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.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
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!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Prayers for the Epiphany of our Lord
The Watchword for the Week:
God has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ. Ephesians 1:9
Like the wise-men from the east, we have been following a star that brings us to greet a mystery.
Perhaps we expected a king, royalty of some manner; at the very least we expected power that finds its roots in wealth. But instead we greet a humble peasant family with a vulnerable child. And to this great mystery we offer our gifts.
Psalm 147: 12-20
12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!
13 For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your children within you.
14 He grants peace within your borders; he fills you with the finest of wheat.
15 He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.
16 He gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes. 17 He hurls down hail like crumbs— who can stand before his cold?
18 He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow.
19 He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and ordinances to Israel.
20 He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances. Praise the Lord!
Confession of Sin (from the Moravian Book of Worship, Liturgy for Epiphany page 67)
With sincere hearts and open minds, let us now acknowledge the sin that entangles us and prevents us from doing God’s will:
Compassionate Lord, you call us to a higher standard than we have achieved. We therefore bow in honest confession of those thoughts, words, and deeds which have missed the mark. Within our families, we have loved imperfectly. Among sisters and brothers in the church, we have not fully walked in the light. Often our congregations have not reflected the rich diversity of people in our communities. In our witness to the world, our lives have not adequately testified to your redeeming power. Forgive us, gracious Lord, for permitting ourselves to be distracted from the goal of our discipleship. Heal the brokenness of our hearts and restore us to you, our first love.
There is no condemnation now for those who live in union with Christ Jesus. Hear the word of the Lord: I do not condemn you. Go, but do not sin again.
Take time now to slowly and gently read the Daily Texts for today. Then simply stop to listen to your thoughts. Allow them to drift away and focus simply on God's love for you, and for the world. Pray for the issues that are confronting our planet right now. Pray for the needs of those whom you love. Pray for God's wisdom to direct your actions today. When you are finished, continue with the prayer as follows:
Epiphany Prayer of Intersession.
Let us offer intercessions and petitions for the needs of the world.
Lord Jesus Christ, as disciples called to your service, we pray for the salvation of all. Lead us to bear witness to friends and neighbors in this community. Fill our words and manner of life with the convincing power of your Spirit. Intensify our love for all people that our discipleship may be confirmed as genuine. Through our obedience to your call, bestow on many the faith to be saved.
Give every gift and blessing to your witnesses in all places. May those who suffer because they have named you as Lord be strengthened to endure every temptation. Give courage, insight, and loving patience to those who have left their own people to proclaim the gospel to those yet unreached.
Savior, grant that your church may always grow in grace and in numbers. Bring multitudes from every people to bow and confess that you are Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The message of Epiphany is that the birth of Jesus was meant to have global implications; that the good news was meant for all people.
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Just as the magi came bearing gifts to the Christ Child, so may we offer ourselves to our Lord.
Lead us Lord to nurture and then share our gifts with the world around us. Through the tasks that are laid before us today, may the message of your grace fall on an ear that needs to hear it.
We marvel, gracious Lord, that through this mysterious birth your will for humanity is revealed for all to see.
Be with us as we seek to love as you have loved us, to forgive as you have forgiven us, and to give as you have given to us. Amen.
God has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ. Ephesians 1:9
Like the wise-men from the east, we have been following a star that brings us to greet a mystery.
Perhaps we expected a king, royalty of some manner; at the very least we expected power that finds its roots in wealth. But instead we greet a humble peasant family with a vulnerable child. And to this great mystery we offer our gifts.
Psalm 147: 12-20
12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!
13 For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your children within you.
14 He grants peace within your borders; he fills you with the finest of wheat.
15 He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.
16 He gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes. 17 He hurls down hail like crumbs— who can stand before his cold?
18 He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow.
19 He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and ordinances to Israel.
20 He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances. Praise the Lord!
Confession of Sin (from the Moravian Book of Worship, Liturgy for Epiphany page 67)
With sincere hearts and open minds, let us now acknowledge the sin that entangles us and prevents us from doing God’s will:
Compassionate Lord, you call us to a higher standard than we have achieved. We therefore bow in honest confession of those thoughts, words, and deeds which have missed the mark. Within our families, we have loved imperfectly. Among sisters and brothers in the church, we have not fully walked in the light. Often our congregations have not reflected the rich diversity of people in our communities. In our witness to the world, our lives have not adequately testified to your redeeming power. Forgive us, gracious Lord, for permitting ourselves to be distracted from the goal of our discipleship. Heal the brokenness of our hearts and restore us to you, our first love.
There is no condemnation now for those who live in union with Christ Jesus. Hear the word of the Lord: I do not condemn you. Go, but do not sin again.
Take time now to slowly and gently read the Daily Texts for today. Then simply stop to listen to your thoughts. Allow them to drift away and focus simply on God's love for you, and for the world. Pray for the issues that are confronting our planet right now. Pray for the needs of those whom you love. Pray for God's wisdom to direct your actions today. When you are finished, continue with the prayer as follows:
Epiphany Prayer of Intersession.
Let us offer intercessions and petitions for the needs of the world.
Lord Jesus Christ, as disciples called to your service, we pray for the salvation of all. Lead us to bear witness to friends and neighbors in this community. Fill our words and manner of life with the convincing power of your Spirit. Intensify our love for all people that our discipleship may be confirmed as genuine. Through our obedience to your call, bestow on many the faith to be saved.
Give every gift and blessing to your witnesses in all places. May those who suffer because they have named you as Lord be strengthened to endure every temptation. Give courage, insight, and loving patience to those who have left their own people to proclaim the gospel to those yet unreached.
Savior, grant that your church may always grow in grace and in numbers. Bring multitudes from every people to bow and confess that you are Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The message of Epiphany is that the birth of Jesus was meant to have global implications; that the good news was meant for all people.
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Just as the magi came bearing gifts to the Christ Child, so may we offer ourselves to our Lord.
Lead us Lord to nurture and then share our gifts with the world around us. Through the tasks that are laid before us today, may the message of your grace fall on an ear that needs to hear it.
We marvel, gracious Lord, that through this mysterious birth your will for humanity is revealed for all to see.
Be with us as we seek to love as you have loved us, to forgive as you have forgiven us, and to give as you have given to us. Amen.
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