St. Nicolai Notes

Prayer for August 26-September 1, 2018 

Sermon Text: Psalm 84

That we may remember who You have called us to be

Glorious God, we yearn for You with all the energy our bodies can muster. We yearn for You with our clearest thoughts and our most compelling emotions. We Know that You are always present with us, but we want to live with greater consciousness of your nearness. We want to sing your praise continually and find our strength in You daily.

As we journey in your presence, enable us to find refreshment even in the most arid and bitter places. As we face steep climbs and difficult circumstances, renew and increase our courage and energy.

We choose life in your presence over autonomy and wealth. We rejoice in your generous provision.  We celebrate the favor You show us as we trust in You.  

God Almighty, we seek your glory! Amen.

That You will energize us as we seek You

Lord Almighty, we long for your presence. Our whole being has cried out for You, as though we knew all along that only You could satisfy the deepest desires of our hearts.

We are always seeking You. We delight to sing your praise. We yearn to stay near You.

When we journey to You, the driest valleys flow with streams of living water and become green with life. When we face difficult ascents, anticipation of your presence energizes and accelerates our steps.

You have answered our yearning by dwelling among us in Jesus, your Chosen One. You have set your Spirit among us to comfort, guide and energize us. You have given us far more than we asked or imagined.  

We rejoice in your nearness. We rejoice in the honor You bestow and the generous gifts that You give. Your presence is your greatest gift. We cling to You! Amen.

Note: I accidentally wrote two prayers for this Sunday. The bottom prayer was written weeks in advance, but I forgot I had written it. The top prayer was written during the week preceding August 26, and was used in our worship service for that day.