Prayer for December 27, 2015-January 2, 2016 

Sermon Text: Luke 2:41-52

That our hearts may be opened for repentance, insight, and awe

Jesus, how difficult it is for us to realize that we have left You behind.  Because we do not live in constant consciousness of and attentiveness to your presence, or maintain continuous communion with You, it sometimes seems that You have departed from us, when, in fact, we have wandered away from You.

We become so focused on our personal destination that we forget where You are from, where You are going, and what You are attempting to accomplish among us as You go about the business of the Father with whom You are fully one.

Keep reminding us that You are God’s Word doing God’s work in the world.  Keep our eyes focused on You.  Keep our ears open to the wise questions You ask that open our hearts and minds for repentance, insight, and awe.  Keep showing us that, like You, we are God’s children, called to hear and share God’s word as we do God’s work with your help.  

May our identity be fully shaped by God’s call upon our lives and your example of obedience.  Amen.

Christmas Prayer 2015

O Living Word! Eternal One! Creator of all things!  Life of all humankind!  True Light that shines through darkness! One and only Son! Giver of grace!  We rejoice in You!

We rejoice that You have come among us and have shared the heights and depths of human experience.  We rejoice that You have revealed the presence and glory of God to us.  We rejoice that You have enabled us to receive You, become children of God, and accept the ever flowing stream of grace that flows from God through You.  

We worship You with gladness.  We praise and thank You for the full salvation and abundant joy you bring to us and to all who trust in You.  Joy to the world!  Amen.

Prayer for December 20-26, 2015

Sermon Text: Luke 1:39-55

That our hearts may be quickened by Jesus’ presence

God of wonders, help us to see the unexpected ways that You are working among us.  Enable us to rejoice in the miracles of new life that You are frequently creating, even as we celebrate your greatest gift—Jesus Christ.

We rejoice that through the entire life history of Jesus—from conception to ascension—You said, “Enough,” to the common practices of oppression and idolatry.  You set in motion the end of all forms of power politics based in human arrogance and ostentatious wealth.

You have taken note of the humble and You lift them from the dust and bless them with fullness and honor.  

We celebrate your Christ, whose presence quickens our spirit and generates new songs of joy.  We bless You with glad praise from our full hearts.  Amen.

Prayer for December 13-19, 2015 

Sermon Text: Luke 3:7-18

That we may be enflamed and enthused for ministry

God, we do not want to be considered venomous vipers or fruitless and rotten trees.  We want to be children of Abraham—people who live in an enduring relationship of covenant fidelity with You. 

We make no claims about our heritage, but claim only your mercy and grace.  We hear your call to repentance through the voice of the prophet and we turn to You.  We obey your command to share our resources.  We have altered the ways we work so that we are serving others in life-giving ways and not robbing them of precious resources.

But we trust only in You, not in what we have done in response to your call upon our lives.

We fear your judgment, but we welcome that which aligns our lives more fully with yours.  Remove any venom that remains in our hearts and on our lips.  Remove the rotten fruit from our lives. Grant the constant presence of your Holy Spirit.  Enflame and enthuse us for ministry to those around us.  

Enable us to hear the good news you have for us, even when it sometimes sounds like bad news.  We are listening!  Amen.

PRAYER FOR DECEMBER 6-12, 2015

Sermon Text: Luke 3:1-6

That the speech of your prophets will penetrate our hearts

O God, how many voices have called to us in the wilderness of our lives?  How many messengers have we heard calling us to repentance—calling us to turn from idolatry and injustice in order to return to You?

Some days we simply refuse to hear.  Some days we simply refuse to prepare the way for You by straightening the crooked ways that things are done among us, or by levelling the playing field of our economic and political life.  Some days we simply refuse You because we are so comfortable with the way things are that we do not want to face changes that might require that we give up some of the advantages to which we are accustomed.

Keep sending those who call as voices in the wilderness.  Let your word penetrate our hearts through their speech.  Let them lead us, even drag us, back from our self-selected exile into the fullness of life that You intend for us as your people, united in communion with You and with each other.  

Make us ready to see your salvation and live as grateful servants of your just and generous reign.  Amen

Prayer for November 29-December 5, 2015 

Sermon Text: Luke 21:25-36

That we may not be consumed by anxiety, fear, or wanton pleasures

Coming One, some days it seems that everywhere we look there are celestial signs and earthly disasters and tragedies that point to your imminent return.

Although your people, throughout the church’s history, have frequently been convinced that the signs were aligned for your return, You tarry.

Though You tarry, enable us to live in prayerful watchfulness for You.  Enable us to see and rejoice in signs that You are at work, and that your plan for the reconciliation of all things is slowly unfolding before us.  Enable us not to be consumed by anxiety and fear or by wanton pleasures.  Help us to live in daily obedience to your word as we face the world for courageous and compassionate ministry.  

May our lives bear your good news to many who live in apathy or terror.  Amen.

