Vacation

God,

Thank you for the opportunity to take a rest; help me actually rest on vacation. I also ask that you watch over my family as we travel and that we have a safe return.

Amen.

Knight of Coins

God,

Thank you for always being ready for my rescue, especially when I though I didn't need it. Inspire me with your courageousness and strength so that I might better witness to your truth.

Amen.

Queen of Wands

God,

Help me to be more nurturing and supportive of others. Too often I get wrapped up in my own projects and my own business that I miss people hurting around me. I miss the obvious ministry before me; too often I am the priest and Levite who keeps walking by the half-dead man on the side of the road. Inspire me to be the Good Samaritan, subversively and fully attentive to those who need me to reflect your love.

Amen.

VI - The Lovers

God,

I stand in wonder today once again contemplating the creation of Man and Woman, Nature, and the Fall of Humanity. While we remain fallen, I give praise for the gift of flesh. Although my flesh causes temptation, sin, and evil, it is also the ground of pleasure, beauty, and love. May my flesh also be a ground for holiness and praise to you and reflect the goodness of your nature.

Amen.

Two of Coins

God,

I make my life too busy and too chaotic and need to be reminded that I only have two hands and there are only so many things I can do. I think that some of why I keep giving myself more and more to do is not only a lack of patience but a lack of faith that you deliver in your own time. While I need healing in this area of my own life, I wish to hold on to the zeal for more of your will to be done.

Amen.

Seven of Coins

God,

Thank you for the time to comtemplate my spiritual location in the world, but now also may I find grace in following your Word. After careful deliberation, the risky choice is now not so risky, and I step into new decisions in faith rather than rationale. Also, just as I am predestined to fall by virtue of my flesh, I give thanks for the ability to change directions from time to time, to transcend myself against my old self in your life-giving renewal and regeneration.

Amen.

IX - The Hermit

God,

Thank you for establishing the Sabbath as an opportunity for reflection, renewal, and worship. Even though I am always looking for guidance, I also need diversions and reminders to take the slower, less traveled road, to sometimes get lost, to fell the uncertain breath of unexplored space. In this I also hope for new challenges and opportunities to blaze new paths.

Amen

King of Coins

God,

Help me to be inspired by your generosity so that I might be more generous. Just as you have given everything out of love for me, so also I am called to give more of myself out of love for you. But at this I am rarely faithful. When it comes to loving and giving for you I need to me less frugal and more frivilous.

Amen.

Six of Wands

God,

Today I remember the victory on the cross over death. But in this victory continually remind me not to be prideful or boastful of my salvation and justification, even as I am a witness of it to others. Remind me also of the dark journey toward the light, that in the final triumph over death is an implicit desecent into hell.

Amen.

Seven of Wands

God,

Grant me the courage to stand up for the faith. Help me to look upon times I have been hurt in the past when taking risky stances as graced moments. Help me to forgive those who have oppressed and supressed me. Resurrect me from these descents into a continuing ascent toward your truth.

Amen.

Nine of Swords

God,

Lead me to the liberation from my own guilt and sin. As I seek out your transcendence, Lord, help me to transcend myself. As Divine Physician, Christ, I call out for your mercy. Heal my disposition toward myself so that I may help you in the healing of the world.

Amen.

King of Wands

Father God,

Instill in me an open spirit, like the waters, ready for you to sweep over and establish your firmaments. Mold me with holy potential. In my vocation to serve you, Lord, I ask for the blessing to be a magnetic force to attract others to you, that my creativity and intuition might reflect and always serve yours.

Amen.

Eight of Swords

God,

Today I ask for help in walking the line between the law and freedom from the law. Your law has guided me through think and thin and protected me from sharp razors all around me. The freedom offered to me has allowed me to make mistakes and have more faith in you. Guide me in walking the boundary.

Amen.

Four of Wands

God,

I feel jubilant about the future and I thank you for new opportunities and challenges. Instill a sense of new creativity that reflects yours; help me to bring about a New Creation while I wander through the deep.

Amen.

Knight of Cups

God,

Just as your son revealed his heart, so also do I seek to expose mine. Help me to think and love more from my heart rather than my head and my flesh, and renew in me a clean heart. In my going about the world, guide me to love those who love me rather than hurt them. Instruct me to use my knowledge to promote loving and the love of you with others.

Amen.

