(Early Post)
Sermon Text: Revelation 22:1-5
That we will live fully in your glorious realm
God of glory, we await the day when the beautiful city of your enthronement is fully established among us.
We have been refreshed by the water of life that will flow unhindered and unmuddied there. We rejoice in the renewal You have brought us.
We have tasted the fruit of the tree of life that bears fruit in every season. We rejoice in the abundant life You have given us.
We rejoice that the curse of sin and death will no longer mar our lives or hold power over us.
We rejoice that we will be able to serve you without interruption as we see your face and enjoy the unending light of your presence.
God of all, we rejoice that as your chosen ones—children, heirs, friends—we will reign with You forever.
We hope in You and You alone. You are the only future we seek. Amen.
Thoughts, and prayers from Pastor David Antieau at St. Nicolai United Church of Christ
Monday, September 19, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Prayer for September 18-24, 2011
Sermon text (not used): Matthew 20:1-16
That we will rejoice in your generosity to all
Generous God, we like to think that we have earned your favor by our faithful service to You. We like to think that we merit more of your blessing than others because we have been following Jesus for many years and practicing obedience for a long time.
We do not want those whom we perceive as lazy or licentious to receive your generosity in full measure—at least not right away—maybe later.
God of truth, overcome our pride, our distorted understanding of who we are. Enable us to see the truth about our relationship with You more clearly. Remind us that everything we have from You is because You are merciful: our faith has been elicited by your faithfulness; our obedience has been energized by your power; our love is the fruit of your love for us.
You have called, and we have answered your welcoming voice. Enable us to rejoice with all who answer your invitation to service and friendship, and who receive the benefits of your generosity as treasured gifts. Let us rejoice to see your realm of mercy extended to those who do not yet know You or serve You. Amen.
That we will rejoice in your generosity to all
Generous God, we like to think that we have earned your favor by our faithful service to You. We like to think that we merit more of your blessing than others because we have been following Jesus for many years and practicing obedience for a long time.
We do not want those whom we perceive as lazy or licentious to receive your generosity in full measure—at least not right away—maybe later.
God of truth, overcome our pride, our distorted understanding of who we are. Enable us to see the truth about our relationship with You more clearly. Remind us that everything we have from You is because You are merciful: our faith has been elicited by your faithfulness; our obedience has been energized by your power; our love is the fruit of your love for us.
You have called, and we have answered your welcoming voice. Enable us to rejoice with all who answer your invitation to service and friendship, and who receive the benefits of your generosity as treasured gifts. Let us rejoice to see your realm of mercy extended to those who do not yet know You or serve You. Amen.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Prayer for September 11-17, 2011
Sermon Text: Matthew 18:21-35
That we will forgive as we have been forgiven
Forgiving God, enable us to forgive our sisters and brothers who sin against us. Purge our minds of the ledgers of wrongdoing that we maintain against them. Purge our thoughts of any delusions we have of our own inherent righteousness or superiority. Help us to recognize that setting limits and keeping track of the forgiveness we offer do not reflect the spirit in which You forgive us.
We pray regularly, “Forgive us … as we forgive.” But we forgive less consistently than we pray this prayer. Forgive us when we refuse to forgive. Forgive us when we turn a deaf ear to pleas for patience and mercy. Forgive us for hardening our hearts against our brothers and sisters.
Transform our hearts. Correct and discipline us. Enable us to be generous and merciful to others, just as You have been to us. Help us recognize that receiving and offering forgiveness are central practices in our life as disciples of Jesus. We need and welcome your grace in order to be your forgiving people. Help us today, O God. Amen.
That we will forgive as we have been forgiven
Forgiving God, enable us to forgive our sisters and brothers who sin against us. Purge our minds of the ledgers of wrongdoing that we maintain against them. Purge our thoughts of any delusions we have of our own inherent righteousness or superiority. Help us to recognize that setting limits and keeping track of the forgiveness we offer do not reflect the spirit in which You forgive us.
We pray regularly, “Forgive us … as we forgive.” But we forgive less consistently than we pray this prayer. Forgive us when we refuse to forgive. Forgive us when we turn a deaf ear to pleas for patience and mercy. Forgive us for hardening our hearts against our brothers and sisters.
Transform our hearts. Correct and discipline us. Enable us to be generous and merciful to others, just as You have been to us. Help us recognize that receiving and offering forgiveness are central practices in our life as disciples of Jesus. We need and welcome your grace in order to be your forgiving people. Help us today, O God. Amen.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Prayer for September 4-10, 2011
Sermon Text: Matthew 18:15-20
That we may be reconciled to each other
God of mercy, give us wisdom and love to speak directly to a sister or brother who has sinned against us, in order that You may restore our relationship to one of mutual encouragement and fidelity, and that it may testify to your reconciling love among us. Do not let us turn our back upon our neighbors or harden our heart against them,* but enable us to speak truth with humility.
When our attempts to be reconciled are unsuccessful, do not allow us to give up easily, but spur us to enlist others in our effort to be reconciled. Enable us to speak clearly and listen well. Enable us to discern when to abandon our efforts and allow your Spirit to work within our brother or sister in the hidden places of their heart and mind.
Let all of our efforts at correction and restoration be made in humble submission to the guidance of your Word and your Spirit. Root out any arrogance, any tendency to patronize, any inclination to belittle another. May our efforts at restoration come to fruition because we are united in our desire to glorify You and to see your mercy fill the lives of others, as well as our own. Amen.
*See Leviticus 19:17
That we may be reconciled to each other
God of mercy, give us wisdom and love to speak directly to a sister or brother who has sinned against us, in order that You may restore our relationship to one of mutual encouragement and fidelity, and that it may testify to your reconciling love among us. Do not let us turn our back upon our neighbors or harden our heart against them,* but enable us to speak truth with humility.
When our attempts to be reconciled are unsuccessful, do not allow us to give up easily, but spur us to enlist others in our effort to be reconciled. Enable us to speak clearly and listen well. Enable us to discern when to abandon our efforts and allow your Spirit to work within our brother or sister in the hidden places of their heart and mind.
Let all of our efforts at correction and restoration be made in humble submission to the guidance of your Word and your Spirit. Root out any arrogance, any tendency to patronize, any inclination to belittle another. May our efforts at restoration come to fruition because we are united in our desire to glorify You and to see your mercy fill the lives of others, as well as our own. Amen.
*See Leviticus 19:17
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