LITANY OF THANKSGIVING

November 22, 2015 

God, our Creator, and Creator of all things,

We offer You abundant thanks for your many acts of mercy;

For the joy of living in a world of such incredible beauty;

For families and friends as sources of mutual support;

For salvation through Christ Jesus, our Redeemer;

For the daily guidance of your Holy Spirit;

For the delight of worship in your presence;

For the communion of bread and wine and the close communion of your presence;

For your invitation to pray and your sometimes surprising answers;

For the many acts of healing we have witnessed among us;

For your outpouring of blessing after blessing upon us;

For spiritual gifts with which to minister to one another and the world around us;

For many opportunities for good works, and for the resources and energy to complete them;

For impelling us to seek your justice;

For wise leaders who practice justice and intervene for those who are vulnerable;

For hope in the midst of trial and suffering;

For comfort in the midst of grief;

For the unexpected ways that You work for good in our lives;

For the promise that nothing can separate us from your love;

For hope of creation renewed and opportunities to work for its renewal now;

For the anticipation of singing your praise forever, in company with people from every nation, tribe and tongue.

We worship You with thanksgiving!

Only You are worthy of all our praise!

Amen.

Prayer for November 22-28, 2015 

Sermon Text: John 18:33-38a

That we will not be cynical about your severeignty among us

Jesus, help us to remember that You are our sovereign.  Energize us for daily and joyful obedience to your will.  Clarify our vision so that we may see the truth as You reveal it to us.  Enable us to cling to the truth and declare it with boldness to others.  Free us to celebrate your sovereignty with thanksgiving.

Keep us from becoming cynical.  Keep us from questioning you in haughty ways because we are resistant to the truth that You declare and unwilling to submit to your commands.  Keep us from imagining that we are autonomous and absolutely in control of our own lives.  

Let all of our action express our daily commitment to You.  Enable us to bring glory to your name and point others to You.  Amen.

Prayer for November 15-21, 2015

Sermon Texts: 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Mark 13:1-8

That we will not be deceived by spiritual frauds

O Creator, when we are at our best—when we are most clear about your redeeming, reconciling desire for us and for your creation—we long to be your fruitful coworkers.  We long for the new life that You are able to create in, through, and around us.  We are ready to celebrate your goodness and blessing with unleashed joy.

At other times, we are afraid of any change—afraid of the pain and confusion that may arrive just as new life is ready to emerge.  So we shrink back.  We doubt You.  Or we doubt our readiness to trust You as You do a new thing among us.

Open our hearts.  Overcome our griefs.  Keep us from being deceived by spiritual frauds.  Draw us toward the future of justice and peace that You are creating.  Energize us to work diligently and fruitfully as we follow the guidance of your Spirit.  Enable us to be courageous in the face of fearful events and deep pain.   

We will rejoice in You with all our might.  We will sing to You forever.  Amen.     

PRAYER FOR November 8-14, 2015

Sermon texts: Mark 12:38-44; Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17

That we will not be self conscious about deep commitment and glad generosity

Transforming God, we rejoice that You are able to guide us through our times of loss and grief.  We rejoice that You give us companions for our difficult journey.  We rejoice that as we commit ourselves deeply to each other You use us to bless each other in ways that we could not have foreseen. 

You provide unexpected abundance and support.  You even extend your work of salvation through us by guiding us in ways of which we are often unaware.

Enable us to trust You boldly.  Guide our steps as we go where You lead us.  Open our hearts to each other.  Open our hands to respond to your abundant generosity with generosity that may sometimes seem risky to us.  

Enable us to act with such focused commitment to You and our many companions that we are not self conscious about deep commitment and glad generosity.  Amen.

Prayer for November 1-7, 2015 

Sermon Texts: Mark 12:28-34; Ruth 1:1-18

That we may commit ourselves boldly to one another

God of all, eliminate every obstacle within us that prevents us from loving You with our whole being.  May our heart and soul be filled with your presence and moved by your love.  May our thoughts be focused on You.  May all of our energy be expended for You in ways that extend your reconciling reign.

As we give ourselves wholly to You, in response to your costly, self-giving love, move us to love our neighbors with every kind of good work.  Enable us to make and keep deep commitments to one another, so that as we love one another, we may be sources of blessing for one another, making your love visible through creative and generous action.  

As we love You wholly, and love our neighbors and companions for the journey with bold, creative love, may the observing world perceive that You are behind our loving action, and turn, with longing, to You.  Amen.

Prayer for October 25-31, 2015 

Sermon Text: Mark 10:46-52

That we may have the faith that leads to healing

God of truth and mercy, give us the kind of faith that leads to healing.  Enable us to hope and trust in You with such unwavering intent that we receive the fullness of blessing and peace that You intend for us.

When we cry to You from our spiritual blindness, heal our sight.  Enable us to see your presence and action in the world around us.  Enable us to move forward into the light of truth that brightens our way.  Let us follow You as your healed people.

Forgive us when we doubt your ability to heal.  Forgive us when we fail to perceive the needs others have for your compassionate intervention. Forgive us when we become obstacles to others who seek your healing.  

