A (belated) Thankgiving Prayer

O God, it is by your hand that the seasons come and go,
and you make the fruits of the earth according to our human needs.

We thank you that you have brought us through the circuit of another year,
and that according to your promise seedtime and harvest have not failed.

At the remembrance of your goodness we offer our thanksgivings
and pray that you will feed our souls with the Bread of Life.

Amen.

A Buddhist Prayer

We will be kind and gentle to every living thing and protect those who are weaker than ourselves.

We will think pure and beautiful thoughts, say pure and beautiful words, and do pure and beautiful deeds.

Amen.

Self-Acceptance

I pray for the willingness to remember that I am a child of God, a divine soul in human form, and that my most basic and urgent life-task is to accept, know, love and nurture myself. As I accept myself, I am accepting God's will. As I know and love myself, I am knowing and loving God. As I nurture myself I am acting on God's guidance. I pray for the willingness to let go of my arrogant self-criticism, and to praise God by humbly accepting and caring for myself.

Amen.

Dear God,

It is a good day today…many of us have so many things going on, but it is a good day… simply because we woke up this morning, and the sun rose…and we are able to be with you…today we recognize, celebrate and know your love and grace, and it’s a good day.

God, as good as this time is, there are so many struggles we have during our weeks…there is so much stress, so much doubt…there is so much pain and so much fear. God, we don’t know how to live the way you want us…we face so many situations in our lives at work at school at home and we don’t know how to be the people you want us to be…and it can be so frustrating, and dis-heartening.
Ultimately God, we want to be great at following you, we want to be fulfilled, we want to leave a mark on this world. God help us to remember what makes us great. Help us to remember what leaves the most lasting mark. God, help us to remember you. In all that we do, where ever we are, whatever trails we may be facing, help us to remember that because of you, we can reach out to others. Help us to remember that because of your Holy Spirit in our lives, we can show love for all we come across, and that we from where we are can help whoever is in need, whoever is in darkness or hurt or despair.

God, thank you. Thank you for this day, for all we have. Thank you for your love that will never be taken away from us…thank you for your Spirit that makes all things possible. In the name of your Son, love incarnate...

Amen.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Amen.

Grand Teton National Park

Amen.

A Prayer Late in the Day

Keep watch, O God, with those who work or watch or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep.

Tend the sick, give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous,

and all for your love’s sake.

Amen.

A Franciscan Benediction

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppresion, and the exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, and starvation, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.

Amen.

As Christ

Help us, O God, to love as Christ loved:
Sharing in Christ's suffering, may we remember all who suffer.
Held in Christ's love, may we embrace all whom the world denies.
Rejoicing in Christ's forgvieness, may we forgive all who sin against us.
Give us strength to serve you faithfully.

Amen.

Prayer for loyalty

God, you are great and we sing our praise, we open our hearts, to you. For you are our hope…you raise our spirits…you bring us peace.

God, you created us, and love us, and we know that you call us to live in a way that honors our relationship with you. But God so often though we claim to follow Christ, we fail to live like Christ…we fail to live lives of excellence, of virtue. Every day, God, make us more like your Son. Every day, God, dwell in our hearts so that we cannot but love you and honor you more.

As we start back at school, as we go to work, raise our families, as we simply go about our lives, there are so many things that distract, so many worries and fears, so much pain and suffering. Grant us and those around us peace that surpasses all understanding, hope that in all things you work for good, and courage to be loyal to you no matter what.

We love you so much, God and are so thankful for everything we have, and especially for your love. May that guide everything we do.

Amen.

Navaho Prayer

Before us it is blessed, behind us it is blessed, below us it is blessed,

Above us it is blessed, around us it is blessed as we set out with Christ.

Our speech is blessed as we set out for God.

With beauty before us, with beauty behind us, with beauty below us,

With beauty above us, with beauty around us, we set out for a holy place indeed.

Amen.

A though on prayer from C.S. Lewis

I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless.
I pray because the need flows out of me all the time--waking and sleeping.
It doesn't change God--it changes me.

From Thomas Merton

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.

I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.

But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. i hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road through I may know nothing about it.

Therefore I will trust you always though i may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

Amen.

In Recognition of God's Glory

God,

You are a God of love and mercy, who created the entire universe and calls it…calls us…to you. And today God, we long to be in your presence, to know you, to feel your arms around us, to feel you lifting us up. God we need healing, we need grace, we need peace, we need forgiveness. Please, God, we need you.

God, we face so many things that seem to work against us, so many things that seem to work against you and your desires for us and all creation. But we know that ultimately it is you before whom all knees will bend, that crying and sorrow will be no more, that you will reign with love and mercy over all creation, and we are grateful for that hope.

