Prayer for January 1-7, 2017

Sermon Text: Matthew 25:31-46

That we may express your love and be guided by your values

O Christ, we long to see your glory. We long to see the day when everything in all of creation is fully reconciled to you and fully reflects your glory.

Align our lives with your compassionate, forgiving, liberating, reconciling purpose. Enable us to express your love and be guided by your values in all of our relationships, but particularly in relationships with those who are most vulnerable. Enable us to see your presence in their lives, to recognize your kinship with them. Then, let generous, caring action flow in gratitude for all that You have done for us.

Enable us to act wisely in relationship to our neighbors. But also enable us not to be overly self-conscious about the choices that we make. Enable us not to be fearful and overly concerned about judgment, but enable us to act with glad courage and trust that You will work goodness as we offer ourselves in obedient compassion.

We glorify your name. Our hope for life is in You.  Amen.

Prayer for December 25-31, 2016
Sermon Text: Luke 2:1-20

That our hearts may overflow endlessly with praise

Light of the world, we rejoice in You! We rejoice that in You we have seen the splendor of God’s holiness. We have heard angels declare God’s glory and we have been moved by awe to rejoice in You and celebrate your life among us.

In You we celebrate the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel. We celebrate the reign of peace and justice that began in your earthly ministry, that conquered sin and death through the cross, and whose consummation we await in joyful hope.  

You are our Wonderful Counselor. You are Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. We cannot stop singing your praise because You keep giving us new songs. You keep shedding the light of truth into our lives. You keep guiding and healing us. You keep forgiving us and setting us free to live for the glory of the God with whom You are one from the beginning and forever. Our hearts overflow endlessly. Amen.

Prayer for December 18-24, 2016

Sermon Text: Matthew 1:18-25

That we may trust You enough to obey your instruction

God, we rejoice that You sent Jesus, to be “God with us,” in the midst of a real history full of terrible times of catastrophe and failure, but also full of celebration and praise.

We thank You for making yourself and your will known through dreams and visions. And we celebrate those who were attentive enough to You that they received your word in unexpected ways and moments.

   

Open our minds! Open our hearts! Enable us to receive your word for us today. Enable us to welcome Jesus even when he encounters us in ways that we could not anticipate. Enable us to trust You enough to obey your instruction even when it seems too difficult to us.

We rejoice that through Jesus You have brought forgiveness of sins to your people. We rejoice to be counted among your forgiven ones.

  

Enable us to share the good news of your forgiveness by being people of forgiveness.  

We will keep rejoicing in Jesus Immanuel for as long as You give us breath. Amen.

Prayer for December 11-17, 2016

Sermon Text: Luke 1:46-55

That we may be useful to You as You accomplish your purpose of setting the world right

God, we praise your name! We bow before You in humility! We rejoice in all that You have done for your people! And we rejoice that You have chosen those who are not wise or powerful, like Mary, in order to accomplish your purpose of setting the world right.

We celebrate prophetic words that point to the great work that You have begun in Jesus Christ and that You will bring to completion at the last day. We rejoice that pride (including ours) will be undone. We rejoice that unjust power structures will be overturned.  

We rejoice that the poor will receive justice. We rejoice that your people will receive mercy as your deepest promises to them are fulfilled in unexpected ways. We rejoice in You and put all our hope in You! Amen.

Prayer for December 4-10, 2016

Isaiah 11:1-10

That we may be just and peaceful servants of Christ’s reign

God, our Creator, we rejoice that a fruit-bearing Branch has sprung from the root of Jesse, whom we know as Jesus of Nazareth, and whom we acclaim as our Savior and Friend.

We rejoice that his entire ministry was empowered by the presence of your Spirit within him. We rejoice that You gave him wisdom and understanding and enabled him to act with authority. We rejoice that his life was so fully given to You that doing your will was his source of nourishment.

We rejoice that Jesus acted on behalf of the poor and needy: befriending, preaching, healing, and exorcising oppressive spirits. We thank You that he did not come as a conquering hero, shedding blood on every side, but that he was willing to shed his own blood as an expression of your unfathomable love for humankind. And we rejoice, that through his great self-sacrifice, he has created a way for your peaceful reign to come to fruition among us. 

Many have flocked to his banner as just and peaceful servants of his reign. We await with hope the day when all “the nations will rally to him.” Because You are faithful, we know that our hope is not in vain. Amen.

Prayer for November 27-December 3, 2016

Sermon Text: Matthew 24:36-44

That we may be alert for your presence as we complete the work You have given us to do    

God of all, we wish to know the time of Jesus’ return, but since only You know, we leave aside all attempts to calculate the day and hour. We trust You to choose the right time for the completion of your plan to bring your reign of peace and justice on earth as in heaven.

