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.