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.