re:Worship: prayers

Showing posts with label prayers. Show all posts

Prayers of the People: Open Your Hand

Here’s a prayer of intercession which draws on Psalm 145 and Matthew 14:13-21 (the feeding of the 5000). Feel free to revise it to suit your context.

Prayer of Intercession

(based on Matthew 14:13-21 and Psalm 145:15-16)

Loving God,

You are our Creator and Sustainer.

When You open Your hand,

You satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.

And so we look to You whenever we are in need,
trusting in Your love and Your abundant goodness.

As You once fed the hungry crowds with five loaves and two small fish,

we ask that You would again fill those who are empty this day.

Pour out Your Spirit on all who hunger and thirst.

We pray for those who are physically hungry—whose stomachs are empty.

We think especially of the people in Somalia and Eastern Africa

who are facing critical food shortages;

who are suffering the effects of malnutrition and starvation;

and watching helplessly as loved ones die.

Lord, in Your mercy, open Your hand.

Pour out Your Spirit, so that they may be filled.

We pray for those who are empty emotionally—

who are lonely and long for companionship and love,

who are caught in the grip of depression,
or overwhelmed with grief.

Lord, in Your mercy, open Your hand.

Pour out Your Spirit, so that they may be filled.

We pray for those who are spiritually empty—

who are troubled, but don’t know where to turn;

who long for purpose and meaning, but don’t know where to look;
who need You, but do not yet know You.

Lord, in Your mercy, open Your hand.

Pour out Your Spirit, so that they may be filled.

God, we praise You for Your abundant gifts in our lives.

Pour out Your Spirit on us as well.

Fill us with Your compassion and love,

so that we would willingly share some of our abundance

with those who have need.

Lord, in Your mercy, open Your hand.

Pour out Your Spirit, so that we may be filled.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ,

who came so that all of humanity might come to know

the abundant life that comes from You.

Amen.

~ Christine Longhurst, re:Worship

Offering Prayer: Matthew 14:13-21

This offering prayer was inspired by Matthew 14:13-21, the account of how Jesus uses five small loaves and two fish to feed a vast crowd of hungry people.

Offering Prayer

(inspired by Matthew 14:13-21)

Merciful God,

the gifts we bring are so small in comparison to the vast needs in our world—

nowhere near enough to save the thousands dying of starvation all around the world,

or even to meet the needs of the hungry and homeless in our city.

Yet we have brought what we can.

As You once multiplied the five small loaves and two fish,

multiply these gifts as well,

so that, once again, the hungry may receive all they need, and more.

Amen.

~ Christine Longhurst, re:Worship

Prayer of Approach: Mark 4: 35-41

Here’s a prayer of approach and confession inspired by Mark 4:35-41 (the account of when Jesus calmed the storm). It was written by the Very Rev. John Christie.

Prayer of Approach and Confession

(inspired by Mark 4:35-41)

Lord God of all Creation we come to you from our storm-tossed lives to seek your peace; we come to you with our questions and uncertainties, our worries and anxieties, we come to you from our joy and our happiness-- each emotion a kaleidoscope of our feeling in life’s changing patterns.

More than all of that we come to you because of what you have done for us in the love of Christ who bought our freedom by his sacrifice on the Cross and showed us new life in his resurrection life. We bless you for the love which has no dimension of length breadth or height, coming as it does from the perfection your being. We come to you knowing that sometimes we have received your grace in vain.

We have not relied on your word or wisdom, we have not shown any concern or compassion when we should have; we have not loved our neighbour as we love ourselves. We have remained silent when we should have spoken and spoken when we should have been silent.

We seize the moment to ask you from our discordant lives for yet another chance of hearing you say to us ‘Your sins are forgiven’. May the mark of that forgiveness be your grace in us as we respond with grace and gratitude to your love.

Eternal God as we ask that you accept our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray that from the grace we have received, what we say and what we do will enable those around us to glimpse the life of the your Son -- who calmed the storm with words which still echo down the centuries, ‘Peace be still’ …..Amen.

— written by the Very Rev. John Christie, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/ Visit that website for other excellent lectionary-based worship resources.

Opening Prayer: Mark 4: 35-41

Here’s an opening prayer inspired by Mark 4:35-41, the account of how Jesus calmed the storm. It comes from the Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren.

