An Opening: March 2012

A Collection of Prayers

I have written and offered many of the following prayers in worship services throughout my years as Associate Pastor for Cornerstone, the contemporary worship community at Highland Park United Methodist Church.

Some of the prayers below are ones that others have offered at various times and places that have inspired me and said to God what I was unable to put into my own words. I offer all of them now to you and hope that through them you will find comfort, guidance, and, most of all, connection with God.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

No fear

Dear God, I take time on this beautiful day to direct all my thoughts, all my energy on you. I want to know you, and to be in a relationship with you.

I confess, God, that so many time in my life, I let fear take over. I completely fail, not to only follow you, but to be the person you call me to be in this world that so desperately needs me to be that. But God remind me today and every day that you are with me ALWAYS. Remind me that you are in my corner, supporting me, guiding me, directing me, carrying me when I can’t carry myself. And if you are for me, who can be against me?

God, help me to listen to you, truly listen to you. Give me the courage to step outside of myself and be active in this world so that I can truly change it for the better, so that it can become your kingdom on earth...like it is in heaven.

God I am so grateful for your love and mercy that makes all this possible in my life. I am grateful for everything I have. May I always live and make decisions in honor of you and your love.

In the name of your Holy son and by the power of your Holy spirit,

Amen.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

A Lenten Prayer

God, order my disordered heart.
Let me see in whoever is an enemy and stranger to me the other half of myself that I refuse to embrace.
Loving Spirit, perfect the image of your love in me every day. Create an inclusive heart within me.
Let my heart become peaceful. May I bring peace wherever I go and to whomever I encouter.

Amen.

Meditation for Worship (The New Union Prayer Book)

I have always found prayer difficult. So often it seems like a fruitless game of hide-and-seek where we seek and God hides...Yet I cannot leave prayer alone for long. My need drives me to Him. And I have a feeling that He has His own reasons for hiding Himself, and that finally all my seeking will prove infinitely worthwhile.

And I am not sure what I mean by 'finding'. Some days my very seeking seems a kind of 'finding'. And, of course, if 'finding' means the end of 'seeking', it were better to go on seeking.

An Opening