Enable us to be compassionate and fruitful participants in your healing mission.  Amen.

Prayer for October 18-24, 2015 

Sermon Text: Mark 10:35-45

That we may abandon our imagined greatness and serve others with joy

Christ, You call us to follow You, but somehow we sometimes imagine that we are too good to simply follow.  Certainly we should be in charge of others!  Certainly others should be serving us and deferring to us and standing in awe of our greatness.  Certainly we should have special positions of honor close to your side.

You invite us to keep following You.  You assure us that if we do so we will have a share in your suffering and death.  You instruct us that the way of greatness is the way of service.  And you show us that way of service by your own daily example and by your suffering and death on our behalf, and on behalf of the entire creation.

Enable us to understand the life to which You have called us.  Enable us to set aside inflated visions of our own importance in order to follow your example of service to each other.  Enable us to set aside competition for highest honors among our sisters and brothers.

Forgive us when we think and act as though following You were meant to enhance our image and make others subservient to us.  Forgive us when we fail to give our lives in service of your reign and in service of our neighbors.  

Transform our pride into willing and joyful service.  Amen.

Prayer for October 11-17, 2015 

Sermon Text: Mark 10:17-31

That we may release our anxiety and cling to You in trust

Christ Jesus, how often our wealth limits our ability to hear your word and follow in your way.  We want it all – and heaven too!

We cling to our wealth.  We trust it.  We are controlled by resources that we believe we control.  We are unable to see the ways that we are deceived by our accumulations of money and other material resources.  We are unable to see the needs of many around us because we are anxious to hold onto what we have obtained, believing that our future is constantly under threat, but more fully secured by our wealth.  

Help us to release our anxiety and cling to you instead of to the wealth that has become such a powerful false god among us.  Help us to open our hands and share generously with our neighbors, particularly those who live with many unmet needs.  Help us to set aside whatever we must in order to follow where You lead us and participate in your community of joyful generosity. Amen.

Prayer for October 4-10, 2015 

Sermon Text: Mark 10:2-16

That our hard hearts will be softened to receive your word

Jesus, when we come to You, we often come hoping that You will allow us to pursue our own agendas and do things as we want to do them.  But You see our hardness of heart.  You recognize our attempts to manipulate You.  You know that we may not heed your instruction.

Still, You direct us to the heart of God’s desire for God’s people.  You call us to lives of enduring fidelity.  You call us to listen and obey.  You warn us not to rip apart the unity that God has created through marriage.  You warn us not to push each other into adultery.

We are so sophisticated that we can rationalize any choice we make.  We are arrogant and self-willed.  And You call us to be otherwise.  You call us to be like children.  You show us your love for those who are vulnerable as you bless them. You invite us to practice such love too. 

Forgive us for our arrogance.  Forgive us for treating others as disposable commodities.  Forgive us for abusing others, including our spouses, and driving them away.  Heal those for whom marriage is or was a great wound requiring escape.

Soften our hearts.  Enable us to put away our rationalizations, self-justifications, and desire to push every boundary.  

Enable us to welcome You and receive your word with the delight of children.  Amen.

Prayer for September 27-October 3, 2015 

Sermon Text: Esther 7:1-10; 9-22

That we may perceive and respond to the threats your people face

God, how often You work in surprising ways and through unlikely people in order to bring truth to light and save your people from evil and death.

Help us to listen to the wise teachers who challenge us with their truthful words and who urge us to act with courageous faith in the face of powerful threats.  

Give us awareness of the deep threats that your people face.  As we pray for others, give us discernment of the ways that we can act in order to be agents of your deliverance.  Enable us to act with courage even when faithful action places us in danger.  And when we see your work of deliverance unfold, free us to celebrate with joyful feasting and generous gift giving that honors your presence among us.  Amen.

Note 1: I've posted early because I won't be around this weekend.

Note 2: This is not intended to encourage American Christians to overestimate the amount of persecution we face.  

Prayer for September 20-26, 2015 

Sermon Text: Mark 9:30-37

That we may follow You in vulnerability and care for the vulnerable as You did

Jesus, in spite of the power and authority you demonstrated through your wonderful works and your proclamation of God’s nearness, You walked among us in vulnerability, conscious of the hatred your goodness inspired, and of your inevitable death at the hands of those who rejected the good news You enacted on a daily basis.

In spite of the fact that You came as God’s Anointed One, You took the role of servant of all, and instructed your disciples that those who sought greatness must be servants of all.  You call us to welcome children and other vulnerable people as the way to welcome You and the One who sent You.  

Enable us to be obedient and vulnerable disciples by welcoming and serving those who are vulnerable without knowledge or choice.  As we open our hearts to those around us, may our hearts be more and more open to You, and to our Sovereign God with whom You are eternally One.  Amen.

Prayer for September 13-19, 2015 

Sermon Text: Mark 8:27-38

That we may comprehend and cling to God’s priorities

Jesus, in spite of the faith statements that we have claimed as our own and repeated together in our worship, some days we are unclear about who You really are.  We think about You as challenging Prophet or wise Teacher, but fail to perceive that You are God’s Chosen Sovereign and Healer of every dimension of human life and creation.

