PRAYERS FOR FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

PRAYERS FOR FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS 

Isaiah 63:7-9

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

God’s Mercy Remembered

7 I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord,

    the praiseworthy acts of the Lord,

because of all that the Lord has done for us,

    and the great favor to the house of Israel

that he has shown them according to his mercy,

    according to the abundance of his steadfast love.

8 For he said, “Surely they are my people,

    children who will not deal falsely”;

and he became their savior

9     in all their distress.

It was no messenger or angel

    but his presence that saved them;

in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;

    he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

We praise you

O God

for being a presence in our lives

not just a song in the night

We have been seduced before

by fly-by-night choirs

of happiness and success

with no down payment

and easy terms

You came as a Babe

but you died as a thief

from a manger in Bethlehem

to a cross up on Calvary

You came not as a burden 

for us to suffer 

but one who would carry our burdens

upon your broad shoulders 

You came not to condemn us

because of our sins

but to cleanse us our stains

to be whiter than snow

You came not to scorn us

as pitiful ornery children

but love us unreservedly

as your sons and daughters 

We praise you

O God

for being a presence in our lives

not just a song in the night

Hallelujah 

Amen

Matthew 2:13-23

13 Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 Then Joseph[a] got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”

The Massacre of the Infants

16 When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men,[b] he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men.[c] 17 Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:

18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,

    wailing and loud lamentation,

Rachel weeping for her children;

    she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”

Can you hear her

Can you hear Rachel

weeping for her children?

The cupboard is bare

The pantry is empty

nothing to put on their plates

to fill their bellies

The closet is free

of shirts and skirts

void of anything new

to dress her children

Can you hear her

Can you hear Rachel

weeping for her children?

The ER is full and crowded

as she holds her baby

sick and crying

in need of care and healing

The shelter is cold and noisy

full of other

mothers and children 

with no where to lay their heads

Can you hear her

Can you hear Rachel

weeping for her children?

Wall Street cannot hear

for all the shouting and buying

Walmart cannot hear 

for all the shouting and buying

Amazon cannot hear

for all the clicking and buying

Best Buy cannot hear

for all the clicking and buying

Can you hear her

Can you hear Rachel

weeping for her children?

Forgive us Lord Jesus

and give us ears to hear

and eyes to see

To hear the hungry children's cry

and feed them

To see the the ill clad children

and clothe them

To hear the sick children

and heal them

To see the homeless children

and house them

Can you hear her

Can you hear Rachel

weeping for her children?

Help us Lord Jesus

To hear them

To love them

To care for them

To hear and love and care

for Rachel's children

for all God's children

Amen

 

 

PRAYERS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE OT

PRAYERS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE  OT

Isaiah 9:2-7

2 The people who walked in darkness

    have seen a great light;

those who lived in a land of deep darkness—

    on them light has shined.

3 You have multiplied the nation,

    you have increased its joy;

they rejoice before you

    as with joy at the harvest,

    as people exult when dividing plunder.

4 For the yoke of their burden,

    and the bar across their shoulders,

    the rod of their oppressor,

    you have broken as on the day of Midian.

5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors

    and all the garments rolled in blood

    shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

6 For a child has been born for us,

    a son given to us;

authority rests upon his shoulders;

    and he is named

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 His authority shall grow continually,

    and there shall be endless peace

for the throne of David and his kingdom.

    He will establish and uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

    from this time onward and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Come, O come

Wonderful Counselor

Shine your light upon us

for we dwell in a land of darkness

We seek the the light of truth

in a world darkened by lies

Everywhere we turn 

Shadows of falsehood 

lie upon our path

Shine upon us

so we may walk in your ways

and follow your wisdom

to light and life

Come, O come

Mighty God

Shine your light upon us

for we dwell in a land of darkness

We seek your Holy Light

in a dark and pagan world

where the gods of wealth and greed

that consume our hearts and minds

hiding treasures where thieves break in

Shine down upon us

that we may give of our bounty

so that the hungry may feast

and the homeless be warm

Come, O come

Everlasting Father

Shine your light upon us

for we dwell in a land of darkness

We search for justice

in a time when evil sometimes triumphs

and good is trodden underfoot

where the innocent are persecuted

and the righteous are abandoned

Shine down the glory of The Lord

so that the prisoners will go free

the oppressed know liberation

and the bells of justice ring

Come, O come

Prince of Peace

Shine your light upon us

for we dwell in a land of darkness

We cower amidst war and destruction

where widow and orphan

hide in fear

and the bullet and the bomb

fall down upon so many 

Shine down the light of Shalom

so that the bow may be broken

and the sword turned into plows

and we shall learn war

nevermore

Come, O come

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Shine your light upon us

Amen

NT

Luke 2:8-20

8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,[a] the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,[b] praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

    and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”[c]

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Sing angels sing

Sing of the Good News

that the Christ has come

We have been waiting

on hillside and country lane

city street and rustic highway

Waiting to hear the Good News

to hear that our long night is over 

that the child born in the night 

breaks the darkness with glorious light

Sing angels sing

Sing of the Good News

that the Christ has come

Sing the Glory of God

Help us lift our voices

to join the heavenly chorus 

singing praise to our God

The God who lifts the lowly 

and bends the mighty

feeds those who hunger

and gives sight to the blind

Sing angels sing

Sing of the Good News

that the Christ has come

Sing a song of Peace

Quiet the guns

still the sounds of war

and build highways of joy

O Prince of Peace

reign in our hearts

and dwell in our souls 

so we may be brothers and sisters

to all

Sing angels sing

Sing of the Good News

that the Christ has come

Hallelujah 

Amen

PRAYERS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

PRAYERS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Psalm 80

3 Restore us, O God;

    let your face shine, that we may be saved.

