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.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, December 28, 2007
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
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
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, December 24, 2007
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
Saturday, December 22, 2007
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.
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
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
Friday, December 21, 2007
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
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
Thursday, December 20, 2007
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
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
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
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
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
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
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
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
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
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
Monday, December 17, 2007
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
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
Friday, December 14, 2007
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
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
Thursday, December 13, 2007
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
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
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
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
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
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
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
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
Monday, December 10, 2007
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.
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
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
Sunday, December 9, 2007
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
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
Saturday, December 8, 2007
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
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
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
Friday, December 7, 2007
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
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
Thursday, December 6, 2007
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
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
Monday, December 3, 2007
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
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
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