Prayer for December 30, 2012-

January 5, 2013 

Sermon Text: Luke 2:41-52

That we may have a deep consciousness that we are your children

Wise God, we thank You for Jesus who came among us as your Servant to call us to forgiveness, transform us in your likeness, and energize us for worship, service and witness. 

We thank You that Jesus shared our human experience, growing in wisdom and self-awareness as he grew physically.

Help us grow in your wisdom.  Give us a thirst to know your word thoroughly and to let it become rooted in our hearts.  Enable us to develop a deep consciousness that we are your children and a deep desire to live every moment in awareness of your presence and your call upon our lives.

We seek You with joy because You have sought and found us first.  Amen.

Prayer for December 23-29, 2012 

Sermon Text: Luke 1:39-55

That every moment of our lives may be a moment of praise

O that every fiber of our being would be attuned to your presence among us, God our Savior!  O that our response to your presence would be blessing, thanksgiving and praise!

We bless You for Mary who welcomed your presence and offered herself as your servant.  We bless You for the child who leaped in Elizabeth’s womb.  We bless You for the sensitivity and boldness given to Elizabeth by your Holy Spirit, and for the words of blessing that poured from her mouth.  We bless You for Mary’s prophetic song about your great transforming work on behalf of your people.

We rejoice, God of all creation, that You were at work in Mary and Elizabeth and their unborn children, and that You are at work, now, to put creation right—to remember and raise up and satisfy those who have been oppressed, to transform human systems into sources of your blessing.

God, we rejoice that the Coming One, Jesus, has come, and has drawn us to you, and has transformed our lives.  May every moment of our lives be a moment of praise!  Amen.

December 16-22, 2012 (Luke 3:7-18)

That our lives may produce inviting fruit

God our maker, make us fruitful!  Let your Spirit move in and through us so that our character and action are consistent with the faith we claim.

Let works of generosity, justice, and love flow from our lives in obedience to your call upon us and in gratitude for your forgiveness and transforming work in our lives.

When our commitment to You wanes or when our actions deny the faith we claim, send your prophets to us to call us back to you and to pull us back into the flow of your renewing love and into the path of obedience.

Let the good news of your great love for us and the salvation you have offered to us produce inviting fruit that draws others to You.  Amen.

Prayer for December 9-15, 2012 

Sermon Text: Luke 3:1-6

That we may smooth the way for Christ’s coming to those who do not know him

God our Sovereign, we rejoice that your foolishness is greater than human wisdom.  We rejoice that You are not limited by the aspirations and intentions of political and religious leaders, but are able to work among us to bring new life even when we are not looking for it.

You who call us to be your own people, we are surprised by and rejoice in your ability to call forth new, prophetic leadership that challenges us and enables us to envision Christ’s continuing work of salvation among us.

Forgive us when we are not alert for your presence.  Forgive us when we do not care enough to prepare for your coming among us.

Give us the energy and insight necessary to smooth and straighten the paths by which Christ approaches to bring salvation to many who do not yet know him.

We rejoice that You have come among us in Jesus Christ.  We rejoice that You are still coming among us through your Word and by your Spirit.  We await Christ’s return in glory with hope and gladness.  Amen.

Prayer for December 2-8, 2012 

Sermon Text: Luke 21:25-36

That we may be alert for your presence in the world

God of all creation, we await the return of Jesus with joyful anticipation.  We rejoice that the day will come when we will see You face to face and live with You forever.

Give us wisdom to interpret the signs that we see in the world around us.  But don’t let us get bogged down in the search for signs or in futile predictions about Jesus’ return.

Instead, let the awareness You give us keep us alert for your presence and activity in the world now.  Keep us doing the work of neighbor love that you have commanded.  Keep us telling the good news of the salvation You offer through Jesus Christ—the abundant life of peace and joy that You intend for us.  Keep us pursuing your justice for those who have been pushed aside, cast down, and trampled.  Help us rouse each other for courageous faithfulness.

Forgive us when we become careless of your presence or full of anxiety that paralyzes us and undermines our trust in You. 

By your Spirit, enable us to watch and pray.  Strengthen us so we may stand with confidence when Jesus returns and thank and praise You in deep gratitude and joy.  Amen.

Prayer for November 25-December 1, 2012

Sermon Text: John 18:33-37

That we may pursue and declare your truth with courage

God of all, we rejoice that in Christ Jesus we encounter Truth that is personal and persuasive.  Through Jesus, we come to realize, more fully, that your ways are not our ways, your thoughts are not our thoughts.  In Jesus, we are summoned to absolute allegiance to You and enduring service of your sovereign reign among us. 

Enable us to practice humble, courageous, disciplined obedience that is full of gladness from knowing You and living in your presence.

Forgive us when we settle for cynicism, when we close our minds to truth and refuse to acknowledge your presence with us and your demand upon us.

Energize us for courageous pursuit of and courageous declaration of the truth we have come to know in Christ Jesus.  Let us be truthful in all of our ways.  Amen.

Prayer for November 18-24, 2012 

Sermon Text: 1 Samuel 1:4-2:10

That we may find you faithful in our grief

Listening God, sometimes when life seems arrayed against us, we are so troubled that all we are able to do is pour out the grief of our hearts in prayer that is drenched with tears.  We turn to You with just a shred of hope.  We pledge ourselves to You, pledge even the gifts we seek from You, if You will answer our anguished cries with generosity.

Answering One, how often we have found You faithful!  You have heard our cries.  You have given generous gifts.  You have renewed our spirit and filled us with your joy and peace.  You have enabled us to worship You with glad hearts.

Even when we keep the vows we make to You, it is because You have given us the desire and the discipline to do so.  Your unmatched faithfulness energizes our faithfulness.  May we trust and praise You without ceasing.  Amen.

Prayer for November 11-17, 2012 

Sermon Text: Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17

That we may bear your promise to many neighbors

Generous God, the wise ways by which You direct us are often surprising to us.  The means by which You provide for us are marvelous and unexpected.  When our resources seem inadequate, You provide more than enough.

You take away our loneliness by providing family and friends who remind us of your presence.  You take away our bitterness by bringing new life among us.  You elicit our praise by redeeming and sustaining our lives.

