Prayer for May 26-June 1, 2013 

Sermon Text: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31

That your wisdom will root deeply within us and empower every choice and action

Still Speaking God, we rejoice that your voice of wisdom has called to us many times and in many ways.

     We have heard your voice: through Moses and the instruction You gave him for Israel; through various prophets whose words were both imaginative and irritating; through the songs of your poets and the sayings of your sages; but supremely through Jesus, who embodied and declared your wisdom in unique and unrepeatable ways.

     We thank You, Holy One.

     Today, we hear your wisdom through your apostles who testify to Jesus, but also through our varied companions on the journey with You.

     We rejoice that You have made your wisdom available to us.  Let it sink its roots deep in our thoughts and emotions so that it empowers every choice and every action.  May every dimension of our lives be transformed so that it reflects your wisdom for your glory.  Amen

Prayer for May 19-25, 2013

Sermon Text: Acts 2:1-21

That we may receive vision and energy from your Spirit

God of all, pour your Spirit upon us again!

     Let your power be evident in our lives!

     By your Spirit, break down every barrier to communication between us

and others to whom You intend us to minister!

     Enable us to speak your word boldly and convincingly!

     Enable us to prophesy in ways that cause others to turn to You in repentance and walk the new paths that You illuminate for them!

     Enable us to prophesy in ways that challenge and topple structures that thrive and profit from death and destruction or by the enslavement of people whom You love!

     Give us powerful visions of the new world that You are creating!

     Enable us to pursue the vision You give us with tenacity, delight and love!

     Let many whom we encounter be stirred to call on your name and find new life in You.  Amen.

Prayer for May 12-18, 2013

Sermon Text: Acts 16:16-34

That we may live fully into the freedom and fullness You intend for us

Liberating God, we rejoice that You call your people to be agents of your freedom.  We rejoice that your word and your power are able to work through us in spite of our many limitations.  We rejoice that You are at work to overcome obstacles to the compassionate service of your people in the world.

     Even in the face of strong resistance, your word communicates your compassion effectively, and your power is able to transform people, situations and systems.

     Enable us to live fully into the freedom and fullness that You intend for us.  Guide us to the people and places where your liberating word and power are most desperately needed.  Enable us to bring your freedom even when we must face accusation and injury and know more fully the cost of love.

     We rejoice in You.  We serve You with gladness.  We celebrate your life-changing love and power.  Amen.

Prayer for for May 5-11, 2013

Sermon Text: Acts 16:9-15

That dreams and visions will lead through obedience to expanded communion with others

God of all things, including our thoughts, we rejoice that your Spirit gives dreams and visions to guide your people in faithful ministry.  We rejoice that your Spirit gives sensitivity and understanding so that we are able to comprehend your desire for us and respond with decisive obedience and wisdom.

     God, we rejoice that when You call us to do something, You make a way for our obedience.  You lead us into the midst of those people who need to hear your word and receive your healing.  Your Spirit enables our speech so that we may speak your word with fidelity.

     Your Spirit touches hearts so that those who hear are able to open themselves to your presence and experience the transformation of their lives by your abundant grace.

     God of all people, as we follow the guidance of your Spirit for witness and service, You expand our circle of communion so that we may give and receive hospitality and praise your name in the company of others to whom your word has brought new life.  Amen.