King of Swords

Father,

Today I thank you for the moral example of my father and the spiritual ideal of you, my heavenly Father. Although I rebel from your authority, I always love you; and while I often stray from your good sense, I wish to seek your truth more often.

Amen.

Ten of Cups

God,

Thank you for transitioning me into a new period of grace. In this new period, help me to find your joy and look beyond the obvious for something deeper.

Amen.

Shoo-Fly Pie

God,

Thank you for reminding me of the Shoo-Fly Pie argument for your existence, which transcends all others. It's just too good and sticky.

Amen.

Home

Loving God, I appreciate having a full and busy life, with lots of good and meaningful work to do. I am grateful for traveling mercies as I've been on the road so much. But I'm really glad to be home. I love my wife and don't like being away from her for so long. I can even tolerate our dog and am (maybe) just a little happy to see him too. Thanks for a home to come to and love to share. Amen.

New Friends

Hey, God, thanks for putting new friends in my life, especially friends that I would never have considered a friend 10 or 15 years ago. Thanks for your love and the love you give us to share with each other.

For prisoners

God-

Open the hearts of those in prison today that you too are in prison with them.

Amen.

Faith in Church

Loving God, I trust you and love you and try my best to follow you. But sometimes I have a hard time believing in the church. Thank you for renewing my faith in the church, even at the moments when my doubt is greatest. Give me patience, God. Give me trust. Give me love. Amen.

A Prayer for the General Assembly

Thank you, God, for the wider church that you have called me to serve and join in service to others. You know that we are not perfect. We may spend more time arguing with each other than listening for your voice. But we are trying. And with your help, may actually do some good. Bless our work, our mission, and our ministry. Amen.

Father's Day

Father,

Thank you for blessing me with a great father, as I continue to discern my vocation as a father. I ask for your blessings on those who are new fathers as well as those who do not have fathers.

Amen.

For Julia Kay

Thanks, God, for welcoming safely Julia Kay into the world. Grant us today the hope that the world will be better for the youngest of us.

Amen.

Thanks

Thanks God for keeping me in line.

Amen.

For limp wrists

God,

Heal Jonathan, who was hit by a baseball in a local little league game last night.

Amen.

Praying Proverbs 5: The Folly of Human Ways

Almighty God,

You can see all of my actions and you examine all of my paths, and you know that I sometimes succumb to the wickedness around me. Do not let it be said of me: "They die for lack of discipline, and because of their great folly they are lost."

Amen

For our brave boys in space

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/space/05/27/space.toilet.ap/index.html

God,

A nation today prays for the broken toilet in space. While you made our bodies pefectly with waste systems, you also gave some of us the talent to fix toilets. We ask for your inspiration to come on our astronauts.

Amen.

Praying Proverbs 5: Avoid Adulterous Intoxication

Almighty God,

Guide my relationships, O Lord, that I might remain pure, lest you question me: "Why should you be intoxicated, my son, by another woman and embrace the bosom of the adultress?" Nurture my relationships, that I may be honest and true with those I love.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 5: Bad Students Made Bad Adults

Loving God,

Allow me to learn the lesson of your teaching, so that in my later days I cannot say the following: "I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors. Now I am at the point of utter ruin in the public assembly." Teach me this day the lessons you would have me learn. Open my ears and my mind to your voice; open my hands and my heart to your will.

Amen

On Memorial Day

Gracious God,

On this day, allow us to remember those who have sacrificed for us so that we may live as we do. Help us to recognize true bravery and courage and to honor those who have nobly served our country in the cause of liberty. Bless those, living and dead, who have served in the armed forces, and bless all of us as we seek to be worthy of our ancestors hopes that this nation might yet be a city on a hill.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 5:

Merciful God,

Teach me to avoid the seduction of gossip and false knowledge: "Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house." Allow me not to stray from your teaching, O God, and keep me in your protection always.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 5: The Foolishness of Loose Lips

Gracious God,



Allow me to learn the lesson of the gossiping woman, whose "speech is smoother than oil": "Her feet go down to death; her steps follow the path to Sheol." Do not let me slip from the path of righteousness by departing from your teaching; protect me from my own worst impulses.



