Prayer for September 14-20, 2014 

Sermon Text: Matthew 18:21-35

That we may release all of our claims on each other

Forgiving God, enable us to be generously forgiving with others, just as You have been with us.  Keep us from keeping track of each others’ offenses.  Keep us from believing that forgiveness is a commodity in short supply, or that we have fulfilled our responsibility to forgive when we have forgiven others on a few occasions.

Help us to be mindful of the great debt You have forgiven for us.  Fill us with gratitude and joy.  Enable us to turn our faces to each other in that mode of gratitude and joy, so that we may celebrate your great forgiveness together and release all of our claims upon each other.  

We rejoice that You have forgiven what we could not pay.  We promise to forgive others by your Spirit’s aid.  Amen.

Prayer for September 7-13, 2014 

Sermon Text: Matthew 18:15-20

That we may hold each other accountable in love

God of all, help us to be responsible for each other and hold each other accountable in love.  When one of us sees another sin, give us courage and compassion to confront that brother or sister with truth and gentleness and discretion.

Do not let us get caught up in trying to catch one another in sin.  But do not let us turn a blind eye to blatant sin that diminishes or enslaves our sister or brother and weakens the community of faith.

Help us to practice communal discipline that begins with each of us doing all we can to align our lives with your word and encouraging each other in doing so.  Help us help each other to be more closely linked to You through your Spirit active among us.  

May we prayerfully seek reconciliation with and for each other, so that we may be fully one in Christ.  We ask in the name of Jesus who has promised his presence with us.  Amen.

Prayer for August 31-September 6, 2014 

Sermon Text: Matthew 16:21-28

That we may give ourselves fully to God’s plan to redeem and heal the world

Jesus, help us to remember that You have called your disiciples to take up their own crosses as they follow You.  Help us to remember that the way in which You lead us is not a smoothly paved path that is fenced off from all potential harm.

Enable us to trust You even when You lead us through rough and dangerous places.  Enable us to trust You enough to endure opposition and even persecution for our faith.  Enable us to die to selfish ambition and set aside our own plans for our lives in order to answer your call.  Help us to give ourselves fully to You and to God’s plan to redeem and heal the world through You.

We trust in your reign among us, even though much of what we observe suggests that your reign is still far off.   

Let us honor You with our actions as your Spirit helps and guides us.  Amen.