SOME BRIEF PRAYERS
and some new hymns!
“ Praying ALWAYS . . . ”
Ephesians 6:18
“ CONTINUE in prayer . . . ”
Colossians 4:2
“ Pray without CEASING. . .”
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“ Continuing STEADFASTLY in prayer. . .”
Romans 12:12
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You may contact the minister, or make a request during the
service, or through the
cards in the pews. Give the name of the person
for whom prayer
is
requested (and reason why, if you so wish.) |
| The Light of Your Truth I stretch for the skies Like a grain buried Nurtured by your love I turn towards the light Like a plant on the sill Reaching to glimpse the truth of hope I raise my head to the sun Like the crops in the earth Scanning for the warmth of your mercy I way and seek the freshening rain Unsure of my directions Searching out the waters of my baptism Like the mustard tree My branches stretch to shelter Reaching for ways to do your work Compassionate God you know me Hold me and direct me Help me to water the seeds of your kingdom Loving God of mercy Justice and compassion Guide me towards the light of your truth Linda R Jones |
| Dear
God, Grant me the strength to last until Back to School Night. Give me the energy to drive the swim team carpool, take knots out of wet shoelaces with my teeth and untangle the dog from the sprinkler hose. Grant me the wisdom to remember the name of the redheaded kid from down the street who hasn't left our house since the beginning of July. Walk with me through the backyard over piles of wet bathing suits and empty ice cream cups, to rescue my good lipstick from the bottom of the wading pool. Give me the courage to accept that everything in the refrigerator has a bite out of it, had a finger stuck in it or is reproducing in the vegetable crisper underneath the expensive cheese. Guide me down the hallway to the laundry room, where I can experience five minutes of peace and quiet by turning the lights out and climbing on the dryer so the kids can't see my feet underneath the door. Help me accept that fact that even if I take the kids to the circus, install a pool in the backyard, go on a safari, and carve a redwood tree into a canoe and sail down the Congo, my children will end each day with "I'm bored." Grant me the serenity to smile when my husband insists on tossing the Hamburger Helper on the gas grill because "everything tastes better barbecued." In your infinite wisdom, show me how to disconnect the video game console that hasn't been turned off since June 22. Comfort me when I realize the color of my earth-tone carpet has changed into a mixture of melted blue Popsicle and the remains of somebody's purple slushie. And if I ask too much, God, just give me the foresight to know that one day – not too many years from now – the barbecue, television and sprinkler hose will be off; the refrigerator, front door and garage will be closed, and I will wonder where my children – and the little redheaded boy with the glasses – went. |
I was hungry and you formed a humanities club to discuss my hunger. Thank you. I was imprisoned and you crept off quietly to your chapel to pray for my release. Nice. I was naked and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance. What good did that do? I was sick and you knelt and thanked God for your health. But I needed you. I was homeless and you preached to me of the shelter of the love of God. I wish you’d taken me home. I was lonely and you left me alone to pray for me. Why didn’t you stay? You seem so holy, so close to God; but I’m still very hungry, lonely, cold, and still in pain. Does it matter? |
Lord, help me please always to make a home for you in my heart, and to receive within that home the neighbours and friends and especially the strangers whom I meet. I am grateful that you are God and that you include me in your assembly, and in your love. Amen. |
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Vestigia
I took a day to search for God, and found him not. But as I trod by rocky ledge, through woods untamed, just where one scarlet lily flamed, I saw His footprint in the sod. Then Suddenly, all unaware, far off in the deep shadows, where a solitary Hermit Thrush sang through the holy twilight hush I heard His voice upon the air. And even as I marvelled how God gives us Heaven here and now in a stir of wind that hardly shook the Poplar leaves beside the brook His hand was light upon my brow. At last with evening as I turned homeward, and thought what I had learned and all that there was still to probe I caught the glory of His robe where the last fires of sunset burned. Back to the world with quickening start I looked and longed for any part in making saving beauty be and from that kindling ecstasy I knew God dwelt within my heart. Bliss
Carman
Bliss Carman, a Canadian, wrote this poem in the summer of 1919, following a long walk through the woods and hills of the Catskill Mountains in New York State. The first stanza describes Carman’s search and subsequent discovery of God in nature. Every day we have opportunity to make the same discovery as Carman. We will find God in nature if we keep our eyes open. When we are outside this summer sitting in our yards or visiting distant places, let us seek God in flower petals, fuzzy caterpillars, rocks, and rainbows. I am confident that if we seek God we will not be disappointed. Dear God, like Bliss Carman, may we confidently state that we have searched and seen your footprint in the sod, heard your voice upon the air, and caught the glory of your robe. Amen. |
| Long warm days... The pace of life slows... A time for picnics and rest in the shade... Lord, help me to rest awhile in the cooling shade of your presence. Slow down my restless heart and fill me with gentle compassion for all your people. Amen. |
| Under the warmth
of the summer sun, the world awakes and blossomsinto every imaginable colour. You created a garden for us to enjoy and within it planted the most magical flowers and trees. You needed no horticultural training to place your colour scheme, no gardening expert to recommend variety or design. Your garden is perfect: its colours harmonious, its scaler immense, spoilt only by the clumsiness of those who tend it. Creator God, who breathed this world into being, who is discernible within the harmony of nature, the perfection of a butterfly's wing, the grandeur of a mountain range, the soaring eagle and humming bird, thank you for this world which you have created. Thank you fior summer sun which reminds us that your creative breath is still alive and active. Thank you for the warmth of your love sustaining this world, your garden. Amen. |
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A Sioux Prayer
Grandfather, Great Spirit, you have always
been
and before you nothing has been.
