1st Sunday of Advent Prayer

Dear God,
Thank you for the time spent with families and friends over this holiday.
We begin today this journey of Advent with anticipation and hope.
We anticipate your coming today in our lives.
We anticipate the celebration of your birth.
We anticipate your coming again.
We hope for your presence in our lives today.
We hope for new beginnings.
We hope for healing in our lives.

Lord, our world cries out for hope and yet does not know where to look for that hope.
So Lord we cry out to you for the hopeless of the world.
We cry out to you for those who are in despair.
We cry out to you for those who are desperate.

Our hearts ache with yours Lord, when violence occurs and lives are lost.
We pray for those who mourn the loss of lives in Mumbai India.
We pray for the WalMart worker killed in the stampede of people on Friday.
We pray for those who find themselves in difficult financial circumstances.
And Lord as we observe World’s Aid Day, we pray for those who are still affected by Aids.

Lord we pray for your coming again that it may be soon for you are the hope of this world.
Amen.

cross posted at revgalblogpals and rev abi's long and winding road

Prayer for Zimbabwe

Gracious and Eternal Lord,
We know that you hear the cries of your children in Zimbabwe
Who endure the anguish of political and economic turmoil,
Who live in the shadow of hunger and violence.
Be with all in Zimbabwe, Lord.
Strengthen and uphold your people.
Pour out your blessing on all who minister to the needs of those who suffer;
Give courage to those who face intimidation or aggression;
Instil hope in those unable to see beyond the current crisis.
Empower your people to stand together,
Across the region and around the world,
To overcome anger, fear, division and bloodshed.
Grant us gifts of wisdom, compassion and discernment
That we may impart good news to those who endure injustice
Speak truth boldly to the powerful,
And find practical ways of sharing your love in the midst of despair.
Let your justice roll down like waters, Lord,
And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
Embolden us to be doers of your Word and seekers of your Peace.
These things we pray in the name of the Prince of Peace,
our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Prayer For Forgiveness

O Lord, remember not only the men and women of good will but also those of evil will. And in remembering the suffering they inflicted upon us, honor the fruits we have borne thanks to this suffering --- our comradeship, our humility, our compassion, our courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart that has grown out of all this; and when they come to the judgment, let all the fruits that we have borne, be their forgiveness...in Jesus' name, Amen. -- prayer from the Peace Abbey

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

Tuesday Prayer

Our Father
Who art in heaven
Hallowed by thy name
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
And give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our sins
As we forgive those who sin 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

Christus Paradox

You, Lord, are both Lamb and Shepherd,
You, Lord, are both prince and slave.
You, peacemaker and swordbringer
Of the way you took and gave.
You, the everlasting instant;
You, whom we both scorn and save.

Clothed in light upon the mountain,
Stripped of might upon the cross,
Shining in eternal glory,
Beggar'd by a soldier's toss.
You, the everlasting instant;
You, who are both gift and cost.

You, who walk each day beside us,
Sit in power at God's side.
You, who preach a way that's narrow,
Have a love that reaches wide.
You, the everlasting instant,
You, who are our pilgrim guide.

Worthy is our earthly Jesus!
Worthy is our cosmic Christ!
Worthy your defeat and victory.
Worthy still your peace and strife.
You, the everlasting instant;
You, who are our death and life.

Text: Sylvia G. Dunstan, 1999 GIA Publications
Tune: Westminster Abbey 8 7 8 7 8 7

Prayer for Christ the King Sunday

Merciful God, thank you for your son, who came to be our savior and Lord. We celebrate His Kingship; even though for some of us who have no King it is hard to understand what that means. God they nailed on Jesus cross the words calling him the King of the Jews. It was a joke. Lord let it not be a joke to us now. Your son, seems to be a different kind of King, he is the one who came to serve and not be served like so many earthly rulers. He still comes to us in faces, places, situations, and people that we would not recognize. And forgive us Lord because we do miss your son, and we don’t have eyes to see. Forgive us when we discount your children who are the least, the lost, the imprisoned, the sick, the stranger, the unclothed, the hungry, and the thirsty. Forgive us when we don’t serve them just as you serve us.
Lord we take time to remember the firefighters who are fighting the fires in Southern California, and those who have lost homes to the fires. We pray For world leaders who have come together to deal with the global financial crisis. We pray for all who are losing their jobs during this down turn. We pray for wisdom for our country leaders having to find ways to deal with the downturn. We pray for the continued problems in the Congo. We pray for the people of Zimbabwe who are faced with an outbreak of deaths brought on by cholera. We pray for the disease and unrest in the Mideast. We pray for peace. We pray for our President Elect as he prepares himself for taking office, brings on his cabinet and other government workers.