God, we rejoice in You.  We rejoice that in some measure our lives are a sign of your love and your faithfulness.  We rejoice that by your wisdom and creativity, You are able to bring your promises to fulfillment in and through us.

May we be bearers of your promise to many of our neighbors.  Amen.

A Prayer for Election Day - November 6, 2012 

(As always, feel free to share this with anyone who might be interested)

Today, God of all creation, as I add my vote to those of many millions of citizens throughout the nation, guide me by your wisdom.  Though your ways are not my ways, and your thoughts are not my thoughts, let my vote be consistent with your intentions as they have been revealed through your people Israel, and in Christ Jesus.

May my vote not be cast in ignorance, apathy, fear, hatred, greed, or narrow self interest.

May my vote be cast as an expression of your love that casts a wide net in order to draw all the world to yourself.

May my vote be cast as an expression of your passionate welcome that spreads arms wide to embrace children, runs to meet the returning prodigal, touches those with fearful diseases, welcomes the foreigner into the fullness of community, and suffers for your enemies.

May it be cast in concern for your justice – for the generous and sufficient distribution of resources so that all people may participate in and benefit from communal life without shame.

May my vote be cast in remembrance of your delight in your creation, and your intention to heal all of creation, so that all things in heaven and earth are reconciled to you in Christ Jesus.            

God, my vote is only one vote, but enable me to cast it in faithfulness to you.  Whether the candidates I vote for win or lose, enable me to be an agent of your love, your welcome, your justice, and your healing in the days ahead.  Amen.

Prayer for November 4-10, 2012 

Recommended sermon text: Ruth 1:1-18; Psalm 146

(note: I was on vacation and did not preach Sunday)

That we may trust You wherever You lead

You who are faithful forever, we rejoice that You are a God of justice and compassion:

You advocate for the oppressed;

You feed the hungry;

You liberate prisoners;

You give sight to the blind;

You lift those who have been abased;

You watch over foreigners, like Ruth, who left her homeland to accompany Naomi.

You sustain orphans and widows, like Naomi, who thought she had lost everything.

In your mercy, You expand our circle of family and friends with whom we may walk and delight in your presence.

Even when our lives seem to fall apart—even when it seems that all is lost—You lead us and accompany us and bless us on our way.

We rejoice in your presence and trust You fully.  Amen.

Prayer for October 28-November 3, 2012 

Sermon Text: (Mark 10:46-52)

That we may hear and respond to cries for help

Jesus, amid all the clamor and commotion of life, we rejoice that You hear the voice that cries to You from the crowd.  You hear the voice that others rebuke and silence.  You hear the voice of anxiety and anguish and desperation.  And You respond.

You give audience to those who are often cast aside.  You listen to those who have stopped expecting anyone to listen to them.  You ask those who cannot help themselves what they would have You do for them.

When You have listened, You heal, restore, and liberate.  You generate new life that exceeds the thin hopes of those who cry to You.

Jesus, we rejoice that You have heard our cries.  We rejoice that You have turned to us and heard our requests and acted to heal and liberate us.  We rejoice that You have led us beyond anxiety and desperation into your peace and joy.  How gladly we follow You! 

Enable us to hear and respond to others as You have heard and responded to us.  Amen.

Prayer for October 21-27, 2012 

Sermon Text: Mark 10:35-45

That we may have the wisdom and patience to serve one another

God of all, we rejoice that You know us fully.  You know all of our subtle and not so subtle strategies for trying to gain an advantage over our neighbors, even over our brothers and sisters in faith.  You know that many of us would rather be served by others than offer ourselves to them in service. 

Forgive us when we jockey for position and compete with one another.  Forgive us when we fail to take to heart Jesus’ instruction and call that we follow him by serving others. 

Give us wisdom and patience to serve our sisters and brothers in ways that strengthen and encourage them.  Enable us to serve without being overly concerned about the recognition or reward that we might receive.  Give us the heart and mind of Christ Jesus that we may honor You in humble obedience.  Amen.

Prayer for October 14-20, 2012 

Sermon Text: Mark 10:17-31

That we may see the multiplied blessings You have provided

Generous God, we want to be your people.  We want to live the abundant life of freedom that You have prepared for us.  But in our anxiety we are inclined to amass as much wealth as we possibly can.  We are inclined to hold our resources close and to trust in them more than we trust in You.

Forgive us.  Liberate us from the snare that money, and other forms of wealth, often become for us.  Enable us to see that our true security does not lie in the abundance of our resources.

You have shown yourself faithful in all things.  Enable us to trust in you with deep confidence.  Enable us to see the way that You have already multiplied your blessings by giving us many places where we are welcomed and offered hospitality, and many brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers in faith with whom we share your joy and love, and with whom we sing your praise.  Amen. 

Prayer for October 7-13, 2012 

Sermon Text: Mark 10:2-16

That we will practice fidelity in all our relationships

Loving Creator, we rejoice in your many gifts!    

We praise You for the joy that many of us have experienced through our marriages.  For many of us, our spouses have been a sign of your love, your faithfulness, and your patience.  Through their love, we have become more fully convinced of your love for us.

Enable each of us to be faithful partners in our marriages and our friendships.  Enable us to honor our spouses and our friends and help them to draw strength from You.  Prevent us from treating our marriages or any other relationships as disposable products that we may cast aside when we grow tired or disappointed with them. 

Enable us to practice the enduring fidelity that You have shown to us.  Enable us, also, to assist those who are trapped in relationships of abuse, so that they may experience freedom and joy in your presence.

Loving God, we rejoice also in the children that You have placed in our lives.  Let us welcome them as fully as Jesus did.  Let us encourage their creativity and joy with nurturing love.  And let us learn child-like responsiveness to You, so that with your littlest ones, we may experience the fullness of your reign among us.  Amen.

Prayer for September 30-October 6, 2012 

Sermon Text: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22

That we may act boldly on behalf of your people

God of justice, give us courage!  Give us courage to speak up for those who endure injustice, who live their lives under threat, who have no means to protect and advocate for themselves.

Give us courage to risk ourselves, like Esther, so that your people, whoever and wherever they may be, may live with peace and joy in your presence.  Enable us to act in fruitful and effective ways that are energized by your Spirit. 

