Thursday, December 26, 2013

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

 

 

Monday, December 23, 2013

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

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

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



Tuesday, December 10, 2013

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
 


 







Thursday, December 5, 2013

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 

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

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



Monday, November 18, 2013

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





Thursday, October 31, 2013

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

Thursday, September 26, 2013


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




Sunday, September 22, 2013

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

Saturday, September 7, 2013

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


Sunday, August 25, 2013


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

Monday, August 12, 2013

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






Tuesday, July 16, 2013

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