4 O Lord God of hosts,

    how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?

5 You have fed them with the bread of tears,

    and given them tears to drink in full measure.

6 You make us the scorn[a] of our neighbors;

    our enemies laugh among themselves.

7 Restore us, O God of hosts;

    let your face shine, that we may be saved.

O Lord God of hosts,

    how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?

Didn't you hear our prayer

O God

We worked hard on it

Choosing  just the right words

Make it eloquent and thoughtful

We hear so much gibberish

Mangled words and jumbled phrases

Strung together 

without cadence or harmony

Doggerel mushed into lines

O Lord God of hosts,

    how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?

Didn't you hear our prayer

O God

We included everyone on the list

All the sick and shut-ins

The grieving and the mournful

There is a lot to pray for

This war and that uprising

So many poor and homeless

Refugees just stumbling all about

Empty pantries and overflowing shelters

O Lord God of hosts,

    how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?

Didn't you hear our prayer

O God

We tried not to ask for too much

Just health and happiness

Safety and success

It's a cold world out there

Everything going to hell in a hand basket

We just want to hold on

Have you bless and protect us

Keep us from the devil at our doorstep 

O Lord God of hosts,

    how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?

Forgive us Loving God

when we place more importance on 

our words not on your Word

embodied in your Son

Jesus the Christ

Forgive us loving God

when we raise up in prayer

getting lost the liturgy 

and forgetting the meaning 

and privilege of your presence 

Forgive us Loving God

for relying on our our strength

calling attention to ourselves 

and not waiting or willing

for the Spirit to interceded for us

Forgive us Loving God

and teach us to pray

with humble hearts

quiet listening 

and patience to hear

Amen

NT

Matthew 1:23-25

23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

    and they shall name him Emmanuel,”

which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son;and he named him Jesus.

You have come

Emmanuel 

God with us

You come into our lives

Messy and miserable

Confused and chaotic 

Not knowing where to go

nor what to do

You come

to give us direction

to show us the way

from the wilderness

to cross the Jordan

You have come

Emmanuel 

God with us

You come into our lives 

Scarred and stumped

Abused and torn from the anchor

tossed upon the storms

with no light from the shore

You come

to steer us straight

show the way

amidst the tempest 

to safe harbor  

You have come

Emmanuel 

God with us

You come into our lives

as we seek shelter 

from the violence 

running from bomb and bullet

death and destruction

You come 

To bring us Shalom

peace between nations 

praying for enemies

restoring us with your salvation

You have come

Emmanuel 

God with us

You come into our lives

in our loneliest moments

times of grief

and great loss

bereft of solace or contentment

You come

to bear our burdens

dry our tears

comfort us 

in our hour of need

You have come

Emmanuel 

God with us

Hallelujah 

Amen

3 Restore us, O God;

    let your face shine, that we may be saved.

4 O Lord God of hosts,

    how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?

5 You have fed them with the bread of tears,

    and given them tears to drink in full measure.

6 You make us the scorn[a] of our neighbors;

    our enemies laugh among themselves.

7 Restore us, O God of hosts;

    let your face shine, that we may be saved.

O Lord God of hosts,

    how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?

Didn't you hear our prayer

O God

We worked hard on it

Choosing  just the right words

Make it eloquent and thoughtful

We hear so much gibberish

Mangled words and jumbled phrases

Strung together 

without cadence or harmony

Doggerel mushed into lines

O Lord God of hosts,

    how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?

Didn't you hear our prayer

O God

We included everyone on the list

All the sick and shut-ins

The grieving and the mournful

There is a lot to pray for

This war and that uprising

So many poor and homeless

Refugees just stumbling all about

Empty pantries and overflowing shelters

O Lord God of hosts,

    how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?

Didn't you hear our prayer

O God

We tried not to ask for too much

Just health and happiness

Safety and success

It's a cold world out there

Everything going to hell in a hand basket

We just want to hold on

Have you bless and protect us

Keep us from the devil at our doorstep 

O Lord God of hosts,

    how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?

Forgive us Loving God

when we place more importance on 

our words not on your Word

embodied in your Son

Jesus the Christ

Forgive us loving God

when we raise up in prayer

getting lost the liturgy 

and forgetting the meaning 

and privilege of your presence 

Forgive us Loving God

for relying on our our strength

calling attention to ourselves 

and not waiting or willing

for the Spirit to interceded for us

Forgive us Loving God

and teach us to pray

with humble hearts

quiet listening 

and patience to hear

Amen

NT

Matthew 1:23-25 

23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

    and they shall name him Emmanuel,”

which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son;and he named him Jesus.

