Sixth Day of Christmas - Wise Journeys

God,

As we hear stories of the wise men's travels today in church, I am reminded today of the universality of God's love. May this season of Christmas, of Christ-be-with-us, bring peace for all beyond every horizon.

Amen.

Fifth Day of Christmas - The Holy Innocents

God,

As I recall the slaughtering of the Holy Innocents that is so hidden and buried in my religious tradition, I ask that the uncovering and remembering of this event come with a new sense of mourning. Help me to recognize and speak out against the Herods of today; bring to my attention the suffering of children in the world.

My attention is also directed to the people of Pakistan and the family of Benazir Bhutto. As the people there are your children, so also may justice and your cosmic healing be brought about there.

Amen.

Fourth Day of Christmas - Divine Alchemy

God,

As I recover from a bad sickness, I am drawn to your healing presence in my life. As the spiritual force overpowered by the physical, invite me to contemplate the divine alchemy not only in my body but througout the world.

Amen

First Day of Christmas

God,

As I am exchanging and giving gifts, guide me in giftedness in my daily living. May the joy of the season ring true for those of all nations, races, and creeds; and may spirit of gifting transcend their borders.

Amen.

A Prayer for Christmas Eve

Loving God,

On this day we set aside to journey to the stable in Bethlehem, we give you thanks for the incarnation of your son, our saviour, Jesus the Christ. Give us moments of quiet in order to hear the herald angels proclaim his birth. And lead us into Christ's presence, this day and evermore.

Amen

Stillness

God,

As the end of Advent approaches and we remember the nativity of Christmas Eve, may the stillness of that night, the waiting implicit in that night, the fullness of time incarnated fulfill my being. May the spirit of Christ be grafted with mine, as Jesus joyfully lept in Mary's belly.

Amen.

Fill Me

Gracious God,

Fill me with your presence today. Make me aware of your interest in my actions and in my life. Comfort my anxieties and embolden my service to others. Allow me to see your action in the world around me.

Amen

Peace on Earth

Loving God,

In this season of light, I pray that you send us moments of peace in this weary, warring world. There is too much fighting between nations, between tribes, and between individuals. Help me to remember the hope of Christ before I instinctively clench my fists. Help me to more often return love for anger and pain, as difficult as that is.

Amen

The Running of the Deer

Gracious God,

Many thanks for the music that you fill my life with. Just now, I hear "The Holly and the Ivy" in the background, and I am reminded again of the reason for this season -- that "Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to do poor sinners good." How might I thank you enough for that? And how might I thank you for the joyous and surrounding reminders of it in this holiday season.

Amen

Maury's Guests

God,

I am feeling guilty for watching Maury's guests get tested over and over again to find the baby's daddy. Today I want to lift up these situations, that the children find peace and that less promiscuity comes as a result of the public nature of this television show. We live in such a broken world, God, and I pray that healing is found among your children suffering in this way.

Amen

Giving

Giving God,

In this season of hope and light, help me to reach out to others less fortunate -- not smugly, but openly. I pray for shelter and food for those struggling financially, for acceptance and love for those estranged, for comfort and confidence for the downcast. And I pray that you help me give out of my abundance, with a spirit of faithfulness and grace.

Amen

To Not Open Presents Early

God,

I want to pause today to give thanks for the gifts given to me during this time of waiting. Guide me as I try not to open the presents too early.

Amen

The Glory of the Lord Shall Be Revealed - Isaiah 40

Almighty God,

This is the great promise of this season, as the prophet foretold, that "the glory of the Lord shall be revealed." Prepare my heart for the coming of your glory and prepare my spirit for the wonder of your incarnation.

Amen

Hustle and Bustle

Loving God,

As the demands of life seem to increase as Christmas grows nearer, grant me moments of peace to appreciate the hope and light of this season. Allow me to put aside shopping lists, cleaning lists, cooking lists; allow me to put aside crowds and traffic and noise. In these moments, give voice to my gratitude to you for the many blessings in my life.

Amen

Honest to God (and Others)

Dear God,

Find me to be a faithful and honest servant. Remind me not to hide in falsehoods and lies, but to dwell in the light of the truth. Continue to develop and mature the faith that grows within me. And allow others around me to be encouraged in their faith through your example in my life.

