like lost sheep we have strayed from your holy ways, we have withheld love from those around us rather than allowing it to grow. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, as we know that you forgive those who humbly confess their faults, and that you restore those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to humankind in Christ Jesus our Lord; Through your Holy Spirit grant to us the resolve to go from this day forward seeking to live a loving, gracious, and righteous life, to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.
Almighty and merciful Lord, grant us the forgiveness of all our sins, and empower us to amend our lives to follow your example. If anyone is in Christ they are a new creation; the old has passed away, behold the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Take time now to read today's Daily Texts. Don't rush over this as if it is a chore to complete, but rather listen for the precious messages that God might be imparting to you this day.
As you complete the Daily Texts extend your prayer time to include your needs, the needs of those that you love, those that need God's gracious presence, and the needs of our hurting world. When you are finished continue with this prayer as follows:
O Lord, hear us now as we, brothers and sisters in Christ, pray together.
Our Father in heaven, praise be your name; your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
Lord, keep our Church under your care;
And guide us in the way of justice and truth.
Let your way be known upon earth;
Your saving health among all nations.
Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;
Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
Create in us clean hearts, O God;
And sustain us by your Holy Spirit.
Shout for joy all people of God, rejoice all the earth! The glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Blessed be the name of the Lord in whom we live, labor, and love. Amen.
Let mutual love continue. Hebrews 13:1
May the love of the Lord our God be upon us.
Christ, inspire the work of our hands;
May the mercy of the Lord our God be upon us.
Christ, strengthen the work of our hands.
May the grace of the Lord our God be upon us.
Christ, empower the work of our hands.
Psalm 112
Praise be to God! Happy are those who fear God,
who greatly delight in God's commandments.
Their descendants will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in their houses,
and their righteousness endures forever.
They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright;
they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
It is well with those who deal generously and lend,
who conduct their affairs with justice.
For the righteous will never be moved;
they will be remembered forever.
They are not afraid of evil tidings;
their hearts are firm, secure in God.
Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid;
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.
The wicked see it and are angry;
they gnash their teeth and melt away;
the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.
Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.
Almighty and most merciful Father, like lost sheep we have strayed from your holy ways, we have withheld love from those around us rather than allowing it to grow. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, as we know that you forgive those who humbly confess their faults, and that you restore those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to humankind in Christ Jesus our Lord; Through your Holy Spirit grant to us the resolve to go from this day forward seeking to live a loving, gracious, and righteous life, to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.
Almighty and merciful Lord, grant us the forgiveness of all our sins, and empower us to amend our lives to follow your example. If anyone is in Christ they are a new creation; the old has passed away, behold the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Take time now to read today's Daily Texts. Don't rush over this as if it is a chore to complete, but rather listen for the precious messages that God might be imparting to you this day.
As you complete the Daily Texts extend your prayer time to include your needs, the needs of those that you love, those that need God's gracious presence, and the needs of our hurting world. When you are finished continue with this prayer as follows:
O Lord, hear us now as we, brothers and sisters in Christ, pray together.
Our Father in heaven, praise be your name; your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
Lord, keep our Church under your care;
And guide us in the way of justice and truth.
Let your way be known upon earth;
Your saving health among all nations.
Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;
Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
Create in us clean hearts, O God;
And sustain us by your Holy Spirit.
Shout for joy all people of God, rejoice all the earth! The glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Blessed be the name of the Lord in whom we live, labor, and love. Amen.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Prayers for the 9th Week in Pentecost
The Watchword for the Week: Lord, teach us to pray. Luke 11:1
How wonderful it is to give praise to God.
How blessed it is to give thanks to the one who created this world and given us our place in it.
Hear and know that the Lord is good.
God’s mercy passes from one generation to the next and we are thankful for its presence with us now.
Psalm 138
1 Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion; and to you shall vows be performed,
2 O you who answer prayer! To you all flesh shall come.
3 When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us, you forgive our transgressions.
4 Happy are those whom you choose and bring near to live in your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, your holy temple.
5 By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance, O God of our salvation; you are the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.
6 By your strength you established the mountains; you are girded with might.
7 You silence the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples.
8 Those who live at earth's farthest bounds are awed by your signs; you make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy.
9 You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water;
you provide the people with grain, for so you have prepared it.
10 You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth.
11 You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with richness.
12 The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy,
13 the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy.
Knowing that God is ready to hear us let us confess our sins:
Merciful God, we confess that we have sinned in many ways, times, and places. We have mishandled this good earth entrusted to our care, and we have misused our personal gifts, hurting both ourselves and others. Forgive our false pride which hides our negligence, and forgive our careless acts which destroy your handiwork. In your mercy correct our faults and restore us to responsible, compassionate living.
(from the Moravian Book of Worship, Liturgy for Stewardship, page 155. Used by permission of the Interprovincial Board of Communication.)
Hear and know that the Lord is good. God forgives those who are contrite in heart. Live in peace, for God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Take time now to sit and reflect on God's presence with you at this very moment. Read and reflect on today's Daily Texts. How are they calling to a life of prayer? How are they teaching you to pray? Then as you are led pray for your needs, concerns, and joys. Pray for the needs of the world. Then proceed as follows:
Jesus has taught his disciples to pray, and so we pray together.
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 have forgiven
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 and ever. Amen.
Through the hours of this day and night may we, O God, fix our eyes only on you.
Keep us from being distracted by the pervasive selfishness of our culture.
The Lord our God calls us to a life of prayer.
May we be guided and supported through our daily conversations with the Savior.
May the words that we speak, the thoughts of our hearts, and the actions of our lives be pleasing to you, O Lord.
May we serve this day in the name of the one who has created us, redeemed us, and sustained us. AMEN.
How wonderful it is to give praise to God.
How blessed it is to give thanks to the one who created this world and given us our place in it.
Hear and know that the Lord is good.
God’s mercy passes from one generation to the next and we are thankful for its presence with us now.
Psalm 138
1 Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion; and to you shall vows be performed,
2 O you who answer prayer! To you all flesh shall come.
3 When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us, you forgive our transgressions.
4 Happy are those whom you choose and bring near to live in your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, your holy temple.
5 By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance, O God of our salvation; you are the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.
6 By your strength you established the mountains; you are girded with might.
7 You silence the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples.
8 Those who live at earth's farthest bounds are awed by your signs; you make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy.
9 You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water;
you provide the people with grain, for so you have prepared it.
10 You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth.
11 You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with richness.
12 The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy,
13 the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy.
Knowing that God is ready to hear us let us confess our sins:
Merciful God, we confess that we have sinned in many ways, times, and places. We have mishandled this good earth entrusted to our care, and we have misused our personal gifts, hurting both ourselves and others. Forgive our false pride which hides our negligence, and forgive our careless acts which destroy your handiwork. In your mercy correct our faults and restore us to responsible, compassionate living.
(from the Moravian Book of Worship, Liturgy for Stewardship, page 155. Used by permission of the Interprovincial Board of Communication.)
Hear and know that the Lord is good. God forgives those who are contrite in heart. Live in peace, for God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Take time now to sit and reflect on God's presence with you at this very moment. Read and reflect on today's Daily Texts. How are they calling to a life of prayer? How are they teaching you to pray? Then as you are led pray for your needs, concerns, and joys. Pray for the needs of the world. Then proceed as follows:
Jesus has taught his disciples to pray, and so we pray together.
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 have forgiven
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 and ever. Amen.
Through the hours of this day and night may we, O God, fix our eyes only on you.
Keep us from being distracted by the pervasive selfishness of our culture.
The Lord our God calls us to a life of prayer.
May we be guided and supported through our daily conversations with the Savior.
May the words that we speak, the thoughts of our hearts, and the actions of our lives be pleasing to you, O Lord.
May we serve this day in the name of the one who has created us, redeemed us, and sustained us. AMEN.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Prayers for the 7th Week after Pentecost
The watchword for the week:
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4
Unto you, O God, we lift our praise.
Your ways are marvelous, and we seek to walk in your path.
This day gives us the chance to honor you,
To share with others your never ending love.
Psalm 25:1-10
To you, O God, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust;
do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.
Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Make me to know your ways, O God;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long.
