Prayer for July 24-30, 2016 

Sermon Text: Luke 11:1-13

That we may be daring and persistent in prayer

Christ Jesus, like your early disciples, we do not always know how to pray. We do not know how to express our true needs adequately, and we are embarrassed to ask for assistance.

However, when your disciples asked for instruction in prayer, you taught them. And we, centuries later, have learned the prayer you taught from generations who learned it, prayed it, and treasured it.  We pray as your disciples, and without embarrassment that -

Your name will be honored and your reign come in fullness among us;

That You will feed us what we need today;

That You will forgive every one of our sins and enable us to practice forgiveness 

toward all who have offended or harmed us;

That You will not lead us into temptation, but into glad obedience of God’s word. 

Enable us to be daring and persistent as we ask, seek, and knock upon your door for help. Enable us to trust You for everything that we need. Enable us to trust in the wise and deep generosity of God the Father, with whom You are one.  Amen.

Prayer for July 17-23, 2016

Sermon Text: Luke 10:38-42 

Christ Jesus, we want to welcome You into our life as a congregation and into our individual lives. But frankly, we are often so busy and distracted by our sense of obligation and our full agendas that we are unable to rest in your presence.

     We are unable to stop thinking about ourselves.

     We are unable to let go of our anxiety.

     We are unable to listen to your word.

     And so, we are unable to learn the specific tasks that You are calling and sending us to do.  

Free us to hear You in such a way that we receive new energy for service and witness that is free of anxiety and self-consciousness. Enable us to choose what is most necessary. Enable us to listen with open hearts and then obey with gladness. Amen.

Prayer for July 10-16, 2016

Texts: Genesis 37:3-11, 42:6; Psalm 23; Romans 8:18-39; John 14:1-14

God of all creation, we rejoice in your unfailing mercy and love. We rejoice in your constant care. We rejoice that your Holy Spirit is continuously present with us as Comforter and Guide. We rejoice that You are at work in every situation to do good for your people.

God of all, we believe that your reign is sure. We believe that You are achieving your purposes even though we cannot always see how that is true when we consider our personal circumstances or pay attention to the world around us.

Deepen our trust in You. Make us strong and courageous followers of Jesus. Let your Spirit guide our prayers. Enable us to draw strength from You in every circumstance: in moments of struggle and pain, as well as in moments of opportunity and blessing. 

You are our Sovereign, and we rejoice in You! Amen.

Prayer for July 3-9, 2016

Sermon Text: 2 Kings 5:1-14

That we will receive your healing and serve as your healing agents

God of all people, no position or power makes us immune to the painful and embarrassing trials of life.

But no trial of sickness, disease, injury, grief, defeat, or sin places us beyond the reach of your prophetic and healing word. We are never beyond your reach. We are never outside of the scope of your mercy. And we can never be sure about whom You will use in order to do your restoring work in our lives.

You are able to use the weakest and most humble people in order to do your powerful work in our lives. You are able to use the familiar and the despised in order to touch our lives with newness.

We like to think that we know the limits within which You are able to work, but You constantly surprise us and show us that You have unlimited ability to achieve your healing, reconciling work in the world.  

We rejoice the ways that You have brought healing to our lives. Use us as agents of your healing for others.  Amen.

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.