Prayer for November 24-30, 2013

Sermon Text: Colossians 1:9-20

That we may be full participants in your work of reconciliation

God, our Creator, we rejoice in You and in Jesus, your Son, who is the perfect portrayal, the full expression of your presence among us, and through whom You created all things.  We rejoice that Jesus is Sovereign, even over all powers and authorities, and that he holds all things together in coherent form.

We rejoice that our lives hold together in Jesus, and that his resurrection bears great promise for us.  We rejoice that through him, and through the agony and bloodshed of the cross he endured, You have brought all creation into unity with yourself.

We see only glimpses of that unity now, but we pray for and await its complete unfolding in the world.

Enable us to be full participants in your work of reconciliation by filling us with wisdom and understanding, so that we may be faithful servants in all kinds of good works as we are guided and energized by your Spirit.

We rejoice in You.  We thank You for liberating us from the oppression and control of sin.  We rejoice that You have offered us a share in the inheritance of your holy people.

Continue your work of transformation and reconciliation within us, among us, and through us.  Amen.

Prayer for November 17-23, 2013 

Sermon Text: Isaiah 65:17-25

That we may serve You in your work of renewal

God of all things, only You are able to create new heavens and new earth.

     Only You are able to renew us.

     Only You are able to heal our memories so that we do not cling sentimentally to past glory or grapple incessantly with old wounds.

     Only You are able to make your people a source of delight.  Only You are able to eliminate grief and tears.

     You, Creator God, are the Source of all good news.           

     You give, sustain, and prolong life by your word of promise.  You cause earth to flourish with abundance that feeds your people and your creatures.

     You give us fruitfulness and delight in our labors.

     You bless us and bring blessing to our descendants.

     You answer our prayer before it is thought or spoken.

     You create peace where none seems possible.

     O God, enable us to be faithful servants and coworkers in your great work of renewal.  Let us see the vision of your prophets come to fruition among us, for the blessing of earth and for your glory.  Amen.

Prayer for November 10-16, 2013 

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

That we may stand firm in faith during times of adversity and well-being

Living God, draw us deeply into your word, into the scriptures that have come to us through prophet, scribe and apostle who were urged to speak and write by the movement of your spirit in their lives.  Give us a thorough knowledge of scripture that we may live wisely in your presence.

Help us live in joyful anticipation of Jesus’ return and the full visibility of your governance among us.  Do not let us be misled by teachers who claim to know the time of Jesus’ return and who rouse many to anxiety.

Continue the transforming work You began within us when You chose us as your people and set us apart for your mission of love and mercy in the world.

Enable us to stand firm in faith through times of adversity and times of well-being.  May your Spirit enable us to speak and do good as You provide us with many opportunities to do so for your glory.  Amen.