Enable us to discern the truth about what is happening in the world around us. Enable us to resist the spirit of lawlessness that opposes your reconciling work and prevent it from taking root in our lives.  

Enable us to live, each day, alert for your presence, doing the tasks to which You have called us and serving those whom You have placed in our lives. We rejoice that You have chosen to set us apart by and for your truth. We cling to your word and find constant encouragement and hope in You. Amen.

Prayer for November 20-26, 2016

Sermon Text: Colossians 1:11-20

That our lives may more fully reflect your glory

God of all things, in whose image we have been created, we rejoice that You are at work in us through the prayers of others, and through the guidance of your Spirit, so that our lives will more fully reflect your glory into your world.

We rejoice that your Spirit is giving us more complete wisdom and understanding about your desire to unite all things together in Christ Jesus. We rejoice that your Spirit is energizing us for fruitful labors for justice and peace. We rejoice that your Spirit gives us patience and endurance for ongoing faithfulness in the face of resistance. We rejoice that You have made us yours and that we share in the reign of Christ Jesus and the inheritance of your holy people.

We rejoice, most of all, in Christ Jesus, who has fully embodied your justice and covenant faithfulness among us. We rejoice that everything is being bound together in Christ, who has supremacy over all, and whose great act of service and suffering, on the cross, overcame our alienation from You, and every other form of alienation, so that You will be glorified in everything. 

We will rejoice continually in You! Amen.

Prayer for November 13-19, 2016

Sermon Text: Isaiah 65:17-25

That we may labor fruitfully in your reign of peace

God of covenant love, we rejoice in your faithfulness to your people. We rejoice that in your fidelity you are creating new heavens and new earth that will displace both our sad and jubilant memories with new realities that are fully aligned with your desire that your people will reflect your glory into your healed and healing world.

We rejoice in You forever. We hope and take delight in You. We find comfort in your nearness.

We take hope that we will enjoy and share lives of fullness, taking pleasure in fruitful work that nurtures peaceful and just relationships among all people and all creatures. 

We rejoice that You have heard our prayers and that You often do so as or before we ask. You are incomparable in your wisdom and generosity. We seek and serve You with joy! Amen.

Prayer for November 6-12, 2016

Sermon Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 

That we may stand firm in truth

Lord Jesus Christ, we rejoice in all that You have done in order to prepare us to live in your reign, now and in the age to come. We rejoice in the hope that we will be gathered to you and share in your glory.

But we are often anxious about the fulfillment of your promise. We are anxious about the array of powers that have resisted You, throughout the ages, and that resist You still. We are anxious about our ability to perceive the truth when so many versions of “truth” are offered to us.

We are sorry that we have resisted You in more ways than we care to remember, but rejoice that your forgiveness is working itself out in our lives so that we are able, with the assistance of your Spirit, to remain faithful even when our faith is severely challenged.  

We trust in You! We are encouraged by your presence and your word. You have energized us for good deeds and good words. We cling to the truth that You have revealed to us, even as we dedicate ourselves as servants of your reign of peace and love. Amen.

Prayer for October 30-November 5, 2016 

Sermon Text: Luke 19:1-10

That we will make ourselves vulnerable before You

Jesus, Son of Man, we rejoice that You came among us and that You are among us still by your Spirit.

Give us such a deep hunger for your presence that we will allow nothing to obscure our vision of You. Give us such a deep hunger for You that we will make ourselves completely vulnerable and even face public embarrassment in order to respond truly to You.

We know that we need You, but we often grow lackadaisical as your followers and friends. Overcome our slowness of heart and mind. Enable us to make reparations for the wrongs we have done. 

Forgive us when we deem others unworthy of your presence. Soften our hearts toward all who need You, even as you draw us and them close together in your strong embrace. Amen.

Prayer for October 23-29, 2016 

Sermon Text: (Luke 18:9-14)

That we will lay aside every strategy for justifying ourselves

Justifying God – we have become so practiced at rationalizing our decisions and justifying ourselves that we are often barely aware of our need for You.  We look around at the world and see that many others need You and that the world at large is in need of a whole scale intervention by You, but we cannot see our own need for You. We convince ourselves that we are fine. We convince ourselves that we are holy and that we already have it made in this life and in the life to come.

But your word has a way of piercing our heart and mind and turning our rationalizations and justifications to dust. Your word has a way of illuminating our failures, and our rebellion, with such clarity that we do not see only because we have stubbornly chosen to remain blind.

Enable us to see in great clarity our daily need for you. Enable us to lay aside every strategy for justifying ourselves before others and before You.  

Forgive us for our arrogance! Transform us in every way that You see is necessary. Amen. 

