Fullness
O God,
Fill us up with your fullness; cause us to live out the reality that you are in us and with us.
Make us constantly aware that we are living in your Spirit and in your power; let your Spirit help us to use your power to live the kind of obedient life lived by your Son Jesus, a life full of love, grace, mercy, service, and sacrifice.
May your fullness in us inspire and empower us to live a full life—a life so secure in you that we willingly give it away.
Amen.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
A Prayer for Thursday, May 30, 2013
Rest
O God,
Sometimes we need rest; help us to find it when we need it. Give us the wisdom to set aside adequate time to renew our body, mind, and spirit through rest and recreation.
But don’t let us live for rest; don’t let us live with escapism as the goal of our life. Grant us the incentive and the energy to do what needs to be done, especially when it comes to doing what we can to help people by sharing their burdens and by helping them to see the access they have to your great grace.
Give us perpetual rest in you that we might constantly be working to bring your grace, love, and peace to bear on a world that so desperately needs them.
Amen.
O God,
Sometimes we need rest; help us to find it when we need it. Give us the wisdom to set aside adequate time to renew our body, mind, and spirit through rest and recreation.
But don’t let us live for rest; don’t let us live with escapism as the goal of our life. Grant us the incentive and the energy to do what needs to be done, especially when it comes to doing what we can to help people by sharing their burdens and by helping them to see the access they have to your great grace.
Give us perpetual rest in you that we might constantly be working to bring your grace, love, and peace to bear on a world that so desperately needs them.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
A Prayer for Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Peace
O God,
Forgive me for when I have been motivated by selfishness to plead for peace in my heart and especially for when I thought of such peace as a path to the avoidance of pain, both that of me and of others.
I still want peace in my heart. I still beg for peace in my heart.
But now I pray for peace in my heart so that I can with a clear mind and a focused will immerse myself in the pain that belongs to me and especially in the pain that belongs to other people.
Now I pray for peace that will set me free to pay full attention to what others are going through and what this world is going through so that I can, unhindered by fear, do my part in what you are doing about it.
Give me peace for your sake and for the sake of the world.
Amen.
O God,
Forgive me for when I have been motivated by selfishness to plead for peace in my heart and especially for when I thought of such peace as a path to the avoidance of pain, both that of me and of others.
I still want peace in my heart. I still beg for peace in my heart.
But now I pray for peace in my heart so that I can with a clear mind and a focused will immerse myself in the pain that belongs to me and especially in the pain that belongs to other people.
Now I pray for peace that will set me free to pay full attention to what others are going through and what this world is going through so that I can, unhindered by fear, do my part in what you are doing about it.
Give me peace for your sake and for the sake of the world.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
A Prayer for Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Freedom
O God,
Free us from the self-imposed strictures of self-loathing, self-protection, and self-isolation that prevent us from living our lives as fully as we could.
Help us rather to live in the freedom of your grace that accepts us and that causes us to accept others, of your love that sacrifices self for us and that causes us to sacrifice ourselves for others, and of your fellowship that embraces us and that causes us to embrace others.
Amen.
O God,
Free us from the self-imposed strictures of self-loathing, self-protection, and self-isolation that prevent us from living our lives as fully as we could.
Help us rather to live in the freedom of your grace that accepts us and that causes us to accept others, of your love that sacrifices self for us and that causes us to sacrifice ourselves for others, and of your fellowship that embraces us and that causes us to embrace others.
Amen.
Monday, May 27, 2013
A Prayer for Monday, May 27, 2013
Memorial Day
O God,
Today we remember the more than 650,000 Americans who have died in battle in the history of our nation.
We are humbled by and grateful for their sacrifice.
Help us to be inspired by them to celebrate, to protect, and to practice the freedoms and responsibilities that are ours as Americans.
Help us to honor their memory by doing everything we can to work for peace so that it will become increasingly unnecessary to send our men and women into war.
Help us to follow their example by putting others above self by daily giving ourselves up in service to them.
Amen.
O God,
Today we remember the more than 650,000 Americans who have died in battle in the history of our nation.
We are humbled by and grateful for their sacrifice.
