Prayer: The Potter and the Clay

Here’s are some opening comments and an opening prayer inspired by Isaiah 64:8 and/or Jeremiah 18:1-11, where God is portrayed as a Potter.  It was posted on the Leicester Cathedral website.

Opening Comments

Pick up a lump of clay and mold it in your hands
Think about the creation of the world—
the touch of God’s hands on the very substance of the universe

As you change the appearance of the clay with the touch of your hands,
think how the world you live in has touched and changed you...

Think of how your hands have touched other people –
in love, in anger, in sorrow and in joy...

Think of the things and people who have touched your life
and molded you into the person you are today...

“Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8)

Prayer

Look, Lord, on an empty vessel that needs to be filled.
In faith I am weak—strengthen me.
In love I am cold—warm me and make me fervent
so that my love may go out to my neighbour.
I doubt and am unable to trust you completely.
Lord, strengthen my faith and trust in you.
You are all the treasure I possess.
I am poor, you are rich,
and you came to have mercy on the poor.
I am a sinner, you are goodness.
From you I can receive goodness,
but I can give you nothing.
Therefore I shall stay with you.

(Martin Luther)

~ posted on the Leicester Cathedral website. http://www.cathedral.leicester.anglican.org/Our%20life%20%26%20work/sensory.html