You have come

Emmanuel 

God with us

You come into our lives

Messy and miserable

Confused and chaotic 

Not knowing where to go

nor what to do

You come

to give us direction

to show us the way

from the wilderness

to cross the Jordan

You have come

Emmanuel 

God with us

You come into our lives 

Scarred and stumped

Abused and torn from the anchor

tossed upon the storms

with no light from the shore

You come

to steer us straight

show the way

amidst the tempest 

to safe harbor  

You have come

Emmanuel 

God with us

You come into our lives

as we seek shelter 

from the violence 

running from bomb and bullet

death and destruction

You come 

To bring us Shalom

peace between nations 

praying for enemies

restoring us with your salvation

You have come

Emmanuel 

God with us

You come into our lives

in our loneliest moments

times of grief

and great loss

bereft of solace or contentment

You come

to bear our burdens

dry our tears

comfort us 

in our hour of need

You have come

Emmanuel 

God with us

Hallelujah 

Amen

3 Restore us, O God;

    let your face shine, that we may be saved.

4 O Lord God of hosts,

    how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?

5 You have fed them with the bread of tears,

    and given them tears to drink in full measure.

6 You make us the scorn[a] of our neighbors;

    our enemies laugh among themselves.

7 Restore us, O God of hosts;

    let your face shine, that we may be saved.

O Lord God of hosts,

    how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?

Didn't you hear our prayer

O God

We worked hard on it

Choosing  just the right words

Make it eloquent and thoughtful

We hear so much gibberish

Mangled words and jumbled phrases

Strung together 

without cadence or harmony

Doggerel mushed into lines

O Lord God of hosts,

    how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?

Didn't you hear our prayer

O God

We included everyone on the list

All the sick and shut-ins

The grieving and the mournful

There is a lot to pray for

This war and that uprising

So many poor and homeless

Refugees just stumbling all about

Empty pantries and overflowing shelters

O Lord God of hosts,

    how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?

Didn't you hear our prayer

O God

We tried not to ask for too much

Just health and happiness

Safety and success

It's a cold world out there

Everything going to hell in a hand basket

We just want to hold on

Have you bless and protect us

Keep us from the devil at our doorstep 

O Lord God of hosts,

    how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?

Forgive us Loving God

when we place more importance on 

our words not on your Word

embodied in your Son

Jesus the Christ

Forgive us loving God

when we raise up in prayer

getting lost the liturgy 

and forgetting the meaning 

and privilege of your presence 

Forgive us Loving God

for relying on our our strength

calling attention to ourselves 

and not waiting or willing

for the Spirit to interceded for us

Forgive us Loving God

and teach us to pray

with humble hearts

quiet listening 

and patience to hear

Amen

NT

Matthew 1:23-25 

23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

    and they shall name him Emmanuel,”

which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son;and he named him Jesus.

You have come

Emmanuel 

God with us

You come into our lives

Messy and miserable

Confused and chaotic 

Not knowing where to go

nor what to do

You come

to give us direction

to show us the way

from the wilderness

to cross the Jordan

You have come

Emmanuel 

God with us

You come into our lives 

Scarred and stumped

Abused and torn from the anchor

tossed upon the storms

with no light from the shore

You come

to steer us straight

show the way

amidst the tempest 

to safe harbor  

You have come

Emmanuel 

God with us

You come into our lives

as we seek shelter 

from the violence 

running from bomb and bullet

death and destruction

You come 

To bring us Shalom

peace between nations 

praying for enemies

restoring us with your salvation

You have come

Emmanuel 

God with us

You come into our lives

in our loneliest moments

times of grief

and great loss

bereft of solace or contentment

You come

to bear our burdens

dry our tears

comfort us 

in our hour of need

You have come

Emmanuel 

God with us

Hallelujah 

Amen

PRAYERS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

A PRAYER FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

OT

Psalm 146

1 Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord, O my soul!

2 I will praise the Lord as long as I live;

    I will sing praises to my God all my life long.

3 Do not put your trust in princes,

    in mortals, in whom there is no help.

4 When their breath departs, they return to the earth;

    on that very day their plans perish.

5 Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,

    whose hope is in the Lord their God,

6 who made heaven and earth,

    the sea, and all that is in them;

who keeps faith forever;

7     who executes justice for the oppressed;

    who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free;

8     the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.

The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;

    the Lord loves the righteous.

9 The Lord watches over the strangers;

    he upholds the orphan and the widow,

    but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

10 The Lord will reign forever,

    your God, O Zion, for all generations.

Praise the Lord!

Forgive us, Lord Jesus

for we put our trust in princes

in ourselves

We believe our talents are unlimited 

We can conquer anything  

overcome anything  

accomplish anything  

The sky is our limit

Forgive us, Lord Jesus

for we put our trust in princes

in ourselves

We believe we are entitled 

We can have everything 

have all we want

have it right now

Our appetites are voracious 

Forgive us, Lord Jesus

for we put our trust in princes

in ourselves

We believe we are invulnerable  

We can defeat any disease

out run old age

cure whatever ails us

The odds are always in our favor

Forgive us, Lord Jesus

for we put our trust in princes

in ourselves

Praise You

O God of the oceans and the skies

for you come to give us hope

and life abundant 

Praise You

O God of the hungry and homeless 

for you give them food to eat

and shelter from the cold

Praise You

O God of the oppressed and captives

for you set the prisoner free

and break the chains of the slaves

Praise You

O God

Creator

Sustainer

Liberator

Amen

A PRAYER FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

NT

Matthew 11:2-11

2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah[a] was doing, he sent word by his[b] disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” 4 Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers[c] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”

