July 26, 2009
Prayers for Worship
by David von Schlichten
Leader: The Trinity feeds a hundred, feeds over five-thousand.
People: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit reveals to us the breadth and length and height and depth.
Leader: By God’s grace we know the love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge
People: so that we may be filled with the fullness of the Lord.
Holy Spirit, according to the riches of the God’s glory, strengthen our inner being with power, and make Christ dwell in our hearts through faith, as we are being rooted and grounded in love.
Jesus Christ, we sin against you every hour. We walk away from the Father instead of bowing our knees before him. We stuff ourselves with food. We throw crumbs to the poor and tell ourselves we have done enough. You approach us in the storm, and we grow in fear instead of rejoicing. We cry out for help but then forget to praise you when you help us.
By your sacrifice on the cross, forgive us. Revive us to feed those who hunger in soul, mind, or body. So be it.
Christ fed himself to you, dying on the cross so that you shall live forever. God forgives all your sins – every single one of them. We glorify you for accomplishing within us abundantly far more than all we can ask for or imagine. Alleluia!
Winged Spirit, give us the power to comprehend and know the Theo-dimensional Word.
Feast-Lord, you have supplied the Church with abundance. We cannot thank you enough for the Bible, sermons, prayer, baptism, holy communion, and the comfort and consolation of the siblings. Help us to trust that, no matter how severe the storm, you are with us. God of the Boat, (congregational response: to you be all the glory.).
Feast-Yahweh, we exalt you for the United States, including President Obama and all leaders. Bless Iraq, North Korea, Iran, Sudan, Mexico, and every person in need. Embolden and humble us to make real, substantial changes that benefit the poor. God of the Boat, . . .
Feast-Adonai, you have given us loving family members and friends. Grant us the power to care for one another as you have cared for us. Lead us to make peace with our enemies. God of the Boat, . . .
Feast-Elohim, there is so much about you that we fail to understand. Enlarge our comprehension of the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know your love. God of the Boat, . . .
Feast-Abba, you have cared for the sick of soul, mind, and body. Direct us to assist you in the healing of those in special need, including the people we mention now in our hearts or aloud [Add names.]. God of the Boat, . . .
(You may add other praises or petitions here...)
Each of our prayers, silent and aloud, we bring to you so that you may respond in a way that helps to feed all. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.
You have opened your hand and fed us. We respond by opening our hands to you for your sake and for the sake of the hungry.
Leader: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God Almighty, feeds us, saves us, and sends us.
People: We leave confident that the Trinity will accomplish in us abundantly far more than we can ask or imagine.
Leader: We glorify you, God.
People: We glorify you. Alleluia!
(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)