Be mindful of your mercy, O God,
and of your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for your goodness’ sake, O God!
Good and upright is God;
therefore God instructs sinners in the way.
God leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble God's way.
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep God's covenant and God's decrees.
Let us confess our Sins:
We, in our human frailty, have a hard time understanding your steadfast love O God. We confess that too often our love comes with strings attached, and is based on what can be gained from sharing it. We, in our human frailty, have a hard time understanding how you can honor your covenants forever. We confess that too often we break the promises we have made to you and to those that we love. Gracious God, forgive our lack of understanding, forgive our shortsightedness, and forgive our unfaithfulness. Guide us to walk in your ways, to sing your praise, and to share your love unconditionally.
Thanks be to God that God’s love for each of us is not based on our faithfulness but rather on God’s steadfast love. My friends, know that your sins are forgiven, go therefore and walk in the light of the Lord, and give praise:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Take time now to read and contemplate on today's Daily Texts or another appropriate passage of scripture. Take time to listen and allow words to sink in below the surface of your soul. Ask how these verses might help you to walk in God's paths of steadfast love. When you are ready to move on with this prayer, continue as follows:
O Lord, hear us now as we brothers and sisters in Christ pray together.
Creator of all humanity, we call you Holy, and seek to worship you all the days of our lives. We pray that the ways of your heavenly kingdom may be made real in the world that surrounds us. May the bread that we need for today be made available for us and all who are hungry; and may you forgive us, just as we are able to forgive those who have sinned against us. In the time of moral testing, may we listen first for your voice calling to us, instead of the call of the world; take from us the self-centeredness of our society. This world, and all that is in it, always has been and always will be yours, help us to lose ourselves to you and your kingdom. Help us to find who we truly are as we walk in your light. Amen.
Romans 6:12-14, 17-18, 23 (TEV)
12 Sin must no longer rule in your mortal bodies, so that you obey the desires of your natural self.
13 Nor must you surrender any part of yourselves to sin to be used for wicked purposes.
Instead, give yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life,
and surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes.
14 Sin must not be your master; for you do not live under law but under God's grace.
17 But thanks be to God! For though at one time you were slaves to sin,
you have obeyed with all your heart the truths found in the teaching you received.
18 You were set free from sin and became the slaves of righteousness.
God's free gift is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord.
Gracious God, keep us mindful of your steadfast love for us and ways in which we can make that love come alive in the hearts of those that we love, serve, and come in contact with this very day. AMEN.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4
Unto you, O God, we lift our praise.
Your ways are marvelous, and we seek to walk in your path.
This day gives us the chance to honor you,
To share with others your never ending love.
Psalm 25:1-10
To you, O God, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust;
do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.
Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Make me to know your ways, O God;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long.
Be mindful of your mercy, O God,
and of your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for your goodness’ sake, O God!
Good and upright is God;
therefore God instructs sinners in the way.
God leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble God's way.
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep God's covenant and God's decrees.
Let us confess our Sins:
We, in our human frailty, have a hard time understanding your steadfast love O God. We confess that too often our love comes with strings attached, and is based on what can be gained from sharing it. We, in our human frailty, have a hard time understanding how you can honor your covenants forever. We confess that too often we break the promises we have made to you and to those that we love. Gracious God, forgive our lack of understanding, forgive our shortsightedness, and forgive our unfaithfulness. Guide us to walk in your ways, to sing your praise, and to share your love unconditionally.
Thanks be to God that God’s love for each of us is not based on our faithfulness but rather on God’s steadfast love. My friends, know that your sins are forgiven, go therefore and walk in the light of the Lord, and give praise:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Take time now to read and contemplate on today's Daily Texts or another appropriate passage of scripture. Take time to listen and allow words to sink in below the surface of your soul. Ask how these verses might help you to walk in God's paths of steadfast love. When you are ready to move on with this prayer, continue as follows:
O Lord, hear us now as we brothers and sisters in Christ pray together.
Creator of all humanity, we call you Holy, and seek to worship you all the days of our lives. We pray that the ways of your heavenly kingdom may be made real in the world that surrounds us. May the bread that we need for today be made available for us and all who are hungry; and may you forgive us, just as we are able to forgive those who have sinned against us. In the time of moral testing, may we listen first for your voice calling to us, instead of the call of the world; take from us the self-centeredness of our society. This world, and all that is in it, always has been and always will be yours, help us to lose ourselves to you and your kingdom. Help us to find who we truly are as we walk in your light. Amen.
Romans 6:12-14, 17-18, 23 (TEV)
12 Sin must no longer rule in your mortal bodies, so that you obey the desires of your natural self.
13 Nor must you surrender any part of yourselves to sin to be used for wicked purposes.
Instead, give yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life,
and surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes.
14 Sin must not be your master; for you do not live under law but under God's grace.
17 But thanks be to God! For though at one time you were slaves to sin,
you have obeyed with all your heart the truths found in the teaching you received.
18 You were set free from sin and became the slaves of righteousness.
God's free gift is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord.
Gracious God, keep us mindful of your steadfast love for us and ways in which we can make that love come alive in the hearts of those that we love, serve, and come in contact with this very day. AMEN.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Prayers for the 6th Week in Pentecost
So let us not grow weary in doing what is right.
Galatians 6:9
O come let us worship the One who created us, who has redeemed us, and who sustains us each day.
We seek to worship you, gracious God, with glad and generous hearts.
Let us give God all that is due.
Let us respond to God’s infinite love with the lives that we live, the words that we share, and the work that we do.
Psalm 66:1-9
Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
sing the glory of God's name;
give to God glorious praise.
Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!
Because of your great power,
your enemies cringe before you.
All the earth worships you;
they sing praises to you,
sing praises to your name."
Come and see what God has done:
God is awesome in deeds among mortals.
God turned the sea into dry land;
they passed through the river on foot.
There we rejoiced in God, who rules forever,
whose eyes keep watch on the nations -
let the rebellious not exalt themselves.
Bless our God, O peoples, let the sound of God's praise be heard,
who has kept us among the living,
and has not let our feet slip.
Let us confess our Sins:
Creator God, Redeeming Savior, Sustaining Spirit, we humbly acknowledge your sovereignty over all of who we are. It is you who gave us life, it is you that forgives our sins, it is you who whispers in our souls and breathes new life into us. You are woven into the very fabric of our being. We confess the times that we hold back from you that which you deserve from us: the times that we have held tightly to our wallets instead of giving generously; the times when our mouths have uttered words that have caused damage instead of spreading grace; the times when moral decisions have been made for immediate gratification rather than seeking your will for our lives. For the times when we have grown weary of doing what is right, we humbly ask for your forgiveness.
Our Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces, and remove the disgrace of his people from the earth. In that day we will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. Let us rejoice in his salvation.”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Take time now to read the Daily Texts for today, or a portion of scripture that was read at worship this past Sunday, or that will be used this coming Sunday. Don't rush over this, take your time to focus on words or phrases that happen to catch your spirit today. Perhaps this is a place to which God is calling your attention. Comtemplate on these words or phrases by repeating them in your soul and then being quite in God's presence. When you feel ready to move on please proceed as follows.
O Lord, hear us now as we brothers and sisters in Christ pray together.
Creator of all humanity, we call you Holy, and seek to worship you all the days of our lives. We pray that the ways of your heavenly kingdom may be made real in the world that surrounds us. May the bread that we need for today be made available for us and all who are hungry; and may you forgive us, just as we are able to forgive those who have sinned against us. In the time of moral testing, may we listen first for your voice calling to us, instead of the call of the world; take from us the self-centeredness of our society. This world, and all that is in it, always has been and always will be yours, help us to lose ourselves to you and your kingdom. Help us to find ourselves complete in giving ourselves to you, forever. Amen.
You send us to bring good news to the oppressed,
and to bind the wounds of those broken in heart,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of prisons to those who are bound,
to announce the year of your grace,
to comfort all who mourn,
to give them a garland of consolation,
instead of the ashes of mourning,
the oil of gladness and healing,
and the rolling tears that wash away sorrow.
So may we be called oaks of righteousness,
trees that you plant to shade and sustain.