In our confusion, we want to avoid your nonviolent walk in the way of suffering, rejection and death.  But when we resist your chosen path, we experience your rebuke and correction.  

Enable us to comprehend and cling to God’s priorities.  Give us courage to follow You in the way of the cross—the way of suffering.  Enable us to abandon our efforts at self-preservation in order to give all for You.  Give us courage to share your presence and your word with the world.  Free us from any shame we may have about being your people and representing You in the world.  Amen.

Prayer for September 6-12, 2015 

Sermon Text: Mark 7:24-37

That every dimension of our lives may be open to your presence

Jesus, we rejoice that though the primary focus of your ministry was for your people, the Jews, You acted with compassion toward strangers whom You encountered, stimulating hope and making your healing power evident among them.

We rejoice that your openness to the stranger and foreigner set a precedent for your disciples, so that your ministry of hope and healing has

·      released multitudes from spiritual bondage

·      opened many hearts to receive You

·      opened many ears to hear and obey your word

·      opened many mouths to speak your love and sing your praise

·      opened many eyes to witness your wonderful deeds and see your glory.

Your compassion presence and action has thoroughly astonished us, even as it has opened our hearts to trust You more completely.  

We rejoice in You!  Amen.

Prayer for August 30-September 5, 2015 

Sermon Text: James 1:17-27

That our belief will be expressed through sensitive action for the most vulnerable among us

Generous God, we rejoice in the many good and perfect gifts that You have given us, particularly the gift of Jesus Christ, through whom we have been reconciled to You and have been enabled to walk with You in faithfulness.

Enable us to reflect your loving character and generosity by listening carefully to one another.  Free us from the need to have the first and last word.  Free us from the control of anger that drives a wedge between us and our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Purify our hearts, through your powerful word, and enable us to set aside every practice that is rooted in evil instead of in love and righteousness. 

Help us to link belief and action in consistent ways, so that we are not deluded about our faith.  Make us particularly sensitive to those among us who are most vulnerable and in need of assistance and advocacy.  

Let our lives be a continuous expression of our faith in You.  Amen.

Prayer for August 23-29, 2015 

Sermon Text: Psalm 84

That we may grow stronger as we seek You together

God of all, we long for You with every fiber of our being.  We want to be in your presence.  We want to live continually with You and find our place with You.

We want to worship You in the congregation of those who love and obey You.  We long to journey with those whose longing for You turns dry places into places of refreshment and renewal.  We want to walk with those who grow stronger as they travel and as they sense the nearness of your presence. 

We rejoice to worship you together with each of our hearts and minds focused on your glory.   

You are our strength.  You are our blessing.  You are the One whom we seek, the One whom we trust, the One to whom we turn each day.  Amen.

Prayer for August 16-22, 2015 

Sermon Texts: Psalm 111, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14; Proverbs 9:1-6; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58

That we may grow deep in wisdom as we worship You

Jesus, You are our source of life and our source of wisdom and we turn to You with rejoicing. 

We ask for wisdom that we may live justly.  We ask for wisdom that we may “walk in the way of insight.”  We ask for wisdom that we may follow You in faithfulness, and that we may discern wisely in the face of temptation and evil.  

Let us feed upon You in our hearts so that we are nourished for constant and courageous faithfulness.  Enable us to grow deep in wisdom as we worship You with songs of the Spirit that stir us to joyful obedience.  Amen.

Prayer for August 9-15, 2015

Sermon Text: Ephesians 4:25-5:2

That our lives will be a fragrant offering as we follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit

God of compassion and mercy, enable us to follow your loving example as we relate to our sisters and brothers in Christ.

Enable us to forgive each other.  Enable us to let go of every form of anger and bitterness that we use to control, hurt and limit each other.  Enable us to set aside every form of evil desire toward one another and to abandon the quarreling by which we compete with each other for supremacy.  Enable us to speak the truth to each other in ways that strengthen the faith of each member of your community.  

Help us to follow the guidance of your Holy Spirit in such a way that our lives will be a fragrant offering to You.  Amen.

Prayer for August 2-8, 2015

Sermon Text: John 6:24-35

That we may receive all your gifts in order to give all for You

Christ Jesus, many days we are more interested in having our physical needs met than we are in discerning the signs of God’s presence among us and responding to those signs by thoughtful belief and diligent discipleship.

We believe that You are God’s Anointed and Chosen One, but our faith is often flimsy—limited to intellectual assent to a statement about You, or to good emotions about God’s care for us during our good days.  We seldom take significant risks in order to demonstrate our trust in you through the twists and turmoil of daily life.  We hesitate to expend all that we are and all that we have in order to follow You.  

Enable us to see You more clearly.  Enable us to trust You wholly.  Enable us to follow, without hesitation, as participants in the reign of God that You have made so real among us.  Enable us to receive all that You have for us in order that we may give all for You.  Amen.