Amen

In Times of Frustration

Almighty God,

Sometimes I feel hopeful; sometimes discouraged. But sometimes I feel frustrated -- that what I am doing is of no effect, that my best efforts yield more hurt than happiness and that moments of anger erupt. Help me through these difficult times. Remind me of your many blessings to me, and allow me moments of comfort and success.

Amen

Moments of Sharing

Loving God,

In this season, it is easier to remember that I should not only be grateful for the many blessings you have given me, but that I should share out of this abundance. Allow me to be a happy giver. And in these moments, might I offer a glimpse of your grace to others.

Amen

Prepare - Isaiah 40

Gracious God,

You have called out, in the words of the prophet, "Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God." In this season, allow me to prepare your way, O Lord. Help me to give a glimpse of the light and peace that Christ represents to this dark, warring world. Help me to prepare my own heart for the coming of the Lord.

Amen

The Incarnation

God,

As I am recalling and reliving the process of your incarnation this advent, I ask for help in helping me to pour myself out into others. Make my hands tools of your peace; my eyes, witnesses to your justice; my mouth, a beacon for your word. Help me to seek out your incarnation in the holy and not-yet-holy of this world.

Amen.

Help Me to Forgive

Gracious God,

In your mercy you have forgiven me for my sins, for which I am very thankful. Help me to remember your grace and mercy with others around me. Help me to forgive others when I feel they have mistreated me. Allow my anger to dissipate and my hurt feelings to be comforted. Might I remember that it is better to return mercy for malice.

Amen

Second Sunday of Advent

Gracious God,

This Second Sunday of Advent we continue our vigil to celebrate the coming of the light into the world. Grant us patience and steadfastness as we await the birth of the Christ child. During this season, let us reflect on the gifts of hope and peace and light that Jesus represents in this world. Even so, Lord Jesus, quickly come.

Amen

For Simplicity

God,

As we navigate this complex world and seek to seek out ambiguity, and resist reducing your creation and children to black-and-white categories, we also seek out your simplicity. Grant us the hope in you that is simple, the truth that is plain, language that is centered, music that is pedestrian, and the faith that is easy to accept. Help me to resist in this Advent a waiting that is not complicated by outside needs and forces but a pure thirst for you and your coming.

Amen

You Shall Have a Song

Gracious God,

This day I give you thanks for your gift of music to your creation. Fulfill the promise of the prophet for me today that "You shall have a song, and gladness of heart." Fill my heart with music that reminds me of your presence and gives voice to my praise of you.

Amen

Darkness and Light

God of Wonders,

In this season of growing darkness, it is easier to recognize the spiritual darkness of the world, people corrupted by greed and vice, people with malice and guile in their hearts, who act in anger and condescension. Help me to not succumb to the light, but to seek the darkness of your Word and your Spirit. Send forth your light anew into this world, that it might drive the darkness away. E'en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come.

Amen

Abiding in God's Presence - Psalm 91

Protecting God,

As the Psalmist writes, "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." Allow me to dwell in your secret place, graciously within your presence. Grant me awareness of your presence in my life and your protection of me, that I might feel safety and security amidst the anxieties of this life.

Amen

The Season of Advent

Gracious God,

As another Advent season begins, I pray that you will inspire hope and patience in my heart. Allow me to remain steadfastly aware of the real celebration of this season, the coming of the light into the world in the form of the infant Christ. And give voice to my thanks for the coming of the Messiah.

Amen

Excited about Advent

God,

I am so looking forward to the new year and another cycle of worship. Grant me a sense of newness, convert the two-thirds of water of my body into wine to sustain me for the coming seasons. I am standing in anticipation of your coming, and for new wisdom in comprehending your spirit pouring out into flesh as in the incarnation of the Christ.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Amen.

Teach Me to Pray

Lord,

Teach me to pray. Grant me wisdom and connection to you so that I may offer up to you the thanksgiving and the praise and the concern and whatever else you would have me pray for this day. Grant me the spirit of your presence and the assurance of your ear. Inspire my spirit within me to yearn for you, to reach out to you, and to pray to you without ceasing.

