June 24, 2012
Prayers for Worship
by David von Schlichten
Leader: Christ orders, “Quiet! Be still!” and the storm stops dead in its tracks.
People: Wind and wave obey the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Leader: God brings healing and hope.
People: Prepare the way of the Lord. Alleluia!
You, God, are more powerful than the storms of evil and chaos that threaten us. Awaken us to trusting in you and helping one another against hardship. In the name of the calming Christ we pray. Amen.
We veer off course into sin. We doubt your wisdom, thinking we know better. The wind picks up, and we are quick to think that you do not care about us, even though you have shown us countless times that you do. We allow silly arguments to divide us. We are eager to behead your messengers who tell us what we do not want to hear.
By the power of Christ, who died and rose, forgive us. Wash us. Scrub us holy. Amen.
Leader: Give thanks to the LORD, whose love is good;
People: God’s mercy endures forever!
Leader: Christ has commanded Satan to be still. Your sins are forgiven.
People: Here in the assembly, we exalt you, God, for your mercy. Yes!
Wild Ruach, through the Word, fill us with wisdom.
God of Job, we believers struggle with questions about your wisdom and how you care for the world. We believe; help our unbelief. The wind howls. Waves threaten to capsize us. Strengthen us. Calm our hearts. We give thanks (congregational response: for your unfailing love.).
You have always led and fed the Church. You have provided us with Spirit-strong leaders, such as the apostles Peter and Paul and the prophet John the Baptist. Fill us with the courage to lead as they did. We give thanks, . . .
Mother, we are grateful for our nation and your entire creation. Lead us seven billion people to look past political, geographic, and other boundaries to focus instead on caring for each other and the planet. Strengthen in us the humility to tend to creation, not dominate it. We give thanks, . . .
You, Sovereign, are Healer. Lead to still waters those in need [Add names.]. Awaken in us greater compassion for those in need. We give thanks, . . .
(You may add other praises and petitions here...)
We place these prayers at your feet, confident that you are in charge. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.
Please, God, accept this sum of money that we have set aside for the collection in order to honor you.
Leader: God,
People: Father, Son, and Spirit,
Leader: has granted us serenity during this service
People: and sends us out with strength against hurricanes. Alleluia!
(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)