Help us not to delay, but to act promptly to confront the injustice that we observe.  Help us to see, clearly, the ways that injustice diminishes each of us, not just those who endure it in its harshest forms.

Enable us to follow the example of Jesus, who befriended many in need, but without acting in condescending or patronizing ways.  Let our practice be modeled on Jesus’ servant ways and be accomplished with Jesus’ servant heart.  Amen.

Prayer for September 23-29, 2012 

Sermon Text: Mark 9:30-37

That we will know our roles as we see You clearly

Christ Jesus, when we misunderstand who You are and misunderstand that your mission is accomplished through service and suffering, we become confused about our roles as your followers.

We imagine that we are better than our sisters and brothers in faith.  We struggle to assert ourselves, to gain recognition, to have others bend to our will and serve us.

Forgive us when we forget your example of self-giving service and your instruction that the way of leadership and significance is through service.  Forgive us for our fruitless competition with one another.  Enable us to welcome and serve the weakest, most vulnerable and dependent among us as a way to welcome You and the One who sent You.

By your Spirit, align our lives for faithfulness to your instruction and example.  Amen.

Prayer for September 16-22, 2012 

Sermon Text: Mark 8:27-38

That we may see what is important and lifegiving

Jesus, we rejoice that You have revealed yourself to us as God’s Anointed One.  We rejoice that You have called us to follow You and live in your presence.

We confess that we are occasionally confused about your identity and what it means for our lives.  And we regret that we sometimes obstruct your work among us so that You must rebuke and correct us.  Forgive us when we fail to see You and respond to You in faith.

Enable us to set aside our personal agendas and our cultivated identities in order to follow You and share in your suffering as You have shared ours.  Give us clear vision so we may see what is truly important and lifegiving.  Energize us so we may follow You with courageous obedience and receive your affirmation when You come in glory.  Amen.

Prayer for September 9-15, 2012 

Sermon Text: Mark 7:24-37

That we may be agents of your healing

Healer of nations, we rejoice in You!  We rejoice that You were responsive to the needs of your people, but also to those who were not of the household of Israel.  Because of the broad scope of your compassion, we have experienced your healing and have become your people.

You have opened our ears so that we may hear your word of love.

You have loosened our tongues so that we may declare your praise.

Touching us, You have filled us with awe at your incomparable ability to heal.

We are your redeemed and healed ones!  Enable us to be agents of your healing in the communities we live in and in the places You send us.  Amen.

Prayer for September 2-8, 2012 

Sermon Text: James 1:17-27

That we may be faithful in listening and speaking

Generous God, You have lavished many gifts upon us.  You have provided all that we need to live in faithful communion with You. 

We rejoice in You!  We praise You for your goodness to us!  We delight in your eternal faithfulness!  We find joy and peace in the life You have given us through your word of truth!

Enable us to listen before we speak.  Help us control our anger so we may pursue your righteousness.  Guide us as we remove everything from our lives that hinders our communion with You and that limits the growth of your word in our lives.

Help us obey your word each day.  Help us to remember that we are yours and to live fully into our identity.  Enable us to comprehend your desire for us so that we may live into the freedom and blessing You create for us.

Help us tame our speech.  Keep us from deceiving ourselves about our faith in You.  Energize us to care for those who are most vulnerable among us, and to walk away from the things of the world that pollute and destroy.

God, we trust You wholly, for You have given yourself wholly to us.  Amen.

Prayer for August 26-September 1, 2012 

Sermon Text: Psalm 84

That our lives may be energized by your nearness     

God Almighty, every fiber of our being declares the beauty of your presence.  Every fiber of our being aches to be near You because we know that You are Source of all blessing.

We praise You with joy and hope!

Drawing near You gives us strength.  As we draw near, experiences of bitterness and barrenness are transformed into fruitful abundance.  Efforts that would usually sap our energy increase our strength.

We would rather have one day with You than unlimited time apart from You.  We would rather be your inconsequential servants than be honored by those who reject You.

You direct and protect us.  You honor us and give us all that is good.

Enable us to trust You with courage and fidelity. 

Your nearness is our deepest delight!  Amen.

Prayer for August 19-25, 2012 

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

That your wisdom will energize all of our responses

God of wisdom, we rejoice that You give wisdom when your people seek You in humility.  We rejoice that You enable us to discern right and wrong and act with justice.

But we are cautioned by Solomon’s story—for we have seen that wisdom must be practiced to be retained.  We have seen that wisdom is easily forsaken for prudence that is idolatrous and enslaving.  We have seen that wisdom and justice are easily abandoned for the political advantages of oppression and exploitation of neighbors.  We have seen that when wise contentment is forgotten, it produces anxiety that fearfully seizes and clutches resources.

God, we desire your wisdom.  Enable us to practice wisdom in faithful ways—that deepen trust and liberate from idolatry; that energize just practices; that deepen our satisifaction with your many gifts; that enable us to practice generosity without anxiety.

We know that not many of us were wise when You called and named us your own.  Grant us your wisdom for fruitful living that blesses our neighbors.  Amen.

Prayer for August 12-18, 2012 

Sermon Text: Ephesians 4:25-5:2

That we may be what You have created us to be

God our Creator, we long to imitate You by answering your deep, sacrificial love with enduring and enriching love for our many neighbors.

Enable us by your Spirit!

Disentangle us from the lies that often bind our lives.  Quench the burning anger that sometimes consumes us.  Forgive us when we cling to that which damages us and our many neighbors.

Enable us to work in ways that give meaning and bring healing instead of hurt.  Give us speech that encourages and strengthens our many sisters and brothers.  Let your Spirit move in our lives without obstruction, enabling us to eliminate every response that divides us from those with whom we are united by your love.  Let compassion and forgiveness characterize our action.

We are yours!  Your children!  Your image!  Enable us to be what You have created us to be.  Amen.

Thank you for your prayers during our trip to Honduras!  Great trip!

Prayer for August 5-11, 2012 

Sermon Text: John 6:24-35

That our whole life will be defined by your presence

Jesus, we so often seek You only for that which seems urgent to us in the moment: food, drink, rest, relief from pain.