Help us to take our place in standing up for your kingdom. Help us to order our lives so that they point us and others to you.

God give us eyes to see you in all your glory. And God give us ears to hear your words of peace and hope.

God, we love you. We thank you for everything we have. Most of all we thank you for your Son, who ensures our victory over sin and death, and for your Holy Spirit, who encourages us and strengthens us to serve you and your people everyday.

Amen.

For Today

Direct us, O God, in all our doings with your gracious favor,
and further us with your continual help,
that in all our works,
begun, continued, and ended in you,
we may always honor your name, and, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life.

Amen.

For Direction

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings, with your most gracious favor,
and further us with your continual help, that in all our works, begun, continued, and ended in you,
we may glorify your holy name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

For Leaders

O, Lord, You proclaim Your truth in every age by many voices.

Direct those who speak where many listen and write what many read, that they may do their part in making the heart of Your people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous.

Amen.

A (Late) Father's Day Prayer

Dear God, heavenly and present Father, on this day that we celebrate fathers, we are grateful for your presence in our lives.

Sometimes your presence is unexplicable…for you are powerful God, you created the heavens and earth, you give life, you were and always will be…and yet you became human for us, you healed and fed and served us, you died on a cross for us, and you rose from the dead, for our sake, because you loved us.

For all those in our congregation who are fathers, those who act as fathers, and those who are trying to become fathers, we give you thanks and ask your blessing and encouragement for them. God for those fathers who have lost their children and for those children who have lost their fathers, we ask for your comfort and strength on their behalf. And God, for those who struggle as fathers and those who fail to be good fathers we ask your guidance, your peace, and your redemption. We know that none of our relationships on this earth are perfect. Even though we fail to always be good and kind and loving to each other, we remember and are so thankful that you love us perfectly, unconditionally, that you forgive us and call us your children.

God, as you love us, help us to love one another. Be with those who are in fear, and grief, and pain…give them strength and hope. And be with all those men and women, fathers and mothers, around the world who are willing to give their lives for justice and peace, while we pray for a world that doesn’t require that sacrifice.

God, thank you for everything we have, for our families and our fathers, for our community here. In your son’s Holy name, we pray.

Amen.

For Worship Always

Holy God,

You call us to worship you, and by your Spirit prompt prayers and praise.
Keep us from saying words or singing hymns with ritual disinterest.
Fill us with gratitude for the mystery of your unfailing love for us.

Amen.

In the midst of suffering

We come to you, God.  We take a moment to raise our voices, our hearts...to you. We say, we know you love us, we know you are there. We hear the words of scripture and your promises to our ancestors and to us that say you will be with us always, that you will protect and defend and rescue us from evil.

And yet God each one of us can cry out individually and together: Why? Why God is there so much suffering, so much hurt, so much sadness and destruction in this world and in our relationships and in our lives?

Our hearts break. We are tired and weary. We do not know why things are the way they are.

So, God, we come to you. We hand over our broken hearts, we rest and take refuge in your arms. We remember the words of your Son, who came before us, who led the way...who suffered and was tortured and died…who was risen, who then defeated death so that we do not have to be afraid anymore. We remember Your Son…who has indeed gone to prepare a place for us.

God we are so grateful for that hope…for the fact that this place of suffering is not the end of the story. And we thank you for all that we have...for your love that sustains us through it all…for the opportunity to ask and challenge and still to know that you are there.

We pray all of this in the name of Jesus Christ, who was and is and always will be even in the midst of suffering and questioning.

Amen.

Mark 9:24

I believe...help my unbelief!

For Pentecost

O God, you taught the hearts of faithful people by sending the light of your Holy Spirit. Grant us the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things.

Amen.

A Mother's Day Prayer

Dear God, you created each one of us, gave us the gift of life, and called us good. You sustain us and even when we fail to be good, even when we fail to live as your faithful children, you love us anyway.
God we thank you for your love; it’s a love that nourishes us in times of need, that brings light into our darkness, that carries us through distress and celebrates our joys…God we know that it is a sacrificial love. And so today especially, we thank you for all those in our lives who love us in the same way; who raise us up, who support and sustain us and sacrifice for us, and who love us unconditionally.
God, in your name, we celebrate our mothers and women who act as mothers. Thank you for their impact in our lives and the lives of all around them, our society and the world. We remember and pray for those who are trying to be mothers. God give them hope and peace. We pray for those who have lost their mothers, and we pray for those mothers who have lost their children. God give them your comfort and strength. And, we pray for those whose relationships with their mothers are in need of repair. God give them patience and faith. Help us to remember that with you, all things are possible.