God today as we enter our places of worship to lead your children in worship speak the words through us that your children need to hear, including ourselves. Lord, pour your holy spirit into us that we will be servant of you with love and grace. Lord we worship and adore you. Amen.

Prayer For Harvest and Thanksgiving

O God, source and giver of all things,
You manifest your infinite majesty, power and goodness
In the earth about us:
We give you honor and glory.
For the sun and the rain,
For the manifold fruits of our fields:
For the increase of our herds and flocks,
We thank you.
For the enrichment of our souls with divine grace,
We are grateful.

Supreme Lord of the harvest,
Graciously accept us and the fruits of our toil,
In union with Jesus, your Son,
As atonement for our sins,
For the growth of your Church,
For peace and love in our homes,
And for salvation for all.
We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Gift of Prayer

Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of prayer. What an extraordinary thing that we can pray to you, unburden ourselves before you, place our cares, woes and joys before you. I confess I find praying an awkward business. I keep thinking, Who am I to pray? But I know that to be false humility, hiding my prideful desire to be my own creator. So we pray a prayer of joy in prayer, asking that we become your prayers for one another. Amen.

Stanley Hauerwas, Prayers Plainly Spoken, p. 23

The Dark Night of the Soul

On a dark night,
Kindled in love with yearnings--oh, happy chance!--
I went forth without being observed,
My house being now at rest.

In darkness and secure,
By the secret ladder, disguised--oh, happy chance!--
In darkness and in concealment,
My house being now at rest.

In the happy night,
In secret, when none saw me,
Nor I beheld aught,
Without light or guide, save that which burned in my
heart.

This light guided me
More surely than the light of noonday
To the place where he (well I knew who!) was awaiting me--
A place where none appeared.

Oh, night that guided me,
Oh, night more lovely than the dawn,
Oh, night that joined Beloved with lover,
Lover transformed in the Beloved!

Upon my flowery breast,
Kept wholly for himself alone,
There he stayed sleeping, and I caressed him,
And the fanning of the cedars made a breeze.

The breeze blew from the turret
As I parted his locks;
With his gentle hand he wounded my neck
And caused all my senses to be suspended.

I remained, lost in oblivion;
My face I reclined on the Beloved.
All ceased and I abandoned myself,
Leaving my cares forgotten among the lilies.

-- St John of the Cross

Tuesday Prayer

(as the eating season begins...)

O taste and see that God is good. Psalm 34:8
The taste of chocolate is rich,
and bread, crusted,
kitchen-scented and
warm, is broken.
White onions are cut and fried
with garlic and tomato,
laid in corn meal or stirred
in rice and beans.
Lime smells of porch-sitting
all summer evening long
and sweat on my lips
and sand and ocean.
Cheerios roll between my fingers -
a memory of childhood-
and then they crumble.
Pomegranate is sweet
and pink and as strange
as a Song of Songs, and
raspberries in my mouth
burst fire and little stones.
Apple is harvest-red
and not forbidden
while honey is slow
and golden joy.
Coffee brews strong
in my nose and mouth
and reminds me
of cold mornings
and long conversations
with those I love.
Yes, every meal is a feast,
even when onions
and people I trust
make me weep
even when bread,
like body,
is broken...

I remember the tastes of God
which are good and many.
You are none and all of these.
I open my lips and taste you -
a prayer.

Maren Tirabassi - An Improbable Gift of Blessing

The Gap

Did Jesus live? And did he really say
The burning words that banish mortal fear?
And are they true? Just this is central, here
The Church must stand or fall. It's Christ we weigh.

All else is off the point: the Flood, the Day
Of Eden, or the Virgin Birth--Have done!
The Question is, did God send us the Son
Incarnate crying Love! Love is the Way!

Between the probable and proved there yawns
A gap. Afraid to jump, we stand absurd,
Then see behind us sink the ground and, worse,
Our very standpoint crumbling. Desperate dawns
Our only hope: to leap into the Word
That opens up the shattered universe.