You respond to our daily needs with generosity, but You offer much more, beginning with an enduring walk in your company as your friend and coworker.

You give us your own life and invite us to trust in You at all times and in everything, to find our nourishment and energy in You, to find enduring satisfaction in You, to let our whole life be defined and enriched by your presence.

We have discovered, indeed, that You are our True Source.  There is no satisfaction apart from your presence.  You give life each day and You give the life of eternity.

We thank and praise You with hearts and hands lifted in joy.  Amen.

I have posted early because Lorraine and I will be in Honduras, with Rev. Edward Lavaire and his wife, Karla (who are from Honduras), from July 31 to August 9.  This trip includes both sightseeing and ministry.  Please pray for us as we travel.  Sharon Baker-Johnson is preaching at St. Nicolai in my absence.

Prayer for July 29-August 4, 2012 

Sermon Text: John 6:1-21

That we may join You in providing for your people

Christ Jesus, we think, so often, that we do not have adequate resources to address the needs that confront us.  We look at our resources and hesitate.  We look at each other and shrug our shoulders.  We provide excuses for a course of inaction.

But You act with confidence in divine provision.  You act thankfully and in covenant with God with whom You share complete communion.  You offer abundance when we perceive scarcity.  You offer blessing even when we fail to act. 

Your generosity matches need so that the hungry are satisfied.  But You resist all of our efforts to grasp You and manipulate You for our own purposes.

Christ Jesus, You confront us in surprising ways and in surprising places.  Sometimes You come to us in the midst of our darkness and turmoil, and we are terrified in our failure to recognize You.  Then You speak peace to us, and we recognize and welcome You and enter the peace You offer.

Prepare us, Savior and Friend, to recognize your presence in each moment, and to join You in providing for your many people with your abundant resources.  Amen.

Prayer for July 22-28, 2012 

Sermon Text: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a

That our plans may be shaped by You

Generous God, it is so easy for us to get ahead of ourselves by assuming that You need something from us and that we are able to give it.  We unconsciously hope to fit You into our plans, plans that make us look wise, faithful, generous and successful to those around us.

We want to shape and control our relationship with You, even though You identify us as your own and give yourself freely to us.  Your desire for us is generous.  You want to give us many gifts.  You want to make us wise.  You want to make us fruitful and grant us enduring security in your presence.      

Help us to listen to you before we try to make plans for You.  Help us to receive your gifts with gladness.  Enable us to celebrate your presence with joy.  Forgive us when we fail to do these things.

God, we rejoice that in your wisdom and power, you have shaped the history of your covenant people.  Even now, You are shaping our history as a reservoir from which your many gifts may be released, broadly, throughout this world we inhabit.  You are good beyond compare!  Amen.

Prayer for July 15-21, 2012 

Sermon Text: 2 Samuel 6:1-19

That we may be free to respond to You without reserve

Almighty God, in the midst of our attempts to honor and serve You, and in the very center of our celebrations of your presence, we are sometimes stunned to silence and anger when unexpected disaster strikes in our midst.

Fear overtakes us.  Doubts arise.  Our worship is subdued.  Our service is offered in pain.  We want answers, explanations, but none are forthcoming.

After a time, when we realize that You continue to act in goodness toward diverse people, including many who would seem to stand outside of the community of faith, we take heart.  We turn to You and seek your presence.  We worship You with joy that is intensified by our prior losses.

God of all, free us to let go of ourselves in order to respond to You without reserve.  Free us from worrying about the assessment others would make of our faith, in order to be all and only for You.

Though some of us can no longer dance well, our hearts dance wildly because of our delight in You.  Amen.

Prayer for July 8-14, 2012 

Sermon Text: Mark 6:1-13

That we may faithfully respond to the radical challenge of your word

Jesus, at times we have been awed by your instruction, humbled by your wisdom, delighted to hear You speak to us through the scripture and the instruction of the church.

At other times, we respond as though we have known and understood You fully, and our familiarity with your word has led us to treat You and your instruction as unremarkable, uninspiring, and without authority for our lives.

Forgive us for such blind arrogance!

Open our minds to perceive clearly!  Enable us to hear the radical challenge of your word that makes great demands upon us while promising much.

Enable us to respond with bold faith.  Enable us to spread your word and practice your healing love in all of the places You set or send us.  We give ourselves to You in humility and joy.  Amen.

Prayer for July 1-7, 2012 

Sermon Text: Mark 5:21-34

That we may share what You have blessed us with

Christ Jesus, we rejoice in your ability to bring freedom from suffering and give peace.  We rejoice in your ability to overcome death and give new life.  We rejoice that You respond with compassion and tenderness to all who come to You in need.

How often You have healed our afflicted bodies and eased our troubled minds!  You have restored us to the community of faith.  You have renewed us so completely that everything seems new.

Enable us to walk with You in courageous faithfulness.  Enable us to be agents of your compassion, who bring your healing, your liberation, peace, and renewal to many around us.  We long to share what You have blessed us with.  Enable us by your energetic Spirit.  Amen.

Prayer for June 24-30, 2012 

Sermon Text: Mark 4:35-41

That we may rest in You in times of unrest

God of power, we rejoice that no matter how severe or dangerous the stormy moments of our lives may seem to us, You are never out of your depth.  You are able to act calmly, and in transforming ways, even when we are inclined to panic.  You are able to bring calm, to create peace.  No situation is beyond your ability to intervene and save your people.

You have promised that You would never forsake us.  Yet we often act as though You have abandoned us and left us to face chaos alone.  Our faith often seems fragile or non-existent.  We are inclined to panic first and pray later.

Enable us to trust You fully!  Give us faith that is free of anxiety and courageous in the face of threat.  Help us rest in You when unrest swirls around us.  Amen.

Prayer for June 17-23, 2012 

Sermon Text: Mark 4:26-34

That we might be faithful and glad servants

Sovereign God, we rejoice in You and in your merciful reign.  We rejoice that You allow us to participate in bringing your reign to fullness by faithful acts of witness and service.  But we acknowledge that the extension of your reign goes on, unseen, and uncontrolled by us.  You invite us to participate in the harvest You have prepared, but all of the growth is given by your nurture and care.