We praise you

Jesus of Nazareth 

Our Messiah who comes

to give sight to the blind

So many of us cannot see

the dawn in the morning

the smiles of our children

the tears of our parents

Bless you

Messiah Jesus

for opening our eyes

to see life around us

We praise you

Jesus of Nazareth 

Our Messiah who comes

to strengthen legs so the lame may walk 

So many of us cannot rise from our beds 

traverse around our homes

stroll about our yards and gardens

sit up to embrace our loved ones

Bless you

Messiah Jesus

for lifting us from our beds

to walk into the joy of life

 

We praise you

Jesus of Nazareth 

Our Messiah who comes

to allow the deaf to hear

So many of us cannot hear the sounds

of children singing 

of birds chirping

of life exploding around us

Bless you

Messiah Jesus

for opening our ears

to hear life around us

We praise you

Jesus of Nazareth 

Our Messiah who comes

to preach good news to the poor

So many of us hover in the shadows

our bellies are empty

our legs and arms are bare

our spirits are despondent

Bless you

Messiah Jesus

for preaching to us the good news

so we may embrace life around us

We praise you

Jesus of Nazareth 

Our Messiah who comes

so that

"the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers[c] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them."

Amen

 

 

A PRAYER FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT OT

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT  OT

Isaiah 11:1-10

11 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,

    and a branch shall grow out of his roots.

2 The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,

    the spirit of wisdom and understanding,

    the spirit of counsel and might,

    the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

3 His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.

He shall not judge by what his eyes see,

    or decide by what his ears hear;

4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,

    and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;

he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,

    and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.

5 Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist,

Come O Spirit of The Lord 

Rest upon a weary people

and bring us a spirit of wisdom and understanding

We are a people who look and see not

We see the bright lights of success and riches

not the hungry and homeless

We hear the praise and clamor of work and play

not the cry of the widow or the orphan

Come You who judge not by sight 

but by justice

who will fill the bellies of those who hunger

and give all who need shelter a safe home

Come O Spirit of The Lord 

Rest upon a weary people

and bring us a spirit of counsel and might

We are a people who listen but hear not

We arm ourselves as persons and nations

against enemies real and perceived

We are more ready to take life than give it

more willing to conquer than encourage

Come You who judge not by hearing 

but by shalom

who will break the bow and sword

and teach the ways of peace

Come O Spirit of The Lord 

Rest upon a weary people

and bring us a spirit of knowledge 

and the fear of the Lord.

We are a people who know only ourselves

We fear only getting what we have not

and using any means to obtain it

We boast that we fear no one or nothing

puffing our chests in false bravado

Come You who judge not by idol worship  

but by fear of The Lord

who will instruct us in God's ways

and show us the paths of righteousness

Come O Spirit of God

Bring us the spirit of wisdom and understanding,

  the spirit of counsel and might,

    the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

Amen

A PRAYER FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT OT

A PRAYER FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT OT

Matthew 3:7-12

7 But when he(John) saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit worthy of repentance. 9 Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

11 “I baptize you with[b] water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with[c] the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

We confess, Lord Jesus

We are but barren branches 

on a tree 

dying in the orchard

rotten fruit falling to the ground

You planted us to yield 

a living and loving life

that would pollinate many 

peoples and places 

growing and thriving

Instead our branches bear

only thorns and thistles

full of anxiousness and

self-centered ness

without flower or seed

Swing your ax

down upon us

to clear your orchard

of dead trees

and wasted space

We confess, Lord Jesus

We are no more than chaff

laying on the threshing floor

gleaned from the scythe

from the field at harvest

You planted us in your fields

to become the stewards

of your creation

Nurture and protect 

our earth and its inhabitants 

Rather we rot upon the vine

feeding only vultures

to hover over and devour

our oceans and plains

deer and lamb

Pitch into us your winnowing fork

and clear away spoilage

that corrupts everything 

and everyone

we touch and see

Forgive us

and redeem us

Christ Jesus

that we may flower and grow

bear fruit as your followers 

and feed all those who hunger

  

Forgive us

and redeem us

Christ Jesus

that we may bring forth

an abundant harvest

of justice and peace

Amen 

A PRAYER FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

A PRAYER FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

OT

 Isaiah 2

3     Many peoples shall come and say,

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

    to the house of the God of Jacob;

that he may teach us his ways

    and that we may walk in his paths.”

For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,

    and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

4 He shall judge between the nations,

    and shall arbitrate for many peoples;

they shall beat their swords into plowshares,

    and their spears into pruning hooks;

nation shall not lift up sword against nation,

    neither shall they learn war any more.

