Here’s
a pastoral prayer inspired by Joel 2: 23-29.
It comes from archives of Mennonite
Church USA.
Pastoral Prayer
(inspired by Joel 2:
23-29)
We,
the children of Zion, are glad.
We
rejoice in you, O Lord.
You
have poured out upon us blessings like abundant rain.
Our
threshing floors are full of grain;
our
barrels overflow with the wine of your goodness.
We
rest in your providence, your generosity, your loving kindness.
We
delight in your presence.
Time
and time again,
you
have shown us that you are present in our midst.
Whether
we have had little or much,
whether
we have suffered or prospered,
you
have been our faithful and sustaining God.
When
we … you were there.
(Add
specific ways God has been faithful in your congregation’s experience.)
Since
you have been faithful in times past,
we
can ask in confidence that you minister to our current needs….
(Name
them as appropriate.)
We,
the children of Zion, are glad.
We
rejoice in you, O Lord.
You
have dealt wonderfully with us.
You
have redeemed us.
You
have led us by your hand.
From
the call to Abraham and Sarah,
to
the birth of the church at Pentecost,
to
the birth of our congregation,
you
have led us.
You
have provided leaders and faithful members,
who
by God’s Spirit have nurtured us and cared for us.
And
now, we ask that you call out from among us new leaders
on
whom you will pour out your spirit.
Anoint
our sons and daughters to prophesy,
to
dream dreams and see visions.
Give
them courage to dream your dreams.
Give
them eyes to see your visions.
Give
us willing hearts to follow those dreams and visions.
Mold
and shape us by those dreams and visions
to
be faithful and passionate witnesses
of
your love, grace, and truth in the twenty-first century.
May
it be so, in the name of our Lord. Amen.
~
posted on the Mennonite Church USA
Archives site. http://www.mcusa-archives.org/Resources/HeritageSunday/2001MennoniteHeritageSunday.htm
