Prayer for August 26-September 1, 2012 

Sermon Text: Psalm 84

That our lives may be energized by your nearness     

God Almighty, every fiber of our being declares the beauty of your presence.  Every fiber of our being aches to be near You because we know that You are Source of all blessing.

We praise You with joy and hope!

Drawing near You gives us strength.  As we draw near, experiences of bitterness and barrenness are transformed into fruitful abundance.  Efforts that would usually sap our energy increase our strength.

We would rather have one day with You than unlimited time apart from You.  We would rather be your inconsequential servants than be honored by those who reject You.

You direct and protect us.  You honor us and give us all that is good.

Enable us to trust You with courage and fidelity. 

Your nearness is our deepest delight!  Amen.

Prayer for August 19-25, 2012 

Sermon Texts: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14; Psalm 111; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58

That your wisdom will energize all of our responses

God of wisdom, we rejoice that You give wisdom when your people seek You in humility.  We rejoice that You enable us to discern right and wrong and act with justice.

But we are cautioned by Solomon’s story—for we have seen that wisdom must be practiced to be retained.  We have seen that wisdom is easily forsaken for prudence that is idolatrous and enslaving.  We have seen that wisdom and justice are easily abandoned for the political advantages of oppression and exploitation of neighbors.  We have seen that when wise contentment is forgotten, it produces anxiety that fearfully seizes and clutches resources.

God, we desire your wisdom.  Enable us to practice wisdom in faithful ways—that deepen trust and liberate from idolatry; that energize just practices; that deepen our satisifaction with your many gifts; that enable us to practice generosity without anxiety.

We know that not many of us were wise when You called and named us your own.  Grant us your wisdom for fruitful living that blesses our neighbors.  Amen.

Prayer for August 12-18, 2012 

Sermon Text: Ephesians 4:25-5:2

That we may be what You have created us to be

God our Creator, we long to imitate You by answering your deep, sacrificial love with enduring and enriching love for our many neighbors.

Enable us by your Spirit!

Disentangle us from the lies that often bind our lives.  Quench the burning anger that sometimes consumes us.  Forgive us when we cling to that which damages us and our many neighbors.

Enable us to work in ways that give meaning and bring healing instead of hurt.  Give us speech that encourages and strengthens our many sisters and brothers.  Let your Spirit move in our lives without obstruction, enabling us to eliminate every response that divides us from those with whom we are united by your love.  Let compassion and forgiveness characterize our action.

We are yours!  Your children!  Your image!  Enable us to be what You have created us to be.  Amen.

Thank you for your prayers during our trip to Honduras!  Great trip!