Opening Prayer

(inspired by Mark 4:35-41)

Mighty God, who speaks a word of peace to calm our troubled sea;
Caring God, who nudges us away from fear and toward faith;
Ever-present God, who fills us with awe
but also raises many questions
without easy answers;

Open our eyes to see you in our boat—today,
Strengthen our hearts for the challenges that lie ahead,
Open our ears this hour to hear the word you speak.

This we pray, In Jesus’ name. Amen

— posted on the Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren website. http://rockhay.tripod.com/

Prayer: Our Small Difference

Here’s a thoughtful prayer from John van de Laar.

Our Small Difference

We may not be able to confront queens,

or challenge presidents;

We may not have the capacity to divert resources,

or uplift communities;

We may not have the voice to silence the noise of war,

or the words to negotiate peace between armies;

But, as we follow you, O Christ, we are able to do something.

And so, we pray that you would inspire us

to commit to and act on

the small difference we can make:

May we bring peace

through small acts of gentleness

and reconciliation;

May we bring wealth

through small contributions

and collaborations;

May we bring safety

through small acts of consideration

and acceptance;

May we bring wholeness

through small acts of care

and service.

And in the small ways, O God,

may our small difference make a big contribution

to your saving work in our world.

Amen.

~ written by John van de Laar. Posted on his excellent Sacredise.com website.

Offering Prayer: Mark 4: 26-34

Here’s a prayer of dedication based on Mark 4:26-34. It was written by Katherine Hawker.

Prayer of Dedication

(inspired by Mark 4:26-34)

May the offerings brought this day be used as seeds,

planted faithfully and nurtured lovingly

so that God’s way may be realized anew in this world.

Grant us the humility we need to plant and then tend your precious garden. Amen.

~ written by Katherine Hawker, and posted on Liturgy Outside. http://liturgyoutside.net/

Prayer of Confession: Mark 4: 26-34

Here’s a thoughtful prayer of confession based on Mark 4 (or Matthew 13:31-32) It was written by Moira Laidlaw.

Prayer of Confession

(inspired by Mark 4:26-34, Matthew 13:31-32)

Lord Jesus Christ,

we remember with gratitude those people

who generously sowed the seeds of faith in our lives.

Pause for a time of reflection

Above all. we recognize how you have blessed our lives

with the gift of the Holy Spirit

so that our faith has miraculously and mysteriously grown.

We confess the times we fail to involve ourselves

in planting any seeds of faith in the lives of others;
the times when our personal agendas become more important than yours;
the times when we have denied others the opportunity to expand their faith

through our lack of interest or involvement;
the times when our lives become so entangled with the values of the world

that we forget what you have said and done and promised.

Lord Jesus Christ, we know that when we become disconnected from you,

our lives becomes parched and unfruitful and our faith becomes stunted and dry.

Bless and renew our lives, we pray,

so that we remain connected to you at all times and in all places,

strengthening our faith to expand and, growing strongly and vigorously,

to bear the fruit of your mercy, your love, your undying life. Amen.

~ written by Moira Laidlaw, and posted on Liturgies Online. Visit that site for many other lectionary-based worship resources. http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/

Opening Prayer: Psalm 130

Here’s an opening prayer based on Psalm 130 from Rev. Nancy J.

Opening Prayer

(based on Psalm 130)

Holy God, Creator of Life,
you call us out of our dark places,

offering us the grace of new life.
When we see nothing but hopelessness,

you surprise us with the breath of your spirit.
Call us out of our complacency and routines,
set us free from our self-imposed bonds,
and fill us with your spirit of life, compassion, and peace,
In the name of Jesus, your anointed one, we pray. Amen.

~ written by Rev. Nancy J., and posted on her wonderings through life and other such nonsense. http://ruminari.wordpress.com/

Prayer of Intercession: Mark 3:23-35

Here’s a prayer of intercession inspired by Jesus’ words in Mark 3:23-35. It was written by Rev. Andrea Price.

Prayers of the People

(inspired by Mark 3:23-35)

Heavenly Father, you call us to be your friends and to make friends of others – more even, to recognize in them our brothers and sisters, your family in Christ. So we pray for ourselves and for the world and its people:

We pray for all areas in the world where deep divisions run between ethnic groups because of race, religion or past history. Lord, help your people to be your friends and to make friends – your family in Christ.