Come, Jesus of Nazareth 

Come and lead us to your house

on the mountain of truth

For we are a people run wild 

in the streets

Arming ourselves

against stranger and neighbor

Fearing the violence 

hiding behind our fortresses

Come, Jesus of Nazareth 

Come and lead us to your house

on the mountain of justice

Arbitrate between the rich and the poor

the mighty and the weak

Raise up the trampled

strengthen the weary

Turn out the gluttonous 

lower the powerful

Come, Jesus of Nazareth 

Come and lead us to your house

on the mountain of peace

For we are a warring people 

arming ourselves for conquest 

Nations rising up against nations

fortifying to beat back invaders

Abandoning the widows and the orphans

to survive on their own

Come, Jesus of Nazareth 

Come and lead us to your house

on the mountain of shalom

Break our swords

bend our guns

shatter our storehouses

of death and destruction

May we learn not the ways of war

but study the paths of peace 

Come, Jesus of Nazareth 

Come and lead us to your house

on the mountain of love

For we strain to know one another

preferring to nod as an acquaintance 

and not as a neighbor 

Avoid knowing or caring 

desiring distance to intimacy

safety to risking

Come, Jesus of Nazareth 

Come and lead us to your house

on the mountain of reconciliation 

Break down the walls 

that divide us 

Bring us together as one

One people

One faith

One God

Come, Jesus of Nazareth 

Come and lead us to your house

on the mountain of justice

and peace 

shalom 

and righteousness 

Amen

A PRAYER FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

A PRAYER FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

NT

Matthew 24:36-44

36 “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, 39 and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. 42 Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day[b] your Lord is coming. 43 But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.

Is the flood coming today Lord?

We're not ready!

We heard the rumors

read the news

listened to the preachers

kept up on stuff

thought we were ahead 

Can't you wait a bit 

give us a heads up

let us know 

when to start preparing 

building our ark

Is the flood coming today Lord?

We're not ready!

We checked our calendars

looked at our schedules

tried to look ahead

clear some time

adjust our itinerary

Can't you hold off a little

make it a more convenient time

send us an email

or a Google alert

so we can make time

Is the flood coming today Lord?

We're not ready!

We have so much to do

things to take care of

errands to run 

jobs to do

crises to negotiate 

Can't you make it more convenient

fit it in better for a time 

when we can give it our full attention 

be better focused

ready to be on task 

Forgive us O God

for not being ready

at any and every moment

to prepare for your coming

Forgive us O God

for not being willing 

at any day or time

to welcome your coming

Forgive us o God

for not wanting

today or tomorrow

to be ready for your coming

Come Lord Jesus

Come

Come today

Come tomorrow

Come forever

Amen

A PRAYER FOR CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY

A PRAYER FOR CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY

Jeremiah 23:1-6

(NRSV)

1 Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. 2 Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. 3 Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. 4 I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord.

We are sheep

Wandering from hillside to hillside

Looking for pastures to lie in

Dipping into streams for refreshment

We follow shepherds who tend us

Following their voice 

Leading us this way and that

Over the hills and down to the rivers

We pray to feel safe in our pasture

Safe from the wolves who would devour us

Safe from the winds that would destroy us

Safe from the worries that would deter us

O Where

O Where is the Shepherd

The One who can defeat the wolves

and calm the winds and soothe our worries

O Where

O Where is the Shepherd

The One who can lead in green pastures

and beside still waters

It is you

Lord Jesus

You are The One

You are The One who sends the wolves 

on the run to keep us safe

You are The One who stays the winds

and calm us in the storm

You are The One who holds us close

and gives us moments of peace

You are The One who fills our hunger

and quenches our thirst

You are The One

Lord Jesus

We praise you

We thank you

Shepherd and King

Amen

A PRAYER FOR THE 25th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

A PRAYER FOR THE 25th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Psalm 98

4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;

    break forth into joyous song and sing praises.

5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,

    with the lyre and the sound of melody.

6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn

    make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.

7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

    the world and those who live in it.

8 Let the floods clap their hands;

    let the hills sing together for joy

9 at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming

    to judge the earth.

He will judge the world with righteousness

Do you hear it, Lord

That's us

Your creation

singing to you

Every wave that breaks upon the shore

Every wind that howls thru the trees

Every drop of rain that beats upon the earth

all are singing

PRAISE TO GOD

OUR GOD

CREATOR OF ALL

Every beast of the field 

Every creature in the sea

Every bird aloft

Lift their voice 

Lions roaring

Cattle stampeding

Whales singing

Eagles soaring

join the chorus

PRAISE TO GOD

OUR GOD

CREATOR OF ALL

Every mountain and forest

Every river and stream

Every field of wheat and corn

raise their anthem

Summits pointing heavenward 

Rapids bursting and bubbling

Waves of Amber, stalks growing

harmonize with all

PRAISE TO GOD

OUR GOD

CREATOR OF ALL

Every person

Every nation

Every community

chant your name

Seeking calm in the chaos

Seeking shelters from the storm

Seeking peace amidst the wars

cry unto you

PRAISE TO GOD

OUR GOD

WHO GIVES US LIFE 

SUSTAINS OUR LIFE

RESTORES OUR LIFE

PRAISE TO GOD

OUR GOD

WHO METES OUT JUSTICE

BENDS THE BOW

AND ESTABLISHES PEACE

PRAISE TO GOD

OUR GOD

WHO HEARS EVERY CRY

WHO COMFORTS EVERY HURT

WHO HEALS EVERY WOUND

PRAISE TO GOD

OUR GOD

NOW 

AND EVERMORE

AMEN

A PRAYER FOR THE 26th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

A PRAYER FOR THE 26th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

Luke 21:5-19

NRSV

7 They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” 8 And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’[a] and, ‘The time is near!’[b] Do not go after them.

9 “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” 10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

12 “But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15 for I will give you words[c] and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.

This is the way the world ends

This is the way the world ends

This is the way the world ends

Not with a bang but a whimper.