Help us to be inspired by them to celebrate, to protect, and to practice the freedoms and responsibilities that are ours as Americans.
Help us to honor their memory by doing everything we can to work for peace so that it will become increasingly unnecessary to send our men and women into war.
Help us to follow their example by putting others above self by daily giving ourselves up in service to them.
Amen.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
A Prayer for Sunday, May 26, 2013
Trinity
We praise you, O God, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; we praise you as Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.
We praise you, O God, that community is basic to who you are; we praise you because you are love and so love is expressed in your very being.
We praise you, O God, because you make your home with us and make it possible for our community with each other and love for each other to reflect your community and love.
Let it be so, O God; let it be so.
Amen.
We praise you, O God, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; we praise you as Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.
We praise you, O God, that community is basic to who you are; we praise you because you are love and so love is expressed in your very being.
We praise you, O God, because you make your home with us and make it possible for our community with each other and love for each other to reflect your community and love.
Let it be so, O God; let it be so.
Amen.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
A Prayer for Saturday, May 25, 2013
Communication
For the ability to communicate, be it through talking, writing, signing, or other means, we thank you, O God.
For the willingness to work at communicating clearly and well, we ask you, O God.
For the sin of using our words to hurt rather than to help and to tear down rather than to build up, we beg your forgiveness, O God.
For the insight needed to realize the important role that communication plays in establishing and building relationships, both with one other person and with society at large, we ask you, O God.
Amen.
For the ability to communicate, be it through talking, writing, signing, or other means, we thank you, O God.
For the willingness to work at communicating clearly and well, we ask you, O God.
For the sin of using our words to hurt rather than to help and to tear down rather than to build up, we beg your forgiveness, O God.
For the insight needed to realize the important role that communication plays in establishing and building relationships, both with one other person and with society at large, we ask you, O God.
Amen.
Friday, May 24, 2013
A Prayer for Friday, May 24, 2013
Choices
O God,
Today, like all days, will be filled with choices.
When the choice is between a good way and a bad way, give us wisdom to choose the good way.
When the choice is between a good way and a better way, give us discernment to choose the better way.
When the choice is between a better way and the best way, give us courage to choose the best way.
Give us faith to know that in having the desire to choose the right way we are in fact living in the right way. Give us grace to know that even when we choose the wrong way you can and will make something right out of a bad choice. Give us hope to know that somehow you are in and through our choices working your great purposes out.
Amen.
O God,
Today, like all days, will be filled with choices.
When the choice is between a good way and a bad way, give us wisdom to choose the good way.
When the choice is between a good way and a better way, give us discernment to choose the better way.
When the choice is between a better way and the best way, give us courage to choose the best way.
Give us faith to know that in having the desire to choose the right way we are in fact living in the right way. Give us grace to know that even when we choose the wrong way you can and will make something right out of a bad choice. Give us hope to know that somehow you are in and through our choices working your great purposes out.
Amen.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
A Prayer for Thursday, May 23, 2013
Miracles
O God,
It would be nice, I suppose, if you would perform miracles through me like you did through the Apostles in the New Testament; I would love it if you would use me to make the physically challenged whole.
I guess, though, that people would find a way to explain such events away; they would find some rational explanation for them. Besides, the results would be temporary.
So I ask instead that you perform miracles through me that are clearly irrational and completely unexplainable and have eternal effects. Cause me to love unconditionally, to forgive freely, to share generously, and to trust completely.
Work in me in ways that will give people no options but to give you the glory or to call me crazy—or both.
Amen.
O God,
It would be nice, I suppose, if you would perform miracles through me like you did through the Apostles in the New Testament; I would love it if you would use me to make the physically challenged whole.
I guess, though, that people would find a way to explain such events away; they would find some rational explanation for them. Besides, the results would be temporary.
So I ask instead that you perform miracles through me that are clearly irrational and completely unexplainable and have eternal effects. Cause me to love unconditionally, to forgive freely, to share generously, and to trust completely.