As the earth puts forth its blossom,
and as seeds in the garden spring up,
so you make justice flower,
and bear its fruit of peace among the peoples.
Lord of the dance, in whom we live and move and exult for joy, guide our steps through the complexity of our lives.
Keep us mindful of your steadfast love for us, and ways in which we can make that love come alive in the hearts of those that we love, serve, and come in contact with this very day. AMEN.
Galatians 6:9
O come let us worship the One who created us, who has redeemed us, and who sustains us each day.
We seek to worship you, gracious God, with glad and generous hearts.
Let us give God all that is due.
Let us respond to God’s infinite love with the lives that we live, the words that we share, and the work that we do.
Psalm 66:1-9
Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
sing the glory of God's name;
give to God glorious praise.
Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!
Because of your great power,
your enemies cringe before you.
All the earth worships you;
they sing praises to you,
sing praises to your name."
Come and see what God has done:
God is awesome in deeds among mortals.
God turned the sea into dry land;
they passed through the river on foot.
There we rejoiced in God, who rules forever,
whose eyes keep watch on the nations -
let the rebellious not exalt themselves.
Bless our God, O peoples, let the sound of God's praise be heard,
who has kept us among the living,
and has not let our feet slip.
Let us confess our Sins:
Creator God, Redeeming Savior, Sustaining Spirit, we humbly acknowledge your sovereignty over all of who we are. It is you who gave us life, it is you that forgives our sins, it is you who whispers in our souls and breathes new life into us. You are woven into the very fabric of our being. We confess the times that we hold back from you that which you deserve from us: the times that we have held tightly to our wallets instead of giving generously; the times when our mouths have uttered words that have caused damage instead of spreading grace; the times when moral decisions have been made for immediate gratification rather than seeking your will for our lives. For the times when we have grown weary of doing what is right, we humbly ask for your forgiveness.
Our Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces, and remove the disgrace of his people from the earth. In that day we will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. Let us rejoice in his salvation.”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Take time now to read the Daily Texts for today, or a portion of scripture that was read at worship this past Sunday, or that will be used this coming Sunday. Don't rush over this, take your time to focus on words or phrases that happen to catch your spirit today. Perhaps this is a place to which God is calling your attention. Comtemplate on these words or phrases by repeating them in your soul and then being quite in God's presence. When you feel ready to move on please proceed as follows.
O Lord, hear us now as we brothers and sisters in Christ pray together.
Creator of all humanity, we call you Holy, and seek to worship you all the days of our lives. We pray that the ways of your heavenly kingdom may be made real in the world that surrounds us. May the bread that we need for today be made available for us and all who are hungry; and may you forgive us, just as we are able to forgive those who have sinned against us. In the time of moral testing, may we listen first for your voice calling to us, instead of the call of the world; take from us the self-centeredness of our society. This world, and all that is in it, always has been and always will be yours, help us to lose ourselves to you and your kingdom. Help us to find ourselves complete in giving ourselves to you, forever. Amen.
You send us to bring good news to the oppressed,
and to bind the wounds of those broken in heart,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of prisons to those who are bound,
to announce the year of your grace,
to comfort all who mourn,
to give them a garland of consolation,
instead of the ashes of mourning,
the oil of gladness and healing,
and the rolling tears that wash away sorrow.
So may we be called oaks of righteousness,
trees that you plant to shade and sustain.
As the earth puts forth its blossom,
and as seeds in the garden spring up,
so you make justice flower,
and bear its fruit of peace among the peoples.
Lord of the dance, in whom we live and move and exult for joy, guide our steps through the complexity of our lives.
Keep us mindful of your steadfast love for us, and ways in which we can make that love come alive in the hearts of those that we love, serve, and come in contact with this very day. AMEN.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Prayers for the 5th Week in Pentecost
The watchword for the Week: If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Galatians 5:25
O come let us worship and lift our hearts high
and adore our God, our Creator.
For you indeed are God, and we are your people,
crafted by the skill of your hands.
Psalm 16
Protect me, O God,
for in you I take refuge.
I say to God, "You are my God;
I have no good apart from you."
As for the holy ones in the land,
they are the noble, in whom is all my delight.
Those who choose another god
multiply their sorrows;
their drink-offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names upon my lips.
God is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
The boundary lines have fallen for me
in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage.
I bless God who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I keep God always before me;
because God is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad,
and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure.
For you do not give me up to Sheol,
or let your faithful one see the Pit.
You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Let us Confess our Sins:
Gracious God, we are thankful for the gift of your Spirit which is around us and within us each day, beckoning us to follow you more faithfully. But we now confess that at times we have been unfaithful servants seeking after worldly acceptance, self gratification, and material gain. We often deceive ourselves into thinking that we can live without you, and act in ways which prove that we think your eyes are turned and your ears are closed to us. May we be guided once again by your Spirit to live lives worthy of our calling in Christ, with humility and patience, bearing one another in love, and eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. We pray for this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thanks be to God, who has loved us from the beginning, and who promises that if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and will purify us from all unrighteousness.
Our Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from the earth. In that day we will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. Let us rejoice in his salvation.”
Reading of the Daily Texts
Prayers of the Community of Faith (spoken and silent)
O Lord, hear us now as we brothers and sisters in Christ pray together.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
Guided by your Spirit send us to bring good news to the oppressed,
and to bind the wounds of those broken in heart,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of prisons to those who are bound,
to announce the year of your grace,
to comfort all who mourn,
to give them a garland of consolation,
instead of the ashes of mourning,
the oil of gladness and healing,
and the rolling tears that wash away sorrow.
So may we be called oaks of righteousness,
trees that you plant to shade and sustain.
As the earth puts forth its blossom,
and as seeds in the garden spring up,
so you make justice flower,
and bear its fruit of peace among the peoples.
Lord of the dance, in whom we live and move and exult for joy, guide our steps through the complexity of our lives.
Keep us mindful of your guiding Spirit, and ways in which we can make love come alive in the hearts of those that we serve and come in contact with this very day. AMEN.
O come let us worship and lift our hearts high
and adore our God, our Creator.
For you indeed are God, and we are your people,
crafted by the skill of your hands.
Psalm 16
Protect me, O God,
for in you I take refuge.
I say to God, "You are my God;
I have no good apart from you."
As for the holy ones in the land,
they are the noble, in whom is all my delight.
Those who choose another god
multiply their sorrows;
their drink-offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names upon my lips.
God is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
The boundary lines have fallen for me
in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage.
I bless God who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I keep God always before me;
because God is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad,
and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure.
For you do not give me up to Sheol,
or let your faithful one see the Pit.
You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Let us Confess our Sins:
Gracious God, we are thankful for the gift of your Spirit which is around us and within us each day, beckoning us to follow you more faithfully. But we now confess that at times we have been unfaithful servants seeking after worldly acceptance, self gratification, and material gain. We often deceive ourselves into thinking that we can live without you, and act in ways which prove that we think your eyes are turned and your ears are closed to us. May we be guided once again by your Spirit to live lives worthy of our calling in Christ, with humility and patience, bearing one another in love, and eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. We pray for this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thanks be to God, who has loved us from the beginning, and who promises that if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and will purify us from all unrighteousness.
Our Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from the earth. In that day we will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. Let us rejoice in his salvation.”
Reading of the Daily Texts
Prayers of the Community of Faith (spoken and silent)
O Lord, hear us now as we brothers and sisters in Christ pray together.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
Guided by your Spirit send us to bring good news to the oppressed,
and to bind the wounds of those broken in heart,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of prisons to those who are bound,
to announce the year of your grace,
to comfort all who mourn,
to give them a garland of consolation,
instead of the ashes of mourning,
the oil of gladness and healing,
and the rolling tears that wash away sorrow.
So may we be called oaks of righteousness,
trees that you plant to shade and sustain.
As the earth puts forth its blossom,
and as seeds in the garden spring up,
so you make justice flower,
and bear its fruit of peace among the peoples.
Lord of the dance, in whom we live and move and exult for joy, guide our steps through the complexity of our lives.