Prayer for July 26 - August 1, 2015

Sermon Text: John 6:1-21

Jesus, like the crowds, we often follow You because we are more interested in what you can do for us than we are in following wherever You lead or going wherever You command.

Jesus, like the disciples, when we are confronted by significant need, we often look at each other, take inventory of our resources, and conclude: “There is not enough.  We cannot respond.”

Then . . . You take what seems so meager from our hands, bless it, distribute it, and those seemingly inadequate resources become enough for all to share them.  

Jesus, stir our hearts to seek You in order to participate in your generous mission.  Open our hearts to trust You and to see that You have adequate resources, for every need, when those who seek You receive and share with gladness.  Amen.

Prayer for July 19-25, 2015

Sermon Text: 2 Samuel 7:1-14

God, how often we make our plans and take care of our perceived needs, and then turn our thoughts to You and imagine that we will provide something that You need.

Even the wise among us sometimes become confused about what is good and necessary in order to please You.  Even those most devoted to You sometimes run ahead of your guiding word and make plans that do not represent your plans or desires.

     You are free and active among us.

     You have called and made us your own.

     You have been with us continually.

     You have protected us and provided for us.

     You have loved us beyond our imagining.

     You have all You need and we are in constant need of You and 

     your goodness.  

Only as we wait upon You and heed your word do we discover that our future is secure.  Amen.

Prayer for July 12-18, 2015

Sermon Text: 2 Samuel 6:1-19; Ephesians 1:3-14

That we may live for the praise of your glory

You who are worthy of all praise, unleash us to worship You with all of our heart, mind and energy.

Enable us to forget about ourselves in order to focus on your surpassing greatness, your faithfulness and compassion, your acts of righteousness through which your healing, liberating power has been made available to all of creation.

Even when we feel that we have been traumatized and grieved by You, help us to remember your many blessings and renew our praise in song and dance.  

Let us truly live to praise You in your glory.  Amen.

PRAYER FOR JULY 5-11, 2015

Sermon Text: Mark 6:1-13

That we may be empowered for fruitful ministry

Jesus, sometimes when we grow familiar with You we fail to perceive your authority, take offense at the demands that You make upon our lives, and stymie your work among us by our lack of faith.

Let your power and authority penetrate our dull minds and enable us to understand who You are and how You act among us.

Let your Spirit energize us for obedience, so that we may speak and act with courage and enthusiasm to bring your healing and liberation into every place to which you call us.

Give us deep trust in your ability to act among us and make God’s reign visible among us and through us.  

We do nothing in our own power, but trust in your empowerment to make us fruitful laborers.  Amen.

Prayer for June 28-July 4, 2015 

Sermon Text: Mark 5:21-43

That we may receive your healing word and touch

Jesus, we rejoice that You did not remain aloof or act with condescension toward the poor and sick people whom You encountered.  We rejoice that You answered—and do answer—pleas for help.  We rejoice that You accompanied—and do accompany—the fearful who turned to You because of their love for another.  And we thank You for pausing, as You went your way, in order to respond to another who reached beyond her fear to touch You in her need.  

Jesus, we rejoice in your authority and ability to heal by a touch or a word.  We rejoice in your willingness.  And we turn to You for our own healing, trusting that You will work within us in ways that give us new energy and joy as we follow You.  Amen. 

Prayer for June 21-27, 2015 

Sermon Text: Mark 4:35-41

That we may trust You even under deep threat

Creator God, sometimes it seems that we live from terror to terror.  We are frightened and overwhelmed by the events of our lives as well as by the larger events that seem to engulf the whole world in chaos. 

But we are just as frightened—maybe more frightened—by your action among us.  We do not comprehend your abilities.  We do not believe that You can create peace in the midst of chaotic circumstances, and we are confused and fearful when You do bring an unexpected measure of peace by calming the fearful tumult around us.

We are fearful.  Our faith is weak.  Enable us to trust You enough that we do not panic when threatening circumstances arise.  Enable us to turn to You with confidence, knowing that You are able to face every challenge with authority.  

We will trust in You as You help us to do so.  Amen.

Prayer for June 14-20, 2015 

Sermon Text: Mark 4:26-34

That we may fulfill our small roles in your enlarged reign

Sovereign God, we like to imagine that we have control of many things.  We work to manage or control events that seem to swirl around us.  We even believe, at times, that we can exercise control over the good that You are doing in the world.

But your reign among us is commonly enlarged in the quiet times and spaces when we are inactive and unconscious of all that You are doing behind the scenes of our lives. 

You are enlarging your reign in ways that we neither see nor control.  You are assuring that it will provide security and shelter for many.  You are bringing it to fruitfulness and preparing us to participate in harvesting the growth that You give.  

Enable us to fulfill the roles that You have given to us, even as we remember that it is You who reign and You who guarantee that your realm will be one of healing, peace, and great glory.  Amen.