Work in me in ways that will give people no options but to give you the glory or to call me crazy—or both.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
A Prayer for Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Half-Step
Help us today, O Lord, to take a half-step to the right or to the left so that we can see
people,
situations,
problems,
opportunities,
obstacles,
ourselves,
life,
things,
and even
you
from a different perspective
and
in a different way.
Amen.
Help us today, O Lord, to take a half-step to the right or to the left so that we can see
people,
situations,
problems,
opportunities,
obstacles,
ourselves,
life,
things,
and even
you
from a different perspective
and
in a different way.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
A Prayer for Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Moore, Oklahoma
On the people who lost their loved ones, on the families who lost their homes, on the children who lost their sense of safety and security, and on the workers who lost their places of employment – pour out your mercy, O God.
On the teachers who shielded their children, on the meteorologists who gave as much warning as they could, on the community leaders who planned ahead for such an event, and on the relief organizations that always stand ready to help – pour out your grace, O God.
On the first responders who saved precious lives and recovered precious remains, on the searchers who are still searching, on the agencies and organizations that are offering help, on the medical personnel who are tending to the injured, on the ministers and others who are giving the gift of presence, and on the friends who are being friends – pour out your strength, O God.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Amen.
On the people who lost their loved ones, on the families who lost their homes, on the children who lost their sense of safety and security, and on the workers who lost their places of employment – pour out your mercy, O God.
On the teachers who shielded their children, on the meteorologists who gave as much warning as they could, on the community leaders who planned ahead for such an event, and on the relief organizations that always stand ready to help – pour out your grace, O God.
On the first responders who saved precious lives and recovered precious remains, on the searchers who are still searching, on the agencies and organizations that are offering help, on the medical personnel who are tending to the injured, on the ministers and others who are giving the gift of presence, and on the friends who are being friends – pour out your strength, O God.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Amen.
Monday, May 20, 2013
A Prayer for Monday, May 20, 2013
Free
We praise you, O God, for the great grace that led Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins; we praise you that in him we are set free from our sins and that in being set free from our sins we are set free to serve you freely.
We acknowledge, though, that we need to grow in both the reality of our freedom and in our awareness of our freedom; help us so to grow.
In particular, O God, help us to grow in freedom from pride that leads to self-centeredness and self-protection that we might be more and more free to serve you by serving others without self getting in the way.
Amen.
We praise you, O God, for the great grace that led Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins; we praise you that in him we are set free from our sins and that in being set free from our sins we are set free to serve you freely.
We acknowledge, though, that we need to grow in both the reality of our freedom and in our awareness of our freedom; help us so to grow.
In particular, O God, help us to grow in freedom from pride that leads to self-centeredness and self-protection that we might be more and more free to serve you by serving others without self getting in the way.
Amen.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
A Prayer for Sunday, May 19, 2013
Pentecost Sunday
O God,
Help us today to remember and to celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit to the believers who had assembled at Jerusalem following the Ascension of Jesus.
Help us also to remember and to celebrate the ongoing presence of the Spirit with the believers who are gathered wherever we will gather today to worship you.
Make us constantly aware of your Spirit that is with us; keep us in constant communion with your Spirit.
Keep us sensitive; help us to listen; enable us to follow.
Amen.
O God,
Help us today to remember and to celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit to the believers who had assembled at Jerusalem following the Ascension of Jesus.
Help us also to remember and to celebrate the ongoing presence of the Spirit with the believers who are gathered wherever we will gather today to worship you.
Make us constantly aware of your Spirit that is with us; keep us in constant communion with your Spirit.
Keep us sensitive; help us to listen; enable us to follow.
Amen.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
A Prayer for Saturday, May 18, 2013
Forty-Ninth Day of Easter
O God,
Even though we are walking in newness of life,
even though we are in you and you are in us,
even though we have been raised to new life in Christ, and
even though we are enlivened by the Holy Spirit,
sometimes the way is hard and life is difficult.
By your life, by your grace, by your love, and by your Spirit,
enable us to carry on …
Amen.
O God,
Even though we are walking in newness of life,
even though we are in you and you are in us,
even though we have been raised to new life in Christ, and
even though we are enlivened by the Holy Spirit,
sometimes the way is hard and life is difficult.