Keep us mindful of your guiding Spirit, and ways in which we can make love come alive in the hearts of those that we serve and come in contact with this very day. AMEN.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Prayers for the 3rd Week in Pentecost
The Watchword for the Week: We know that a person is justified not by the
works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. Galatians 2:16
Spirit of the Living God, open our lips
and we shall sing of your wonders;
open our eyes
and we shall behold your glory;
open our hearts
and we shall welcome your love;
open our minds
and we shall discover your wisdom;
open our hands
and we shall show your generosity;
open our flesh
and we shall embody your presence.
Psalm 32
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom God imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
While I kept silence, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to God,"
and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.
You are a hiding-place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.
Many are the torments of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in God.
Be glad in God and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
Let us Confess our Sins:
Dear Heavenly Father, we bow before you and we confess that too often we have forgotten that you are the one who created us, who has justified us in Jesus Christ, and who comes to us daily and abundantly through the Holy Spirit. Because we have forgotten your profound love for us we sometimes fall short of being a credible witness to you. For these things we ask your forgiveness and we also ask for your strength. Give us clear minds and open hearts so we may share your grace in our world. Remind us to be who you would have us to be regardless of what we are doing or who we are with. Hold us to you and build our relationship with you and with those you have given us on earth.
The LORD is compassionate and gracious; slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:8-12
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.
Take time now to read the the Daily Texts for today or other appropriate Scirpture. Don't rush while reading. Take time to notice words that speak to you today. Ponder them, repeat them in your mind, let them sink into your heart. Allow them to transform your life.
Pray for the needs of your life, and the world around you. Pray most especially for the Synod of the Northern Province of the Moravian Church as we begin our meetings on Thursday, June 17.
When you are finished spend some time simply being quiet, then continue as follows:
As you taught your disciples to pray, so we pray together:
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, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
The work of the Creator is visible.
Let us respond with praise.
The example of Jesus is clear to us.
Let us respond with obedience.
The wind of the Spirit is blowing
Let us respond with joy.
The word of God is calling.
Let us respond by serving with thanksgiving.
And now may the love of God, the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
Be with us now and forever. Amen.
works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. Galatians 2:16
Spirit of the Living God, open our lips
and we shall sing of your wonders;
open our eyes
and we shall behold your glory;
open our hearts
and we shall welcome your love;
open our minds
and we shall discover your wisdom;
open our hands
and we shall show your generosity;
open our flesh
and we shall embody your presence.
Psalm 32
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom God imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
While I kept silence, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to God,"
and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.
You are a hiding-place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.
Many are the torments of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in God.
Be glad in God and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
Let us Confess our Sins:
Dear Heavenly Father, we bow before you and we confess that too often we have forgotten that you are the one who created us, who has justified us in Jesus Christ, and who comes to us daily and abundantly through the Holy Spirit. Because we have forgotten your profound love for us we sometimes fall short of being a credible witness to you. For these things we ask your forgiveness and we also ask for your strength. Give us clear minds and open hearts so we may share your grace in our world. Remind us to be who you would have us to be regardless of what we are doing or who we are with. Hold us to you and build our relationship with you and with those you have given us on earth.
The LORD is compassionate and gracious; slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:8-12
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.
Take time now to read the the Daily Texts for today or other appropriate Scirpture. Don't rush while reading. Take time to notice words that speak to you today. Ponder them, repeat them in your mind, let them sink into your heart. Allow them to transform your life.
Pray for the needs of your life, and the world around you. Pray most especially for the Synod of the Northern Province of the Moravian Church as we begin our meetings on Thursday, June 17.
When you are finished spend some time simply being quiet, then continue as follows:
As you taught your disciples to pray, so we pray together:
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, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
The work of the Creator is visible.
Let us respond with praise.
The example of Jesus is clear to us.
Let us respond with obedience.
The wind of the Spirit is blowing
Let us respond with joy.
The word of God is calling.
Let us respond by serving with thanksgiving.
And now may the love of God, the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
Be with us now and forever. Amen.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Prayers for the Fifth Week in Easter
The Watchword for the week:
Jesus says, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life." Revelation 21:6
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
We should praise the Lord at our rising, and at the setting of the sun.
May we share our faith and sing God’s praise through the living of each moment this day.
Psalm 148
Praise God! Praise God from the heavens;
praise God in the heights!
Praise God, all you angels of God;
praise God all you host of heaven!
Praise God, sun and moon;
praise God, all you shining stars!
Praise God, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of God,
for God commanded and they were created.
God established them forever and ever;
God fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
Praise God from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling God's command!
Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!
Beast of the forest and all cattle,
crawling things and flying birds!
Rulers of the earth and all peoples,
nobles and all leaders of the earth!
Young men and women alike,
old and young together!
Let them praise the name of the Sovereign,
whose name alone is exalted;
whose glory is above earth and heaven.
God has raised up a horn for the people, and praise for all the faithful,
for the people of Israel who are close to God. Praise be to God!
Together, let us confess our wandering steps:
We, your disciples, have often dishonored the holy name that we bear, and we have turned aside from that path of holiness and loving service, in which you have called us to follow. We are sorry to find that we often attempt to satisfy our need for treasures and pleasures in ways that will not bring us deep happiness and purpose in life; and in fact cause us to walk away from you. Guide us to once again seek to abide in your love, and to live your graceful presence into the lives of those around us.
Grant to your faithful people pardon and peace, that we may be cleansed from our sins, and serve you with a quiet mind, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end, AMEN.
Take time now to read the Daily Text for the day, and to pray for your needs, the needs those around you, the needs of your congregation, and the needs of the world. Then continue in prayer as follows...
In one voice, we pray together:
Creator of the heavens and earth, we praise your holy name. We pray that the gracious ways of heaven may be made real in the world that we inhabit. We hunger for much more than food today, and we pray that you will satisfy us, and all who have need. We are awed by your forgiving nature, and pray that you would inspire us to forgive each other in like manner. We know that you have created us to be holy, and ask that you keep us from the temptation of living a life which would tarnish your image within us. You have created a world that is holy, and your glory and power are displayed in many wonderful ways; we give thanks for the blessings of our lives even as we seek to live into the eternity of yours. Amen.
The Festival Doxology:
Unto the Lamb that was slain,
And has redeemed us out of all nations of the earth;
Unto the Lord who purchased our souls for himself;
Unto that friend who loved us, and washed us from our sins by his own blood;
Who died for us once,
That we might die unto sin;
Who rose for us,
That we might also rise;
Who ascended for us into heaven,
To prepare a place for us;
And to whom are subjected the angels, and powers, and dominions; to him be glory at all times,
In the Church which waits for him, and in that church which is around him from everlasting to everlasting. Amen.
Jesus says, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life." Revelation 21:6
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
We should praise the Lord at our rising, and at the setting of the sun.
May we share our faith and sing God’s praise through the living of each moment this day.
Psalm 148
Praise God! Praise God from the heavens;
praise God in the heights!
Praise God, all you angels of God;
praise God all you host of heaven!
Praise God, sun and moon;
praise God, all you shining stars!
Praise God, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of God,
for God commanded and they were created.
God established them forever and ever;
God fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
Praise God from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling God's command!
Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!
Beast of the forest and all cattle,
crawling things and flying birds!
Rulers of the earth and all peoples,
nobles and all leaders of the earth!
Young men and women alike,
old and young together!
Let them praise the name of the Sovereign,
whose name alone is exalted;
whose glory is above earth and heaven.
God has raised up a horn for the people, and praise for all the faithful,
for the people of Israel who are close to God. Praise be to God!
Together, let us confess our wandering steps:
We, your disciples, have often dishonored the holy name that we bear, and we have turned aside from that path of holiness and loving service, in which you have called us to follow. We are sorry to find that we often attempt to satisfy our need for treasures and pleasures in ways that will not bring us deep happiness and purpose in life; and in fact cause us to walk away from you. Guide us to once again seek to abide in your love, and to live your graceful presence into the lives of those around us.
Grant to your faithful people pardon and peace, that we may be cleansed from our sins, and serve you with a quiet mind, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end, AMEN.
Take time now to read the Daily Text for the day, and to pray for your needs, the needs those around you, the needs of your congregation, and the needs of the world. Then continue in prayer as follows...