God, we rejoice that You are relentless, tenacious, in the extension of your reign, yet gentle, subtle, in its sure increase.  In spite of ongoing opposition by defeated powers, your reign spreads your nurture and shelter among us, and in an ever widening circle.

God of wisdom, we rejoice in Jesus’ thoughtful instruction to whoever would hear.  Give us ears to hear Jesus’ word for us today.  Give us understanding that we might be faithful and glad servants of your reign.  Give us energy to participate in the harvest You have prepared.  Amen.

Prayer for June 10-16, 2012 

Sermon Text: Mark 3:20-35

That we may see your power and truth and do your will

God of wonders, we rejoice that your Spirit has enabled us to see your power revealed in the works of healing and liberation attributed to Jesus in the gospel stories, during twenty centuries of church history, and in our own experience. 

There is no one like You in power to liberate and heal!

God of truth and wisdom, we rejoice that your Spirit has also enabled us to see your truth revealed in the teaching of Jesus that the evangelists have passed on to us, and that many translators and teachers have passed on in faithfulness, so that we too might hear and believe and follow in obedience.

Your wisdom and instruction are incomparable in truth and beauty!

God of all people, we rejoice that your Spirit draws all who follow Jesus, by doing your will, into one family united in your presence.

We rejoice to be called brothers and sisters of Christ Jesus!

We rejoice to be identified as your children!  Amen.

Prayer for June 3-9, 2012 

Sermon Text: John 3:1-17

That we may submit to ongoing renewal

Christ Jesus, when we come to You in our fear, with our many questions and unspoken agendas, You confront us with the truth.  But You confront us in the love of God and with a desire to rescue us, not condemn us.

You invite us to live within your peace making, life giving governance that will endure forever.  But you inform us that we cannot participate in your reign unless we become new people ourselves, people reborn by the untamed wind of your Spirit.

We rejoice in You, for You have allowed us to see You in the vulnerability and glory of your crucifixion.  You have helped us to trust You in spite of our limited understanding.  You have led us to the waters of baptism.  Your Spirit has surged through our lives, transforming us and making us new. 

Enable us, as your redeemed and transformed people, to submit to the ongoing renewal of your Spirit.  Let our trust in You be as fresh as your faithfulness and mercy to us.

You are our life!  We rejoice in You with thanksgiving!  Amen.

Prayer for May 27-June 2, 2012 

Sermon Text: Acts 2:1-21

That our lives may make manifest your power and glory

God of all people, we rejoice that You fulfilled your promise to Israel when You sent your Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus who were gathered together, at Pentecost.  We rejoice that You made no distinction between male and female, young and old, but sent your Spirit upon all who trusted Christ, eventually breaking even the barrier between Israel and the nations, in order that You might reveal yourself to all people and bring all people into unity through Christ.

God, we rejoice in the way your Spirit enabled communication and enabled your presence and power to be revealed through the preaching and action of Jesus’ followers.

Most of all, we thank You that You have given your Spirit to us, that we may testify, too, to all that You have done through Christ Jesus, and that You might be glorified in our lives.  Let the great gift of your Spirit coordinate every aspect of our lives so that they manifest your power and glory in the world.  Amen.

Prayer for May 20-26, 2012 

Sermon Text: John 17:6-19

That we may be wholly fit and set apart for You

God of all, we rejoice that You have revealed yourself to us in Christ Jesus.  We rejoice that You act generously toward us in Christ.  We rejoice that You have enabled us to believe and act in faith.  We rejoice that Jesus has prayed for us and sought your protection for us.  We rejoice that You have shaped our lives for unity that reflects the unity Jesus experienced with You.

God, we thank You that You have given us your word and filled us with the joy of Christ.  Shape our lives so that they are wholly fit and set apart for your service.  We are yours, only yours!  Enable us to carry on the work that Jesus initiated in obedience to You.  Let our obedience bring glory to the name of Christ Jesus and to You, who with the Holy Spirit, live in eternal unity.  Amen.

Prayer for May 13-19, 2012 

Sermon Text: John 15:9-17

That we will be yours in every fiber of our being

Christ Jesus, we rejoice in the depth of your love for us.  You have called us “Friends.”  You have instructed us in your ways and your wisdom.  You have chosen us to bear enduring fruit of righteousness and love.  You have promised that our prayers will be answered.  You have given your life for us that we might live.

O, energize and guide us as we remain in your love by obeying your commands.  Fills us with your joy.  Enable us to love each other with the same tenacious, sacrificial love You demonstrated for us.

We would be yours, not only in word, but in every fiber of our being and in every movement, every action we take.

We desire that every moment of our lives be a moment in which we praise You.  Amen.

Prayer for May 6-12, 2012 

Sermon Text: John 15:1-8

That everything that weakens our connection to You may be removed from our lives

Christ Jesus, we rejoice in You.  We rejoice that our lives are inextricably connected to yours.  We have no life apart from You.  We can do nothing apart from You.  Apart from You, we are withered, fruitless, dead.

Cut away everything in our life that weakens our connection to You.  Cut away all that is withered and fruitless.  Prune all that is selfish and without meaning.

Clear the way for our lives to surge with new growth, new energy, and abundant fruitfulness.

We want all that we do to demonstrate that we are your followers and to bring glory to You.  You are everything to us, and we our yours.  Amen.

Prayer for April 29-May 5, 2012 

Sermon Text: John 10:11-18

That we may hear clearly and follow closely

Christ Jesus, our Shepherd, we rejoice in your goodness to us.  We rejoice that You love us without reserve.  We rejoice in your total commitment to us, in the extreme sacrifice You have made in order to protect and save and gather your flock.  We rejoice that You know us more  thoroughly than we know ourselves, and even know our needs better than we do.

Because You have loved us first, because You have sacrificed yourself for us, because You have protected and guided us and taken all of the initiative to give us abundant life, we commit our lives to following You.  We hear and obey your voice with joy.  We rejoice to be identified as your people.  Christ Jesus, how we love you! 

Enable us to hear your voice more clearly and follow You more closely.  Amen.

Prayer for April 22-29, 2012

Sermon Text: Luke 24:36-48

That we may be empowered for faithful action

Christ, when You show your presence to us, we seem as likely to be startled and confused as to be filled with joy. We have many doubts. Some of them are about God’s ability to bring life from death now and do a new thing among us now. Some of them are about our ability to walk with You, even with all of the guidance You provide and all the resources You give.