By your life, by your grace, by your love, and by your Spirit,
enable us to carry on …
Amen.
Friday, May 17, 2013
A Prayer for Friday, May 17, 2013
Forty-Eighth Day of Easter
O God,
Thank you for the renewal of our minds through the joining of our lives with the life of the resurrected Christ and through the presence in us of the Holy Spirit.
Help us to do whatever we can do to contribute to the ongoing renewal of our minds; help us to spend time being with you and to spend energy learning to think on the realities that truly matter.
Deliver us from that which is trivial; immerse us in that which is vital.
Amen.
O God,
Thank you for the renewal of our minds through the joining of our lives with the life of the resurrected Christ and through the presence in us of the Holy Spirit.
Help us to do whatever we can do to contribute to the ongoing renewal of our minds; help us to spend time being with you and to spend energy learning to think on the realities that truly matter.
Deliver us from that which is trivial; immerse us in that which is vital.
Amen.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
A Prayer for Thursday, May 16, 2013
Forty-Seventh Day of Easter
When Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father on the fortieth day after his resurrection, he told his disciples to remain in Jerusalem to await the coming of the promised Holy Spirit. Seven days later, on the forty-seventh day after Jesus’ resurrection and on the seventh day after his ascension, they were still waiting; perhaps they were starting to wonder how long it was going to be. Meanwhile, they were praying.
Help us, O God, to wait patiently for you to do with us whatever you are going to do.
Meanwhile, lead us to wait prayerfully, thereby keeping ourselves poised to receive whatever you have for us.
Keep us aware of all that we already have from you even as we wait for whatever the more is that you plan to send our way.
Amen.
When Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father on the fortieth day after his resurrection, he told his disciples to remain in Jerusalem to await the coming of the promised Holy Spirit. Seven days later, on the forty-seventh day after Jesus’ resurrection and on the seventh day after his ascension, they were still waiting; perhaps they were starting to wonder how long it was going to be. Meanwhile, they were praying.
Help us, O God, to wait patiently for you to do with us whatever you are going to do.
Meanwhile, lead us to wait prayerfully, thereby keeping ourselves poised to receive whatever you have for us.
Keep us aware of all that we already have from you even as we wait for whatever the more is that you plan to send our way.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
A Prayer for Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Forty-Sixth Day of Easter
Make us more aware, O God.
Make us more aware of your life in us and of our life in yours.
Make us more aware of your presence with us and of our presence with you.
Make us more aware of your Spirit’s communion with us and of our communion with your Spirit.
Make us more aware, O God.
Amen.
Make us more aware, O God.
Make us more aware of your life in us and of our life in yours.
Make us more aware of your presence with us and of our presence with you.
Make us more aware of your Spirit’s communion with us and of our communion with your Spirit.
Make us more aware, O God.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
A Prayer for Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Forty-Fifth Day of Easter
O God,
Jesus prayed that we would be in you and you in us; he prayed that we would be one with you (John 17). We confess that how this can be is a mystery to us. But since Jesus prayed for it, we also acknowledge that it is a reality for us.
So keep us constantly aware of the fact that your life is in us and our life is in you. Live in us and cause us to live in you in ways that will lead us to be who we really are in you and that will reveal to the world who you really are.
Amen.
O God,
Jesus prayed that we would be in you and you in us; he prayed that we would be one with you (John 17). We confess that how this can be is a mystery to us. But since Jesus prayed for it, we also acknowledge that it is a reality for us.
So keep us constantly aware of the fact that your life is in us and our life is in you. Live in us and cause us to live in you in ways that will lead us to be who we really are in you and that will reveal to the world who you really are.
Amen.
Monday, May 13, 2013
A Prayer for Monday, May 13, 2013
Forty-Fourth Day of Easter
O God,
Thank you for the music, the art, the poems, the films, and the books that put into words and into images experiences of life that we cannot express.
Thank you for how such works can touch and speak to us in the depths of our being in ways that challenge or comfort us.
Make us always sensitive to what we need to hear and to feel. And then to do …
Amen.
O God,
Thank you for the music, the art, the poems, the films, and the books that put into words and into images experiences of life that we cannot express.