In one voice, we pray together:
Creator of the heavens and earth, we praise your holy name. We pray that the gracious ways of heaven may be made real in the world that we inhabit. We hunger for much more than food today, and we pray that you will satisfy us, and all who have need. We are awed by your forgiving nature, and pray that you would inspire us to forgive each other in like manner. We know that you have created us to be holy, and ask that you keep us from the temptation of living a life which would tarnish your image within us. You have created a world that is holy, and your glory and power are displayed in many wonderful ways; we give thanks for the blessings of our lives even as we seek to live into the eternity of yours. Amen.
The Festival Doxology:
Unto the Lamb that was slain,
And has redeemed us out of all nations of the earth;
Unto the Lord who purchased our souls for himself;
Unto that friend who loved us, and washed us from our sins by his own blood;
Who died for us once,
That we might die unto sin;
Who rose for us,
That we might also rise;
Who ascended for us into heaven,
To prepare a place for us;
And to whom are subjected the angels, and powers, and dominions; to him be glory at all times,
In the Church which waits for him, and in that church which is around him from everlasting to everlasting. Amen.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Prayers for Holy Week
The Watchword for the Week:
The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. Psalm 118:14
We praise you, the Lord God of Israel! You came to the help of your people and have set them free.
You have shown the mercy promised to our ancestors and have remembered your holy covenant.
By your tender mercy you cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us,
To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29
O give thanks to God, for God is good;
God's steadfast love endures forever!
Let Israel say,
"God's steadfast love endures forever."
Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them and give thanks to God.
This is the gate of God;
the righteous shall enter through it.
I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
This is God's doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that God has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Save us, we beseech you, O God!
O God, we beseech you, give us success!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God.
We bless you from the house of God.
The Sovereign is God,
and God has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches,
up to the horns of the altar.
You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
you are my God, I will extol you.
O give thanks to God, for God is good,
for God's steadfast love endures forever.
Confession of Sin
The voice of the messenger echoes from the desert, calling us to prepare the way of the Lord and make a straight path on which he may come. Let us confess our sins, so that our crooked ways will be made straight and the rough ways smooth.
Our sovereign Redeemer, we join with the people of Jerusalem offering our own shouts of praise and celebration at your coming. Although we often welcome you as did the multitude on Palm Sunday, we also have not always understood what that meant. We confess as well that we have stood with the condemning crowd on Good Friday with our thoughts, words, and actions crying “Crucify!” And like Peter we have, at times, denied our relationship with you through our silence. We turn to you for help and forgiveness, gracious Savior, not because we deserve it, but because you are forgiving. Save us from our sinful ways, and restore us to a life of loyalty to you. Amen.
A silence is observed, giving each penitent the opportunity to reflect on their own particular shortcomings, and upon the gift of God’s grace.
Through John the Baptizer, we hear the Lord’s promise: Turn away from your sins, and God will forgive your sins.
Amen.
Take time now to read the Daily Texts for today. Then pray for the needs of the world, your community, and yourself. When you are ready, proceed as follows...
As you taught your disciples to pray, so we pray together:
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, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty God, we are continually amazed at the way you turn the world upside down. For a Savior of the world we would have chosen a powerful prince,
But you chose a carpenter’s son born under questionable circumstances.
For disciples to help Jesus through his ministry we would have chosen well connected wealthy people of the upper class to bank roll the operation,
But you chose fishermen, a tax collector, and other such outcasts.
For a grand entrance into Jerusalem, we would have chosen a white Stallion,
But you chose a donkey.
When riding high in the polls on Palm Sunday we would have chosen to stay there as long as we could,
But you chose to clear the temple.
For a place of coronation we would have chosen a palace with a wonderfully decorated royal throne,
But you chose a cross.
For those who we would want to have included in the kingdom of God we would have chosen those who look and sound like we do,
But you chose the world.
For people to show the love and grace extended to us in Jesus Christ we would have chosen somebody else,
But you chose each of us. Use us today. Amen.
The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. Psalm 118:14
We praise you, the Lord God of Israel! You came to the help of your people and have set them free.
You have shown the mercy promised to our ancestors and have remembered your holy covenant.
By your tender mercy you cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us,
To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29
O give thanks to God, for God is good;
God's steadfast love endures forever!
Let Israel say,
"God's steadfast love endures forever."
Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them and give thanks to God.
This is the gate of God;
the righteous shall enter through it.
I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
This is God's doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that God has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Save us, we beseech you, O God!
O God, we beseech you, give us success!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God.
We bless you from the house of God.
The Sovereign is God,
and God has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches,
up to the horns of the altar.
You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
you are my God, I will extol you.
O give thanks to God, for God is good,
for God's steadfast love endures forever.
Confession of Sin
The voice of the messenger echoes from the desert, calling us to prepare the way of the Lord and make a straight path on which he may come. Let us confess our sins, so that our crooked ways will be made straight and the rough ways smooth.
Our sovereign Redeemer, we join with the people of Jerusalem offering our own shouts of praise and celebration at your coming. Although we often welcome you as did the multitude on Palm Sunday, we also have not always understood what that meant. We confess as well that we have stood with the condemning crowd on Good Friday with our thoughts, words, and actions crying “Crucify!” And like Peter we have, at times, denied our relationship with you through our silence. We turn to you for help and forgiveness, gracious Savior, not because we deserve it, but because you are forgiving. Save us from our sinful ways, and restore us to a life of loyalty to you. Amen.
A silence is observed, giving each penitent the opportunity to reflect on their own particular shortcomings, and upon the gift of God’s grace.
Through John the Baptizer, we hear the Lord’s promise: Turn away from your sins, and God will forgive your sins.
Amen.
Take time now to read the Daily Texts for today. Then pray for the needs of the world, your community, and yourself. When you are ready, proceed as follows...
As you taught your disciples to pray, so we pray together:
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, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty God, we are continually amazed at the way you turn the world upside down. For a Savior of the world we would have chosen a powerful prince,
But you chose a carpenter’s son born under questionable circumstances.
For disciples to help Jesus through his ministry we would have chosen well connected wealthy people of the upper class to bank roll the operation,
But you chose fishermen, a tax collector, and other such outcasts.
For a grand entrance into Jerusalem, we would have chosen a white Stallion,
But you chose a donkey.
When riding high in the polls on Palm Sunday we would have chosen to stay there as long as we could,
But you chose to clear the temple.
For a place of coronation we would have chosen a palace with a wonderfully decorated royal throne,
But you chose a cross.
For those who we would want to have included in the kingdom of God we would have chosen those who look and sound like we do,
But you chose the world.
For people to show the love and grace extended to us in Jesus Christ we would have chosen somebody else,
But you chose each of us. Use us today. Amen.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Prayers for the 5th Week in Lent
Watchword for the Week:
Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13,14
Loving God, from the busyness of this day,
Call us into your presence.
From the distractions of our lives,
Call us into your presence.
From the slumber into which our faith can fall,
Call us into your presence.
From the temptation of being trapped by the memories of yesterday,
Call us into your presence.
Psalm 126
When God restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then it was said among the nations,
“God has done great things for them.”
God has done great things for us,
and we rejoiced.
Restore our fortunes, O God,
like the watercourses in the Negeb.
May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy.
Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
carrying their sheaves.
Confession of Sin
In order that our hearts might be cleansed, we need to lift to God the sins which stain our souls. Together, let us confess our sins:
Your ways are marvelous, O God. Your law is perfect, and your grace is boundless. We humbly ask for your forgiveness for the times when we have ignored your good intentions for us and instead have followed a short-sighted and misguided way of living. Forgive us for allowing the wistful memories of yesterday to cloud our vision for your work among us today. Give us courage then to set our faces toward the future. We ask that you create in us a clean heart, O God. Renew within us a true and right spirit with which we can stand before you without guilt or shame. Do not cast us away as we might deserve, but restore unto us the comforting presence of your Holy Spirit. Give us joyful hearts with which to serve our brothers and sisters, and your Church.
Christ came into the world not to condemn the world, but that the world might be save through Him. We are forgiven and we have the promise of eternal life. Rejoice and give God praise.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.
Take time to read the Daily Texts, or another suitable text of Scripture. Slow down and read with an open heart and mind. Then spend some time praying for the needs of your life, the needs of those around you, and the needs of the world.