Amen

Psalm 20 - In the Day of Trouble

Loving God,

At times when I feel distressed or fatigued or brought low by troubles in my life, allow me to hear the psalmist's promise in my ear: "May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you; may He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion." Might it be so in my difficult times. Allow me to raise my distress to your ear. May you comfort me with your listening presence, defend me with your love, and strengthen me.

Amen

Use Me

Gracious God,

Help me to re-discern the fruit that I have, and guide me in my search to water parched fruit. Guide me so that I might be a tool for your work, and give me the humility to submit to your wisdom and Word.

Amen.

Help me to forgive

God,

Help me to forgive those who hate me, that I might see your wisdom in things that don't make sense.

Amen.

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Gracious God,

I give you thanks for the many blessings you have given to me. Thank you for loved ones who support and nurture me. Thank you for opportunities that allow me to earn a living and serve others. Thank you for your continued presence in my life. Allow me always to remember, in good times and challenging times, these many goodnesses.

Amen

Thanksgiving: Cliched Prayer of Giving Thanks

Before this Thanksgiving, God, I am seeking pause to give thanks. Guide me so I do not fall into the "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme" attitude of the season, and not a "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you," of when things go my way, but rather a posture of gratitude for all the things you give me. In this posture help me to enter into the season of giving gifts with a true sense of gratitutde.

Amen

Hey, God, sorry it's been so quiet on my end. Could you help me find a renewed sense of urgency about prayer? Can you help me find my voice? I have a hunch that I'll find you in the process...

Moments of Crisis

Loving God,

O Lord, in moments of despair, grant me a presence of hope that might calm my spirit. Allow me to see you even in the darkest times, that I might not forget your light and your comfort. Help me to accept whatever challenges I face, to grieve the losses I have felt, and to face this day faithfully.

Amen

Opening Your Word

Gracious God,

As I open the Bible this day, allow me to gain a deeper understanding of your wisdom and guidance. Allow the Scripture to speak afresh to me, to cause me to think more about my life and your will, to cause me to live differently.

Amen

In Time of Loss

Loving God,

You have blessed me with loving family and friends, whom I treasure. But you have called some of them home, which has left a feeling of emptiness in part of my life. Comfort my grief, and counsel it, that I might increase in faith even as I feel loss. Open me up to the depth of my emotions, that I might lay them before you, O Lord, and find healing in your presence.

Amen

For Days I Want to Quit

God,



Help me to keep you in my sights, give me the thirst that is only quenched by you. Guide me through the valley. Give me the courage to find empathy for those who dislike me, give me the strength to seek your spirit in my own failings.



Amen.

The Mountains Will Bring Peace - Psalm 72

Almighty God,

The psalmist promises, "The mountains will bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness." I pray this day for glimpses of your eternal reign, when strife shall cease, and the lion will lay with the lamb, and the mountains will bring peace by righteousness. Make me an instrument of that peace, a vessel of your grace in this ravaged world.

Amen

For empathy

God,

As you are a God of empathy, guide me in seeking empathic relationships with others. Help me to seek your Son in between words, breathing, and thinking.

Amen.

Clouds

Gracious God,

As the bright colors of fall fade into a murkier cloudiness, raise my spirits amid the growing darkness. Buffer me from the gloom of the shadows of life, and increase my hope before the season of light and the coming spring. Allow me always to glimpse the goodness of your Son, the light of the world.

Amen

Sunday Confession

Merciful God,

Even as I have tried to follow your will, I have fallen short recently. There have been times when I have been too stubborn or too prideful or too deaf to pay attention to your word. Through my actions, I have hurt others in addition to myself. I ask your forgiveness for these sins and your continued guidance to lessen these wrongs in the future.

Amen

For Friends

Gracious God,

On this day I give thanks to you the gift of friendship. You have surrounded me not only with family but also with loving and supportive friends, who nurture me and raise me up. I ask you to continue to bless them, and I ask that you help me to be a good friend to each of them, as they have been to me. And continue to expand my horizons, offering me opportunities to connect with new people, to be touched by them and to touch them also.