Thank you for the love of your Son, in his name we pray.
Amen.

Short and sweet

God, I am grateful. 
I'm grateful for this day, for my life, for your love.
Be with me as I go.
In the name of you holy Son, who prepares a way for me,

Amen.

A Prayer in the face of Storms

Dear God,

God each of us knows storms in our lives, times of insecurity, fear, and pain…each of us knows storms in our hearts, moments of weakness, meanness, and unfaithfulness, when the pressures of life overcome us and we fail to focus on you, we fail to follow you, we fail to live with you.

God we are so grateful, we are so grateful that you forgive us before we ask, that you offer us grace without a price, and that you love us no matter what. God it is almost unbelievable, incomprehensible that you would want to be in a relationship with us, and God we celebrate that truth, we celebrate the truth that nothing can keep us from you and more importantly nothing can keep you from us, not even ourselves.

Give us your peace, God, beyond our understanding, give us your hope, give us shelter from our storms, and allow us to rest in your love.

Amen.

A Morning Prayer

This being another day, O God, we do not know what it will bring.
Make us ready for whatever it will be.

If we are to stand, help us to stand bravely.
If we are to sit, help us to sit quietly.
If we are to do nothing, help us do so graciously.

Make these more than words. Give us the spirit of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Of Faith

It is by your will, O God, that we walk by faith and not by sight amid the mysteries of your creation. Increase our faith in you, that in the midst of the things that pass our understanding we may never doubt your love and providing care.

Amen.

John 17

After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said,

"Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.

"I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I santify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.

"I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

"Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."

For Forgiveness of Others

Dear God,

Teach us to love one another, to exercise forbearance and forgiveness toward our enemies, to repay no one evil for evil, but to be merciful even as you are merciful, so that we may continually follow after Jesus in all our doings and be more conformed to your image.

Amen.

An Easter Prayer

God, we are here, amazed to be in your presence this morning. God we know you care all of creation, and are humbled to witness your love for us today.

For there is power in your love—power to overcome our doubts and fears and failures. Power to forgive our sins and offer us grace. For not only did you send your son into the world, and not only did he give his life for us on a cross, but on Easter morning so many years ago when the women and the disciples sought his body - he was not there - the tomb was empty. He had defeated death, so that we do not have to be afraid, so that we can have life abundant and life eternal with you. That is the strength of your love for us.

God, thank you. Thank you. Help us remember that love everyday of our lives. Move us to truly and actively love one another, the stranger, the poor, the outcast. May your grace cover the whole world now and always. In the name of your Holy Son, who indeed stands this morning in victory and prepares the way for us, we pray together.

Amen.

Dear God,

It is you who creates, sustains, and loves all of creation. It is you who sees into each of our hearts and knows what we cannot know about ourselves. It is you who calls us to be your people; together and as individuals we are called to be in relationship with you.

But God, we so often we fail at being in that relationship. We forget to show you we care, we forget to listen to your voice, we focus more on our lives than we do on you. And God, we confess that in the same way we fail at our relationships with other people, those whom we love and care about. Because it is so easy to be caught up in our own business, we ignore the importance of our families and of our own bodies, and we become unbalanced and, ultimately, do not honor you.

God, at those times, when we fail, we ask that you still our minds so that we can hear you guiding us. We ask that you open our eyes so that we can see ourselves and our lives clearly. We pray that you give us the strength to right our unbalanced relationships with work and home and with you.

We thank you for this day, for this church, for this community. We pray for your unceasing grace to cover each of us and all the world. In the name of your Holy Son, we offer this prayer.

Amen.

A Shabbat Prayer

O God, keep my tongue from evil, and my lips from deceitful speech. Let me know the way I should go, for to You do I lift up my soul. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

But who can see all their own failings? Rid me of faults that are hidden! Lead me in Your truth, and teach me.

You are God my Helper, and for You do I wait all the day. Open my heart to Your teaching, and I will make haste to do your commandments.

Amen.

New every day

is your love for us, O God, and like the snow covers the ground, it covers us. We come into this place today to celebrate that love, to be with one another and to be with you.

God, there is so much that we struggle with, so many concerns, worries and distractions. There is so much that we feel we need, so many miracles we want to see, so many changes we want to make in our lives and in the world that it can be overwhelming. Our voices--crying for help, for change, for something new--can seem lost, drowned out by the noise around us, and we can become disheartened.

God, don’t let us quit…don’t let us give up…don’t let us stop crying out. Remind us that you can hear the faintest whisper, even the prayers of our hearts that we don’t speak out loud. Remind us that we never ever pray in vain because you are always there and are always listening.

