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.