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.