Let your peace fill our hearts and minds. Give us trust instead of doubt. Let the witness of the church, through the centuries, convince us that You are present with us and active among us now. Let your wisdom and understanding guide our action. Enable us to expect the unexpected and even the impossible because of the power God has demonstrated in raising You from the dead.

Let your Spirit energize us to tell others about the forgiveness You offer those who repent and turn to You. May your power equip us for faithful action in your name. Amen.

Prayer for April 15-21, 2012

Sermon Text: John 20:19-31

That we may practice forgiveness readily

God of resurrection, we rejoice that Christ Jesus, whom You raised, is able to speak peace to us and overcome our fears. His living presence among us is cause for our greatest joy. Alleluia!

We rejoice that in the authority You gave him, Jesus imparted your Spirit to us to comfort us, teach us, energize us for ministry and enable us to forgive as You have forgiven us. Alleluia!

Enable us to practice forgiveness readily, so that others may realize that You are “slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness.”

We rejoice that Jesus is able to overcome our doubts so that we may see and acclaim him as Lord and God. Though we have not heard, seen and touched Jesus in the flesh, You have revealed yourself through him and we follow him with gladness. Alleluia!

May the life of the Risen One energize us as we worship You daily and witness about You with boldness. Amen.

Prayer for April 8-14, 2012

Sermon Text: Mark 16:1-8

That we may praise You beyond our doubts and fears

God of new life, we rejoice that You raised Jesus from death. We rejoice that all attempts to silence and subdue him were defeated by your life-giving power. We rejoice that You led witnesses to the tomb so that they might tell others, who told others, who kept passing on the story, with the guidance of your Spirit, so that we, too, have heard the astonishing words, “He has risen!”

At times we have trembled and questioned in fear and doubt. We have resisted the testimony of life from death. We have kept silent rather than speak an audacious word of witness to the impossible made possible.

Nevertheless, we sing “Alleluia!” We praise You with our whole being. In spite of fears and doubts, past and present, we acknowledge You as God of all and our God. Nothing is impossible for You! You are worthy of all praise, and we give it gladly. Amen.

Dear friends, Sorry for this late post. I left town for a few days after Easter worship. Dave

Prayer for April 1-7, 2012

Sermon Text: Mark 14:1-15:47

That we may pour out our lives for Jesus

Forgiving God, when we consider all that Jesus endured, our hearts are filled with a strange mixture of remorse and thanksgiving.

We are sorry for the many times that we have denied, betrayed, abandoned and misrepresented Jesus. We are sorry for the many ways that our lives have mocked Jesus and caused him pain. We are sorry that our sin contributed to the crushing burden that caused Jesus to cry out and ask why You had forsaken him. We recoil from the horror of that moment!

Forgive us Merciful One! Forgive our many transgressions!

We ask in hope and thankfulness because we know that Jesus completed the work You gave him. Through him, we are justified in your presence and made a part of your household. Through him we have an enduring hope. Through him we have abundant life.

Oh, let us pour out our lives for Jesus without hesitation and without embarrassment, so that others may look to him and see him in his vulnerability and his glory and worship him. Amen.

Prayer for March 25-31, 2012

Sermon Text: Jeremiah 31:31-34

That we may walk with You in joy each day

Covenant making God, we rejoice in You. We rejoice that when your people failed to keep covenant, when we failed in all our own attempts to be your people by our own effort and ingenuity, You acted in mercy.

You made a new covenant with us in Christ Jesus.

You inscribed your law on our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit.

You identified yourself with us, and named us as your own.

You revealed yourself to us, that we might know You and worship You in your sovereignty and glory.

You forgave our sins, forgetting them and freeing us from the power they held over our lives.

Glorious One, You took all of the initiative to deliver us from the chaos of our lives and discipline and shape us for covenant fidelity and fruitfulness.

Enable us to walk with you in joy each day. May your generous blessing spread to others through our lives. Amen.

Prayer for March 18-24, 2012

Sermon Text: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

That we may act in grateful obedience

God of all the earth, we rejoice in your enduring love. We rejoice that You have gathered us together as your people, redeemed by your own choice and by your intervention in our lives.

When we acted foolishly, diminishing ourselves by our rebellious ways and bringing sickness and suffering upon ourselves, You answered our cries for help. You brought healing. You saved us from death. Our God, how we rejoice in You!

Forgive us when we are still inclined to rebel against You and act as though the life You have given us is a burden and not a blessing. Forgive us when we forget the troubles that our sin has already brought us. Guard our hearts and minds! Protect us from foolishness!

Enable us to act in grateful obedience each day. We would be dead apart from your love. As we remember You, we sing with joy. Amen.

Prayer for March 11-17, 2012

Sermon Text: Psalm 19

That we may be steadfast in faithfulness and pure in heart

God, You are glorious. We realize that whenever we gaze at length on the handiwork of your creation. It sings your praise without words and urges us to add our own unique voice to the hymn of your glory.

We also recognize your glory when we carefully consider your instructions, your commands. Your law provides us with great wisdom and guidance. It brings us new energy and joy as it illuminates our lives. It awes us and enables us to honor You in humility.

We meditate on your law that guides our fidelity and find great wealth, rich nourishment, protective warning, and undeserved reward.

O God, your perfect word also enables us to see our sin and makes it clear, to us, that we are always in need of your help and your forgiveness. Protect us from willful, presumptuous sin and make us blameless in your sight.

Our Rock and Redeemer, enable us to be steadfast in faithfulness, and pure in heart, as we make your word, given to us in your freedom, the foundation of our entire life. Amen.

Prayer for March 4-10, 2012

Sermon Text: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

That we may walk with You in righteousness

Covenant Maker, we rejoice in You. We rejoice that You have revealed yourself to us. We rejoice that You have invited us to walk with You and have enabled us to live in righteousness before You.

All that we are, all that we have, and all that we hope for comes from your action on our behalf, your gifts to us, your call upon us, and your faithful promises for a future in your presence.

You have shaped our identity for life with You and we praise You gladly.

