Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Prayer for November 28-December 4, 2010

Sermon Text: Matthew 24:36-44

That we will be alert for Christ’s coming

God of mystery, we believe Christ’s promise that he will come again to bring the consummation of your reign among us.

Some among us invest great time and energy in trying to uncover signs and pinpoint dates that Jesus declared to be beyond even his knowledge. Others among us continue to eat and drink, work and play and build families as though these things are all there is, and as though Christ will not return at any time in the foreseeable future.

Teach us to be alert for your presence each day. Let our character take on more and more of the quality of Christ’s character, as your Spirit moves within us and among us. Enable us to work, as faithful servants, to prepare for Christ’s coming.

Do not let us presume that we can figure out the timing of Christ’s return, but let our hearts always be open and alert so we may anticipate with joy that glorious day. Amen.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Prayer for November 21-27, 2010

Sermon Text: Colossians 1:9-20

That our lives will be fully aligned with your will

God of Christ Jesus and our God, as we study scripture and submit to the guidance of your Spirit, we ask that you will give us clear knowledge of your will and align our lives with your will. Enable us to live in ways that reflect your character and please You.

Fill us with your energy so we may accomplish your will and patiently endure when we become fatigued or encounter resistance.

We rejoice in You and give thanks that You have given us an inheritance among the children of your household. We praise You for rescuing us from the power of chaos and death and for forgiving our sins.

We praise You, Holy One, for Christ, who
bore your image among us,
created all things, including all powers, and
preceded and sustains everything
as life source of the church,
as first to be resurrected from death,
as full embodiment of your presence, and
as agent for the restoration of unity to all of creation. Amen.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Prayer for November 14-20, 2010

Sermon Text: Isaiah 65:17-25

That we may be a sign of your creative action

God of wonders, we know that You are able to do all things. You are able to act beyond our expectations and in ways that exceed the inspired imaginations of your prophets.

We believe that You will create new heavens and a new earth that will eclipse the best of our memories. We believe You have begun your work of new creation in Jesus and that You will bring it to fulfillment in Jesus.

We believe that You have called the church to be a sign of your creative action in a world that tilts toward death and practices violence.

We confess that violence easily infiltrates our own hearts, and acknowledge that our promiscuous desires energize violent action on our behalf.

Forgive us. Transform us. Energize us to act as agents of your healing, your blessing, your joy, your peace, and your presence.

We long to participate in a world that blossoms with joy and delight; with long lives lived in peaceful community with neighbors near and far; without fear; and in shared celebration of your nearness and your responsiveness to the world You love.

God of all, fulfill this vision You inspired. Amen.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Prayer for November 7-13, 2010

Sermon Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17

That we may live the life of eternity now

You who hold the times and seasons of our lives in your watchful care, help us to live the life of your eternal realm right now, in the present moment.

We always live in your presence, but grant us greater awareness of your presence. Enable us to live our faith in You with alertness and diligence and joy. Give us wisdom and discernment so that we do not become anxious in difficult days, or when some use these troubled times to declare with certainty the imminence of Jesus’ return.

We want to follow Jesus with boldness. We want to be ever ready for his return. We want to rejoice always because You have loved us, saved us and sanctified us through the Spirit who has enabled us to grasp and believe the truth. We long to share fully in the glory of Christ Jesus, but we wait with patience for the fulfillment of your promise.

As your Spirit strengthens and encourages us in our wait for the consummation of your desire for all of creation, enable us to encourage others by pointing them to Jesus. Amen.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Prayer for October 31 - November 6, 2010

Sermon Text: Luke 19:1-10

That we may be continuously renewed in your presence

Christ Jesus, in those times when we struggle to get a glimpse of You or draw near to You, You are alert to us. You notice us. You come near us. You speak to us. You know our character and our need. You offer what we are unable to create or obtain for ourselves.

You come to rescue, but You also come as guest and friend, even though we are unworthy of your presence and friendship.

In your presence, we become more aware of our sin and our need. In your presence, we are drawn to repentance and motivated to make restitution to those we have wronged. In your presence, hope opens before us because You are able to rescue us, transform us, and welcome us into the community of your faithful ones.

Christ, we rejoice in You! You have given us new life. You have given us yourself. Amen.