Here’s a prayer of praise and trust based on Psalm 85, one of the suggested scripture readings for the second Sunday of Advent, Year B (December 4, 2011). It was written by Joan Stott.
Prayers of Praise and Trust
(based on Psalm 85: 1-2, 8-13)
Gracious God, we are overwhelmed by the wonder of your mercy and love! You have so liberally poured out your unfailing and unconditional love upon us, and restored us to yourself through your forgiveness of our sin. Your words of peace—your shalom—has warmed our hearts, enlivened our minds, and encouraged our spirits—and for this, we praise and honour you with songs of joy.
Renewing God, your righteousness has smiled upon us with love and compassion, and you seek to guide us on our pilgrimage, so that we do not return to our foolish ways. We listen for your words of truth and peace, your guiding and blessed words of salvation, so that right living and right relationships can come together in the joy of your shalom.
Trustworthy God, we praise you for your many blessings in the past, and the way you have renewed and redeemed us. You have not only poured out you love, but your mercy has flowed over us in such a way that it encompasses us with its richness and glory. Because this has been our own personal experience of God’s goodness, we look with anticipation to future experiences of God’s gracious generosity and bounty.
Inspirational God, you prepare the way ahead for us, so that in peace and joy we may journey onwards to our home in you. Amen.
Renewing God, your righteousness has smiled upon us with love and compassion, and you seek to guide us on our pilgrimage, so that we do not return to our foolish ways. We listen for your words of truth and peace, your guiding and blessed words of salvation, so that right living and right relationships can come together in the joy of your shalom.
Trustworthy God, we praise you for your many blessings in the past, and the way you have renewed and redeemed us. You have not only poured out you love, but your mercy has flowed over us in such a way that it encompasses us with its richness and glory. Because this has been our own personal experience of God’s goodness, we look with anticipation to future experiences of God’s gracious generosity and bounty.
Inspirational God, you prepare the way ahead for us, so that in peace and joy we may journey onwards to our home in you. Amen.
— Joan Stott, posted on the Geelong City Parish UCA website. If used in shared worship, please provide an acknowledgement as follows: © 2011 Joan Stott – "The Timeless Psalms" RCL Psalm Year B, used with permission.
