Preaching text: Luke 14:1, 7-14
That we may practice humility and generosity
Patient Teacher, help us learn humility that abandons all competition for recognition and honor. Enable us to defer to others without bitterness and to accept whatever recognition and honor we may receive as your generous gifts. Help us set aside our suspicion of one another in order to work as agents of your healing.
Stop us when we offer hospitality and act with generosity only when we are likely to receive something in return. Help us to see those who need our friendship and need us to share our resources. Then enable us to be as profuse in our welcome and gift giving as You have been with us.
May others see You and know you because they have seen your welcoming face through us. Amen.
Thoughts, and prayers from Pastor David Antieau at St. Nicolai United Church of Christ
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Prayer for August 22-28, 2010
Preaching Text: Luke 13:10-17
That we may always celebrate your saving acts
Liberating One, You bring great hope and healing to many lives. Your actions are cause for rejoicing.
But sometimes our hearts are hard, and instead of rejoicing in You, we question the validity of other people’s experience with You, doubt or deny your presence with them, and respond in disappointment to the healing, new life, and freedom that You have given.
Forgive us when our hearts are so cold that we would rather see people remain in bondage than have our own expectations challenged. Forgive us when we assume or wish that You are cold or compassionless. Forgive us when we choose to sit by in apathy when we could join You in liberating action.
Free us for celebration of your generous action. Free us for exuberant praise. Free us to work for the healing and liberation of others. Free us to embrace and rejoice with those who have been changed by your healing power. Amen.
That we may always celebrate your saving acts
Liberating One, You bring great hope and healing to many lives. Your actions are cause for rejoicing.
But sometimes our hearts are hard, and instead of rejoicing in You, we question the validity of other people’s experience with You, doubt or deny your presence with them, and respond in disappointment to the healing, new life, and freedom that You have given.
Forgive us when our hearts are so cold that we would rather see people remain in bondage than have our own expectations challenged. Forgive us when we assume or wish that You are cold or compassionless. Forgive us when we choose to sit by in apathy when we could join You in liberating action.
Free us for celebration of your generous action. Free us for exuberant praise. Free us to work for the healing and liberation of others. Free us to embrace and rejoice with those who have been changed by your healing power. Amen.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Prayer for August 15-21, 2010
Sermon Text: Psalm 80
That we may be restored in obedience and vitality
Good Shepherd, so often we wander along, taking your presence for granted even as we ignore your voice that warns us of danger. We walk into pitfall and entanglement as though there were no choice. Then, when we are unable to extricate ourselves, when our vitality is sapped and our best efforts are inadequate for escape and return, we call to You.
We remember, in our trouble, that You are our only hope. We remember that your presence and favor are our salvation. So we call and we call and we call. Unless You answer us in our trouble, we are at an end.
Vigilant Shepherd, You are able to save us. You are able to lead us in obedience and restore us to vitality. We turn to You and call to You in hope. Amen.
That we may be restored in obedience and vitality
Good Shepherd, so often we wander along, taking your presence for granted even as we ignore your voice that warns us of danger. We walk into pitfall and entanglement as though there were no choice. Then, when we are unable to extricate ourselves, when our vitality is sapped and our best efforts are inadequate for escape and return, we call to You.
We remember, in our trouble, that You are our only hope. We remember that your presence and favor are our salvation. So we call and we call and we call. Unless You answer us in our trouble, we are at an end.
Vigilant Shepherd, You are able to save us. You are able to lead us in obedience and restore us to vitality. We turn to You and call to You in hope. Amen.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Prayer for August 8-14, 2010
Preaching text: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
That we will trust You in assurance of your faithfulness
Faithful One, enable us to live our faith boldly, sure of your trustworthiness and of your presence with us. We do not know all of the contours of the new reality that You are creating, but we believe that You have invited us to live in that reality, as your people, and we believe that reality will reflect your character as God of peace and justice.
Align our wills for obedience to your commands that sometimes seem strange to us. Give us courage to walk with You to unfamiliar places. Give us faith to trust You when your promises seem improbable, even impossible.
We believe that You are able to do much with little. We believe that all things are possible for You. So, we ask You to take our lives and shape us as agents of your holy will.
Lead us into the new creation that You began, and will complete in Jesus Christ. Amen.
That we will trust You in assurance of your faithfulness
Faithful One, enable us to live our faith boldly, sure of your trustworthiness and of your presence with us. We do not know all of the contours of the new reality that You are creating, but we believe that You have invited us to live in that reality, as your people, and we believe that reality will reflect your character as God of peace and justice.
Align our wills for obedience to your commands that sometimes seem strange to us. Give us courage to walk with You to unfamiliar places. Give us faith to trust You when your promises seem improbable, even impossible.
We believe that You are able to do much with little. We believe that all things are possible for You. So, we ask You to take our lives and shape us as agents of your holy will.
Lead us into the new creation that You began, and will complete in Jesus Christ. Amen.
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