Prayer for October 16-22, 2016 

Sermon Text: Luke 18:1-8

That we may be assured that your desire for justice cannot be thwarted

God of justice, enable us to pursue justice with tenacity. Enable us to seek justice broadly, not just for ourselves, but for all who need companions and advocates in their struggle to receive what is their due. Enable us to seek justice without arrogant belligerence, but with prayerful and courageous trust.

When we are tempted to give up, let our sisters and brothers on the journey prod us along and take us by the hand and speak words of encouragement. Enable us to do those things for them too, so that together we grow strong in our trust that You are leading us and that your desire for justice cannot ultimately be thwarted.  

Enable us, by word and action, to answer Jesus’ question: “Yes! There is faith among us. Yes! We trust You! Yes! We are pursuing your agenda as You enable us! Yes! Amen.

Prayer for October 2-8, 2016 

Sermon Text: Psalm 137

That our thoughts may be turned away from revenge

God of compassion, we take heart when You enable us to voice our lament, because we know that You will listen.

How difficult it is when it seems that our life has been taken from us. How difficult, when all that gives us joy is confiscated, hidden or destroyed. How frustrating and painful when we are expected to put a good face on our misery.

In such moments, we often forget what is most important to us. We forget the values that have guided us. We turn from thoughts of compassion and mercy in order to imagine violent revenge against those who have brought us misery.  

Enable us to be aware of our deepest feelings and speak them to You with honesty. But turn our hearts away from revenge. Turn our hearts away from violence. Turn our thoughts to You. Then, at the right time, free us to sing your praise again. Amen.

Prayer for October 9-15, 2016 

Sermon Text: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7

That our vision may exceed our experience and understanding

God we know that many millions of people live as exiles from their people, homes and lands. We are not among them except as we have alienated ourselves from You and from those who have been significant shapers of our lives. We pray that You will be home to homesick exiles and that You will enable us to practice bold hospitality—welcoming strangers and acting in ways that bring comfort, healing and hope.

Wherever we find ourselves, we know that You have not abandoned us. You are not ignorant of the situations and places in which we live. You intend to use us for your purpose of blessing every people group throughout the entire world.

We place our lives in your hands. Give us vision that exceeds our limited experience and understanding. Enable us to seek the welfare of our neighbors, even those neighbors who think of us as enemies. Energize us to be the agents of your peace every place we go.  

We do not know what to expect, but You know, and we trust You.  Amen.

Prayer for September 25-October 1, 2016 

Sermon Text: Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15

That our lives may be more fully attuned to your covenant love

God of knowledge and wisdom, we rejoice and trust in You. We seek your face today.

But we confess that we frequently close our ears and our hearts to your word, so that we are ignorant of those aspects of our lives that are out of tune with your covenant love and in need of correction and transformation.

We confess that we expect a future of limited possibilities, and so we do all we can to try to secure our lives for ourselves instead of trusting that You, in your great faithfulness and creativity, will create and secure our lives anew.  

Speak your prophetic word to us through any agent You choose. Enable us to hear. Enable us to turn from the sin You have already defeated. Enable us to hope in You for real life. Amen.

Prayer for September 18-24, 2016 

Sermon Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-7

That your desire to redeem and illuminate all people will energize our prayer and action

God of all people and of all creation, we worship You and give you praise! You alone are worthy! You alone are God!

We confess, Holy One, that we are more inclined to pray for our circle of relatives and friends than we are to pray for all people. We confess that we are more likely to complain about inept or displeasing leadership than we are to pray that your Spirit will guide those in authority into wise action.

We confess that most of the time we are content enough with our own lives that we don’t much care if people outside our closest circles survive or thrive or experience your justice and peace.

Energize us for diligent prayer on behalf of our neighbors and those in authority. Give us a vision for a world of justice and peace that stirs us to persistent prayer and courageous, holy action. Fill us with deep compassion for neighbors and strangers that stirs us to declare and enact your love for them.  

May the truth of your desire to redeem and illuminate all people become evident in and through our lives as we follow and point to Jesus. Amen.

September 11-17, 2016 

Sermon Text: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

That we may practice the “immense patience” You have shown to us

O God, our Strength and our Redeemer, we rejoice in your ability to transform life. We rejoice that You are able to overcome blasphemy, violence, ignorance, and unbelief by your costly mercy and love. We rejoice that You are able to turn brutal enemies of your people into courageous servants in your life-giving realm.

We are sinners, often rebellious and weak in faith. But we are thankful that Christ came to save sinners and that You have acted with “immense patience” toward us, enabling us to minister to others so that they might believe in Jesus Christ and receive the enduring life he gives.  