Amen

Calming Inner Turmoil

Gracious Lord,

Spread out your comforting hand over my soul that I may find peace. Recently I have felt unworthy and overwhelmed, like a storm tossed ship at sea. Help me to find security through faith in you. Grant me moments of insight and calm, so that eventually the storm will pass.

Amen

Let Everything that has Breath

Almighty God,

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Add my voice to the chorus of praise and raise it to your ear. Allow me always to remember to praise you, in good times and bad, during times of encouragement and challenge, in the morning and the evening.

Amen

Patience

Gracious God,

Today I ask for strength in calming my desires. Help me to be more patient -- help me to better tolerate the pace at which others act and help me better to slow my own pace to be more discerning. Help me to know that your answers to my prayers come in the appropriate time, if not always in my time.

Amen

Psalm 117 - The Truth of the Lord

Almighty God,

Raise my praise to you ear, O Lord. As the Psalmist said, praise the Lord "for His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord endures forever." Thank you for your merciful kindness toward me; instruct me in your truth, that I might be a reflection of that truth is this misguided world.

Amen

After a Terrible Week / All Saints'

God,

This past week two young people close to people I care about were killed at the hands of violence. Not only do I feel guilty for stressing over the things that create conflict in my life in the face of this loss, but I am humbled by the awe of looking directly at the void of my own finitude and non-being. Bring healing to those who suffer. Help me to reflect you as I am with those who are hurting.

Amen.

Open Me

Giving God,

Today I ask that you make me a more open vessel to your guidance and your will. Ease my stubbornness and my deafness to you. Grant me the discernment to hear your wisdom and the courage and faith to know it is you speaking to me. And give me strength to act according to your word.

Amen

Gracious God,

Thank you for your continued presence in my life and your many blessings to me. On this day, allow me to be an instrument of your grace and love to someone else, offering them an unexpected benefit. And might they recognize your hand, not mine, in that moment.

Amen

Protect Me, O Lord

Almighty God,

Grant me protection this day. Preserve my health and my physical being. Allow me to sense your calming and watchful presence over me that I may live more faithfully, secure in the knowledge of your love and your care.

Amen

Avoidance

Almighty God,

Sometimes I come upon problems that I just don't want to face. These problems may be small or large -- they may not even be problems at all. But you know what I do -- I drag my feet, I put them in my "to do" box, I try to forget they've presented themselves. Sometimes I even find myself avoiding you and your will for my life. Forgive me the times when I avoid things I should do, and help me continue to grow in faith so that I don't avoid these challenges as often.

Amen

Psalm 6 - Moments of Weakness

Merciful God,

As the psalmist writes, "Do not rebuke me in your anger...have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak." Help me to admit my failings and to seek forgiveness from others I have wronged. Please forgive me my shortcomings, O God, and strengthen my faith such that my mistakes become fewer. I am weak, O Lord, but thou art strong; have mercy on me, O Lord.

Amen

A Moment of Thanks

Gracious God,

Today I simply want to raise my voice to say "Thank you" to you. Thank you for the love of family and friends. Thank you for the opportunities that you have given me. Thank you for this new day. Thank you for your continued presence in my life.

Amen

When wisdom leads to sorrow

Loving God,

Grant us the perserverence to continue our studies and learning even when it is obvious that searching for you in books is a chasing after the wind. Yet there is a blessing and treasure when the study and search for you has no obvious end. Guide us in finding light in the chase of being intellectually faithful to you.

Amen.

For Those Who Lost Their Homes

God,

I ask for your blessing and wisdom to come over those who have experienced loss from fire, and particularly the children who have lost their homes. I also ask for your word to come over us to reexamine and reconsider the problem of homelessness in our society. Help us to learn to share our resources.

Amen

Order My Steps

Gracious God,

On this day, order my steps. Grant me wisdom to see the path I should follow, and grant me patience to walk upon it. Grant me graciousness to not return evil for evil, but to offer others a glimpse of your light through my steps. Grant me strength to walk this day's journey with you.

Amen

Prayer for United Nations Day

God,

We stand in a world thirsty for unity; help us to search out your peace and reconciliation. We pray that nations will submit to the courage of living in unity and seek out each others' forgiveness.

