We enter your sacred prayer space full of questions and concerns. You invite us into your mystery. You light a candle for us–a reminder of your presence. We see the light dancing with darkness; your spirit is in the darkness as it is in the light. We burn our incense and tobacco in ceremonies of worship. Join us in our ceremony, O LORD. We create room for you to draw close to us.
Today, we invite you to reread, rest and reflect on the prayers of the past week.
Lectionary Readings for Today:
Psalm 1:1-6
Proverbs 24:23-34
John 5:39-47
Give us wisdom to live, act, and teach in ways that please you. Make us holy, and sustain us with your mercy. May we be your image-bearers in this broken world, so others may have hope in times of despair and joy in their suffering.
Loving God, thank you for charting a path that leads to blessings and relationship with you. Thank you for the instructions not to listen to evil advice or hang-out with those who do not love you. We cherish your teachings, and we think about them day and night.
We enter your sacred prayer space, singing songs of joy to you. You have not forgotten your plans for us–the promises you made to our ancestors in the shadow of their Faith-markers. You clear the way before us for your own sake. We are remembered among your chosen people.
Purify us, LORD. When we walk through the fire, journey with us and teach us your perfect ways. Present us as holy, unharmed, and chosen by you, so all who see and hear will know that you are God, the Creator of all things.
You call us by the name you gave us. We are your Beloved, you are with us. You fill us with grace and mercy, may we never forget we are a gift of you. There is no god or person like you, loving God. We take our eyes off our circumstances, we worship you and praise you because you help us.
We enter your sacred prayer space with the desire to be imitators of you. We may be persecuted by those who do not understand. But, in your presence we are surrounded by a wonderful community of believers. We feel encouraged to receive your word and teachings with joy.
Today, we invite you to reread, rest and reflect on the prayers of the past week.
Lectionary Readings for Today:
Psalm 96:1-9
Isaiah 14:3-11
Matthew 14:1-12
We choose you above all others to be our God. With you as the author and foundation of our lives, we will love you, and encourage others to also grow in their love for you. Sustain us on your Ancient Path. Grant us your grace and faith to step boldly into thresholds that take us to your glory. When fear grips us, empty us of our fears and pull us forward, so we will step into your light and everlasting life.