Sovereign One, we have seen your glory in Christ Jesus. All honor is yours! Amen!

Prayer for September 4-10, 2016

Sermon Text: Philemon 1-21

That we may help create paths to freedom for those who are enslaved

Liberating, Loving God, enable us to act in love in all of our relationships. Enable us to set aside our desire to control others and make them subservient to our will. Enable us to be people of forgiveness who forgive as we have been forgiven. Enable us to be dear sisters and brothers to one another, practicing hospitality and generosity with gladness.

Make us sensitive to the many forms of bondage and slavery that continue to exist in our world today. Help us discern desires and practices that are made possible by the exploitation, servitude and diminishment of other people, and enable us to alter those desires and practices in ways that help create paths to freedom.  

Open our eyes to see the ways of justice. Open our lips to speak a prophetic word that calls for your justice to be done. Shape our character and action to reflect your just ways. Amen.

Prayer for August 28-September 3, 2016

Sermon Text: Luke 14:1, 7-14

That we may be humble agents of your healing love

God of compassion, we rejoice in the healing works that You accomplished, through Jesus Christ, even in the face of the silent resistance of those who could not acknowledge the goodness of his action.

Enable our full commitment to your agenda of forgiveness, healing, liberation and justice. Enable bold action on our behalf.

Forgive us when we are hard-hearted toward those who need a healing touch. Forgive us when we will not acknowledge holy works that fall outside the narrow boundaries of our expectations.

Do not let us get caught up in games of power and prestige, but enable us to respond to You, and to our many neighbors, with humility and love. Amen.

Prayer for August 21-27, 2016 

Sermon Text: Luke 13:10-17

That we may live as signs that your reign is surely near

Healing God, we rejoice in You! We rejoice that in Jesus’ presence many found and still do find healing, freedom from bondage, and new life.

We rejoice that Jesus was not diverted from speaking and enacting good news by either the cold silence or the threatening opposition of others.

Enable us to speak and act with similar courage. Enable us to live as signs that your reign is coming, slowly and surely, in spite of ongoing opposition from many quarters, even from within our own hearts.

Forgive us when the healing and liberation of others draws no praise from our lips. Forgive us when we act holy, but lack the life-giving energy of holiness. 

Energize us for praise, and energize us to do the works that Jesus did, as Jesus’ faithful followers. Amen.

Prayer for August 14-20, 2016 

Sermon Text: Psalm 80

That we may find our voice when our hearts are desolate

God, we have not often felt such abandonment and despair that tears became our food and drink. We have not often felt such desolation that it seemed that You had fully and angrily rejected our prayers.

When we have felt such rejection and hopelessness, we have not been quick to speak about it. We have typically kept silent and told no one.

Enable us to find our voice. Enable us to speak truly to You when we are feeling desolate and desperate.

Draw our hearts to you in faithfulness. Where there has been slippage between our faith claims and our faith practices, enable our repentance, heal and restore us, and enable us to praise You with our full being.  

Turn your face to us! You are our healing and our delight! Amen.

Prayer for August 7-13, 2016

Sermon Text: Hebrews 11:1-16

That You will deepen our hope for your full reign    

O God, give us confidence in your many promises. Give us assurance that what You have said You will do. Fill our hearts with hope in your presence and in your faithful action that is creating a realm of justice, peace, and love that is not easily visible to us now.

Enable us, as your holy people, to offer ourselves to You as gladly and completely as You have given yourself to us. Enable us to please You by faithful action. Enable us to be agents of restoration of the world that You made and love so deeply.

Give us enough faith that we will venture to unknown places in order to experience the abundant life You desire for your children. Let new life emerge from that which is as good as dead in us and among us.

We rejoice in all that we have seen and received as fulfillment of your saving promises. But we await, with anticipation and hope, the city that You are preparing, the New Jerusalem that You will establish among us by your power, your mercy, and your love.  

We trust You, the Beginning and End of all things. Amen.

Prayer for July 31-August 6, 2016 

Sermon Text: Luke 12:13-21

That we will not allow greed to isolate us from You and our neighbors

Jesus, though You did not come to judge, our thoughts and actions stand continuously under the judgment of your teaching and action that call us to repentance and change.

When we carefully examine our lives, we see that greed is masked in many ways. We may call it a desire for fairness, or practical wisdom, or good common sense, but we are easily deceived, by our own anxiety, when it comes to the accrual, management and significance of money and other forms of wealth.

Most of us have more than enough, but we also have more than enough rationalizations about why what we have is not enough.

Forgive us! Change us!  

Prevent us from allowing our resources to isolate us from You and from our neighbors. Free us from our bondage to the idol of wealth. Enable us to see your desire for us when we think about our varied resources. Enable us to see our neighbors in their need and respond with glad generosity.

