St. Nicolai Notes

Prayer for August 22-28, 2021
Sermon Text: Psalm 84; Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18; John 6:56-69; Ephesians 6:10-20

That we may live in your presence in whole-hearted commitment and durable faith

God, our Creator and our Savior, we join our voices with your people of every time and place in praising You for your many blessings and your marvelous works. We have glimpsed and been astonished by your glory. Now, we long to live in your presence. We gain strength as we seek You. No desire outweighs our desire to live with You and receive what You offer as generous gifts.

We set aside every form of allegiance that interferes with whole-hearted commitment to You. We give ourselves only to You as we serve You with gladness.

We draw daily nourishment from the presence and words of Christ Jesus, as we let him lead us by your Spirit. Following Jesus, we anticipate both his presence in suffering and abundant life that is overflowing with compassion, forgiveness, gratitude, generosity, peace, joy and justice.

Enable us to stay alert to the many diversions and snares that would draw us away from loving commitment to You. Enable us to utilize all of the resources that You provide in order to keep us from capitulating to evil. Help us to remain conscious that we are struggling against deceitful and exploitive powers and not make our sisters, brothers and neighbors into our enemies. Enable us to trust You each day and stand firm in faith. Amen.