Amen

Praying Proverbs 5: Guarded Lips

Merciful God,

Help me to learn and understand your teaching, so that "[I] may hold on to prudence, and [my] lips may guard knowledge." Teach me when to speak and when to keep silent. Open my ears so that I may continue to grow in wisdom and understanding.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 4: A Straight Gaze

Loving God,

Keep my eyes pointed in the right direction, as you have advised: "Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you." Grant me vision to see the paths on which I travel, and keep me from being side-tracked on my spiritual journey.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 4: Straight Talk

Almighty God,

May the words of my mouth be acceptable to you, as I follow your teaching: "Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you." Remind me always to be straightforward when I speak instead of spouting lies and double-talk, so that my words may be pleasing to you and a good example to others.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 4: Finding Life

Giving God,

Raise my ear to your voice so that I may hear your teaching. "For your words are life to those who find them, and healing to their flesh." Inspire your wisdom within me, so that I may live abundantly on this earth.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 4: Life Like the Dawn

Loving God,

"The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day." Guide me along this path, that I might grow in wisdom and faith, becoming an ever more shining example of your love and grace. Let me walk as a child of the light.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 4: Sweet Sleep?

Almighty God,


Do not allow me to become like those who rejoice in wicked acts and the pain they cause others. "For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble." Allow my sleep to come from a life well lived. Make my waking hours a faithful tribute to you, your wisdom, and your love, O God.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 4: Sure-footed Faith

Loving God,

Send your wisdom into my heart that I may live appropriately in your sight. For you have taught me the way of wisdom and led me rightly. Keep your promise to me: "When you walk, your step will not be hampered; and if you run, you will not stumble." Help me to place my trust fully in you, that I might continue to grow in faith.

Amen

A Pentecost Prayer

Gracious God,

On this day we remember your sending of the Holy Spirit into the world to inspire us and be with us. Fill me this day with your Holy Spirit, allow it to infuse my being so that in my actions and thoughts I am guided by you. Might it continue to inspire my joy, my hope, and my faith in you.

Amen

Thank you for ending the semester

God,

Man (may I assume you're male just for this expression), I haven't kept up well on this prayer journal thing. Now that the semester's over, that I do not have to grade papers for a while, and that I am not rushing away from this prayer website--yes, my homepage--that I may take a moment to breathe and pause in your honor.

Amen.

Praying Proverbs 4: The Beginning

Gracious God,

Accept me into your warm embrace and teach me this day. Allow me to hear your words: "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever else you get, get insight." Lay this upon my heart and guide me, that I might obtain wisdom and insight from you.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 4: Got Wisdom?

Almighty God,

Sometimes your commands are simple and straightforward: "Get wisdom; get insight." Succinct and direct advice, I guess. Sometimes I imagine scriptures as parts of ad campaigns, and I can't help but imagine an advertisement for God a la the American Dairy Association: Got Wisdom? Or maybe even more to the point: Got God? In your mercy, O Lord, might you allow it to be so. Share yourself and your wisdom with me; inspire and enlighten me; raise me up in times of trouble and counsel me through hardships. And, in time, make me a part of your advertising campaign.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 4: Listening as a Child

Loving God,

Teach me your ways, as a father instructs his son. And help me to year your voice, saying, "Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live." Help me to listen to you as a young child, rather than as a teenager who already knows better or rather than as an adult who doesn't have the time. Grant to me this day life everlasting through you.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 3: Do Not Envy the Violent

Almighty God,

Sometimes I imagine how different my life would be if I were less honest, lest nice. Wouldn't I get further ahead, make more money, have more control over my life? But you remind me, O Lord, "Do not envy the violent, and do not choose any of their ways."

Amen

Praying Proverbs 3: Good Neighbors

Almighty God,

In an age where we know our neighbors less, because we are less trusting, remind me again of your timeless truth: "Do not plan harm against your neighbor who lives trustingly beside you." Do not allow me to become part of the problem, but through faith might I be part of the solution -- reaching out to others rather than shying away.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 3: The Source of Sweet Sleep

Loving God,

Allow me to place my confidence in you, O Lord, so that I am not afraid. You promise that if I keep your wisdom in my sight, I will not be afraid and "when [I] lie down, [my] sleep will be sweet." When I panic, O God, remind me of your presence and your teaching; in good times and bad, allow me to glimpse and understand your ways.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 3: In the Beginning

Creator God,

Before you created the heavens and the earth, O God, you alone existed. And then, "by wisdom, you founded the earth [and] by understanding you established the heavens." The goodness of your creation, and its ordering, all stem from your eternal knowledge. Looking around this day, might I see your wisdom the created world around me -- in the blooming of the flowers, the whistling of the wind, and the chattering of your creatures -- and wonder at it all.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 3: Wisdom is the Tree of Life

Creator God,

You teach that wisdom "is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her." May you who created me and wisdom teach me to love your word, to be refreshed by it, and to see the wonderfully full blossoming of wisdom in the world. Instill in my heart that wisdom's "ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."