God we are grateful for that…for the evidence all around us of your love for us…bless us all and move your Spirit through us into the world.  We are thankful for your Son who never gave up on us and who leads the way.

Amen.

Dear God,

We come before you now with heads bowed, humbled by the power of your presence in our lives. You were there in the beginning and we know you will be there in the end. But God, we know that most of all you are with us each and every day, standing next to us as we face challenges of life, celebrating with us when we are full of joy, carrying us in times of sorrow when we cannot support ourselves.

God there are so many things that we don’t understand, so many questions that we can’t answer…so many times we fail to turn to you, in praise or need, in joy or sadness, that God, we pray today that you turn our hearts and minds and souls towards you. Help us to remember that every part of this life you have given us is a blessing, every part.

We pray for all those who are suffering from grief, and pain, and hunger, and fear. God, give them hope and comfort and courage, and give us the grace and humility to serve them in your name. We thank you for all we have, for every moment of our lives on this earth, and we pray together in Jesus' name.
Amen.

Fourth Sunday in Lent

O God,

Your Son Jesus set his face toward Jerusalem and did not turn from the cross.
Save us from timid minds that shrink from duty, and prepare us to take up our cross,
and to follow the way of Jesus our Lord.

Amen.

In the season of Lent

O God,

Teach us temperance and self-control, that we may be mindful of all the Jesus endured and sacrificed for us.

Help us to maintain the acts of love you have chosen: to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens of many, and let the oppressed go free.

Amen.

God of compassion,

When I hesistate to be with another, strengthen me.
When I question the quality of my presence, assure me.
When I want to show my worth through action, humble me.
When I miss the needs of the one who suffers, awaken me.
When I forget the beauty of a loving presence, remind me.
When I run away from the call to be there, bring me back.

Just to be is a blessing.

Amen.

Almighty God,

You know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves.
Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul.

Amen.

The Lord's Prayer

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.

Amen.

God,

We are here because you never let go…even when we do, when we can’t hold on, you never let us go. And so we are here…grateful for your arms that find us no matter where we are, and hold us tight.

God, we know it’s because you love us. You love us as your children all together, and you love us as unique and special individuals. We know that we do not deserve it. We know that we don’t follow you well. We know that we sin and allow jealousy, pride, and fear to guide us instead of you.

And yet God as surely as we in this place, we know that you love us anyway...because your love is not dependent on us, but is in spite of us. So, please, let your love clean out our hearts, let your love flow through us, and help us love one another. Remind us that we should love everyone like you love us, unconditionally, completely, and with grace.

God, today some of us are celebrating joy in our lives and we are so happy, and God today some of us are desperately grieving and are full of pain and despair. We don’t know how God, but we know you are with us all. We ask that you be with all of those around the world who are in need of your mercy and your peace.
And we thank you God, we thank you for all that we do have, for the strength of your love for us that we see in the life, death, and resurrection of your Son, who commands us to love others, and in whose name we pray.

Amen.

Ash Wednesday

Holy and gracious God, Creator of all living things, the beginning and the end of our lives. We, your people, are ready to begin our Lenten journey. Strengthen our hearts and minds through your bountiful love. Make us ready to acknowledge our sins and weaknesses. Prepare us to hear your words of forgiveness and acceptance. This we ask in the name of the one who walked the way of the cross, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

A Prayer of Thomas Aquinas

Give me, O God, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy thought can drag downward;
an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out;
an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside.

Bestow upon me, O God, understanding to know you,
diligence to seek you,
wisdom to find you,
and a faithfulness that will embrace you.

Amen.

Dear God,

Every morning we are awed by the beauty of your creation, and are humbled that it was created for us. You gave us the gift of life and the blessings of this world to be for us a reminder of your love and glory, a reminder of an everlasting life to come with you.

But so often we forget your glory and majesty and love, and we feel too much the weight of worry and doubt and fear; we make choices in which we fail to live up to the standard of life set by Jesus, and we become consumed by our failures and fall away from you.

We ask on this day that you fill our hearts with your light, so that we might see the path back to you. Be with us here on earth, guide our steps, and surrounded us with your love.

God, today as always, we pray for those who suffer from pain and hunger and fear and ask that you give them your strength and comfort. And Lord, we ask that you be with the men and women who risk their lives for peace and justice and good, and give them hope as every day they face evil and press on.

We thank you for all you have given us. Most of all we thank you for your grace in your Son, Jesus Christ. In his name we pray.

Amen.

