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.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
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.
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