You have blessed us and made us fruitful, as an expression of your unmatched generosity, for which we praise You with thanksgiving.

You have been so faithful to us that we await the future You are shaping with buoyant hope and robust joy. Amen.

Prayer for February 26-March 3, 2012

Sermon Text: Psalm 25:1-10

That we will learn your ways and keep your covenant


Covenant Maker, we come before You with all that we are, knowing that we are dependent upon You for every good thing. Encourage and strengthen us. Protect us from treachery, shame and attack. Teach us your truth and enable us to trust the truth You reveal to us without hedging our responses.

You are our only source of hope. You are the one who forgives us, and we turn to You, constantly, for forgiveness. Discipline us and enable us to abandon our rebellious ways. Help us respond to your instruction with humility and obedience, so that we may walk in the light that you shine before us.

You have always been faithful to us, in spite of our unfaithfulness. Transform our fickle hearts. Enable us to be faithful covenant partners. Amen.

Prayer for February 19-25, 2012

Sermon Text: Mark 9:2-9

That we will respond to your glory with courageous faith

God of Glory, You have shown your own glory, repeatedly, through Jesus Christ. We have seen your glory in healed bodies and liberated spirits. We have seen your glory in life restored and in power given for courageous faithfulness.

We have not seen the dazzling radiance of the mountain of transfiguration, but your glory has surrounded us no less clearly. And, like the disciples in Jesus glorious presence, we have been fearful and we have proposed to do what seemed appropriate to us when what was needed of us was an attentive ear and diligent and eager obedience.

Calm our fears. Enable us to respond with courageous faith to the glory we encounter through the reading of your word, through worship with your saints, through observation of your creation, and through energetic service in the world with others who have been empowered by your glorious presence with them. Amen.

Prayer for February 12-18, 2012

Sermon Text: Mark 1:40-45

That our compassion will link others to your healing presence

Compassionate God, we rejoice in You. We rejoice that in Christ Jesus You were willing to move past every barrier that separated You from your beloved creatures. You overcame our sin. You overcame our sickness and disease. You overcame spiritual powers that bound and limited us. You overcame the fear of contamination that often stands in the way of compassionate action.

You met us where we are—in all our need—healing, liberating, and enriching us in unexpected and delightful ways.

As your healed and liberated children, enable us to speak freely and boldly about all that You have done for us. Enable us to draw close to those who seem to be contaminated and from whom others recoil in fear. Let your great compassion for us enable us to respond with compassion that links others to your healing presence. We rejoice in every opportunity You give us to be your agents of good news. Amen.

Prayer for February 5-11, 2012

Sermon Text: Mark 1:29-39

That we may be liberated agents of your freedom

Master of our lives, Sovereign among us, we rejoice that your presence among us was a demonstration of the healing power of your reign. We rejoice that neither sickness nor demonic possession could frustrate or defeat your purpose. We rejoice that You are Healer and Liberator and that You have healed and liberated us by your generous and compassionate presence.

Forgive us for our habit of submitting to forms of bondage that You have already defeated in our lives. Forgive us when we stubbornly refuse to accept the renewal and freedom that You always offer to us. Move us to readiness for your healing action.

Heal us now. Heal us again. Bring wholeness to our bodies and our minds and to all of creation. Defeat every form of bondage that we have chosen for ourselves, whether we know it or fail, so far, to perceive it. Make us liberated agents of your freedom. Amen.

Prayer for January 29-February 4, 2012

Sermon Text: Mark 1:21-28

That we may choose the abundance, wholeness and freedom You offer

Jesus, You confront us with divine authority, leaving us amazed and silent before you. You destroy every delusion that we are sufficient unto ourselves, that we can govern our own lives in ways that bring freedom, peace and joy.

When we ignore your guidance and go our own way, we diminish and enslave ourselves. Forgive us for choosing that which sickens, weakens, fragments and destroys us and enable us to choose the life of abundance, wholeness and freedom You offer in communion with You.

By your powerful and effective word you defeat every spiritual power and deliver us from every form of spiritual bondage. Enable us to live freely by the presence of your Spirit within us. Translate the awe we feel in your presence into trusting obedience and joyful fidelity. Amen.

Unison Prayer for Unity for January 22, 2012

Generous God, one and only God of refreshing newness, we rejoice in the abundance of your provision. Our whole life is built upon the foundation that you have created for us.

We rejoice that you have made us for each other even as you have made us for yourself. We share faith, hope, and baptism in our one calling to be your people. We rejoice that in the mystery of our reconciled unity we find amazing richness, a life watered, blessed and brightened by your constant presence.

You have given us to each other for strength and encouragement. You have enriched us with so many gifts, that each of us is able to give and receive with gladness, so that together we grow more fully into your grace and love. You have multiplied the resources that we might amass for ourselves by enabling us to share all things in you.

God of all, you have chosen us as your own. You have intertwined our lives with yours. We have no meaning; we have no life apart from you. Thank you for the great family of mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, daughters and sons you have given us in your great mercy.

May your glory be reflected upon the world through the faithful unity you enable among us. Amen.

This prayer was used in the same worship celebration and is based on the same texts as the prayer of confession posted earlier.

Prayer of Confession for January 22, 2012

Texts: Psalm 133, Mark 1:14-20, John 17:20-26,
Ephesians 4:1-6, Luke 18:28-30, Acts 2:42-47

Christ our Sovereign, you summon us to follow you and to draw others to you, that they may receive of your abundance and serve you with gladness.

We rejoice in your call upon our lives. We rejoice to follow you and serve you.

We rejoice that you have created us for unity with you and with each other,

and that you intercede for us so that our unity may witness of your love for the world, and reveal your glory among us.

We rejoice that you have given us great abundance in our fellowship with each other,

and that we have been awed by your presence and power as we have devoted ourselves to your instruction, the communion of saints, sacramental meal, and economic sharing.

Forgive us when we reject or forget your call to follow and serve you in unity.

Forgive us when we ignore the foundation for unity that you have created and refuse to build upon it.

Forgive us when we make faith a private matter and desire your abundant blessing only for ourselves instead of for the larger community of which we are a part.

Help us remember that true unity in you is a source of rich blessing for all of us and for many whose lives are touched by ours.