Sheldon Vanauken, A Severe Mercy

Sunday prayer

Merciful God, in the stillness of this morning, we come on bended knee, bended heart, and bended mind, yielding ourselves to you. We ask for your breath to be breathed on us as we prepare to go into your sanctuary to worship you.
We admit there are ways we sinned this week with word and deed and sometimes inaction, or carelessness. Forgive us we pray so that we can be freed from those chains to lift our hands in praise to you and to receive your grace and mercy.
God, we come before you not just for ourselves but for those of our congregations who are sick, suffering, home bound and in nursing homes. We pray for those carrying grief heavily around their hearts. We pray for those worried about their jobs, their homes, and their diminishing retirement income. We pray for our family members, and our friends.
We pray for our world that is at war, in starvation and in chaos. We pray for people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and others who are displaced by war. We pray for those who children died in the collapse of the schools in Haiti. We pray for all people that are in the midst of pain and struggle that you would be their salvation, their refuge and dwelling place. And we pray for the end to modern day slave trade. We also pray your wisdom for the world leaders who have come together to address the worldwide economic crisis.
Lord, today’s scripture reminds us that we have been given so much by you only to hide it, or squander it. Lord, help us to know how to put to use the resources that you have given us so that it yields greater value not for us, but for you. Help us to know how to lead our churches to not hide the resources you have given them either.
Thank you for Lord for your many gifts and resources you do give us. Thank you for your many blessings and for your tender mercies.
We pray all this and more through your son Jesus.

cross posted at revgalblogpals

Francis' prayer at San Damiano

MOST HIGH, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart, and give me right faith, certain hope, and perfect charity, wisdom and understanding, Lord, that I may carry out your holy and true command.

Amen.

A Prayer For Guidance in Our Faith Communities

Almighty God, to whom our thoughts and wishes are known before we speak them: Give us guidance and wise counsel in all important decisions we are about to make as your people, living and worshipping together in community. Let our choices be upbuilding and wholesome. Give us peace of mind. Don't let us be paralyzed by fear; by the "what-ifs." Grant that our lives reflect the joy and contentment of living in your amazing grace, and let your ways guide ours. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Prayer for Hard Times

This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the spirit of Jesus. Amen.

by Kathleen Norris, Acedia and Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer's Life, p. 251

Tuesday Prayer

Prayer for Veteran's Day

We ask for blessings on all those who have served their country in the armed forces.
We ask for healing for those who have been wounded, in body and soul, in conflicts around the globe.
We pray especially for the young men and women, in the thousands, who return from conflict with injured bodies and traumatized spirits.
Bring solace to them, O Lord; may we pray for them when they cannot pray...
Give us all the creative vision to see a world which, grown weary with fighting,
Moves to affirming the life of every human being and so moves beyond war.

words

image

The Ways of Wisdom

Come and seek the ways of Wisdom,
she who danced when earth was new.
Follow closely what she teaches,
for her words are right and true.
Wisdom clears the path of justice,
showing us what love must do.

Listen to the voice of Wisdom,
crying in the marketplace.
Hear the Word made flesh among us,
full of glory, truth and grace.
When the word takes root and ripens,
peace and righteousness embrace.

Sister Wisdom, come, assist us;
nurture all who seek rebirth.
Sprit-guide and close companion,
bring to light our sacred worth.
Free us to become your people,
holy friends of God and earth.

Text: Ruth Duck, from Circles of Care: Hymns and Song (Pilgrim Press, 1996).
Tune: Julion, David Hurd (GIA Publications, 1983).

Sunday prayer

Dear God, source of wisdom and truth. Grant us your wisdom to always be prepared for you coming today and everyday. We don’t know how or who or when that may be. But Lord, let us be ready, let us not be found unprepared and miss the joy of your presence. Lord we pray for ou President Elect and vice President elect, give them wisdom as well as they prepare to lead us during this financial crisis we are presently in.
We pray also Lord, for the continued fighting and strife in our world. We pray for the countries that have been affected by this hurricane and those that are in the path. We pray for other parts of our world that are in times of crisis and need.
We pray for wisdom as we gather in our various places of worship to worship you. We pray your spirit guides us who preach this Sunday, those who lead in worship, those who teach and those who greet. We pray that our minds, our hearts, and our souls be focused on you.
And Lord we pray that you would come Lord Jesus, come and that we welcome you with open arms.
Amen

cross posted at revgalblogpals

Advent Peace Prayer

Lord, we know what peace is.
Peace is a mother tenderly holding her child.
Peace is a firm handshake of trust between friends.
Peace iscomplete emotional security.
Peace is livingun encumbered with a full sense of joy.
Peace is expressing Thanksgiving for concrete blessings.
For the peace gained from the love and memory of spouses and children, we thank you ..
For the peace gained from the love and memory of parents and grandparents, we thank you ..
For the peace gained from the kindness and support of friends, we thank you ..
For the peace gained when the music of the Gods is sung, we thank you ..
Peace is elusive.
There are raging storms in every life.
Tragedy, grief, and pain will visit everyone.
Yet, each person's life is graced by moments and periods of real happiness.
For these episodes of peace and joy ..
past, present, & future,we offer our deepest gratitude.
Help us to understand that peace must be waged.
We must resist the gun, the bomb, "realistic politics," unkind words,
personal betrayals, anger, depression, despair, and rage.
Give us the strength to overcome these demons.
Help us maintain personal power within ourselves,
so we can pass this liberating power to others.
Give hope and courage to all who struggle with debilitating illness, grief, and loneliness.
Help them to understand .. ALL chains WILL be BROKEN.