Thank you for how such works can touch and speak to us in the depths of our being in ways that challenge or comfort us.
Make us always sensitive to what we need to hear and to feel. And then to do …
Amen.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
A Prayer for Sunday, May 12, 2013
Seventh Sunday of Easter
O God,
May our worship of you today be a celebration of life, a celebration of the new life we have in Christ, and a celebration of the privilege we have of sharing life with you and with each other.
Amen.
O God,
May our worship of you today be a celebration of life, a celebration of the new life we have in Christ, and a celebration of the privilege we have of sharing life with you and with each other.
Amen.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
A Prayer for Saturday, May 11, 2013
Forty-Second Day of Easter
O God,
Did Jesus laugh when he emerged from the tomb? Did he laugh as he ascended to your right hand?
It sure seems likely that there was great laughter in heaven on those occasions.
Perhaps Jesus and the angels enjoy laughing with us; perhaps they would like it if we laughed more.
But don’t let us laugh in harmful ways; don’t let us laugh so as to ignore the seriousness of a situation or so as to enjoy someone’s misfortune or so as to pretend that there is not quite a lot about us about which people could laugh, too.
Do, though, help us to laugh about the new life we have in Christ, about the fact that you are working your purposes out, and about the privilege we enjoy to share your grace, love, mercy, and peace with others.
Give us such an awareness of who you are and of who we are in you that we can’t help but express our joy with deep and great laughter.
Amen.
O God,
Did Jesus laugh when he emerged from the tomb? Did he laugh as he ascended to your right hand?
It sure seems likely that there was great laughter in heaven on those occasions.
Perhaps Jesus and the angels enjoy laughing with us; perhaps they would like it if we laughed more.
But don’t let us laugh in harmful ways; don’t let us laugh so as to ignore the seriousness of a situation or so as to enjoy someone’s misfortune or so as to pretend that there is not quite a lot about us about which people could laugh, too.
Do, though, help us to laugh about the new life we have in Christ, about the fact that you are working your purposes out, and about the privilege we enjoy to share your grace, love, mercy, and peace with others.
Give us such an awareness of who you are and of who we are in you that we can’t help but express our joy with deep and great laughter.
Amen.
Friday, May 10, 2013
A Prayer for Friday, May 10, 2013
Forty-First Day of Easter
Thank you, O God, for this life that I live, a life that I did nothing to earn and that is thus a true gift from you.
I acknowledge, though, that while my life is a gift, there is much I can do to put myself in a position to live it more fully—things like exercising, eating right, and getting enough sleep. I acknowledge that as I do what I can to maintain and to improve my health, you will do even more in and through me.
Help me to do those things so that I can be the best possible version of who I am.
Thank you, O God, for this new life in Christ that I live, a life that I did nothing to earn and that is thus a true gift from you.
I acknowledge, though, that while my new life in Christ is a gift, there is much I can do to put myself in a position to live it more fully—things like praying, listening to your Spirit, reflecting on the life of Jesus, worshiping, and serving. I acknowledge that as I do what I can to maintain and to improve my spirit, you will do even more in and through me.
Help me to do those things so that I can be the best possible version of who I am.
Amen.
Thank you, O God, for this life that I live, a life that I did nothing to earn and that is thus a true gift from you.
I acknowledge, though, that while my life is a gift, there is much I can do to put myself in a position to live it more fully—things like exercising, eating right, and getting enough sleep. I acknowledge that as I do what I can to maintain and to improve my health, you will do even more in and through me.
Help me to do those things so that I can be the best possible version of who I am.
Thank you, O God, for this new life in Christ that I live, a life that I did nothing to earn and that is thus a true gift from you.
I acknowledge, though, that while my new life in Christ is a gift, there is much I can do to put myself in a position to live it more fully—things like praying, listening to your Spirit, reflecting on the life of Jesus, worshiping, and serving. I acknowledge that as I do what I can to maintain and to improve my spirit, you will do even more in and through me.
Help me to do those things so that I can be the best possible version of who I am.
