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