With one voice, we pray together:
Creator of all humanity, we call you Holy, and seek to worship you all the days of our lives. We pray that the ways of your heavenly kingdom may be made real in the world that surrounds us. May the bread that we need for today be made available for us and all who are hungry; and may you forgive us, just as we are able to forgive those who have sinned against us. In the time of moral testing, may we listen first for your voice calling to us, instead of the call of the world; take from us the self-centeredness of our society. This world, and all that is in it, always has been and always will be yours, Amen.
Lord awaken us,
To see your presence with us in each moment.
Lord open our hearts,
To see the suffering of others.
Lord open our eyes,
To see the ways in which we can serve you this day.
Lord help us,
To see the value that we have in your great kingdom on earth.
Lord open our souls,
To accept the grace that you have already extended to us.
Lord make us aware,
Of how we can share your grace with those around us.
Lord awaken us,
To see the places that you are even now taking us.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
And whatever we do in word or deed, may we do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. AMEN.
Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13,14
Loving God, from the busyness of this day,
Call us into your presence.
From the distractions of our lives,
Call us into your presence.
From the slumber into which our faith can fall,
Call us into your presence.
From the temptation of being trapped by the memories of yesterday,
Call us into your presence.
Psalm 126
When God restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then it was said among the nations,
“God has done great things for them.”
God has done great things for us,
and we rejoiced.
Restore our fortunes, O God,
like the watercourses in the Negeb.
May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy.
Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
carrying their sheaves.
Confession of Sin
In order that our hearts might be cleansed, we need to lift to God the sins which stain our souls. Together, let us confess our sins:
Your ways are marvelous, O God. Your law is perfect, and your grace is boundless. We humbly ask for your forgiveness for the times when we have ignored your good intentions for us and instead have followed a short-sighted and misguided way of living. Forgive us for allowing the wistful memories of yesterday to cloud our vision for your work among us today. Give us courage then to set our faces toward the future. We ask that you create in us a clean heart, O God. Renew within us a true and right spirit with which we can stand before you without guilt or shame. Do not cast us away as we might deserve, but restore unto us the comforting presence of your Holy Spirit. Give us joyful hearts with which to serve our brothers and sisters, and your Church.
Christ came into the world not to condemn the world, but that the world might be save through Him. We are forgiven and we have the promise of eternal life. Rejoice and give God praise.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.
Take time to read the Daily Texts, or another suitable text of Scripture. Slow down and read with an open heart and mind. Then spend some time praying for the needs of your life, the needs of those around you, and the needs of the world.
With one voice, we pray together:
Creator of all humanity, we call you Holy, and seek to worship you all the days of our lives. We pray that the ways of your heavenly kingdom may be made real in the world that surrounds us. May the bread that we need for today be made available for us and all who are hungry; and may you forgive us, just as we are able to forgive those who have sinned against us. In the time of moral testing, may we listen first for your voice calling to us, instead of the call of the world; take from us the self-centeredness of our society. This world, and all that is in it, always has been and always will be yours, Amen.
Lord awaken us,
To see your presence with us in each moment.
Lord open our hearts,
To see the suffering of others.
Lord open our eyes,
To see the ways in which we can serve you this day.
Lord help us,
To see the value that we have in your great kingdom on earth.
Lord open our souls,
To accept the grace that you have already extended to us.
Lord make us aware,
Of how we can share your grace with those around us.
Lord awaken us,
To see the places that you are even now taking us.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
And whatever we do in word or deed, may we do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. AMEN.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Prayers for the 4th Sunday in Lent
The watchword for the week together:
If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
From the rising to the setting of the sun,
The name of the Lord be praised.
Psalm 32
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom God imputes no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
While I kept silence, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to God,"
and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
shall not reach them.
You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.
Many are the torments of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in God.
Be glad in God and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
Confession of Sin
Loving God, even though we have placed our trust in you, we have often betrayed this sacred relationship by living in such a way that has caused us to be separated from you and caused pain in the lives of others. Hear now our confessions as we seek to present ourselves honestly to you.
Almighty and most merciful Father, we have often wandered from you like lost sheep. More than we care to admit, we have followed the desires of our own hearts. We have ignored your will for us as well as your holy laws. As a result, the good that we know to do, we have not always done, and those things that we ought not to have done, we have done. We are truly sorry, and we humbly repent. Today we humbly ask that you create in us a clean heart, O God. Renew within us a true and right spirit with which we can stand before you without guilt or shame. Do not cast us away as we might deserve, but restore unto us the comforting presence of your Holy Spirit. Give us joyful hearts with which to serve our brothers and sisters, and your Church.
(A silence is observed, giving each penitent the opportunity to reflect on their own particular shortcomings, and upon the gift of God’s grace.)
Christ died for our sins. We are forgiven and we have the promise new life now and of eternal life in the world to come. Thanks be to God.
Amen.
The Daily Text or another reading of scripture should be done here. Take time to ponder words or phrases that happen to catch you spirit today.
Then pray for your needs, the needs of your community, and the needs of the world.
As you taught your disciples to pray, so we pray together:
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, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty God, we give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made.
We thank you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your grace which gives us the gift of re-creation.
Loving God, come and make us new.
May we then respond with acts of loving kindness that might bring about social justice and new life for all. Amen.
If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
From the rising to the setting of the sun,
The name of the Lord be praised.
Psalm 32
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom God imputes no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
While I kept silence, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to God,"
and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
shall not reach them.
You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.
Many are the torments of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in God.
Be glad in God and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
Confession of Sin
Loving God, even though we have placed our trust in you, we have often betrayed this sacred relationship by living in such a way that has caused us to be separated from you and caused pain in the lives of others. Hear now our confessions as we seek to present ourselves honestly to you.
Almighty and most merciful Father, we have often wandered from you like lost sheep. More than we care to admit, we have followed the desires of our own hearts. We have ignored your will for us as well as your holy laws. As a result, the good that we know to do, we have not always done, and those things that we ought not to have done, we have done. We are truly sorry, and we humbly repent. Today we humbly ask that you create in us a clean heart, O God. Renew within us a true and right spirit with which we can stand before you without guilt or shame. Do not cast us away as we might deserve, but restore unto us the comforting presence of your Holy Spirit. Give us joyful hearts with which to serve our brothers and sisters, and your Church.
(A silence is observed, giving each penitent the opportunity to reflect on their own particular shortcomings, and upon the gift of God’s grace.)
Christ died for our sins. We are forgiven and we have the promise new life now and of eternal life in the world to come. Thanks be to God.
Amen.
The Daily Text or another reading of scripture should be done here. Take time to ponder words or phrases that happen to catch you spirit today.
Then pray for your needs, the needs of your community, and the needs of the world.
As you taught your disciples to pray, so we pray together:
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, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty God, we give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made.
We thank you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your grace which gives us the gift of re-creation.
Loving God, come and make us new.
May we then respond with acts of loving kindness that might bring about social justice and new life for all. Amen.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Prayers for the 3rd Week in Lent
The Watchword for the Week:
Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon
him while he is near. Isaiah 55:6
Christ invites us to come to worship
To rest from the things that are troubling us
To pray for the needs of those close us as well as for the needs of the world
To realize what we can offer to others
And so to return into the world to serve
Let us worship God.
Psalm 63:1-8
O God, you are my God,
I seek you, my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.
So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.
Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands and call on your name.
My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast,
and my mouth praises you with joyful lips
when I think of you on my bed,
and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
for you have been my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.
Confession of Sin
(from the Liturgy for Lent II, pages78-79
Lord Jesus, we come before you in humble confession. Help us conform our lives to you as the model for holy and righteous living.
Forgive us for our desire for personal greatness, for our attempts to make gods of ourselves, for our willingness to exalt ourselves at the expense of others, and for our resistance to serving one another as you have served us.
Forgive us for making light of your obedience and sacrifice on the cross by living an undisciplined and indifferent Christian witness; forgive us for yielding to fear rather than relying on your strength to take the risks of discipleship.
Forgive us, dear Jesus, for times we have not looked to you as our Lord, and for allowing the clamoring distractions of the world to become higher priorities than you. Forgive us for yielding more to the temptations of this world than being transformed by your lordship over our lives.