Amen.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
A Prayer for Thursday, May 9, 2013
Ascension of the Lord
We praise you, O God, for the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ; we praise you that he has taken his place at your right hand from where he reigns eternally over everything that is.
We praise you, O God, that the Lord Jesus is also right here with us, reigning eternally over everything that we are.
Cause the twin facts of the reign of Christ over the universe and over us to inspire us to great hope and great trust.
Cause us to look to him at your right hand and to look to him right here so that we might see our service to him as an important part of what he is doing to work out your eternal purposes.
Amen.
We praise you, O God, for the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ; we praise you that he has taken his place at your right hand from where he reigns eternally over everything that is.
We praise you, O God, that the Lord Jesus is also right here with us, reigning eternally over everything that we are.
Cause the twin facts of the reign of Christ over the universe and over us to inspire us to great hope and great trust.
Cause us to look to him at your right hand and to look to him right here so that we might see our service to him as an important part of what he is doing to work out your eternal purposes.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
A Prayer for Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Thirty-Ninth Day of Easter
O God,
Keep us aware of the life that is all around us; our world, our communities, and our homes teem with it.
Keep us alert to the life that is within us; our bodies, our minds, and our spirits teem with it.
Keep us attuned to the life that is from you; our universe and our lives teem with it.
Amen.
O God,
Keep us aware of the life that is all around us; our world, our communities, and our homes teem with it.
Keep us alert to the life that is within us; our bodies, our minds, and our spirits teem with it.
Keep us attuned to the life that is from you; our universe and our lives teem with it.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Thirty-Eighth Day of Easter
O God,
We praise you that because of the presence of the resurrected Christ we walk through this life with you.
Cause us to walk with you--
--in humility, knowing that you are our God;
--in partnership, knowing that you are our strength;
--in trust, knowing that you are our life.
Amen.
O God,
We praise you that because of the presence of the resurrected Christ we walk through this life with you.
Cause us to walk with you--
--in humility, knowing that you are our God;
--in partnership, knowing that you are our strength;
--in trust, knowing that you are our life.
Amen.
Monday, May 6, 2013
A Prayer for Monday, May 6, 2013
Thirty-Seventh Day of Easter
O God,
Your forgiveness enlivens me; let me forgive others and thus share your life with them.
Your mercy enlivens me; let me show mercy to others and thus share your life with them.
Your love enlivens me; let me show love to others and thus share your life with them.
Your peace enlivens me; let me share peace with others and thus share your life with them.
Your grace enlivens me; let me show grace to others and thus share your life with them.
Your life enlivens me; let me share my life and thus share your life with others.
Amen.
O God,
Your forgiveness enlivens me; let me forgive others and thus share your life with them.
Your mercy enlivens me; let me show mercy to others and thus share your life with them.
Your love enlivens me; let me show love to others and thus share your life with them.
Your peace enlivens me; let me share peace with others and thus share your life with them.
Your grace enlivens me; let me show grace to others and thus share your life with them.
Your life enlivens me; let me share my life and thus share your life with others.
Amen.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
A Prayer for Sunday, May 5, 2013
Sixth Sunday of Easter
O God,
We gather today to praise you for the life made available to us through our risen Lord Jesus Christ.
We praise you first for his life, for a life that was lived in absolute alignment with the will of his Father.
We praise you second for the presence of his life in our life, a presence made possible by his resurrection and by your sending of the Holy Spirit to us.
We praise you third for the presence of his love and grace in our life, a presence that inspires and enables us to open our lives up to other people.
We praise you fourth for the privilege of growing in this life, of growing more and more into the image of Christ our Lord.
Today we focus on praising you . . .
Amen.
O God,
We gather today to praise you for the life made available to us through our risen Lord Jesus Christ.
We praise you first for his life, for a life that was lived in absolute alignment with the will of his Father.
We praise you second for the presence of his life in our life, a presence made possible by his resurrection and by your sending of the Holy Spirit to us.
We praise you third for the presence of his love and grace in our life, a presence that inspires and enables us to open our lives up to other people.
We praise you fourth for the privilege of growing in this life, of growing more and more into the image of Christ our Lord.
Today we focus on praising you . . .
