Here’s an opening prayer based on Psalm 22. It was written by Joan Stott, and posted on the Geelong City Parish, UCA website.
Prayers of Praise and Trust
(based on Psalm 22: 23-31)
Let all the people praise our God, let all the people sing their praises, giving thanks for the generosity of our Generous God, who shows loving compassion and care to all people who are sorrowing, suffering distress or deprivation. We offer our praises to our God, because of God’s faithfulness in listening and acting.
Loving God, in a world that doubts everything it hears; and, even with wide open eyes, doubts everything it sees; we know we can trust you in all things. In a world that often scoffs at our faith and trust in God, we praise you that every day you do continue to demonstrate your trustworthiness to people who have eyes to see, and ears to hear your gentle words of encouragement, grace and mercy. We offer our praises to our God, because of God’s faithfulness in listening and acting.
In reverent praise and awe, we praise our Lord God with hearts and minds filled with joyful trust, because you have never left us bereft of comfort and help when we needed it. We praise you for the many signs in the past of God’s presence with your people; we thank you God, for all the daily signs we see that God always comes to people looking for God; and we ask your blessings on future generations who will also learn of your listening ear; your strong arm that protects vulnerable people; and your loving heart that inspires trust. We offer our praises to God, because of God’s faithfulness in listening and acting. May God always be praised! Amen.
Loving God, in a world that doubts everything it hears; and, even with wide open eyes, doubts everything it sees; we know we can trust you in all things. In a world that often scoffs at our faith and trust in God, we praise you that every day you do continue to demonstrate your trustworthiness to people who have eyes to see, and ears to hear your gentle words of encouragement, grace and mercy. We offer our praises to our God, because of God’s faithfulness in listening and acting.
In reverent praise and awe, we praise our Lord God with hearts and minds filled with joyful trust, because you have never left us bereft of comfort and help when we needed it. We praise you for the many signs in the past of God’s presence with your people; we thank you God, for all the daily signs we see that God always comes to people looking for God; and we ask your blessings on future generations who will also learn of your listening ear; your strong arm that protects vulnerable people; and your loving heart that inspires trust. We offer our praises to God, because of God’s faithfulness in listening and acting. May God always be praised! Amen.
— written by Joan Stott, and posted on the Geelong City Parish, UCA website. If used in shared worship, please provide an acknowledgement as follows: © 2012 Joan Stott – "The Timeless Psalms" RCL Psalm Year B, used with permission.