There is noone to pray to but you. The star nations all over the heavens azre yours and yours are the grasses of the earth. You are older than all need, older than pain and prayer. Grandfather, Great Spirit over all the world, the faces of living ones are alike. With tenderness they have come up out of the ground. Look upon your children, with children in their arms, that they may face the winds and walk the good road in the day of quiet. Grandfather, Great Spirit, fill us with the light. Give us the strength to understand and the eyes to see. Teach us to walk the soft earth as relatives to all that live. Read this prayer in a very quiet place, preferably outdoors, looking up at the evening sky, where the wind can touch your face. |
God’s love endureth forever… What a wonderful thing to know When the tides of life run against you. And your spirit is downcast and low. God’s kindness is ever around you, Always ready to freely impart. Strength to your faltering spirit, Cheer to your lonely heart… God’s presence is ever bedside you, As near as the reach of your hand, You have but to tell Him your troubles, There is nothing He won’t understand. And knowing God’s love is unfailing, And his mercy unending and great, You have but to trust in His promise… “God comes not too soon or too late”… So wait with a heart that is patient For the goodness of God to prevail… For never do prayers go unanswered, And God’s mercy and love never fail. - Helen Steiner Rice - __________________________________________ “Sometimes I go about pitying myself And all the while I am being carried across the sky By beautiful clouds.” Ojibway Indian Expression
Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at his disposition, and listening to his voice in the depths of our hearts. |
A Prayer for Morning The glory of dawn rises over the horizon; our hearts rise in response. look, see how the wonders extend to the edge of the world; everywhere, the glory of God bursts into being. Each new day is a miracle. |
God of Hope, by your great mercy you have made us heirs with Christ in his resurrection victory over death. Our inheritance is not something that can be diminished or depleted, but an eternal gift secured for us in Jesus Christ. Even though we may have sufferings to endure now, we know the future is securely in your hands. Thanks to your action in the resurrection, we can live each day with joy and confidence. This is your world. You have the last word. Ours is a hope that is not wishful thinking, but a reality. You have overcome the world. Amen. |
| O God, I thank You for this day of life, for eyes to see the sky, for ears to hear the birds, for feet to walk amidst the trees, for hands to pick the flowers from the earth, for a sense of smell to breathe in the sweet perfumes of nature, for a mind to think about and appreciate the magic of everyday miracles, for a spirit to swell in joy at Your mighty presence everywhere. Marian Wright Edelman |
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Create in me a clean heart, O God, Create in me a clean heart, open and receptive, so that I may embrace the many ways you choose to visit my life. Create in me a clean heart, cleared of the refuse of old battles with others and deadly opposition with myself. Create in me a clean heart, purified through the daily disruptions and the life encounters that take me beyond my grasping control and ego-centredness. Create in me a clean heart, freed from the clutter of cultural enticements, so that I can enjoy the beauty of life’s simple things and relish the gifts I easily take for granted. Create in me a clean heart, bathed from harsh thoughts, shame, and perfectionistic tendencies, warmly welcoming others with the embrace of non- judgment. Create in me a clean heart, brushed free of frantic busyness, so that I will have time to dwell with you in the listening space of solitude and silence. Create in me a clean heart, rinsed of the residue of false messages about my identity, enabling my inner goodness and light to shine through all I am and do. Create in me a clean heart, cleansed of anxiety and lack of trust, restoring in me an enduring faith in your abiding presence and unconditional love. Create in me a clean heart, scrubbed of racism and prejudice, drawing me toward all as my sisters and brothers. Create in me a clean heart, washed with your
mercy
and strengthened
by your love, helping me move beyond whatever keeps me from union with
you. |
| Create a clean heart in me, God. Dust off the unmindful
activity
that constantly collects there. De-clutter my heart from harsh
judgments
and negativity. Wash away my resistance to working through difficult
relationships.
