February 8, 2009
Prayers for Worship
by David von Schlichten
Leader: Have you not known? Have you not heard?
People: The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
Leader: Those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength.
People: By the power of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit we shall run and not be weary; we shall walk and not be faint.
Jesus Christ, take us by the hand and lift us up. Fill us with your healing power. Strengthen our wisdom so that we do all things for the sake of the gospel. Amen.
Lord, you take pleasure in those who fear you, in those who hope in your steadfast love, so we come to you with our sins, our hearts bowed. We have sinned against you in words, thoughts, and actions. We have been reluctant to serve others for the sake of the gospel. We allow our habits and prejudices to hamper our work as your servants. We doubt your supremacy, your power, your sovereignty.
Heal our sin-sick souls with forgiveness. In the name of the One with Authority we pray. Amen.
Leader: Praise the LORD! How good it is to sing praises to our God,
People: for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
Leader: By Christ, God forgives us of every single one of our sins.
People: God sets us free with respect to all.
Leader: Praise the LORD!
People: Praise the LORD!
Spirit of God, lead us with the Word, so that we may proclaim the message to neighboring towns and beyond.
Omni-Creator, we offer continual gratitude for the Church, for the entire baptized communion of saints. We praise you for your many devoted servants, including Cyril and Methodius. God who makes us whole, (congregational response: we thank you for touching us.).
Agapic Adonai, we exalt you for the gift of love, especially the perfect love which casts out fear. We give thanks for St. Valentine and for this time of celebrating love. Strengthen our hearts' capacities for loving family, friends, strangers, even enemies. Help us to show extra care for the lonely and heartbroken. God who makes us whole, . . .
Creator of Order and Power, we thank you for the United States and every nation. Bless leaders and citizens all around the world, including President Obama. Heal our economy, and hasten the day of peace of Iraq and Afghanistan. Lead each of us to take one another by the hand and lift each other up. God who makes us whole, . . .
You have filled us with healing of body, soul and mind over and over. We praise you for your compassion. Bring healing again, especially to those we mention now [Add names]. God who makes us whole, . . .
Lord, we do not understand why sometimes we do not receive the healing we ask for. Help us as we struggle with unanswered questions, that we may continue to trust you even when we are angry with you. God who makes us whole, . . .
(You may add other praises or petitions here...)
We hold these prayers out to you, praising you for answering our prayers, not according to our foolishness, but according to your wisdom. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.
Just as you know the name of every star, you show compassion for every person. Use our offering to the benefit of people in need.
Leader: Alleluia!
People: Alleluia!
Leader: God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, renews our strength so we can mount up with wings like eagles.
People: We shall run and not be weary, shall walk and not faint. Alleluia!
(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)