Prayer for September 30-October 6, 2012 

Sermon Text: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22

That we may act boldly on behalf of your people

God of justice, give us courage!  Give us courage to speak up for those who endure injustice, who live their lives under threat, who have no means to protect and advocate for themselves.

Give us courage to risk ourselves, like Esther, so that your people, whoever and wherever they may be, may live with peace and joy in your presence.  Enable us to act in fruitful and effective ways that are energized by your Spirit. 

Help us not to delay, but to act promptly to confront the injustice that we observe.  Help us to see, clearly, the ways that injustice diminishes each of us, not just those who endure it in its harshest forms.

Enable us to follow the example of Jesus, who befriended many in need, but without acting in condescending or patronizing ways.  Let our practice be modeled on Jesus’ servant ways and be accomplished with Jesus’ servant heart.  Amen.

Prayer for September 23-29, 2012 

Sermon Text: Mark 9:30-37

That we will know our roles as we see You clearly

Christ Jesus, when we misunderstand who You are and misunderstand that your mission is accomplished through service and suffering, we become confused about our roles as your followers.

We imagine that we are better than our sisters and brothers in faith.  We struggle to assert ourselves, to gain recognition, to have others bend to our will and serve us.

Forgive us when we forget your example of self-giving service and your instruction that the way of leadership and significance is through service.  Forgive us for our fruitless competition with one another.  Enable us to welcome and serve the weakest, most vulnerable and dependent among us as a way to welcome You and the One who sent You.

By your Spirit, align our lives for faithfulness to your instruction and example.  Amen.

Prayer for September 16-22, 2012 

Sermon Text: Mark 8:27-38

That we may see what is important and lifegiving

Jesus, we rejoice that You have revealed yourself to us as God’s Anointed One.  We rejoice that You have called us to follow You and live in your presence.

We confess that we are occasionally confused about your identity and what it means for our lives.  And we regret that we sometimes obstruct your work among us so that You must rebuke and correct us.  Forgive us when we fail to see You and respond to You in faith.

Enable us to set aside our personal agendas and our cultivated identities in order to follow You and share in your suffering as You have shared ours.  Give us clear vision so we may see what is truly important and lifegiving.  Energize us so we may follow You with courageous obedience and receive your affirmation when You come in glory.  Amen.

Prayer for September 9-15, 2012 

Sermon Text: Mark 7:24-37

That we may be agents of your healing

Healer of nations, we rejoice in You!  We rejoice that You were responsive to the needs of your people, but also to those who were not of the household of Israel.  Because of the broad scope of your compassion, we have experienced your healing and have become your people.

You have opened our ears so that we may hear your word of love.

You have loosened our tongues so that we may declare your praise.

Touching us, You have filled us with awe at your incomparable ability to heal.

We are your redeemed and healed ones!  Enable us to be agents of your healing in the communities we live in and in the places You send us.  Amen.

Prayer for September 2-8, 2012 

Sermon Text: James 1:17-27

That we may be faithful in listening and speaking

Generous God, You have lavished many gifts upon us.  You have provided all that we need to live in faithful communion with You. 

We rejoice in You!  We praise You for your goodness to us!  We delight in your eternal faithfulness!  We find joy and peace in the life You have given us through your word of truth!

Enable us to listen before we speak.  Help us control our anger so we may pursue your righteousness.  Guide us as we remove everything from our lives that hinders our communion with You and that limits the growth of your word in our lives.

Help us obey your word each day.  Help us to remember that we are yours and to live fully into our identity.  Enable us to comprehend your desire for us so that we may live into the freedom and blessing You create for us.

Help us tame our speech.  Keep us from deceiving ourselves about our faith in You.  Energize us to care for those who are most vulnerable among us, and to walk away from the things of the world that pollute and destroy.

God, we trust You wholly, for You have given yourself wholly to us.  Amen.