(T S Eliot)

It feels like the end of the world, Lord

 

So many people are running around

Crying that the sky is falling

Everything is falling apart

Doomsday is here

Prepare to meet your make

Everyday we look

There is chaos and crisis

Nobody can manage

All is up for grabs

Where can we hide

Where are we safe

What can we go

Turning and turning in the widening gyre

The falcon cannot hear the falconer;

Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,

(W. B. Yeats)

It feels like the end of the world, Lord

There is nothing to hold onto

Nothing secure

Nothing sure

Nothing sacred

Our cries go unheard

Our panic undiminished

Our prayers unanswered

What can we do 

What can we say

What can we pray

14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.

Praise you Lord Jesus

Praise you for the words

you give us

Words of love instead of hate

Words of assurance instead of fright

Words of peace instead of war

Words of friendship instead of mistrust

Praise you, Lord Jesus

Praise you for the wisdom

you give

Wisdom to know truth to hold onto 

Wisdom to know the path to take

Wisdom to know when to be silent

Wisdom to know when to speak

19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.

Praise you, Lord Jesus

Praise you for the endurance

you give us

Endurance to face our enemies

Endurance to walk through the flames

Endurance to withstand every storm

Endurance to stand at the last

Praise you, Lord Jesus

Praise you for standing

ever beside us

In our moments of loss

You are there

When we are lost

You are there

In the beginning

and at the end

You are there

Praise you, Lord Jesus

Forever and ever

Amen

A PRAYER FOR THE 23rd SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Luke 18:9-14

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”

We know we are supposed to pray Lord

We don't always know how

We are good at saying all the correct words

making our prayers flow

Poem as prayers

full of eloquence and meaning

We follow along the liturgy

repeat the words on the screen

or in the bulletin

praying as a whole people of God

We always have our Prayer List

Needs to mention

Friends and family in need

All tidied up so we can beg for your help

Forgive us, Lord Jesus

that we put more importance

on style and substance

and forget we should just come

and be silent

Forgive us, Lord Jesus

that our prayers are often

about what we need or want

and not so much on thanksgiving

or confession

Forgive us, Lord Jesus

that in prayer we tend to

do all the talking 

and not much listening

Forgive us, Lord Jesus

that we forget

you showed us how or pray

by going away from the chaos

to sit alone and pray

Forgive us, Lord Jesus

and remind us to pray

as you taught us

Our Father

Who are in heaven

Hallowed be your name

Your kingdom come

Your will be done

on Earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us

For the Kingdom

the Power

the Glory are yours

Now and forever

Amen

A PRAYER FOR THE 22nd SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

A PRAYER FOR THE 22nd SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Jeremiah 31:31-34

31 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband,[a] says the Lord. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.

We long to know your way Lord

to live in the ways of truth

We dwell in a land of messages

of avarice and greed

selfish wants and unfulfilled dreams

Each voice crying for us to follow

to happiness and unending desires

Place upon our hearts the knowledge 

that in you all our needs are met

all our wants are filled

our life whole and complete

We long to know your way Lord

to live in the ways of hope

We feel so much despair around us

mountains of gloom

oceans of anguish

that drown us in waves

of sorrow and surrender

Burn your hope into our hearts

Plant within a vision of your kingdom

where the lamb and the lion lie together

joy is known on every street

and every village and town

We long to know your way Lord

to live in the ways of peace

We live in a time of constant war

Struggles for power and riches

Tyrants triumph and hatred reigns

making widows and orphans 

Dead stacked upon dead

Light the flames of peace upon our hearts

Sow the strength to love our enemies

and the courage to turn our swords into plowshares

and study war never more

We long to know your way Lord

to live in the ways of truth

hope and peace

Write them upon our hearts

that we may walk always in your way

Amen

A PRAYER FOR THE 21st SUNDAY AFTER Pentecost

A PRAYER FOR THE 21st SUNDAY AFTER Pentecost 

Luke 17:11-19 (NRSV)

11 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus[a] was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten lepers[b] approached him. Keeping their distance, 13 they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16 He prostrated himself at Jesus’[c] feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? 18 Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”

We are always begging, Lord Jesus

Begging to be healed

Begging to be cleansed

Begging to be forgiven

Begging to be loved

We live with hurt and pains

illnesses and surgeries

going for this treatment

and that procedure

We beg to be healed

Free of pain and distress

Healthy and whole

Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

We live with addictions

cravings for pleasure 

becoming enslaved

to bottle and poll

We beg to be cured

Freed from their control

Cleansed in body and soul

Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

We live sinfully and selfishly 

guilty of the many wrongs we do

the angry and hurtful word we utter

our own unforgiving nature

We beg to be forgiven

Pardoned to live freely

Forgiven and forgivers

Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

We try so hard to be liked

Accepted by peers and colleagues

Admired and applauded 

for our life and accomplishments

We beg to be loved

Cherished for who you created us to be

Precious in your sight

Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

Heal us

Cleanse us

Forgive us 

Love us

Amen

A PRAYER FOR THE 20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

A PRAYER FOR THE 20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

(Though this prayer is for October 6th, I thought I would post it now as we prepare to debate the use of force against Syria. Prayer will be much needed in this discussion)

Psalm 137

1 By the rivers of Babylon—

    there we sat down and there we wept

    when we remembered Zion.

2 On the willows[a] there

    we hung up our harps.

3 For there our captors

    asked us for songs,

and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying,

    “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”

4 How could we sing the Lord’s song

    in a foreign land?