Amen

Praying Proverbs 3: Precious Wisdom

Loving God,

You remind me again and again the value of your teaching. Thank you for the blessing of your wisdom in my life. Wisdom "is more precious than jewels, and nothing [I] desire can compare with her." Thank you for this precious gift, which continues to pay dividends in my life and makes my days immeasurably richer.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 3: Discipline Me

Gracious God,

I know that if I am to grow in my faith, you must teach me. And I know that sometimes, I will make mistakes. Allow me not to chafe at your disciplining of me at such times. Instead fill my heart with the understanding that "the Lord reproves the one he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights."

Amen

Praying Proverbs 3: The Honor of First Fruits

Giving God,

Help me to honor you by dedicating the first fruits of my work to you. Make my gifts tangible and useful in the world. And teach me that by such giving, my own blessings are increased and my life "will be filled with plenty."

Amen

Praying Proverbs 3: Heal My Flesh

Almighty God,

You warn me not to become wise in my own eyes, but to seek your wisdom and teaching for my life. Allow me to "trust in the Lord with all my heart," so that through my trust I may turn away from evil. This "will be a healing for my flesh and a refreshment for my body." Refresh me this day, O Lord, and always.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 3: Write Faithfulness on My Heart

O God,

Help me to continue in faithfulness and loyalty to you -- "write them on the tablet of my heart." For faithfulness in you is an acceptance of your wisdom, a fitting response to your faithfulness to me. Grant me favor in your sight and allow me to become an example of faithfulness for your people.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 3: Let Me Not Forget

Gracious God,

Do not allow me to stray from you and forget your teaching, "but let my heart keep your commandments" all the days and years of my life. In you teaching, I know I will find abundance and grace, and through your wisdom I am protected and cared for by you, O God.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 2: Number Me Among the Upright

Gracious God,

Help me to learn your wisdom and to act well with this knowledge. Let me "walk in the way of the good, and keep the paths of the just" that I may be among the upright who abide in the land. Do not count me among the wicked or the treacherous, who will be evicted from the chosen land.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 2: Seeking Righteousness and Justice

Gracious God,

You promise that I "will understand righteousness and justice...for wisdom will come into [my] heart." Allow wisdom to find a place in my heart, make it pleasing to my soul, that I might grow not only in knowledge, but in understanding of your righteousness and justice. And from this understanding, set me against the evil of the world, that I might be more a solution to evil than a contributing problem.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 2: God is My Shield

Almighty God,

You are the great teacher, giving wisdom to those who are faithful. Number me among those who are upright and become a shield to me. "Guard the paths of justice and preserve the way of your faithful ones." Teach me your wisdom and protect me in your mercy.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 2: Raising an Attentive Ear

Loving God,

Teach me to treasure your commandments and embrace your teaching. Make my ear attentive to your voice. As I seek to learn your wisdom, O God, help me to "seek it like silver, and search for it as for hidden treasures." And through such graced seeking, help me to glimpse the knowledge of God.

Amen

Rest is Good

Rest is good, God. But I guess you already knew that...and mentioned something about it some time ago. Thanks for reminding me that I need to listen every now and then.

Praying Proverbs 1: The Security of God's Wisdom

Gracious God,

You have warned me not to ignore your teaching -- not to plead simplicity or foolishness. "For waywardness kills the simple, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but those who listen to God will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disaster." Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may enjoy the comfort and security of your wisdom. Save me from the time of trial; keep me from being my own worst enemy.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 1: Preparing for the Time of Crisis

O Lord,

Help me to accept your wisdom that you freely offer to me this day. Do not allow me to ignore your counsel or turn a deaf ear toward your reproof. For when the calamity comes at me like a whirlwind, I need your love and support. Teach me so that you may not say of me, "You hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord."

