Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Prayer for June 27-July 3, 2010

I write a prayer for each week based on the preaching texts suggested by the United Church of Christ. These prayers are focused on deepening the faith of the congregation and are read, in unison, during Sunday worship or Tuesday prayer. They are also included in our bi-monthly newsletter.

Sermon text: 2 Kings 2:1-14

That we will seek your fullness with urgency

God of glory, we listen to the stories of your faithful ones with wonder and delight.
We affirm, in our worship, that You are able to do all things. But how seldom we
strain to receive the fullness of grace that You would make available to us.

We are often careless, lazy, and inattentive to your movement among us. We are
easily turned aside by obstacles that block our path.

Give us the tenacity of Elisha, who sought your blessing and empowerment even
when wise people tried to divert him. Enable us to draw on your grace to remain
alert, to press forward when the journey is long and hard, and to witness your
wondrous action on behalf of your people.

Enable us to receive the fullness of your Spirit, which You offer so freely. Then
help us to complete the tasks You give us with energy and wisdom. Amen.