Opening Prayer: Matthew 25: 31-46

Here’s an opening prayer based on Matthew 25:31-46, the gospel reading for November 20, 2011 (Proper 29A) and New Year (January 1). 

Opening Prayer
(based on Matthew 25: 31-46)

May we share in the Lord's kingship
by serving him in the poor and the humble

(pause)

God, Father of the poor,
your Son Jesus was born among us
poor, humble and dependent.
Open our eyes and our hearts and our hands
to honor him now as our Lord and King
by welcoming him in those who are hungry and thirsty,
in all who are abandoned and lonely,
in refugees, in the poor and the sick.
Let our love become free and spontaneous,
like the tenderness you have shown us in your Son.
Welcome us in the everlasting Kingdom
prepared for us through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.


For other prayers and prayer resources on this blog, see this Scriptural Prayer Index or this Topical Prayer Index.