Prayer for July 24-30, 2016 

Sermon Text: Luke 11:1-13

That we may be daring and persistent in prayer

Christ Jesus, like your early disciples, we do not always know how to pray. We do not know how to express our true needs adequately, and we are embarrassed to ask for assistance.

However, when your disciples asked for instruction in prayer, you taught them. And we, centuries later, have learned the prayer you taught from generations who learned it, prayed it, and treasured it.  We pray as your disciples, and without embarrassment that -

Your name will be honored and your reign come in fullness among us;

That You will feed us what we need today;

That You will forgive every one of our sins and enable us to practice forgiveness 

toward all who have offended or harmed us;

That You will not lead us into temptation, but into glad obedience of God’s word. 

Enable us to be daring and persistent as we ask, seek, and knock upon your door for help. Enable us to trust You for everything that we need. Enable us to trust in the wise and deep generosity of God the Father, with whom You are one.  Amen.

Prayer for July 17-23, 2016

Sermon Text: Luke 10:38-42 

Christ Jesus, we want to welcome You into our life as a congregation and into our individual lives. But frankly, we are often so busy and distracted by our sense of obligation and our full agendas that we are unable to rest in your presence.

     We are unable to stop thinking about ourselves.

     We are unable to let go of our anxiety.

     We are unable to listen to your word.

     And so, we are unable to learn the specific tasks that You are calling and sending us to do.  

Free us to hear You in such a way that we receive new energy for service and witness that is free of anxiety and self-consciousness. Enable us to choose what is most necessary. Enable us to listen with open hearts and then obey with gladness. Amen.

Prayer for July 10-16, 2016

Texts: Genesis 37:3-11, 42:6; Psalm 23; Romans 8:18-39; John 14:1-14

God of all creation, we rejoice in your unfailing mercy and love. We rejoice in your constant care. We rejoice that your Holy Spirit is continuously present with us as Comforter and Guide. We rejoice that You are at work in every situation to do good for your people.

God of all, we believe that your reign is sure. We believe that You are achieving your purposes even though we cannot always see how that is true when we consider our personal circumstances or pay attention to the world around us.

Deepen our trust in You. Make us strong and courageous followers of Jesus. Let your Spirit guide our prayers. Enable us to draw strength from You in every circumstance: in moments of struggle and pain, as well as in moments of opportunity and blessing. 

You are our Sovereign, and we rejoice in You! Amen.

Prayer for July 3-9, 2016

Sermon Text: 2 Kings 5:1-14

That we will receive your healing and serve as your healing agents

God of all people, no position or power makes us immune to the painful and embarrassing trials of life.

But no trial of sickness, disease, injury, grief, defeat, or sin places us beyond the reach of your prophetic and healing word. We are never beyond your reach. We are never outside of the scope of your mercy. And we can never be sure about whom You will use in order to do your restoring work in our lives.

You are able to use the weakest and most humble people in order to do your powerful work in our lives. You are able to use the familiar and the despised in order to touch our lives with newness.

We like to think that we know the limits within which You are able to work, but You constantly surprise us and show us that You have unlimited ability to achieve your healing, reconciling work in the world.  

We rejoice the ways that You have brought healing to our lives. Use us as agents of your healing for others.  Amen.

Prayer for June 26-July 2, 2016 

Sermon Text: 2 Kings 2:1-14

That we may face the future with determination

Sovereign God, we know that our lives are in your hands. We know that your ways and thoughts are not ours and that your ways are often a great mystery to us. But we rejoice in your wisdom. We trust in your timing. We hope solely and wholly in You.

We will learn from those whom You send to instruct us. We will follow where You lead us. We will seek the help and energy of your Spirit for every task that You give us. We will rejoice in every glimpse that we receive of your power and glory.

Help us not to be afraid. Help us face with determination the future that You are creating for us.

Lead us on, one step at a time, one day at a time, until we have completed our journey with You. 

You are our Source and Destination. You are our Hope and Satisfaction. You are our life. We rejoice in You with abundant praise and thanksgiving. Amen.

Prayer for June 19-25, 2016

Sermon Texts: 1 Kings 19:1-15a, Luke 8:26-39

That we will trust You more as You instruct and help us

God, our Help, there are times when we feel that every effort we have made to obey your word and trust fully in your promises and guidance have ended in futility. We feel deeply threatened. We feel alone. We lose hope. We fail to trust You. We forget all of the ways that You have been present with us, provided for us, and empowered us for faithful service.

In the midst of our despair You meet us and provide for us. You nourish and energize us. You draw us to yourself. You ask us what we are doing.  You demonstrate your power and give us a glimpse of your glory. You speak to us in the smallest of whispers, searing our hearts and healing us in imperceptible ways. Finally, you urge us back to life with new tasks. 