Amen.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
A Prayer for Saturday, May 4, 2013
Thirty-Fifth Day of Easter
O God,
For the way that meaningless things can add meaning to life,
for the way that free things can add value to life, and
for the way that random things can add order to life,
we thank you.
Amen.
O God,
For the way that meaningless things can add meaning to life,
for the way that free things can add value to life, and
for the way that random things can add order to life,
we thank you.
Amen.
Friday, May 3, 2013
A Prayer for Friday, May 3, 2013
Thirty-Fourth Day of Easter
Sometimes we have a day or days when we feel like the life has been drained out of us; for whatever reason we feel like hope is far out of reach and like we are pouring our love into a bottomless pit.
And sometimes on those days, O God, you put someone in our path or put us in someone’s path and that someone is so full of life, so full of hope, and so full of love that it pours out of them and replenishes our supplies.
Thank you for those people.
On our worse days, keep us alert to the presence of those people.
On our better days, let us be those people.
Amen.
Sometimes we have a day or days when we feel like the life has been drained out of us; for whatever reason we feel like hope is far out of reach and like we are pouring our love into a bottomless pit.
And sometimes on those days, O God, you put someone in our path or put us in someone’s path and that someone is so full of life, so full of hope, and so full of love that it pours out of them and replenishes our supplies.
Thank you for those people.
On our worse days, keep us alert to the presence of those people.
On our better days, let us be those people.
Amen.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
A Prayer for Thursday, May 2, 2013
Thirty-Third Day of Easter
O God,
We praise you that through your gift of the Holy Spirit the life of your resurrected Son Jesus Christ is present in us and that therefore his love, grace, faith, hope and peace are present in us.
Today, when we need to forgive someone and we think that we cannot, remind us that because Christ is alive in us, we can.
Today, when we need to trust you enough to keep moving forward and we think that we cannot, remind us that because Christ is alive in us, we can.
Today, when we need to accept someone and we think that we cannot, remind us that because Christ is alive in us, we can.
Today, when we need to forgive ourselves and we think that we cannot, remind us that because Christ is alive in us, we can.
Today, when we need to be at peace in the midst of conflict and we think that we cannot, remind us that because Christ is alive in us, we can.
Amen.
O God,
We praise you that through your gift of the Holy Spirit the life of your resurrected Son Jesus Christ is present in us and that therefore his love, grace, faith, hope and peace are present in us.
Today, when we need to forgive someone and we think that we cannot, remind us that because Christ is alive in us, we can.
Today, when we need to trust you enough to keep moving forward and we think that we cannot, remind us that because Christ is alive in us, we can.
Today, when we need to accept someone and we think that we cannot, remind us that because Christ is alive in us, we can.
Today, when we need to forgive ourselves and we think that we cannot, remind us that because Christ is alive in us, we can.
Today, when we need to be at peace in the midst of conflict and we think that we cannot, remind us that because Christ is alive in us, we can.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
A Prayer for Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Thirty-Second Day of Easter
O God,
Keep us alert today to the signs of life around us—to birds singing, to dogs barking, to flowers blooming, to breeze blowing, to rain falling, to sun shining, to people laughing, to music playing, to squirrels running, and to children playing.
Keep us alert today to the signs of life among us—to conversations shared, to hands grasped, to hugs experienced, to tears shed, to apologies offered, to forgiveness granted, to help offered, and to diversity celebrated.
Keep us alert today to the signs of life within us—to grace received, to compassion realized, to trust expressed, to hope acknowledged, to purpose affirmed, and to love experienced.
Amen.
O God,
Keep us alert today to the signs of life around us—to birds singing, to dogs barking, to flowers blooming, to breeze blowing, to rain falling, to sun shining, to people laughing, to music playing, to squirrels running, and to children playing.
Keep us alert today to the signs of life among us—to conversations shared, to hands grasped, to hugs experienced, to tears shed, to apologies offered, to forgiveness granted, to help offered, and to diversity celebrated.
Keep us alert today to the signs of life within us—to grace received, to compassion realized, to trust expressed, to hope acknowledged, to purpose affirmed, and to love experienced.
Amen.
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