May the Holy Spirit empower us to accept the grace that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ offers to us today. Hear the words of our Lord, “Your sins are forgiven, go and sin no more.”
Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, since as members of one body we were called to peace. And let us be thankful.
Read and contemplate the Moravian Daily Texts for today. Don't rush pause over words that catch your spirit. When you are finished take time to pray for the needs of the world, your community, and yourself, then continue with the prayer as follows.
As you taught your disciples to pray, so we pray together:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours.
Now and for ever. Amen
And now, most merciful God, we ask you to continue extending your grace and favor towards us; May we take time each day to seek you with our whole heart.
Let your truth abide and be established among us forever.
Help our unbelief, increase our faith, give us hearts to consider your many gifts to us.
In faith clothe us with Christ, that he may live in us,
And your name may be glorified in us, in the sight of all the world.
Christ, and him crucified,
Remain our confession of faith. Amen.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Prayers for the First Week in Lent
Watchword for the Week:
No one who believes in Christ will be put to shame. Romans 10:11
In this Lenten season, Loving God, you call us to a time of reflection and contemplation.
This is a time to ponder where our wandering steps have separated us from you.
This is a time to consider all of who we are, and where you want us to be.
This is a time to establish a proper relationship with you.
O Lord, we want to be upright in heart.
May your comforting spirit allow us to unburden our souls.
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
will say to God,
“My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.”
Because you have made the Lord your refuge,
the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.
For God will command God's angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the adder,
the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
Those who love me, I will deliver;
I will protect those who know my name.
When they call to me, I will answer them;
I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them.
With long life I will satisfy them,
and show them my salvation.
Confession of Sin
If we confess our sins God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In full assurance of faith, let us confess our sins.
Gracious God, this season of Holy Lent calls us home to you. As we have wandered in our spiritual lives we now hear your invitation to return to you. As such Lent challenges us to look within ourselves and examine the priorities in our lives, as well as the ways in which those priorities have influenced our choices. Loving God, we easily see that our ways are not your ways, and for that we are sorry, and we seek to repent. Your ways are loving and gracious, yet we nurse selfish attitudes and practice only a selective distribution of grace. Forgive us for the barriers with which we separate ourselves from you so that we can keep you from looking deep into our hearts. We seek to have you know us, so that we in turn, might know our true selves. We trust, O Lord, in your steadfast love.
The good news in Christ is that when we face ourselves and God with the awareness of our need, we are given grace to grow, and courage to continue the journey.
Friends, believe the good news of the Gospel.
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven! Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. AMEN.
Reading of the Daily Texts
Take time now to pray for the needs of the world, your community, your congregation, your family, and yourself. We you have concluded that, continue as follows:
Let us pray together:
Our Father in heaven, holy is your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
Throughout this Lenten journey, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
We thank you, Lord Jesus, not only for the privilege of believing in you, but of suffering for you as well, so that we may also be glorified with you.
Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, since as members of the body we were called to peace. And let us be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in us richly as we teach and admonish one another with all wisdom. Whatever we do, therefore, whether in word or deed, let us do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Amen.
No one who believes in Christ will be put to shame. Romans 10:11
In this Lenten season, Loving God, you call us to a time of reflection and contemplation.
This is a time to ponder where our wandering steps have separated us from you.
This is a time to consider all of who we are, and where you want us to be.
This is a time to establish a proper relationship with you.
O Lord, we want to be upright in heart.
May your comforting spirit allow us to unburden our souls.
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
will say to God,
“My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.”
Because you have made the Lord your refuge,
the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.
For God will command God's angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the adder,
the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
Those who love me, I will deliver;
I will protect those who know my name.
When they call to me, I will answer them;
I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them.
With long life I will satisfy them,
and show them my salvation.
Confession of Sin
If we confess our sins God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In full assurance of faith, let us confess our sins.
Gracious God, this season of Holy Lent calls us home to you. As we have wandered in our spiritual lives we now hear your invitation to return to you. As such Lent challenges us to look within ourselves and examine the priorities in our lives, as well as the ways in which those priorities have influenced our choices. Loving God, we easily see that our ways are not your ways, and for that we are sorry, and we seek to repent. Your ways are loving and gracious, yet we nurse selfish attitudes and practice only a selective distribution of grace. Forgive us for the barriers with which we separate ourselves from you so that we can keep you from looking deep into our hearts. We seek to have you know us, so that we in turn, might know our true selves. We trust, O Lord, in your steadfast love.
The good news in Christ is that when we face ourselves and God with the awareness of our need, we are given grace to grow, and courage to continue the journey.
Friends, believe the good news of the Gospel.
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven! Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. AMEN.
Reading of the Daily Texts
Take time now to pray for the needs of the world, your community, your congregation, your family, and yourself. We you have concluded that, continue as follows:
Let us pray together:
Our Father in heaven, holy is your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
Throughout this Lenten journey, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
We thank you, Lord Jesus, not only for the privilege of believing in you, but of suffering for you as well, so that we may also be glorified with you.
Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, since as members of the body we were called to peace. And let us be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in us richly as we teach and admonish one another with all wisdom. Whatever we do, therefore, whether in word or deed, let us do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Amen.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Prayers for the 3rd Week After the Epiphany
Watchword for the Week
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
Gracious God, from the busyness of our day we pause to remember that we are yours.
You give us our breath, and you deserve to be a part of our every moment.
Magnificent are your ways, and gracious is your will.
May our lives be lived in response to your freely given love.
Psalm 19
The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims God's handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In the heavens God has set a tent for the sun,
which comes out like a beloved from his wedding canopy, and like an athlete runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
The law of God is perfect, reviving the soul;
the decrees of God are sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of God are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of God is clear, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of God is pure, enduring forever;
the ordinances of God are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can detect their errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you, O God, my rock and my redeemer.
Confession of Sin
Before the throne of grace we confess your sins:
The meditations of our hearts and the words of our mouths have not always been a reflection of our love for you, gracious Lord. We are sorry for the times when our words and actions have more often served our own needs rather than benefit your kingdom. Open our hearts to your guidance, and guide us to gratefully live in response to your grace.
My friends, God is faithful and just. God seeks only to forgive your sins and will not remember them. God asks that you now live a new life. Rejoice, be glad, and give God praise.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. AMEN.
Reading of the Daily Texts
Prayers of the Community of Faith (spoken and silent)
Lord God, Father, hear us as we pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be your name, your kingdom come
Your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
May the glory of the Lord fill our lives.
May our hearts be glad, and may our mouths give praise.
May the love of the Lord fill our lives.
May our hearts be glad, and may our mouths give praise.
May the grace of the Lord fill our lives.
May our hearts be glad, and may our mouths give praise. Amen.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
Gracious God, from the busyness of our day we pause to remember that we are yours.
You give us our breath, and you deserve to be a part of our every moment.
Magnificent are your ways, and gracious is your will.
May our lives be lived in response to your freely given love.
Psalm 19
The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims God's handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In the heavens God has set a tent for the sun,
which comes out like a beloved from his wedding canopy, and like an athlete runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
The law of God is perfect, reviving the soul;
the decrees of God are sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of God are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of God is clear, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of God is pure, enduring forever;
the ordinances of God are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can detect their errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you, O God, my rock and my redeemer.
Confession of Sin
Before the throne of grace we confess your sins:
The meditations of our hearts and the words of our mouths have not always been a reflection of our love for you, gracious Lord. We are sorry for the times when our words and actions have more often served our own needs rather than benefit your kingdom. Open our hearts to your guidance, and guide us to gratefully live in response to your grace.
My friends, God is faithful and just. God seeks only to forgive your sins and will not remember them. God asks that you now live a new life. Rejoice, be glad, and give God praise.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. AMEN.
Reading of the Daily Texts
Prayers of the Community of Faith (spoken and silent)
Lord God, Father, hear us as we pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be your name, your kingdom come
Your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
May the glory of the Lord fill our lives.
May our hearts be glad, and may our mouths give praise.
May the love of the Lord fill our lives.
May our hearts be glad, and may our mouths give praise.