5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,

    let my right hand wither!

6 Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth,

    if I do not remember you,

if I do not set Jerusalem

    above my highest joy.

Dear God

We are here again

Sitting and weeping 

over so many losses

so many deaths

We cannot sing

We cannot eat

We cannot breathe

We cannot think

The fumes persist

gagging us

killing us

defeating us

Dear God

We are here again

Hanging up our harps

No songs in our hearts

What can we sing?

What can we say?

What can we pray?

Will the world listen

hear our cries

bury our dead

mourn our losses

Will our enemies see

that we are scared

hiding and hoping

that the rain of death cease

Will you, O God hear us

tend our wounds 

stand beside us

wreak vengeance 

on our killers

Dear God

We are here again

Remembering our past glories

when the children played

and the streets sang

No watchman needed on then wall

Restore us

Make us strong in the face of death

Renew our strength to confront our fears

Embolden us to seek your justice

Guide us to rebuild your peace

Vanquish those whose lust

for power and glory

Crush their bow

drown their tanks

silence their guns

Lead us out of the wilderness

of war

into the places of peace

Guide us from the valleys of hatred

onto the mountains of love

Show us the path away from the roads of evil

onto the avenues to Shalom

Amen

A PRAYER FOR THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER  PENTECOST 

Luke 16:19-25

19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham.[a] The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side.[b] 24 He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. 

We have so much O God

Too much

but never it seems enough

We buy and buy and buy

Collect and select

Every new thing

Every new gadget

Every new toy

We build mansions and fortresses

to keep it and store it all

admire and worship it

Glad for what we have

but always wanting more

We build fenced in yards 

and gated communities

to keep the riff raft out

and our things safe

from robbers and thieves 

We don't see

or pretend not to see

all those who have not

have nothing

No home

No bed

No food 

No nothing

We are blinded by fear

arrogance and selfishness 

Not wanting to notice

Not wanting to care

Not wanting to share

O Jesus of the poor

It is you we do not see

It is you we fear

It is you we hide from

O Jesus of the poor

You feed the hungry

You clothe the naked

You heal the sick

You raise the dead

O Jesus of the poor

Help us to see you

Help us to see them

Help us to minister to them

O Jesus of the poor 

Forgive us

Stir us

Embolden us

and send us forth 

To feed

To clothe

To heal 

to raise

Amen

A PRAYER FOR THE EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

Psalm 79

9 Help us, O God of our salvation,

    for the glory of your name;

deliver us, and forgive our sins,

    for your name’s sake.

10 Why should the nations say,

    “Where is their God?”

Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of your servants

    be known among the nations before our eyes.

11 Let the groans of the prisoners come before you;

    according to your great power preserve those doomed to die.

12 Return sevenfold into the bosom of our neighbors

    the taunts with which they taunted you, O Lord!

13 Then we your people, the flock of your pasture,

    will give thanks to you forever;

    from generation to generation we will recount your praise.

Every way we turn

violence reigns

creating an atlas of

death and destruction 

Damascus

Baghdad 

Kabul 

Aurora

Sandy Hook

Hear us O God

We cry unto you 

for the killing to end

and wars to cease

Nation turns against nation

Tribe attacks tribe

Neighbor wreaks vengeance 

upon neighbor

Conquering for hatred

fighting for greed

marching for land

reclaiming what we had

and what we want

Hear us O God

We cry unto you 

for the killing to end

and wars to cease

We desire to make

the things that make for peace

turning our plowshares 

and our swords into pruning forks

We want to care and nurture

for those who have bourn 

the burden of violence

The widow and the orphan

the soldier and civilian

Hear us O God

We cry unto you 

for the killing to end

and wars to cease

Lord Jesus 

Gentle Shepherd

Lead us away from

hatred and violence

into green pastures

Lord Jesus

Prince of Peace

Lead us in paths

of righteousness

beside the still waters

Lord Jesus

Giver of Salvation

Forgive us our sins

and teach us to forgive

those who sin against us

Lord Jesus

Lord of all creation

bind us together 

and make us

sisters and brothers

now and forevermore 

Amen

A PRAYER FOR THE 15th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

Jeremiah 2:4-13

4 Hear the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel. 5 Thus says the Lord:

What wrong did your ancestors find in me

    that they went far from me,

and went after worthless things, and became worthless themselves?

6 They did not say, “Where is the Lord

    who brought us up from the land of Egypt,

who led us in the wilderness,

    in a land of deserts and pits,

in a land of drought and deep darkness,

    in a land that no one passes through,

    where no one lives?”

11 Has a nation changed its gods,

    even though they are no gods?

But my people have changed their glory

    for something that does not profit.

12 Be appalled, O heavens, at this,

    be shocked, be utterly desolate,

says the Lord,

13 for my people have committed two evils:

    they have forsaken me,

the fountain of living water,

    and dug out cisterns for themselves,

cracked cisterns

    that can hold no water.

Why do we need you, God

Look at what we have done

We came to this New World

tamed the wilderness 

carved out towns and cities

burbs and neighborhoods

Rolled up our selves

got to work

planting and plowing

building and creating our New Eden

Why do we need you, God

Look at what we have done

From Bunker Hill to Gettysburg

from Little Big Horn to Wounded Knee

We fought and defeated

liberated and conquered

Til all the enemies of freedom

and progress

were vanquished and overcome

from the Home of the Brave

and the Land of the Free

Why do we need you, God

Look at what we have done

Now we stand astride the globe

arching above all

countries and civilizations

Colossus of the universe

Our arms and armies

protect and defend us

Our riches are the envy 

of all who look upon us

Why do we need you, God

Look at what we have done

11 Has a nation changed its gods,

    even though they are no gods?