Rinse off my un-loving so the beauty of my generous and kind heart can
shine forth. Remove whatever keeps me from following in your
compassionate
footsteps. Amen.
Joyce Rupp
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| When nothing’s clear or right I bow my head and look above For courage and insight The darkness can be heavy And lonely in the night But a ray of hope remains From God’s faithful, lasting light Please shine along the pathway When I’m weary of the fight Your love’s a constant beacon Oh, so vigilant and bright. Karen Shaw Matteson © 2001 |
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A SIMPLE PRAYER Here I am, Lord! Amen! |
| Spirit, bring the
mountains
low till
yellow grains in meadows blow. Spirit, raise the valleys high till deep ravines reach to the sky. Spirit, make the crooked straight till pilgrims glimpse the golden gate. Spirit, build the weary strong till all their grieving turns to song. Spirit, make the rebel still till "No, I won't" becomes "I will." Spirit, shine upon the night till all our darkness turns to light. Spirit, speak your Holy Word till plowshares rise from melted sword. Spirit, guide us day by day; help us follow Christ, the Way. Spirit, be our light and sage on our endless pilgrimage. Herbert Brokering
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“Whether your road be uphill or down, |
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The work that can be done by me; God, give me ears that I might hear God, give me lips that I might speak God, give me a mind that I might know God, give me hands that I might do God, give me a prayer that I might pray And this one thing, all else above; Vincent Magro-Attard |
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Beyond that which words can interpret - Cathy Pinto
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Our Father, who art in heaven, Amen. |
Notre père qui est dans les cieux, Amen. |
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The
Lord's Prayer
(New Zealand Book of Common Prayer). Eternal Spirit, Earth-Maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver, source of all that is and that shall be, Father and Mother of us all. Loving God, in whom is heaven. The hallowing of your name echoes through the universe! The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the earth! Your heavenly will be done by all created beings! Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth. With the bread we need for today, feed us. In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us. In times of temptation and test, spare us. From the grip of all that is evil, free us. For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and forever. Amen. |
A new version
of the Lord's Prayer
Crea..tor, eternal, honor-ed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, Today and tomorrow... Teach us to share our daily bread, And free us from the guilt of wrong As we forgive those we think have wronged us. And lead us from the world's temptations, And deliver us from evil, For the power that you bring To build your new kingdom Guideth our steps for ever. AMEN |
A Prayer for Every Day
This is another day, O Lord.
I do not know what it will bring,
but make me ready, O Lord,for
whatever
it may be.
If I am to live, help me do it
passionately.
If I am to listen, help me do it
respectfully.
If I am to talk, help me do it
eloquently.
If I am to wait, help me do it
patiently.
If I am to sit still, help me do
it calmly
If I am to crawl, help me do it
confidently.
If I am to stand, help me do it
bravely.
If I am to walk, help me do it
gracefully.
If I am to run, help me do it
powerfully.
If I am to die, help me do it
peacefully.
Please make these words more than
words, Dear Lord,
through the presence of your
spirit
in me, and with me,
this day and always.
In your precious name,
AMEN.
| Give us, O God, the vision which can see Thy love in the world in spite of human failure. Give us the faith to trust Thy goodness in spite of our ignorance and weakness. Give us the knowledge that we may continue to pray with understanding hearts And show us what each one of us can do to set forward the coming of the day of universal peace and justice. |
A Prayer for myself.
O Lord, save me from preoccupation with my own problems, and make me far more sensitive to the problems of others.
A Prayer for others.
For relief workers fighting poverty and disease in the third world.
Reflection.
When were we last inconvenienced in order to help someone in need?
(Graham Hardy, in "Getting God into Focus".
POEMS AND/ OR HYMNS
"Sabbath Boy". Tune: Kingsfold
With sure strong arm the scroll he spread before the
Sabbath
crowd:
"Now hear the word the prophet spoke- I'll read it out quite loud!"
"Tis Mary's boy- how big he's grown, with every grace endowed!"
"I love to hear the prophets read- his mother should be proud!"
"But what's that tone he's using now?" "He speaks too
clear and
plain!"
"We stoned the prophets for such voice!" "Let's do so once again!"
"A mumbling scribe we all enjoy- it lulls us in our pews.
But talk of justice! Poor! and Greed!- That's not our sort of news!"
"The cliff is near, let's push him down!" "The sawyer's
son must
go!"
"Perhaps we'll let him get away, but humble he must grow."
"Rakah! You fool!" the wise one said, as rich man built still more...
His life Christ gave through justice talk, and care for weak and
poor.
As now we read the prophet's word in chapel and in church,
Give us the grace to hear proclaimed the challenge to new search.
'Tis easy still to mumble texts- familiar ones we know.
But God's strong word can call us still, in caring love to grow.
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