Sometimes it seems that very little has changed, but we are able to be a bit less fearful, trust You a bit more, and do as You instruct as You help us. With humble hearts, we thank You for your mercy. Amen.

Prayer for June 12-18, 2016 

Sermon Text: 1 Kings 21:1-21a

That our communal life will display your generosity and justice

God of Justice, we know that powerful people are accustomed to getting what they want (and we are too). We know that many will resort to devious and violent means in order to achieve their ends. And we know that many people will simply remain silent in the face of unjust and even deadly action, afraid to draw attention to themselves, afraid to be victimized.

Raise up prophetic voices among us. Enable us to be courageous people of truth. Enable us to speak against the injustice that is so evident in the world around us. Enable your church to confront powers that thrive by greed and violence.

Forgive us when we are so enmeshed in greed that we cannot see the injustice and violence that sustains it. Root out our greed! 

Forgive us for our lack of trust that You are able and are now at work to create a world of compassion and generous sharing in which the needs of all people are met and fear no longer drives lives of greed. Demolish our fears! Energize us for communal living that displays your generosity and justice. Amen.

Prayer for June 5-11, 2016 

Sermon Text: 1 Kings 17:8-24: Luke 7:11-17

That our worship will unleash bold acts of ministry

Wise God, we rejoice that You are able to sustain a prophetic word to your people even when political powers and hard-hearted people seek to silence your voice. We rejoice that You are able to provide and to sustain life even when resources seem nonexistent and the future seems bleak. We rejoice that You are able to bring new life from death and new hope from despair. We rejoice that You are able to use your weak and fallible people to perform your wonders of sustenance and healing.

Let our rejoicing generate deeper faith among us. Let our praise stimulate courageous acts of trust. Let our worship unleash us for bold acts of ministry that convince others of the truth of your word. 

Our life is from You and to You. Use us to advance your healing, reconciling work in the world You created and love.

Prayer for May 29-June 4, 2016 

Sermon Text: Luke 7:1-10

That we will recognize and obey the authority of Jesus

O God, give us bold, deep trust that begins in humility. Enable us to recognize the authority that Jesus has for every dimension of our lives and turn to him, in trust, for the fulfillment of every need. Help us, at the same time, to act in obedience to every word of instruction and command that we receive from him.

Forgive us when we act as though we are a law unto ourselves, completely autonomous in all of our decision-making. Forgive us when we think we are self-sufficient and in need of no one. Shatter these delusions!

Show us the depth of our need for Christ’s presence and for our sisters and brothers of faith who minister to us with the gifts of your Spirit.  

We are unworthy of your many gifts, but You have chosen us as your people, your children. You have promised your presence, guidance, wisdom, and blessing. We take you at your word! Amen.

Prayer for May 22-28, 2016

Sermon texts: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8

That we may act in faithful and meaningful ways

God our Creator, we rejoice that everything You made was made in wisdom. We may not be able to plumb the mysteries of all that You have made, but we delight in their grandeur and complexity. We are moved by beauty that reflects your glory. 

We hear the invitation of wisdom and we turn to You in order to receive it as your gift. Let our wisdom begin with awe in your presence. Instruct us in your ways! Give us understanding! 

Forgive us when we cling to foolish and damaging habits and react in thoughtless ways to the world around us. Enable us to see and choose those actions that are truly faithful and meaningful. Enable us to act in ways that foster hope and healing in the world. Help us show by our actions that we are truly your children. Amen.

Prayer for May 15-21, 2016

Sermon Text: Acts 2:1-21

That your Spirit will sweep into our presence in surprising ways

God of all, we rejoice that You have poured out your Spirit upon your people. We rejoice that You gave so generously of yourself and that gender, age and economic differences did not limit your kindness. We rejoice in the surprise of your disciples and the amazement of all who witnessed the new thing You had done. We rejoice that You broke through language barriers in order to enable people to speak and hear of your saving acts. You are incomparable! We praise You with joy!

Sometimes our faith seems tired and worn. Let your Spirit sweep into our presence in surprising new ways. Blow away all that is dead and dry within us. Let our hearts burn with love for You and for the people around us. Fill us with new hope. Expand our vision for the future You are creating. Energize us for bold witness and glad service. Break down every barrier to communicating your love boldly. 

We thank You for fulfilling your promise. We rejoice in You and in your gift. Let your Spirit guide us and touch other lives through ours. Amen.

Prayer for May 8-14, 2016

Sermon Text: Acts 16:16-34

That we may be agents of your liberating love

God of wonders, we rejoice that You are able to break every chain. You are able to bring new life and joyful freedom from every form of bondage,  those we take upon ourselves and those that are pressed upon us by other people and by powers that seem beyond our control.