But my people have changed their glory

    for something that does not profit.

Forgive us, God of all nations

bend our pride to your glory

Remind us we are not the owners

but the stewards

of the good Earth

Forgive us, God of all creation

For all that we are

and all that we have

are gifts of your grace

held forever in your hands

Forgive us, God of all peoples

from the genocide we committed

against the Native people of this land

and the enslavement of millions

for our profit and gain

Forgive us, God above all Gods

for we have worshipped the gods

of riches and avarice 

bowed down to gods of might 

coveting swords and spears

Forgive us, God the giver

who sent his Son Jesus

to save and redeem us

who sends the Spirit

to comfort and guide us

Amen

(no title)

A PRAYER FOR THE SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

LUKE 15

17 But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’[d] 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

Are you running to me Jesus?

Maybe you should stop now

I'm not sure I am worth running to

I have made a mess of everything 

My life 

My body

My family

My work 

Everything

Are you running to me Jesus?

Maybe you should slow down

Run to someone else

I have screwed everything up

Been too selfish

Wanting all for me

Working and grabbing and hoarding

Never enough

Wanting every new toy and gadget

Are you running to me Jesus?

Maybe you should stop

Catch your breath

I have a lot to confess

So much I haven't given thanks for

So much I have taken for granted

So much I have thrown away...

wasted... abused

Are you running to me Jesus?

Thank God you are

You always do

You grab me up and hold me

Hold me as I shake from brief and anger

Hold me til the stress and pain subside

Hold me until I feel safe once more

Safe in your arms

Are you running to me Jesus?

You always do

You forgive me before I ask

Cleansing me of all my sins

Cleansing me of my guilt 

Lifting up all my burdens

Lifting me up so I can stand

Are you running to me Jesus?

I'm glad you're here

I'm glad you give me your hand

I'm glad you walk by my side

I'm glad you feed and care for me

Are you running to me Jesus?

Thank God you are!

Amen

A PRAYER FOR THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

A PRAYER FOR THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER  PENTECOST 

Psalm 1

1 Happy are those

    who do not follow the advice of the wicked,

or take the path that sinners tread,

    or sit in the seat of scoffers;

2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord,

    and on his law they meditate day and night.

3 They are like trees

    planted by streams of water,

which yield their fruit in its season,

    and their leaves do not wither.

In all that they do, they prosper.

4 The wicked are not so,

    but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

    nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;

6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,

    but the way of the wicked will perish.

We want to be strong trees, Lord

but too often we are like the chaff

We want to do right

be right, live right

We want to make good choices

but often we make poor ones 

We want to be generous

give and share and sacrifice 

Too often we are seduced

by greed and wanting and getting

We want to be strong trees, Lord

but too often we are like the chaff

We want to be kind to our neighbors

friendly to strangers, warm to outcasts

Yet we shrink away in fear

hide from encountering the different 

We want to live in hope 

believe that You, God, are in charge

But we strike out for control

out of fear and pessimism

We want to be strong trees, Lord

but too often we are like the chaff

We want to at peace with all nations

helping and healing in harmony

But we war against the weak

conquering, raping, and rebuilding 

We desire to walk humble upon the earth

appreciating gratefully our time and place

Yet we long to be known and admired

proud, profane, and eternal

We want to be strong trees, Lord

but too often we are like the chaff

Forgive us, God of grace

Plant us like trees

by streams of water

Teach us to choose the right paths

and forsake the wrong

be givers and forgivers

loving and cherishing

every person and race

Forgive us, God of grace

Plant us like trees

by streams of water

Show us the ways of peace

and give us the strength

of humility and quietness

sharing our wealth and bounty

to all who are lonely, forsaken, alone

Forgive us, God of grace

Plant us like trees

by streams of water

Guide our steps in the morning

restore us at the noontime

grant us rest in our night

May our days be to your delight

and our works be to your glory

Amen

A PRAYER FOR THE FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Luke 13:10-17 (NRSV)

10 Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. 11 And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” 13 When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.

We are bent and broken

Our wounds never seem to heal

We hurt in many places

in our bodies

in our minds

in our souls

We have illnesses

too numerous

cancers and sores

strokes and falls

surgeries and pain

Lay your hands upon us

Lord Jesus

and we will be whole

We are bent and broken

Our hearts are very sad

Our countenance brought down

We seldom smile

seldom laugh

seldom sing

We lose too many

Friends and family

Relationships

Colleagues and jobs

Moments and possibilities

Lay your hands upon us

Lord Jesus

and we will be whole

We are bent and broken

Our Spirits are very low

We have lost direction

Lost focus

Lost direction

We don't have trust or faith

We wander aimlessly

Reaching out into the cosmos

Reaching out for a hand

Searching for a presence

Lay your hands upon us

Lord Jesus

and we will be whole

Come, Lord Jesus

Heal our bodies

Mend our hearts

Restore our souls

Lay your hands upon us

Lord Jesus

and we will be whole

Amen