We pray for our communities where different traditions shape different outlooks on things. Lord, help your people to listen well to each other that we may learn to live together knowing that though different we are your family in Christ.

We pray for our own families where growing up is difficult, where harsh words spoken in anger are not easily taken back, and hurtful or thoughtless actions are endangering relationships. Lord, empower your children to be patient, slow to anger and to become wise in their speaking and acting as your family in Christ.

Let us pray together the prayer Jesus taught us: Our Father…..

Amen

~ written by Rev. Andrea Price, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/

Opening Prayer: Psalm 138

Opening Prayer

(based on Psalm 138)

Faithful God,

we come into Your presence with thanksgiving,

deeply grateful for the unfailing love and faithfulness

You have shown toward us, Your people.

When we call out to You, You answer.

When we are exhausted, You give us the strength to go on.

When we find ourselves in trouble,

You are there, standing beside us.

And so we come before You gratitude and praise,

offering You the worship of our hearts and lives.

Open our eyes to see and know You here among us;

open our ears to recognize Your voice.

And then send us out from here,

to live and work in the world as Your faithful disciples.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.

Amen.

~ Christine Longhurst, re:Worship

Prayers of the People: Lent 5 B

Here’s a prayer of intercession for Lent written by Rick Morley, and posted on the Rick Morley blog.

Prayer of Intercession for Lent 5 B

(based on Psalm 51, John 12:20-33)

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your loving kindness;

in your great compassion, hear our prayers.

We pray for the whole church, all leaders and ministers,

and all the holy people of God.

Wash us through and through,
And cleanse us from our sin.

We pray for our nation, for all the nations of the earth,

and for all who govern and judge.

Purge us from our sin,
And we shall be pure.

We pray for those who hunger, those who thirst,

those who cry out for justice,

those who live under the threat of terror,

and those without a place to lay their head.

Make them hear of joy and gladness,
that those who are broken may rejoice.

We pray for those who are ill, those in pain,

those under stress, and those who are lonely.

Give them the joy of your saving help,
and sustain them with your bountiful Spirit.

In this season of Lent we pray for those who prepare for baptism,

and we pray that we all might be given the grace and strength

to repent and grow closer to you, O God.

Create in us clean hearts, O God,
and renew a right spirit within us.

We pray for those who have died, (especially _____ )

and who have entered into the land of eternal Light

and your abiding peace.

Cast them not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from them.

We especially pray for…

We pray for…

Lord Jesus,

you taught your disciples that unless a grain of wheat

falls into the earth and dies it remains just a single grain,

but if it dies it bears much fruit;

as we prepare our hearts to remember your death and resurrection,

grant us the strength and wisdom to serve and follow you,

this day and always. Amen.

~ written by Rick Morley, and posted on his Rick Morley blog. http://www.rickmorley.com/

Prayer: Abundant Life

“For God so loved the world

that he gave his one and only Son….” John 3:16

God, you loved this world so much

that you sent your own son, Jesus Christ

to live and die among us,

in order that we might have life.

Forgive us for keeping that abundant life to ourselves,

for jealously hoarding your generous gifts,

for choosing self-interest over compassion and justice.

Teach us what it means to live as children of the light,

generously sharing your abundance

with our brothers and sisters in need. Amen.

— Christine Longhurst, posted on the Canadian Foodgrains Bank website.

For more prayer resources on this blog, see the Scriptural Index of Prayers at the upper right side of the page.

Prayers of the People: Mark 1: 40-45

Here’s a thoughtful prayer of intercession for February 12, 2012 (Epiphany 6B). It was written by Rev. Fraser Macnaughton of St. Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall.

The prayer includes a time of silence, during which people are invited to bring their own concerns before God. Rev. Macnaughton writes: “Often in our services we rush this kind of silence, which for many can be the most helpful part of worship. Extending it to four or even five minutes can make a real difference for people in their prayer lives. If you do wish to extend it, perhaps tell people before the prayer begins that a longer period of quiet will be used and that in this silence they will be invited to simply talk to God.”

Prayer of Concern

(inspired by Mark 1:40-45)

We pray for the Christian community.

May the words of Jesus and His healing touch,

help us to live unselfishly and focus on serving others

in the wider community:

We pray for all social outcasts.