Forgive us when we clutch our chains as though they were our salvation. Forgive us when we profit from keeping other people in bondage. Forgive us when we seek our freedom everywhere but in Christ.

Enable us to face the truth about those things that bind us. Show us where we are ensnared in ways that we do not yet recognize. Free us from every form of bondage: our sins, fears, and addictions, our devotion to false gods, the oppressive actions of others, and even our own narrow vision.  

Transform us! Then let our lives be a sign that draws others to your liberating and transforming love.  Amen.

Prayer for May 1-7, 2016

Sermon Text: Acts 6:6-15

That we may be agents of healing and wholeness for your creation

God of glory, we rejoice in the beauty and complexity of creation! We rejoice that You called everything You made, “Very good!”

We rejoice that You have placed us in this world and that You have given us responsibility to nurture and care for the earth and enhance its fruitfulness.

Although you have given us great responsibility, we remember that the earth is not our own. Forgive us for the times when we have forgotten that the earth is yours. Forgive us for the times when we have used creation in greedy, reckless and violent ways, and assumed that we could act as though there were no limits upon our desires.

Transform us! Enable us to hear your creatures as they cry for help. Enable us to be agents of your healing and wholeness.  

Enable us, now, and in the end, to join all of creation in worshiping You as part of one grand and glorious choir.  Amen.

Note: I had agreed to preach a sermon related to the crisis of climate change. My emphasis was on care for creation. I used the story of Paul's call to Macedonia as a springboard to invite us to hear the call of creation for our help. Romans 8's word about the groaning of creation was also in the back of my mind.

Prayer for April 24-30, 2016

Sermon Text: Revelation 21:1-6

That our hearts will be fully open to the future You are preparing

God of Creation, we rejoice in You. We rejoice that all things have their beginning in You and will find their conclusion in You. We rejoice that You are transforming heaven and earth so that everything will be made new.

We rejoice in your promise that You will dwell permanently among your people in your renewed creation. We rejoice that You will bring an end to all of the sadness and sorrow, pain, death and mourning that have been such a part of our experience.

We long to witness and participate in the great wedding celebration that You are preparing. And we yearn to live in unbroken fellowship with You.  

Keep reminding us of your promise of newness. Keep reminding us that your Spirit is with us now. Open our hearts fully for the future that You are creating. Let us hope in you, each day, as we await the fulfillment of all of your promises. Amen.

Prayer for April 10-16, 2016

Sermon Text: Acts 9:1-20

That multitudes who resist You will turn to You with gladness

Risen Christ, we rejoice in You! We rejoice that You are able to work in surprising ways in order to draw people into the sphere of your mercy and love. We rejoice that You are able to transform the hearts of even the people who are most resistant to You. You are able to undo hatred and violence.

We rejoice that You are able to inspire courage in your disciples so that some will go into situations of threat in order to bring about your healing and be channels of your Holy Spirit. We rejoice that You are able to make those who had been resistant to You into faithful witnesses who speak your word and who enact your healing and liberation for many.  

Christ, we rejoice that You have revealed yourself to us. We rejoice that You have overcome our resistance by confronting us and calling us by name. We rejoice that You have sent agents of your healing to us in order to heal our blindness and enable your Spirit to flow through our lives. We gladly tell of your many mercies and pray that multitudes who resist You now will turn to You with gladness. Amen

Prayer for April 17-23, 2016 

Sermon Text: Acts 9:36-43

That You will energize us in new ways

Wondrous God, neither resuscitation nor resurrection are common parts of our experience. But when we read or hear these stories, we are convinced that You are able to give us new life. You are able to heal every sickness and disease, break the chains that bind us in order to release us from every form of spiritual bondage, and energize us in ways that we have never experienced before, so that we seem new and everything else in all of creation seems new too.

Work in and through us by the same power with which You raised Jesus Christ from death. Let others see your glory in the transformation of our lives. Let others experience your newness as we befriend and minister to them in the name of Jesus.   

May your Spirit breathe through us without resistance, but forgive us when we do resist. Forgive us when we refuse the change to which You call us. Forgive us when we choose to cling to fear and the ways of death that paralyze us and keep us from being wholly ourselves. Forgive us when we are thoroughly conformed to the ways of the world.  

We rejoice that You are making all things new. Make us new today. Breathe new life into us once more. Amen. 

Prayer for April 3-9, 2016

Sermon Text: Acts 5:27-32

That we may be hopeful and steadfast witnesses

God of resurrection, let your power flow through us in such ways that many experience healing and release from spiritual bondage. Enable us to witness and serve in bold ways. As we do so, draw many people to believe in Jesus and become his disciples.