Prayer for June 7-13, 2015 

Sermon Text: Mark 3:20-35

That we may know You well and walk in your truth

Jesus, because your teaching and action commonly challenge preferred modes of thought and preferred ways of doing things, You often seem crazy to the world—even to those who follow you and those who long to know you, including us.  

Your powerful works of healing, acts of liberation from spiritual bondage, offer of forgiveness to all, and compassionate concern and care for the poor, coupled with your call for peacemaking, warnings about wealth, and challenge to every idolatrous attachment threaten the profits and raise the ire of many people.

Enable us to know you well.  Enable us to see that your action is energized by the the Spirit of God.  Enable us to see that your way is the way of health, fruitfulness, sanity and peace.  Energize us and give us courage to follow your example of compassionate and life-giving service to friends and neighbors.  

Let us walk in the truth You reveal to us.  Amen.

Prayer for May 31-June 6, 2015 

Sermon Text: John 3:1-17

That our lives may bear the enduring quality of your presence and reign

Jesus, we have heard your instruction and seen your work among us, and have recognized that You are truly sent from God.  But we are not satisfied with such knowledge.  We want to know You more completely as You continue to reveal yourself to us through the presence and instruction of your Spirit.

We have experienced a measure of the transformation that may take place in and among us as your Spirit blows in energetic and uncontrolled ways through our lives.  But we are not satisfied with the present condition of our hearts and minds.  We want to experience the transforming work of your Spirit more completely.  We want to be endowed with all of the fruit of your Spirit, not for our own glory or satisfaction, but so that You may be glorified in our lives on a daily basis.  

We believe You.  We believe in You.  Deepen our trust in You.  Let us live lives that are infused with the enduring quality of your presence and reign.  Amen. 

Prayer for May 24-30, 2015

Sermon Text: Acts 2:1-21

That our hearts and speech will be ignited for loving witness

God of all, open our hearts to your presence.  Let your Spirit roar into our lives.  Ignite our speech for bold witness about your wonders.  Set our hearts on fire with love for our neighbors.  Break down every barrier to communication—those that have arisen from our diversity, as well as those we have created out of fear.

We do not pray only for ourselves, but ask that You continue to pour your Spirit on all of your people everywhere.  And we pray that through the bold preaching of the church of Jesus Christ people will turn to you, in great numbers, from every nation and every people group in the whole world.  

May many people call upon your name in hope and find salvation in You.  Amen.

PRAYER FOR May 17-23, 2015

Sermon Text: John 17:6-19

That we may be more completely filled with your joy 

Jesus, we rejoice that out of your own unity with God, You have revealed God to us and revealed that we belong to God.  By your faithful action and loving service You have enabled us to believe that You were sent by God.  You have enabled us to obey God in trust because we have learned to trust You.       

Thank you for keeping us secure in your love.  Thank you for binding us together in unity with each other, with You, and with God the Father.  Let nothing disrupt the unity that You have created among us.  Enable us to cultivate that unity by our own self-giving acts of service and love.  

We thank You for the joy You have given us and ask that You fill us more completely with your joy as we serve one another and tell the world about You.  Protect us from every form of evil as You set us apart for God’s purpose.  Amen.

PRAYER FOR MAY 10-16, 2015

Sermon Text: John 15:9-17

That we may bear lasting fruit for your realm

Christ Jesus, we rejoice in your love!  We rejoice that You have made your desire for the reconciliation and renewal of all things known to us.  We celebrate the fact that You have called us friends.  And we are grateful that You did not turn away when You were required to give up your life for your friends.  We thank You for the bountiful joy that we have experienced as we have tried to live within the circumference of your love.

We gladly obey your commands (most of the time), but pray that You will nurture, prune and energize us for obedience in those parts of our lives where we are still resistant to what your love requires of us.  

Enable us to love each other and give ourselves for each other on a daily basis.  Enable us to “bear lasting fruit” for your enduring reign among us. 

May the world see our love for each other and be drawn to you.  Amen.

PRAYER FOR MAY 3-9, 2015

Sermon text: John 15:1-8

That we may abide fruitfully in You

Christ Jesus, we rejoice that our lives are inextricably bound up with yours.  We rejoice that You are our true Source of energy.  We rejoice that as we remain closely linked to You that you enable our lives to bring forth the fruits of obedience, righteousness, and holy character.  We pray that our obedience will draw others to You.

We open our lives to God’s work among us.  We invite God to prune away those parts of our lives that are already dead, or that otherwise interfere with the fruitfulness You make possible.  

Let everything we do be done in honor and obedience to You, and for the enlargement of your reign among us.  We rejoice to be yours!  Amen.

Prayer for April 26-May 2, 2015 

Sermon Text: John 10:11-18

That we may grow in ready obedience to your voice

O Good Shepherd, we are thankful for your constant attention and care.  We rejoice that You know us by name and that You have been present to us so fully that we know You and recognize your voice.  We are surprised, but grateful, that we may know and be known by You in a manner that is similar to the knowledge that You and God the Father have of each other. 