May the words of Jesus and His healing touch,

inspire us to regard everyone as a possible neighbour.

Sung response (see below)

We pray for those suffering in mind and spirit.

May the words of Jesus and His healing touch,

help us to care for them with dedication and good humour.

For those excluded from society:

the poor, the refugees, the handicapped.

May the words of Jesus and His healing touch,

help us to love them and come to their aid,

just as Jesus.

Sung response

Let us pray, in the silence of our hearts,

for our own personal intentions:

(pause in silent prayer….)

Sung response

God who saves, Your Son can restore the outcast,

have mercy on us.

Stretch out Your hand over us and touch us

and we will be saved. Amen.

Note: Rev. Macnaughton suggests using the refrain of the Maillaig Sprinkling Song.

Jesus is living, Jesus is here.

Jesus my Lord, come closer to me.

Jesus our Saviour, dying for me,

and rising to save his people.

~ written by the Rev. Fraser Macnaughton, St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall. Posted on the Church of Scotland’s excellent Starters for Sunday website.

Prayer for Renewed Strength

Here’s a prayer from the Sacred Pauses website.

When Astonishment Turns to Singing: A Prayer

Holy Spirit:

With astonishment,

we see that you renew our strength

constantly.

Allow us not to forget

your presence,

Even in adversity.

And,

in our turn,

we will renew our gratefulness

and we will sing

for your love.

Amen

~ posted on the Sacred Pauses blog. http://www.sacredpauses.com/

Intercession: Epiphany 5B

Here’s a prayer of intercession written by Rev. Fraser Macnaughton for the fifth Sunday after Epiphany.

Prayer of Concern

God, we wait, we watch, we long for you. Renew our powers, refresh our spirits, restore our well being; for you give new strength to the faint and power to the powerless. May your church be found working among those who lack resources or rights. May we seek to care for those who cannot care for themselves. We pray for the lowly and the humiliated. We pray for relief organizations, especially…. God, be to them a tower of strength.

We pray for the great powers of the world, the strong nations, and mighty governments. May their power be used properly that the poor are protected, the weak are not exploited, and no one is oppressed. We pray too for multinational corporations who often wield more power than many governments, that in their relentless pursuit of profit they may take those steps of compassion and concern which will benefit them as well as those powerless to stop them.

We give thanks for all who have cared for us in times of weakness; for those who have uplifted our spirits and given us new hope. We pray for our friends and families, especially any who are finding life difficult at the moment. We pray for any in our community that may feel neglected or rejected.

We pray for all who are in weakness of body, mind or spirit, all who have come to the end of their tether. We think of all who are losing their mobility or agility, those who are losing their memories, and all who have lost their grip on reality; of those who no longer trust in anyone, and those who doubt the love of God; we think of all who are caring for loved ones in illness.

We give thanks that Christ is our healer and our companion on the Way; he will not allow us to be lost. We pray for loved ones departed who are renewed and refreshed in the love and light of God. May the Light of the world truly be that lamp set out on the lampstand to them. Amen.

~ written by Rev. Fraser Macnaughton, of the St. Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall. Posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website.

Prayer: You Call Us

Here’s a prayer of petition written by Rev. Bob Gibson.

Prayer

(inspired by Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11)

You call us,

Wanderer of seashores and sidewalks,

inviting us to sail out of our smug harbors

into the uncharted waters of faith

to wander off from our predictable paths to follow You

into the unpredictable footsteps of the kingdom;

to leave the comfort of our homes and accompany

You into the uncomfortable neighborhoods we usually avoid.

As we wait,

in our simple, sometimes crazy,

constantly uncertain lives,

speak to us, Spirit of Grace:

of that hope which is our anchor;

of that peace which is our rock;

of that grace which is our refuge.

~ from a worship order prepared by Rev. Bob Gibson for the London Conference of the United Church of Canada. http://www.londonconference.ca/

Prayer Litany: God's Glory

If your worship this week includes a reading of Exodus 33:12-23 (where Moses asks God to show him His glory), here’s a prayer suggestion you might want to consider. It comes from Carolyn Brown on her excellent Worshipping with Children website.

She writes: “To further explore the idea of God’s glory and do some worship education about a line in the Lord’s Prayer, create a litany naming attributes of the glorious God. To each one the congregation responds, ‘Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever.’”