May the grace of the Lord fill our lives.
May our hearts be glad, and may our mouths give praise. Amen.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Prayers for the 2nd Week after the Epiphany
The Watchword for the Week:
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:4,5
(Portions of this prayer are adapted from the Moravian Book of Worship, pages 122-126)
Loving God, we are part of your creation.
You put the sun, moon, stars, and planets in their intended orbits.
You created life on earth, and you created humanity little lower than the angels.
We thank you for the life of Jesus Christ, the Word that became flesh. For in him all things are held together.
Psalm 36:5-10
5 Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgments are like the great deep; you save humans and animals alike, O Lord.
7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
10 O continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your salvation to the upright of heart!
Confession of Sin
Let us in penitence and humility confess our sins before the throne of grace, praying together:
Almighty God, we confess that we have tried to run away and hide from you. We constantly deceive ourselves into thinking that we can live without you. We have made idols of our own achievements. We have treated other persons as though they did not bear your image. We have failed to enfold and include all persons within the outstretched and open arms of Jesus Christ, our Savior. We have left undone those deeds of lovingkindness and godly justice that you want us to pursue in your name. Bring your Spirit upon us in a gracious, healing way. Make us agents of reconciliation as we live within your holy presence. Amen.
My friends, God is faithful and just. God will not remember your sins. Rejoice, be glad, and give God praise.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. AMEN.
Take time now to read the Daily Texts, or a short portion of scirpture, then pray for the needs of a hurting world. This week, pray especially for the suffering in Haiti. Pray for those who have lost loved ones, their homes, their way of life. After your prayer, continue as follows:
Lord God, Father, hear us as we 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, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Holy Trinity, three in one, teach us to love the world-wide church called out of all peoples and nations.
Make visible the unity that you desire as we express a spirit of reconciliation in all our relationships.
Show us that we are part of the one and only body of Jesus Christ, unified by faith, scattered for witness and service.
Lead us to appreciate the richness of our diversity and your creative power at work in our various traditions and customs.
Make us all one with you by the inspiration and guidance of your Spirit.
Praise, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might, belong to our God forever and ever! Amen!
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:4,5
(Portions of this prayer are adapted from the Moravian Book of Worship, pages 122-126)
Loving God, we are part of your creation.
You put the sun, moon, stars, and planets in their intended orbits.
You created life on earth, and you created humanity little lower than the angels.
We thank you for the life of Jesus Christ, the Word that became flesh. For in him all things are held together.
Psalm 36:5-10
5 Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgments are like the great deep; you save humans and animals alike, O Lord.
7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
10 O continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your salvation to the upright of heart!
Confession of Sin
Let us in penitence and humility confess our sins before the throne of grace, praying together:
Almighty God, we confess that we have tried to run away and hide from you. We constantly deceive ourselves into thinking that we can live without you. We have made idols of our own achievements. We have treated other persons as though they did not bear your image. We have failed to enfold and include all persons within the outstretched and open arms of Jesus Christ, our Savior. We have left undone those deeds of lovingkindness and godly justice that you want us to pursue in your name. Bring your Spirit upon us in a gracious, healing way. Make us agents of reconciliation as we live within your holy presence. Amen.
My friends, God is faithful and just. God will not remember your sins. Rejoice, be glad, and give God praise.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. AMEN.
Take time now to read the Daily Texts, or a short portion of scirpture, then pray for the needs of a hurting world. This week, pray especially for the suffering in Haiti. Pray for those who have lost loved ones, their homes, their way of life. After your prayer, continue as follows:
Lord God, Father, hear us as we 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, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Holy Trinity, three in one, teach us to love the world-wide church called out of all peoples and nations.
Make visible the unity that you desire as we express a spirit of reconciliation in all our relationships.
Show us that we are part of the one and only body of Jesus Christ, unified by faith, scattered for witness and service.
Lead us to appreciate the richness of our diversity and your creative power at work in our various traditions and customs.
Make us all one with you by the inspiration and guidance of your Spirit.
Praise, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might, belong to our God forever and ever! Amen!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Prayers for the 1st Week After the Epiphany
The Watchword for the Week:
God says, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine."
Isaiah 43:1
Gracious God, from the busyness of our day we pause to remember that we are yours.
We seek to make you a part of our every moment.
Magnificent are your ways, and gracious is your will.
May our lives be lived in response to your freely given love.
Psalm 29:1-11
1 Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy splendor.
3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over mighty waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. 7 The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.
8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, "Glory!"
10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
11 May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!
Confession of Sin
Let us in penitence and humility confess our sins before the throne of grace, praying together:
We confess to you, loving God, that our daily lives do not always honor you. You deserve our tithes, but we give you what is left over. You deserve our obedience, but we forget your commandments. You deserve our undivided attention, but we give you a passing glance. You ask that we live lives of grace and righteousness, but we live by dept and obligation. We want to be closer to you, so accept our humble confession of sin and our desire to begin a new life today.
My friends, God is faithful and just. God will not remember your sins. Rejoice, be glad, and give God praise.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. AMEN.
Reading of the Daily Texts
Prayers of the Community of Faith (spoken and silent)
Lord God, Father, hear us as we pray:
Creator of all humanity, we call you Holy, and seek to worship you all the days of our lives. We pray that the ways of your heavenly kingdom may be made real in the world that surrounds us. May the bread that we need for today be made available for us and all who are hungry; and may you forgive us, just as we are able to forgive those who have sinned against us. In the time of moral testing, may we listen first for your voice calling to us. This world, and all that is in it, always has been and always will be yours, help us to lose ourselves to you and your kingdom. Help us to find who we truly are as we walk in your light. Amen.
Lord, you now have set your servant free
to go in peace as you have promised;
for these eyes of mine have seen the Savior,
Whom you have prepared for all the world to see.
A Light to en-lighten the nations,
And the glory of your people Israel.
The work of the Creator is visible.
Let us respond with praise.
The example of Jesus is apparent.
Let us respond with obedience.
The wind of the Spirit is blowing
Let us respond by yielding to its leading.
The word of God is calling.
Let us worship in spirit and in truth.
Praise, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might,
Belong to our God forever and ever! Amen!
God says, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine."
Isaiah 43:1
Gracious God, from the busyness of our day we pause to remember that we are yours.
We seek to make you a part of our every moment.
Magnificent are your ways, and gracious is your will.
May our lives be lived in response to your freely given love.
Psalm 29:1-11
1 Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy splendor.
3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over mighty waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. 7 The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.
8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, "Glory!"
10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
11 May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!
Confession of Sin
Let us in penitence and humility confess our sins before the throne of grace, praying together:
We confess to you, loving God, that our daily lives do not always honor you. You deserve our tithes, but we give you what is left over. You deserve our obedience, but we forget your commandments. You deserve our undivided attention, but we give you a passing glance. You ask that we live lives of grace and righteousness, but we live by dept and obligation. We want to be closer to you, so accept our humble confession of sin and our desire to begin a new life today.
My friends, God is faithful and just. God will not remember your sins. Rejoice, be glad, and give God praise.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. AMEN.
Reading of the Daily Texts
Prayers of the Community of Faith (spoken and silent)
Lord God, Father, hear us as we pray:
Creator of all humanity, we call you Holy, and seek to worship you all the days of our lives. We pray that the ways of your heavenly kingdom may be made real in the world that surrounds us. May the bread that we need for today be made available for us and all who are hungry; and may you forgive us, just as we are able to forgive those who have sinned against us. In the time of moral testing, may we listen first for your voice calling to us. This world, and all that is in it, always has been and always will be yours, help us to lose ourselves to you and your kingdom. Help us to find who we truly are as we walk in your light. Amen.
Lord, you now have set your servant free
to go in peace as you have promised;
for these eyes of mine have seen the Savior,
Whom you have prepared for all the world to see.
A Light to en-lighten the nations,
And the glory of your people Israel.
The work of the Creator is visible.
Let us respond with praise.
The example of Jesus is apparent.
Let us respond with obedience.
The wind of the Spirit is blowing
Let us respond by yielding to its leading.
The word of God is calling.
Let us worship in spirit and in truth.
Praise, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might,
Belong to our God forever and ever! Amen!
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