Amen.

Sabbath Pauses

Almighty God,

In the midst of my busyness, help me find moments of Sabbath -- times of rest where my spirit can breath. Help me to find, and take advantage of, these moments, and in these times may I feel your presence more fully in my life.

Amen

On the Boundary

God,

I seek your peace in finding grace on the boundary; at the crossroads. I seek comfort in the unknown; help me to find discomfort in moments of safety.

Prasie be to you, and Jesus and the Holy Spirit, who lives and reigns with you.

Amen.

Psalm 66 - A Joyful Shout

Loving God,

Help me to follow your command: "Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!" Raise my voice to your ear, and fill my mouth with songs of you. May my praise be contagious to others, and may it raise my sense of your presence in my life.

Amen

Guide My Steps

Almighty God,

On this day, please increase in my the ability to discern your will for my life. Grant me intelligible signs as to whether I am on the right path, and grant me opportunities to understand which opportunities I should pursue. Place my feet upon the sure path and guide my steps accordingly.

Amen

Sunday Confession

Gracious God,

On this day, I again ask forgiveness for my many mistakes. Even as I have tried to be a faithful disciple, I have fallen short sometimes. I have mistreated others, giving anger instead of love. I have mistreated myself, failing sometimes to do what I know you want me to do. Please forgive me these sins. Help me to ask forgiveness of others. And give me the strength to be better from this day on.

Amen

After the Death Metal Show

Gracious God,

I thank you for the ringing in my ears that reminds me of the gift of music. The ringing reminds me not only of my finitude but also reminds me that the gift of music, when pointing toward higher spiritual reality, points me toward the edge of human and spiritual experience. And here is where I find glimpses and sparks of you. Help me to find your grace and beauty in the noise.

Amen.

Pick Up the Phone

Loving God,

Today I feel a little out of touch. I still struggle with your instruction to "Pray without Ceasing." But even on those days when I feel tightly connected to you, I feel like I have become less connected with my family and friends. In the busyness of life, I haven't called enough, or written enough, or visited enough, or even prayed enough for them. Help me to see through the clutter of to-do lists and responsibilities, of meetings and activities, to build my connections with them, even as I am building my relationship with you.

Amen

Sick Day

Hey, God, thank you for the opportunity to pause my life for recovery and renewal. My body reminds me of the need for sabbath, even when my mind and will fight against it. Thanks for giving me the space I need to heal and find peace. Amen.

A Blessing

Gracious God,

May this new day be a day of growth for me. Might I sense more of your blessings for me than I usually do; might I sense more of your challenges and opportunities for me than I usually do. Teach me to better sense your presence in my life every moment, that I might grow in faith and that I might be a better reflection of your grace and love to others.

Amen

Fill Up My Senses

Giving God,

Open my eyes, that I might see the beauty of your creation in the midst of a sinful, oppressive world. Open my ears, that I might hear the testimony of those who have been touched by your grace amidst the groans and complaints. Open my mouth, that I might speak truth and faith in the midst of a cacophony of half-truths and rationalizations. Open my mind, that I might learn your ways and your will in the midst of all this.

Amen

A Prayer for the Thoughtful

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me a mind to think and so many mysteries to ponder. I must admit that sometimes it's frustrating to find a balance between understanding and faith, especially because it's hard for me to accept that you want me to believe stuff that just doesn't make sense or goes against what my heart tells me is right. Did you create our minds for us to abandon them in the name of faith and in deference to you? If I'm really created in your image, should we be that far apart?

Help me as I seek to understand you, myself, and this world, and help me as I seek to live a faithful life of service.

Amen.

Teens' prayers for the morning

These are some prayers from boys from my Sr. High "Sunday Extra" class at The Community Church UCC:

From Nick Bravante:

Dear God:

Thank you for giving us this day, among all the others. We are
thankful for this morning and the mornings to come.

Amen.

From Rob Elias-Warren:

Dear God,

Thank you for waking me up this morning and for the
beauty of the
earth. Thank you also for this church community that
nourishes me.

Amen.

