Monday, August 25, 2014

Prayer for August 24-30, 2014 
Sermon Text: Matthew 16:13-20

That everything in our lives will conform to the devotion that is due to Jesus

God our Creator, thank You for revealing yourself in Jesus.  Thank You for revealing that Jesus is your Anointed One, Sovereign over every nation and over all that You have made.

Enable us to see Jesus clearly and follow Jesus quickly.

Do not let us be divided in our loyalty by trying to practice absolute fidelity to
          Jesus . . . and our nation;
          Jesus . . . and our political party;
          Jesus . . . and our family;
          Jesus . . . and our wealth;
          Jesus . . . and anything else that is part of your creation.

Help us to realize that all other allegiances must be guided, critiqued, and modified to conform to the absolute devotion that is due to Jesus, who reigns among us as your agent of compassion and healing.  

Enable us to act as agents of your reign, in Christ, by acting in ways that bind people, structures and systems to You for your glory and honor.  Amen.

Monday, August 18, 2014

Prayer for August 17-23, 2014 
Sermon Text: Matthew 15:10-28

That we have been healed, nourished and identified as people of faith

Jesus, we rejoice in You.  We rejoice that when You came among your covenant people to gather, heal and renew them in faithfulness to God’s reign, You also touched the lives of foreigners and strangers who saw, in You, the answer to their deepest needs and hopes.

We were strangers and outsiders to God’s promises to Israel, but we have eaten the crumbs that fell from the full table You provided for Israel, and we have been healed and nourished and identified as people of faith because of your generous provision. 

Enable us to trust You deeply.  Enable us to live in joyful gratitude for your diverse gifts that cover every need.  We await with joy the day when You will host your grand banquet for all whom You have drawn together and identified as your own.  Amen.

Monday, August 11, 2014

Prayer for August 10-16, 2014 
Sermon Text: Matthew 14:22-33

That we may go with courage wherever You send us

Jesus—our Leader, Teacher, Savior and Friend—how easily we forget that You can do all things, even after we have seen You act with authority and power that inspire both humility and awe.

We do not want to walk on water, Jesus.  But we do want to go with courage to all of the places You send us.  We do want to trust You in every circumstance.  We do want to keep our eyes on You and follow your example of compassionate care for those who are hungry for food, as well as for those who long for God’s presence. 

Deepen our faith.  Strengthen our resolve.  Give us courage for every moment of opportunity and every time of trial.  We trust You as fully as we can.  Amen.

Monday, August 4, 2014

Prayer for August 3-9, 2014 
Sermon Text: Matthew 14:13-21

That we may assist those who hunger for food and hunger for You

God of all, we rejoice that You are merciful and compassionate.  We rejoice in your healing power.  We rejoice in your desire to feed the hungry.  And we rejoice that You are able to use Jesus’ followers as agents of your ample provision, even when we do not fully understand or trust your ability to provide for every need and satisfy every heart.  

God, enable us to see with compassion as Jesus did.  Enable us to be glad agents of your healing and provision for those who hunger for food and hunger for You.  Multiply our efforts as Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish.  May your name be praised as we act in trust.  Amen.