Amen

A Fertile Season

Thank you, God, for this time of intellectual and spiritual fertility, such as I have not experienced in a long time. I'm energized by your presence in the books I read, the conversations I share, the people I meet, and the thoughts I have. Help me to embrace this moment and make the most of it, for your sake and for mine. Amen.

Praying Proverbs 1: Am I Simple?

Giving God,

Am I simple instead of wise? Or am I a scoffer instead of a believer? "Wisdom cries out in the street...'How long, O simple ones will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in scoffing and fools hate knowledge?'" Teach me to appreciate and love your wisdom, O God, and help me to avoid hiding in simplicity or ignorance of foolishness. Help me to hear the voice of wisdom calling out in the street.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 1: Do Not Consent to Sin

Loving God,

Teach me to walk in the ways of righteousness and to stand firm against the wicked. When sinners approach me, "keep [my] foot from their paths, for their feet run to evil, and they hurry to shed blood." You teach that the consequence of wickedness and greed is pain; those who rob eventually only rob themselves, and those who would ambush another ambush most fully themselves. Grant me wisdom to see that my viciousness and deviousness unlimately harms me more than anyone else. Help me to be patient and open and true, a faithful servant to you.

Amen

Praying Proverbs 1: The Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom

Gracious God,

Inspire me as I study your word. Grant wisdom to me in matters of justice and righteousness and faithfulness. Remind me more fully again that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." Might I not despise your wisdom and your instruction.

Amen

Discipline

Dear God, why do I suck so bad at discipline? Why can't I make a commitment and stick with it? Help me to focus my thoughts and actions on my goals, goals that I think you support and have directed me to. Amen.

Hope

Gracious God, thanks for showing me that I'm not alone out here. Sometimes I wonder if there are other people like me, and in response you point the way to kindred spirits. It's truly amazing how you bind us together in ways we could never imagine, how you inspire thoughts and actions that somehow seem coordinated but certainly aren't on our end. You probably get tired of the cliché about how you work in mysterious ways. Well, it's true all the same. Thanks.

Sacred Drama

Hey, God, thanks for reminding me last week about what's really important. Thank you for revealing yourself to me in the sacred drama of Holy Week. It's such a comfort for me to feel your presence in my life. Help me to carry that feeling beyond a week on the calendar. Help me to remain in this drama, this story every day. Amen.

Temptation to Worship Other Gods

Merciful God,

Satan tempted Jesus in his lowliness, promising him all the kingdoms of the world “if you will fall down and worship me.” But Jesus resisted, saying “it is written, worship the Lord your God and serve only him.” O God, there have been times when I have worshipped other things than you in my blindness and despair; forgive me, and remind me that you are the Lord, my God.

Amen

Temptation of Pride

Merciful God,

Satan tempted Jesus' pride, taking him to the top of the holy city and challenging, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down" and the angels will catch you and lift you up. But Jesus resisted, saying, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test." Help me to not fall under the temptation of pride, where I think myself more important than I am. Forgive me when I become too boastful or arrogant and remind me of your greatness and love.

Amen

The Temptation of Hunger

Merciful God,

Satan tempted Jesus in his hunger, taunting, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus resisted, saying, “It is written that one does not live by bread alone, but by the word that comes from the mouth of God.” Sustain in this life, not only with bread, but with your Word, O God. Help me never to forget that I need both physical and spiritual food, each day, and feed me.

Amen

Facing Temptation

Merciful God,

When Jesus was in the wilderness for forty days, he was approached by Satan, who tempted him. In my life, there have been many times when I have faced temptation. Sometimes I have been strong, following Jesus’ example. But there have been times when I have fallen short. Forgive me for these shortcomings, and strengthen me in the face of temptation from this time forward.

Amen

Into the Wild

Almighty God,

After Jesus was baptized, he went into seclusion in the wilderness for forty days. In the midst of my loneliness and my separation, O God, be with me in the wilderness of my life. Make sure that I do not try to fill emptiness with the wrong things, but instead am purified through my lonesome journey. Remind me of your presence at all times, especially when I feel alone.

Amen

Remembering Jesus' Baptism

Loving God,

I remember that Jesus, as he began his public ministry, sought out John the Baptist to be baptized. John was reluctant, saying that he should be baptized by Jesus instead, but Jesus insisted that his baptism would show all righteousness. May his baptism be an example to me, O Lord. Even though I am imperfect, lead me to the waters of your forgiveness and your cleansing.

