June 4, 2011
A prayer to live deeply
God, give us discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that instead we may live deep within our hearts. Grant us anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of -people, so that we may wish for justice, freedom, and peace. Bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in this world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen.
Shared from Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals
http://commonprayer.net/
June 2, 2011
Psalm 32
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of the summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” – and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!May 31, 2011
an anointing
You have an anointing from the Holy One
and all you know the truth.
(1 John 2:20)
What are you doing with your anointing,
what are you doing with the truth
today?
May 30, 2011
Old friend
May you speak with an old friend today-
someone who reminds you of good memories
or rekindles a dormant passion
or you just enjoy their company.
God has brought so many people through your life.
And you are an old friend to others….
Be bless(ing) today.
Amen.
May 27, 2011
A Prayer for Unity
In word and deed,
in loving and caring, in sharing and compassion,
in participation and confrontation;
Lord, speak your word to us all,
give us ears to listen
and willingness to be involved with and for one another
and a spirit of obedience.
A prayer from a multi-racial group in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Taken from: With All God’s People: The New Ecumenical Prayer Cycle
(World Council of Churches Publications, 1989)
May 26, 2011
Feeling Forsaken
Our Father, sometimes Thou dost seem so far away, as if Thou art a God in hiding, as if Thou art determined to elude all who seek Thee. Yet we know that Thou art far more willing to be found than we are to seek. Thou hast promised “If with all your heart ye truly seek me, ye shall ever surely find me.” And hast Thou not assured us that Thou art with us always? Help us now to be as aware of Thy nearness as we are of the material things of every day. Help us to recognize Thy voice with as much assurance as we recognize the sounds of the world around us. We would find Thee now in the privacy of our hearts, in the quiet of this moment. We would know, our Father, that Thou art near us and beside us; that Thou dost love us and art interested in all that we do, art concerned about all our affairs. May we become aware of Thy companionship, of Him who walks beside us. At times when we feel forsaken, may we know the presence of the Holy Spirit who brings comfort to all human hearts when we are willing to surrender ourselves. May we be convinced that even before we reach up to Thee, Thou art reaching down to us. These blessings, together with the unexpressed longing in our hearts, we ask in the strong name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen. ~Peter Marshall The Prayers of Peter Marshall McGraw-Hill Book CompanyMay 25, 2011
Daily Bread
“Give us today or daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11)
Lord, This is a sign of your Kingdom coming – we will all have enough.
Not too much, not too little.
You know how much we need and you take care of us.
So we trust you
we rely on you
we ask you
Give us today, our daily bread.
Amen.
May 23, 2011
on earth and in heaven
“Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Jesus tells us to this in two different contexts in Matthew (16:19 & 18:18). He has given us authority in both the seen and unseen realms. May your prayers carry supernatural power today as you address both earthly and heavenly matters.
May 20, 2011
From Saint Clare ~ Place your mind before the mirror of eternity
Place your mind before the mirror of eternity!
Place your soul in the brilliance of glory!
Place your heart in the figure of the divine substance!
And transform your whole being into the image of the
Godhead Itself
through contemplation!
So that you too may feel what His friends feel
as they taste the hidden sweetness
which God Himself has reserved
from the beginning
for those who love Him.
~ Saint Clare of Assisi
Prayers & Creeds 