From Nathan Cooper:

Thank you, God, for keeping me safe through the dark of night and the light
of day. Thank you for awakening me to praise you another day.

Amen.

Thank you, God, for the gift of youth and may you be a guiding light during dark hours for young people. May you incubate their faith over the years and may they live lives that seek out your call and vocation to servanthood.

Amen.

Psalm 69 - The Water is at My Neck

Almighty God,

David once wrote, "Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck." Maybe this describes how all people of faith feel sometimes in this sinful world. I know that the spite and selfishness and greed of others bring troubles into my own life, and I know that my own moments of selfishness and greed and spite bring even more troubles. While I know that I am not sinking, because of your gracious love, I still often feel that "the water is at my neck." Continue to shield me from the evils of this world, and continue to offer me opportunities to live more through faith in you than through my baser instincts. And in times of great turmoil, O God, please grant me a present sense of my salvation through you.

Amen

What's Up With Pain?

Hey, God, I'm thankful that I didn't wake up with an excruciating headache this morning, but I'm also aware that it is most likely just a matter of time before the next one comes.

So what's up with pain?

I suppose I understand pain that is caused by things I do to myself, or even pain caused by things that other people do to me. But what's the deal with pain that happens for no good reason? Why should a quirk in my body cause me to writhe with unbearable pain?

Am I supposed to learn something from this?

Should I be more in touch with my body? What about the stuff that's killing me that doesn't hurt?

Hmm...that's an interesting thought. But the pain still sucks. You can stop that anytime you want.

Amen.

Woke Up This Morning

Loving God,

As the spiritual goes, "Woke up this morning with my mind -- stayed on Jesus." Thank you for your continued presence in my life and your constant reminders of your care and love for me. Thank you for the moments of insight and awareness and peace. As I continue this day, please keep my mind stayed on you and your will.

Amen

Prayers of the People

Gracious and loving God,
this morning as we gather for worship—
residents, sojourners, exiles, aliens—
we do indeed pray for this city that you have called us to live in,
this great collection of peoples,
full of hope and promise,
heartbreak and despair.

Our city, with all it has to offer
and all of its needs,
reminds us of cities across our world—
cities you have called us to pray for;
people you have called us to serve.

Wise and discerning Lord,
you have created this beautiful world
and have placed us in charge as your stewards
to care for your precious creation
and use its resources for the good of all.

You have gifted us with intelligence and creativity,
with resourcefulness and invention,
and upon your creation we have added our own contributions—
mountainous towers and hospitals and schools and places of worship and so much more—
and in doing so we have joined in your process of creation.

All that you have made is good;
some of what we have made is good;
some is bad.

We pray that you will give us wisdom and courage
to use our gifts for good,
to care for your creation,
to care for your people,
to recognize you when you visit us.

Sovereign God,
bless and guide those who are in positions of power.
May we gather together and seek peace instead of war.
May we provide for those who are without food or shelter.
May we promote liberation for those who are oppressed.
May we bring healing to those who are sick and dying
and may you give comfort and peace when we fail
or when there is simply nothing we can do.

We thank you, God, for the gift of life
and for the promise of life eternal.

We thank you for your presence in our lives,
for your Spirit that moves within us.

Fill us up now and let your love overflow through us.

Transform us into the likeness of our Son, Jesus the Messiah.
Even now we join our voices with his
as we pray the prayer that he taught us.

Our Father…

Fill my throat

God,

As I awaken with soreness in my throat I am reminded of the dryness of my mouth with your Gospel. Help me to fill this mouth with your good news and spread it in all that I do. Make my tongue transfigure the everyday language into holy language. May my mouth be a conduit for resurrection. May my words point to the edges of language rather than the center. May those who hear be fellow travelers along Christ's path.

Amen

Wake Me Up!

Almighty God,

Sometimes I feel like I'm in a never-ending stupor -- never quite fully awake or aware of what's going on around me, a little numb to the concerns and experiences of those around me. Wake me up! Refresh my spirit and help me to be more fully present in my life and in the lives of those around me.

Amen

What Have I Got Myself Into?