Help us to grow in knowledge of You.  Help us to grow in ready obedience to your summons and command.  

Thank You for never abandoning us in the midst of trouble or threat.  Thank You for choosing to put your life on the line in order to save us and keep us safely enfolded in your precious flock.  

Thank You for taking your life back again, through the resurrecting power of God.  And thank You for renewing our lives as nurturing Shepherd and Sovereign.  Amen.

Prayer for April 19-25, 2015

Sermon Text: Luke 24:36b-53

That our minds will be fully open to the scriptures

Jesus, thank You for showing yourself to us and for overcoming our fears by your presence.  Overcome whatever doubts linger among us about who You are and how You have fulfilled your role among us.  Open our minds to the scriptures so that we may understand more fully and act more wisely in faith.

You have called us as witnesses to You.  You have given us your Spirit to guide, energize and assist us in carrying out the task You have assigned.  Enable us to be faithful and fruitful as we invite others to repent and find forgiveness through you.  Let us serve your mission and your reign in genuine gratitude. 

We worship You with gladness and praise You every day with all our hearts.  Amen.

Prayer for April 12-18, 2015 

Sermon Text: John 20:19-31

That we may affirm You as “Lord and God” each day

Jesus, we rejoice that You are able to walk into our places of fear, show yourself to us, and speak peace so that it creates peace in us and among us.  

We rejoice that You are alive and that You send us in witness and service as the Holy One sent You.  We rejoice that You have breathed your Spirit into our lives in order to energize us for the witness and service You have commanded.  We thank You for giving us authority to forgive and to withhold forgiveness, and pray that your Spirit will give us discernment as each opportunity unfolds.

Thank you for enabling us to believe You on the basis of the witness of others.  Forgive us when we become too doubtful and too insistent on evidence that You are alive among us.   

May we affirm You as our “Lord and God” each day.  And may the assurance that You have given us life as we have believed in You enable us to act with boldness.  Amen.

Prayer for April 5-11, 2015 

Sermon Text: John 20:1-18

That we will witness to the wonders of your power when Jesus calls our name

God of wonders, we rejoice in this greatest of all wonders—that You have raised Christ Jesus from the dead. 

We rejoice that Mary went to the tomb before it was light, but found it empty.  We rejoice that others believed her words enough to run to the tomb and find it empty.  But more than that, we rejoice that Jesus appeared to Mary and spoke her name, and cut through her confusion and fear so that she could rejoice and tell others that she had seen her Lord, that she had witnessed the great act of new life that You had accomplished.

We rejoice that through the testimony of Mary, and thousands of others who have passed on the word, we have heard and believed that Jesus is alive.  And we rejoice that Jesus has spoken to us, and called us by name, and enabled us to worship You in joyful wonder.      

Energize us to tell this good news with courage and enthusiasm.  Amen.

LENTEN PRAYERS

WALKING WITH JESUS

Day 40: Saturday

Mark 9:14-29

Jesus, we encounter so many situations in which people are caught in the grip of an apparently intractable problem.  We want to help.  We want to be your agents of healing.  But we are stymied by the resistance of the disease, addiction, or oppressing spirit.  Or we are limited by our own wavering faith so that we are not able to act in effective ways.

We believe!  Help our unbelief!  

Enable us to trust You in every situation.  Enable us to discern and follow your guidance in each of our encounters.  Enable us to act with love toward all, but especially those people who are trapped in problems beyond their control.  Energize and focus our prayers so that we may be persistent and not give up even when we do not see quick or clear answers to the needs of the people around us.  Help us to see when your glory shines through and when healing occurs in unexpected ways.  Then, let us voice our praise with boundless joy.  Amen.

LENTEN PRAYERS

WALKING WITH JESUS

Day 39: Friday

Mark 9:1-13

Jesus, You reveal your glory to us in unexpected moments.  You dazzle us!  You terrify us!  We speak, but do not know what to say. 

Somehow your promise is answered in the dazzling glimpse You give of glory that is usually concealed.  Somehow, God’s reign has come in power through your blazing presence.  But we do not know how to grab onto it or enter into it fully. Somehow all of the instruction and prophecy of God’s covenant with Israel has found its fulfillment in this moment.  But we do not know what we should do.

We are more astonished by your presence than we ever have been.  You are revealed to us as Beloved Son of God.  And we believe it!

Listen!  That’s what we are told.  Listen!  Obey!  Follow!  

We listen as we continue to walk with You.  And we remember your glory—glory that we can barely speak about.  Amen.

LENTEN PRAYERS

WALKING WITH JESUS

Day 38: Thursday

Mark 8:34-38  

O Christ, we are not very good at denying ourselves.  We are practiced at satisfying every need and sating every desire as soon as we feel a twinge of lack.  That often makes it difficult for us to focus on your presence and follow your lead.  We are more likely to see You out of the corner of our eye as we gaze with longing at something that we do not have.

Forgive us for being more devoted to our own satisfaction than we are to following You wherever You lead us.  Forgive us for being unwilling to deny ourselves, and set aside the fine lives we have constructed, in order to give of our lives as You have given yours.