Make us one as only you can do.

Free us from our limited vision for the depths of unity to which you invite us. Amen.

Each year, the United Church of Christ observes a week of prayer for Christian unity, from January 18-25. This prayer was used for a "Service of scripture and prayer for Christian unity," with the sections read alternately by leader and congregation.

Prayer for January 22-28, 2012

Text: Mark 1:14-20

That we may tell the freedom, joy, meaning and peace You have given us

Jesus, Messiah, we have heard your announcement that God is near and have opened our hearts to welcome You.

We have heard your call to repentance and we have turned from the various sins that have diminished and enslaved us—turned to You and obeyed your command and experienced abundant freedom and joy in your presence.

Even now, when You expose some sin in our lives, we hear and answer your call to repentance as an invitation to true freedom.

We have heard your call to believe the good news and have trusted You in the midst of many challenges. How often, when our faith has begun to cool, You have shown your presence and your power and ignited a deeper trust within us.

We have heard your call to follow You, and we have followed You through dark valleys and deep mysteries, through seasons of sorrow and joy, awaiting your guidance before turning to the left or to the right.

When we have strayed, You have called to us and reached out your hand for us, and led us back into your way.

We have heard your call to invite and draw others into your presence, and, we confess that we have sometimes been slow to speak, timid in the face of resistance and opposition whether anticipated or real.

We would follow You in this task that expresses the heart of your love for a world that is reluctant to acknowledge You. Give us boldness. Give us words to express the freedom, joy, meaning and peace we have experienced in your presence. Fill us with love for others that reflects your own great love for them. Amen.

Note: we did not use this prayer in our Sunday worship.

Prayer for January 15-21, 2012

Sermon Texts: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; 1 Samuel 3:1-4:1a; John 1:43-51

That we may be disciplined for wisdom and fidelity

God of all, You know us better than we know ourselves. You know every thought, word and act of ours. We cannot conceal ourselves from You, even when we wish we could.

We take comfort in knowing that You know us completely, yet love us with unwavering love. We rejoice that your thorough knowledge of us is a feature of your continuous presence with us, and we acknowledge that our well-being is dependent upon your presence and preservation.

Yet our comfort is tinged with fear, for we are aware of our own sinfulness and we know that your judgement begins with your people.

O God, correct us as necessary. Discipline us so that we may live with wisdom and fidelity in your presence. Enable us to draw strength from your Word so that faithful service may prepare us for confident rest in your presence.

You are always with us and You are everything to us. Amen.

A Prayer of Commitment and Hope for the New Year

God of love and mercy, we worship you, at the beginning of this new year, in humility and hope.

In response to your self-giving love, we commit ourselves to nurturing deeper intimacy with you, and we give ourselves fully and passionately to you now. Help us give ourselves without reserve, each day, because we are so inclined to lean away from you when life seems too difficult or too easy.

Deepen our hunger for the Living Word, Jesus Christ, and for the written word of scripture. Let scripture shape our thoughts, inform our motives, and motivate all of our action.

As we encounter your word, reveal our destructive habits, our blind spots and inconsistencies that weaken faith, and the secret sins that must be rooted from our lives as we allow you to transform us.

Hear our cries of repentance, forgive us, and lead us in paths of faithfulness. We are unworthy of your forgiveness and care, but without your mercy we have no chance for lives of deep meaning and true joy.

Draw us more deeply into the life of prayer. Give us the courage to speak and ask boldly, as friend with friend. And give us the courage and discipline to listen honestly and to act in obedience when you call us to change or act.

Break any hold that idolatrous greed may have upon our lives.

Open our hearts, our wallets and our purses for generosity. Enable us to give extravagantly as we trust you to meet every need. Let our efforts at generosity cause others to praise you for your faithfulness.

Soften our hearts toward any people whom we may perceive as outsiders. Enable us to offer joyful and compassionate welcome with an inclusiveness that reflects your own broad love.

Help us hone each other’s faith and prod each other to utilize all of our gifts and abilities to do the good for which you have created us.
Let the good news of your salvation pour readily from our lips, so that others are drawn toward intimacy with you and into faithfulness to your generous governance of all things.

God of healing, we pray that you will restore health to those who are sick, injured or diseased (prayer for specific persons may be voiced).

God of comfort, we pray that you will accompany those who grieve, that you will heal sadness and restore joy, that you will enable us to touch those who mourn with your tenderness (prayer for specific persons may be voiced).

God of justice, we pray that you will undermine every structure of oppression, that you will oversee equitable distribution of all the earth’s resources, and that you will make us agents of your just purposes.

God of peace, we pray that you will raise up peacemakers everywhere, including among us, and that you will bring an end to the acts of terrorism and terrible wars that heighten the fears and shatter the lives of so many people around the world.

We worship you, Living God, with joy.
We worship you, Loving God, with expectant hope.
We worship you, Saving God, with deep gratitude for Jesus – our Model of faithfulness, our Redeemer and Friend, who was obedient even to the point of death on a cross.
We worship you, Companion God, with continuing gratitude for the Holy Spirit who comforts, instructs and energizes us for faithfulness in every situation. Amen.


This prayer can be used at the beginning of the Church Year - the first Sunday of Advent - or at the beginning of the calendar year, which represents a significant time for new beginnings for many people. I wrote this prayer in December, 2005, for use at St. Nicolai UCC. We used it again on January 1, 2011.

Prayer for January 8-14, 2011

Sermon Text: Mark 1:4-11

That we may prepare the way for You with glad story and exuberant song

Christ Jesus, our lives are for You.

We come in many sizes and guises, but we go, at your bidding, to prepare the way for others to see and receive You by faithfully telling of your coming, your greatness, and your gifts.

Our own lives are insignificant when compared to yours. Our best efforts to serve You are feeble compared to your strength. We are unworthy of your presence or your gifts.

But You call and enable us to be your ambassadors. You use our words to call others to repentance, to invite others into the realm of your gracious government. You enable us to speak and act prophetically, even though we see nothing of the prophet within ourselves.

We rejoice in your presence. We rejoice in what You have done for us, in us, and through us. We rejoice with glad story and exuberant song. We rejoice! Amen.