Hey God, it's late at night again and I'm sitting here wondering what I've got myself into. I'm tired and worn out. I'm stretched about as far as I think I can go. But I love every bit of it. You remind me that I didn't get myself into this--you called me into this. Thanks a lot. Really. See you tomorrow.

Fill Me with Your Spirit

Loving God,

Sometimes I struggle with the spirit within me. Even when I do not outwardly sin, inside I curse others and feel jealousy and malice towards them. Restore a proper spirit within me, Lord, that I might cease having these unhealthy and unholy responses to others. Fill me with your Holy Spirit, and help me to banish these hurtful feelings, that I might be a better witness of your glory on Earth.

Amen

If I Can Help Somebody

Loving God,

Expand my horizons today. Offer me knew insights into the world and your presence in it. And grant me opportunities to be a vessel of your grace to others. Help me in small ways to reach out to others in need, to help them in small ways, and to be a calming presence in their lives. And by such service, might I be refreshed by your graceful presence to me.

Amen

For Youth Who Are Expolited

God,

I want to lift up our youth today. The young are exploited on every turn. Grant them the courage to transgress and blaspheme against the culture that teaches them to hate themselves. Grant them life. God, grant us the grace to genuinely support the young. Give us the voice to speak against the principalities and powers that exploit them. Help us to name and exorcise those demons from ourselves and our world.

Amen.

In Times of Loss

Gracious God,

I lift up to you those who have recently suffered loss in their life. To those who have had loved ones die, become a presence of consolation in their grief. To those who have suffered physical loss, through accidents or violence or disease, become a presence of healing and comfort. To those who have lost jobs or possessions or peace of mind, grant a presence of endurance. And to me, as I have known loss too, grant me your presence, that I might recognize the wholeness that is in you, O Lord.

Amen

Find Humor in the Present

Creator God,

Grant me the courage to find humor in the present. Give me the strength to laugh at myself. In this time of great suffering in the world, may my laughter be a testament to my inner self of the faith in Your Coming and Your listening to those who need Your help. Help me to redirect my anger at my own trivialities into the courage to speak and act against injustice and suffering in the world.

Amen.

Lift Me Up

Loving God,

You know, even better than I do, the frustrations of my life. Perhaps some of them make you smile and shake your head at my making mountains out of molehills -- or even no hills at all. Today I ask for extra measures of encouragement in the face of my challenges, which sometimes are so discouraging to me. Strengthen my faith, strengthen my resolve, open me to new opportunities, and grant me beams of hope in these times.

Amen

Psalm 91 - God is my Refuge

Almighty God,

Let me say to you, 'You are my refuge and my fortress; O Lord, in you I will trust.' When I am buffeted by the rockiness of my life, grant me a place of comfort and safety. Protect me from those who would do me harm, and, I pray, protect me from my own worst instincts and failings. Help me this day to see you as a presence of strength in my life. And from this example of grace, might I act courageously to become a presence of strength and comfort to others around me.

Amen.

Do you see the light?

Almighty God,

Sometimes this world seems black indeed. Even a glance at the newspaper reminds me of the suffering that surrounds me -- war, despotism, poverty, famine. And some days, I don't even have to look for darkness, but find it within my own life -- in my own pain and in the pain I have caused others. On this day, Lord, I pray you send me reminders of your light in this world. Grant me wisdom and insight to recognize moments of grace, and inspire me anew with the eternal hope you granted humanity through the example of your son, Jesus the Christ, the light of the world.

Amen.

Sunday Praise

Lord,

Praise to you on this holy day. Let the wonders of your creation break forth in song. Let the thunders roar and the trees dance and the rocks cry out. And raise to your ear the imperfect but heartfelt praise of this one, a simple creature. Thank you for the blessings you have given me. Thank you for reminding me again and again of your presence in my life. Be with me this day and this week. Teach me, lead me, inspire me, and let me feel the grace of your love.

Amen

Blessed Quietness

Gracious God,

On this new day, grant me a spirit of quietness. Help me to find peace amidst the chaos of my life -- to set aside the frustrations of my relationships -- to set aside the hassles of my workplace -- to set aside the nagging of my obligations. Grant me moments of quietness, in which I may be rested and refreshed, and in which I may feel Your presence.

Amen.