Dear God,

Once again we bow before you, humbled by your awesome presence in this world, thankful for your spirit in our lives, and yearning to know you deeper. Once again we are still in your presence, remembering to listen to your voice, so that it may guide us through our week along the path you have called us to take.
We face so many choices in our lives, Lord – choices about relationships, about work, about raising a family; choices about money, and school, and religion, and values. And God, in the same breath that we use to thank you for the freedom to choose, we ask you for your guidance in making our choices so that we choose rightly, so that we choose You.
God, as Christians, as your people living in community with all of creation, we pray for this world. There is so much suffering, and pain, and sadness, and today we ask Lord for your peace and mercy to be upon those who are in darkness and despair.
God, thank you for all we have, renew us with your love and hope so that we might face down all obstacles that keep us from living a life in Your light. We pray in the name of your holy Son.
Amen.

For Steadfastness

(We said this prayer this morning in our staff meeting before beginning worship.)

Fix our steps, O God, that we stagger not at the uneven motions of the world, but go steadily on our way to do that which is right, neither complaining on our journey about the weather we meet nor turning aside for anything that would misdirect us.

Amen.

A Prayer for Christian Witness

Send us, O God, as your messengers to hearts without a home, to lives without love, to the crowds without a guide. Send us to the children whom none have blessed, to the fallen whom none have lifted, and to the bereaved whom none have comforted. Kindle your flame on the altars of our hearts, that others may be warmed thereby, and cause your light to shine in our souls, that others may see the way.

Amen.

Loving God,

When we cry out, you listen. When we sing, you rejoice. When we forget, you remember. And Lord too often we forget. We forget that we are your children, and we have allowed the evil in the world to blind us and the pain in the world to embitter us.

Lord, as you listen to us, help us to listen to you. And as you remember us, help us to remember you. Forgive our pride and our selfishness, and remind us that even when it seems the dark waters will cover and consume us, you are with us, and your goodness and love really are present in this world.

God, we pray for your peace and love to fall upon the leaders around the globe as they struggle to make good decisions for our world. And Lord, be with the men and women who risk their lives for peace and justice as they look daily into the face of evil and press on. Give them strength as they fight constantly for hope.

God, we come before you this week ready to hear your Word and ready to be in communion with you. We pray Lord that you speak to our hearts so that we can remember this week to be thankful for everything we have: for this church and community of friends and family, for life in you, and for love that conquers death. Most especially, God, we are thankful for your Son, Jesus Christ, who taught us to love.  It's in his name we offer this prayer.

Amen.

A Prayer for Christian Courage

O God,
Quicken in us the spirit of courage.
We go forth with hopeful minds to the duties and conditions of this day,
   confident that with your help we can fashion something good
   out of whatever material the day will provide.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Our savior and redeemer,

We struggle with so many things in our lives, and today, at this moment, we lift our hearts to you. Take what burdens we carry, soothe our worries, and overcome our fears. We remember that you care for each of our joys and sorrows, and ask for your peace and blessing on us as we face the challenges of life, whatever those may be, whether they are the death or illness of a loved one, uncertainty at work, trouble in school, problems in relationships, or loss of faith. Renew us today; renew us in your strength and love.

Lord, be with those suffering. Be present in their darkest moments, and help them find your peace for their hearts. Help us, God, to remember the life of Christ and to be mindful of those we see each day who need our love and help and acceptance, whether they are on a street corner, behind bars, or sitting right next to us.  For we are all your beloved children and are called to be servants of Christ’s love to each other.

God, we thank you for all we have, for this church, for your people. Be in our hearts and souls this week. Through Jesus Christ, we pray.

Amen.

Wesley's Covenant Prayer

I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Thou art mine, and I am Thine.
So be it.

Dear Holy and Awesome God -

You created the air that we breathe and the earth on which we walk. You created us in your image and saw that it was good. You gave us the gift of life, brought us out of slavery, and commanded us to be your people.

But, Lord, sometimes it is so hard for us to lead a holy life. It is SO hard to pay attention to your word, to remember your commandments and to keep your laws close to our hearts. We are so distracted by the worry and the fear and the destruction we encounter in our lives, that we forget you, O God, our strength and our refuge; our savior.

God we pray for your creation, our world. We pray for people in need of comfort, and of rest; for people in need of shelter and protection; and for those in need of healing and peace. We ask that you be with the leaders in our world and the men and women in our military, so that they will feel your guidance as they lead and serve your children.

Lord we thank you for all we have. We thank you for this church and our call to be your disciples. God we ask for your continued presence with us, this week and all to come. Help us to indeed be good, as we live as a part of your creation in this world that you gave to us, and as your beloved children in relationships one with another.

In Jesus’ holy and precious name, we pray.

Amen.