Amen

Contrition

Merciful God,

During this Lenten Season I remember that I have sinned against you, O Lord. I have done things that I should not have done, and I have not done things I ought to have done. I have sided with oppression in times when I should have sided with the oppressed; I have succumbed to hatred when I was meant to live with love. Create a clean heart in me, O God, and restore a right spirit within me.

Amen

Ash Wednesday

"Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

I remember the people killed in tornadoes last night.

I remember the people in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.

I remember those without food or a home.

I remember those who don't have health insurance.

I remember those without a family.

I remember the people of Iraq.

I remember the people of Afghanistan.

I remember the people of Israel.

I remember the people of Palestine.

I remember child soldiers in Africa, and now in Iraq.

I remember my grandfather, my Uncle Buster, and my cousin Jay.

I remember my family.

I remember my friends.

I remember my wife.

I remember that I am dust, and to dust I shall return.

The Secret Prayer of St. Cyrill

From the Liturgia. My translation:

Creator of all things, visible and invisible, you who governs all things providently ruled, for all are yours, Lord, lover of souls: I bid you, O omnipotent Lord; I am cowardly, lacking virtue, and most worthless of all your servants, while I assent toward your holiest of holies (sancta sanctorum tua) for the purpose of celebrating this holy mystery. Give me, O Lord, your Holy Spirit, the fire devoid of matter (ignem materiae expertem), which is not able to be comprehended in thought (qui cogitatione comprehendi non potest), that consumes all hardness, that burns slanderous inventions (qui duritias omnes consumit), and slays corporeal members, that holds back the movements of the spirit, that impel plentiful imaginations full of passion and sorrow: And even as it is becoming of priests, make me above all mortal thoughts, and give to me pure words, in order that I may perform this proposed offering (oblationem propositam), which is the mystery of all mysteries, in fellowship and communion with your Annointed (Christi tui), to whom glory is due with you, due to the Holy Spirit who restores life (et Spiritui sancto vivificanti), both of whom are of like nature (consubstantiali) at the present, etc.

The Music that Fills My Spirit

God,

Thank you for the sounds that fill my ears and lift my spirit. As the God of music, guide my ears to listen more closely to the music implicit in the world, in silent and noisy places; to hear your voice singing in music I don't normally like.

Amen.

For My Students

God,

Inspire in my students a humble submission to higher knowledge, that in seeking out all things they find you in whatever form you choose to disclose yourself to them.

Amen.

For My Church

God,

Smile on my church which is going through a rough time. Breathe on them in transition; inspire them as they work out financial woes. Give them faith in the future of your church, to be a voice of prophesy in the community and a beacon of justice for those who are without justice.

In the name of Jesus,

Amen.

The Mountains

God,

I give thanks for the mountains that I drove through last night. Big mountains remind me of your magesty; old ones remind me of your eternity. Help me to seek you out more in nature.

Amen.

Christian is Sleeping

God,

Watch over Christian while he sleeps. May his dreams not have boundary; may he meet you in slumber so that he will recognize you in waking life.

In the name of Jesus, I pray,

Amen.

Winter Blessings

God,

Today I pray for the cold weather. Guide me, as I watch my breath levitate around me, to remember your blessings in winter, that your birth comes as a winter rose, and that God awakens in the spring.

In the name of Jesus, I pray,

Amen.

Josh's new job

God,

Today I ask for blessings as Josh begins his new appointment. May you place fire in him and bring about transfiguration in West Virginia.

Amen.

Christian Hope

God,

Grant me serenity in my belief that you make it all "all right." Grant me this Christian hope.

Amen

Eleventh Day of Christmas - Iowa Caucus

God,

Thank you for guiding our country through the democratic progress at a time when democracy and free elections are supressed througout the world.

Amen

Tenth Day of Christmas - Praying in Morse Code

God,

Today I pray for inspiration as I turn to write. May my words seek your Word; may I find your Word in others' words. May the tapping of my fingers on my computer be a prayer to you in Morse code; may my thinking be praise to you.

Amen.

Ninth Day of Christmas - Dieting is Not A Spiritual Gift

God,

Bless me as I break this diet. As I search out the proper quantity of my physical being help me discern my spiritual gifts that build your kingdom. Help me to find happiness in your will for my life.

Amen