SURSUM CORDA!
Lift up your hearts!

QUI POTENS EST!
God is great!

Amen

advent peace prayer - john devries

A Prayer For Good and Useful Work

O God, the Creator of all things, you have made us in your own image so that we may find joy in creative work: Have mercy on all those who are unemployed, or underemployed, or in jobs that do not honor their talents and interests. Help us to build a society where all may have work and find joy in doing it, for the good of our world and the glory of your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Artwork: "The Unemployment Office," Ron Collins

A challenge!

We are the ones for whom we have been waiting.

Hopi Elders

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From the Didache

We give you thanks Holy Creator, for your holy name which you have caused to dwell in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality which you have made known to us through Jesus your servant; to you be the glory forever.

You are almighty, you created all things for your name's sake, and gave food and drink to men to enjoy, that they might give you thanks; but to us you have graciously given spiritual food and drink, and eternal life through your servant [Jesus]. Above all we give thanks because you are mighty; to you be the glory forever.

Remember your church, Lord, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in your love; and gather it, the one that has been sanctified, from the four winds into your kingdom, which you have prepared for it; for yours is the glory forever.

May grace come, and may this world pass away. Hosanna to the God of David. If anyone is holy, let them come; if anyone is not, let them repent. Maranatha! Amen.

(Tweaked for gender inclusive language)

Tuesday Prayer

Prayer for those participating in U.S. elections today, adapted from one by Richard O Sparrow of the United Church of Christ national staff.

God of all nations, including ours,
God of all people, including us,
Enlighten and guide our hearts and minds
As we prepare to vote.

Guide us, that we might be thoughtful voters.
We pray for freedom from a cacophony of voices
that speak to fear and self-interest more than faith and commonwealth.

Guide us, that we might be informed voters.
Keep us from partisan opinions, half-truths or small pictures
that obscure Your longings for us.

Guide us, that we might be wise voters.
Give us clarity to discern between your way and our will.

Guide us, that we might be faithful voters.
As we cast our ballots, call forth our highest commitments
as doers of justice and lovers of kindness.

Guide us, that we might walk humbly with you, for the good of all.
Amen.

All Saints Sunday prayer

Lord,
We are living in anxious times made more tense by economic pressures, foreclosures, and uneasiness about the upcoming election.
Today Lord we pray for those who are being affected by economic hardships in these difficult times.
We pray that as we go to vote this Tuesday; that we preserve our dignity and those around us as we may wait in long lines, and may be anxious about casting our votes.

We pray that voters may be able to cast their vote freely and willingly.

And Lord we pray for those peoples in countries that voting is not such a freedom.

We pray for the end to the fighting in the DR Congo and in Afghanistan, Iraq and Gaza.

We pray for those living in extreme poverty and hunger in the Asian, African and Latin American countries.

Lord we pray for all the saints, famous, and unknown, we lift them now in prayer to you.
We remember that they served you in faithfulness and love.
We remember that they were imperfect human beings, only made perfect by your grace.
We remember those of our own families……
We remember those of our own friends…….
We remember those of our revgalblogpals……
Lord, help us to remember that we too are saints in the making

being made perfect by your grace.
Lord help us remember that we are not alone in this journey of faith we are on.

We pray that all we say and do today be in worship of you , Lord.

Amen

cross posted at revgalsblogpals and at rev abi's blog.

All Souls Day

A Prayer for All Souls Day

Prince of Lights,
upon the Throne
Which all the
Seven circle,
Immortals ringing
Love eternal,
Hear our prayer

Triune Sky’s
renascent Sun,
Swift unmoved
and moving still
All the spinning
spheres, hear,
Hear our prayer

Musician, Master of Silence, O sweet
Symphonist thundering Melody, Maker
And Mover of Heaven’s harmony hear,
Hear our prayer

For those who died far from home,
who died suddenly,
Shivering shocked into silence
Grant them your peace

For those who pined on the shore for the lost
long years before Death brought release
Grant them your peace

For those who denied you and sought you,
Fleeing your face and chasing your shadows;
May they drink of the fountain that drank of the streams
Lord, grant them your peace

For those who fight the tides too quickly come,
Numb with pain, immersed in confusion;
Terrified we might lose them we broken voiced pray,
Through you wounds and for Lazarus’ love let them live
Grant them your peace

For we who remain in the dark wood — Minoan
Throttle of illusion — doubting the Fire
Of your Love which burns all about us, open our eyes,
And grant us your peace

Your peace which passes all understanding:
Keep our hearts and minds in your knowledge and love,
Now and always, Amen.

David Ashford