Every effort we make to protect and save our lives turns to ashes in our hands.  When we seek only what we want, we come up empty, dissatisfied, insecure, and paralyzed.  When we follow You gladly, even into the depths of suffering and the terror of death, You give us new joy, new energy, new insight, new hope, and new life.  

As we follow You and cling to You, we cling to what is really real.  Let us give our lives gladly for your sake, as You have given yourself for us.  Amen.

LENTEN PRAYERS

WALKING WITH JESUS

Day 37: Wednesday

Mark 8:31-33

    

Jesus, because some of us have followed You for so many years, it sometimes seems that we know every word and every turn in your story.  But we are still shocked when we read and remember that You “must suffer many things,” and “be rejected,” and “be killed.”

Even though You offered some hope by saying, “and after three days rise again,” there is a part of us that wants to say, “No way!  Stop talking like that!  None of those evil things can happen to You!”

We want to give You guidance that You neither need nor request.  But, mostly, we do not want to feel guilty about your pain and death.  We don’t want to think about the fact that our choices have been no small part of the reason You had to suffer, be rejected, and die.  

We deserve your rebuke when we stand in the way of the completion of your mission.  Turn us around so that we can see where You are going and where we must follow.  You know the way even when we are confused, so we will trust You to lead.  Amen.

LENTEN PRAYERS

WALKING WITH JESUS

Day 36: Tuesday

Mark 8:27-30

Jesus, we know You only because You have revealed yourself to us.  You have called us to walk with You, and we have walked beside you for days and weeks and months and years.  We have watched as You have demonstrated your power and authority in many ways: healing the lame and blind, releasing those who were captives of oppressing spirits, declaring forgiveness, and announcing joyful news so the poor would know that God has come near in your own presence and action.

Because You have revealed yourself to us, we acclaim You as God’s Anointed One.  You are our Sovereign.  You enact God’s reign among us.  You generate hope.  You create new realities.  You transform us into fully human beings.  You promise your abiding presence.  

We walk beside You gladly.  We trust You wholly.  We praise You without ceasing.  Amen.

WALKING WITH JESUS

LENTEN PRAYERS 2015

There is rest along the way!  

Lorraine basking at the edge of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River, Arizona, 

after an eleven or twelve mile hike.

WEEK 7

      This journey of prayer has not ended even though we have come to the end of the season of Lent.  Our journey with Jesus has not ended either. 

     The journey with Jesus goes on and on, but there is rest along the way—Sabbath rest—that gives us opportunity to reflect and worship in ways that are different from the reflection and worship that take place while we are in motion and laboring to make progress along the trail (real or imaginary).  It also gives us an opportunity to share fellowship in ways that are different from those we share on the trail.

     We’ve had an opportunity to walk together, and I hope, in this time, that we’ve drawn closer to Jesus, so that we may follow him even more energetically than we have in the past. 

     For now, rest and rejoice in Christ, and find the renewal that comes in celebration of the resurrection.  It is by the same power with which God raised Jesus that the Holy Spirit energizes us for the journey that resumes the day after the resurrection.

Day 35: Monday

Mark 8:22-26

Healing Christ, we rejoice that when people of compassion brought a blind man to You, You also acted with compassion.  You took him by the hand.  You led him.  You touched and healed him by restoring his sight.

You have taken us by the hand.  You have led us away from the clamor around us in order to focus your attention on our needs.  You have touched and healed our vision so that we may see You more clearly.  You have opened our eyes to your healing purpose for all people and all of creation.  

Yet our vision often seems blurred.  We do not see with the clarity that we wish, and so we stumble and act confused as we attempt to follow You.  Heal the blind spots that remain and that keep us from seeing all that You would have us see.  Enable us to follow You with sure-footed, confident trust, as we keep our eyes on You, on the glory of God’s reign through You, and on the world of need that awaits your touch.  Amen.

Prayer for March 29-April 4, 2015

Sermon Text: (Mark 14:1-15:47)

That we may turn from fickle and perverse ways

Jesus, how fickle and even perverse we can be.  You come among us bearing the marks of leadership and acting in sovereignty in order to bring God’s reign of peace among us.  We extol you.  We shout our praises to God.  We rejoice at what appears to be the greatest thing that has ever happened among us.

In just a few days, the story changes.  We are among those who plot against You as your enemies.  We are among those who criticize the extravagant use of resources for your benefit.  We are among those who betray You and deny You.  We are among those who curse You and hurt You and mock and revile You.  We are among those who testify falsely about what You have said and done.  We are among those who scream for your death, lead You to your crucifixion, and taunt You as You hang dying before our eyes.  

But we are also among those who are deeply saddened by their own acts of denial, their own failures to stay close and act loyally in the midst of trial.  We are among those who tend your body and lay it to rest.  We are among those who watch what seems like the final page of your drama with mixed emotions.  We are among those who hope, beyond hope, that your story has not ended.  Amen.