Do not let us be turned aside from our calling to be your witnesses by those who do not acknowledge You, those who are jealous of the communion of joy and peace in which we share, or those who would pressure us to stop bearing witness to your name and your resurrection.  

Enable us to be steadfast in our hope in You and in our witness to You. You are the one who has created us, redeemed us, and called us to your service. You are our Sovereign. We acknowledge your authority in every dimension of our lives. Amen.

Prayer for March 27-April 2, 2016

Sermon Text: John 20:1-18

That we may declare the good news that You are alive among us

Jesus, what a confusing time it was when Mary came to your tomb and found it empty. How her grief over your death deepened when she thought someone had stolen your body.

Then . . . you spoke her name and grief was transformed into joy and adoration. Hallelujah! Then . . . you sent her to tell the good news and she went with gladness, declaring, “I have seen the Lord.”  Hallelujah!

We have been no less confused about the events surrounding your death and resurrection. Your death seemed so unnecessary; your resurrection so impossible!

Yet, in the midst of our confusion, grief, and doubt, You have met us, have spoken our names, and have filled us with joy. Hallelujah!

Some You met as we sought You and yearned for You. Hallelujah!

Others You found who had given up hope, or who had never consciously sought You, appearing before us in nearly dreamlike ways. Hallelujah!  

Each one to whom You revealed yourself has heard your command to tell others the good news that You are alive among us. Hallelujah! Give us courage and energy to tell as many as we can: “We have seen the Lord!” Amen.

Note: This was the text I intended to use for Easter, but did not. So this prayer will be used in our Tuesday prayer time, but not during today's worship.

PRAYING FOR GOD'S REIGN: LENTEN PRAYERS

DAY 40: SATURDAY  Deliver us from evil

O God! In our deepest moments of agony, when it seems that we may be overwhelmed and defeated by evil all around, we cry to You, in desperation, wondering why You have forsaken us and left us alone and unprotected. Why have we been brought so low? How long must we endure our desolation? 

Surround us with your love Gracious One! Be our Protector and Deliverer! We know that we are unable to stand against evil on our own, but we have seen your deliverance in the history of your people and in our own lives.  We call on You because we trust in You even when it appears, for at least a time, that You have abandoned us.

In your goodness, go ahead of us, follow us, and walk beside us as we face every kind of threat that would undermine our faith and cause us to turn from You. Give us the fortitude to keep our eyes on Jesus who endured everything that evil powers could muster against him. Remind us that through Jesus’ deep vulnerability and apparent defeat, You have defeated every false power, every authority that would attempt to usurp your own Sovereignty. 

We cling to your promise of deliverance with great hope! Amen. 

This is the final post for Praying for God's Reign. Thank you for following. Keep praying that God's reign will come in fullness, that God's desire will be enacted as fully on earth as in heaven. Tomorrow celebrate the resurrection of Christ with great joy and hope.

GOOD FRIDAY PRAYERS

Biblical Texts: Psalm 22:1-21, Isaiah 52:13-53:12  

You who were despised and rejected and suffered deeply because of us, forgive us!

We are shamed by memories of our own rejection of You. We are shamed to know that we were like ravenous beasts who longed to tear your flesh and destroy You.

     We mocked and insulted You.    

     We pierced You.

     We gloated over You.

     We despised You.

But You endured it all for our sake and for the sake of people everywhere.

Our sins brought You affliction. Our sins crushed You. 

But through your suffering, You brought us healing and peace. Such willing, suffering love is too deep for us to comprehend, but we humble ourselves before You in gratitude. Amen.

Leader:            Christ Jesus, how did You endure the hour when darkness reigned?

People:            How did you endure the sellout and crass betrayal by

                        one of your closest friends?

Leader:            How did you endure the petty squabbling of your

                        followers for supremacy among them?

People:            How did you endure it when another of your closest

                        friends denied, repeatedly, that he knew you?

Leader:            How did you endure the mockery and beating?

People:            How did you endure the demands that you prophesy?

Leader:            How did you endure the false accusations?

People:            How did you endure the acquiescence to pressure by

                        one who declared you innocent?

Leader:            How did you endure the bitter trade—your life for that

                        of a known criminal?

People:            How did you endure the agony of the cross?

Leader:            Some days we can understand neither the how nor the

                        why of everything that You endured.

People:            Some days it all seems so desperate and pointless.

Leader:            Yet, somehow, through all of this, You remained true to your own vision.

People:            Somehow, through all of this, You defeated sin and

                        death.

Leader:            This is a deep, deep mystery.

All:                  We ponder it in hope. Amen.