The Power of God's Love

Eternal Father strong to save, his past year of 2012 has seen an unusual amount of pain and suffering on the part of people the world over.  There have been senseless killings of innocent women and children.  The drought which has beseiged most of the midwestern states of the US has left the land parched and the rivers and lakes drying up.  The leaders of our nation seem unable to put the welfare of our nation before their own self interests threatening us with a "financial cliff" which will only heighten the depravation and suffering of the least and the lowest even more than they are presently experincing.  And still we do not turn to you for guidance to save us from our own devices!  Forgive us for our individual and corporate social sins which threaten to undo us as a nation, and as a world.  May You use the power of Your Love to bring us together seeking to help one another.  O Lord, we know the future is in your hands - may you have mercy on us and grant us your continued grace and hope for 2013.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Let Your Sprit Rule

O King eternal, invisible, only wise God our Savior: We pray that you will come to us giving us courage to face a new year by placing your Spirit in the hearts and minds of all people.  As we prepare to end this old year and enter into 2013, we do so with fear and trembling, not knowing what the future holds - but help us to trust the future, knowing it is in your hands! Let your Spirit fill our world with righteousness and justice and especilly your Love.  Establish every good work that is founded on your Truth, and fulfill all the good hopes and desires of your pepole.  Manifest your will for all nations, especially the United States, and make us loyal to your commandments once again.  Thus may all nations grow closer to your good will for us all.  In Christ's Name we pray.  Amen.

Guide Us In The Days To Come

Lord, who has been our dwelling place in every generation, before whom all lives are judged in righteousness and everlasting mercy; be our guide and desire of life in the days before us.  Your breath of life sustains us.  Bless us with joy, even in days of sorrow and with light, even in our days of darkness.  We ask this in your most blessed Name.  Amen.

Comfort Us In Our Grief

Eternal Father/Mother, our hearts and spirits are heavy as we approach the end of this yiear 2012, and we cry out for your comfort and strength to endure.  This year has been filled with an unusual amount of pain and suffering world wide, and the grief of the world is overpowering - reaveal once again your eternal presence with us as we enter into the new year next week.  For only your Love can help us  to be comforted and to gtive us the will to persevere in the New Year.  Hear the cries of your people and come to us - be born IN us once again.  In Jesus' Name we offer this prayer.  Amen.

The Gifts of Christmas

Everlasting Father, whose glorious love and holy righteousness appeared in Jesus Christ; we adore you for this night of fullfillment and rejoicing.  As we behold the wonder of your goodness, we bow in himility and repentance.  The innocence of the Babe rebukes our selfishness, hardness and unbrotherliness.  Forgive us our sins.  We would make room in our hearts for your presence by letting evil be driven out and your Spirit be born anew.  Then shall we know the gifts of your peace and good will.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

Teach Us Your Word

Gracioud God, whose Word is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword; Grant to us today a real understanding of your truth for our lives.  Through your holy Word teach, guide, uphold and comfort us, that we may no longer be children of the dark, but children of Light.  Help us to grow in stature and faith through study of your Word.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Give Us Hope

O Lord, Hope of the world, give us an upward look that sweeps beyond the trials and hardship of this world.  Keep us faithful in our appointed tasks until you come to vanquish the reign of evil and to establish your Kingdom in power and glory.  We pray in your Name.  Amen.

Establish Your Kingdom

O Lord, brightest Promise from God, awaken in us a new surge of trust filled devotion during this season.  Aid us to find and express the spirit of love and of generosity in our Christmas preparations.  Give to our disconsolate world the peace that is built upon righteous good will and brotherly sympathy.  Bless all who are stricken by grief with the hope of eternal life.  Permit all who bear sickness to feel the restoring power of your hand.  All this we ask in your most blessed Name.  Amen.

Forgive Our Foolish Sinfulness

Merciful God, so often our actions seem to indicate that we prefer to walk in darkness rather than in the light of your Holy Word.  We confess that we are so easily attracted to the gleam of worldly possessions, by flashing lust, by fleeting pleasures, and by our foolish pretensions.  We are deluded by the flickering lights of human wisdom instead of turning to the Sun of Righteousness.  We have become so self-concerned that we forget to watch out for others.  Forgive us our foolish sinfulness.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Light Of Eternal Glory

Loving God, light of eternal glory; we praise you for coming in to the world in Jesus to dispell the darkness in human life.  Let that light shine through our lives as we celebrate Advent/Christmas once again.  In this world beseiged by evil, we need that power of your light to guide us on our way, and to transform us into vessels of your divine saving grace.  We thank you for all those who trusted your leading in the storms of history, for all who bravely proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom and for all who have endured presecution and pain for you sake.  Let your light shine into the darkened lives of those who have lost loved ones this past week in Newtown, Conneticuit, and all others to whom sorrow has overshadowed their lives.  We ask it in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

Comfort Your People

Yesterday morning, our President cried, and millions of us cried with him at the senseless horrific act of violence in New Town, Connecticut where 20 innocent, beautiful children were murdered along with 7 adults trying to save and protect them.  Since then millions around the world have been praying to God for comfort of the bereaved families, and the traumatised surviving children who witnessed this terrible act against their classmates.  May we continue our prayers in the months ahead, and may we come together to devise ways to prevent such acts of violence from happening again.

God of immeasurable power, and yet with the gentleness of a loving mother/father, in complete disbelief and heart wrenching grief, we come to you in prayer on behalf of the families of those beautiful children and adults who were murdered in their school yesterday.  We struggle to discover the reason behind such violence, in the attempt to prevent similar acts in the future.  Evil is the only explanation some of us have, and we know we need your power and love to stand up against such evil in our world.  So, God of the past, present and future, may our prayers not be words only, but lead to our resolve to unite with one another, giving allegiance to You, and standing as one supporting each other, and protecting each other.  Put your loving arms around all of us who are grief stricken - especially the parents and families of these little victims - and comfort us and strengthen us to love our children more and to nurture ALL children as our own - for we are all yours, children of the Heavenly Father.  In Jesus Name we offer this humble prayer.  Amen.

Comfort Your People

Lord, who came into the world to comfort your people, be the consolation of the aged as they approach the time when you will call them home into your kingdom.  May these years be especially rich for them as they draw ever closer to you.  Come as a guiding vision to all those who are struggling every day just to survive.  May they feel your hand upholding them and your love encouragng them not to despair.  Direct the searching eyes of youth until they find and follow you.  May they follow the path of service to their fellow humans, which you would guide them to pursue.  May those in our land or in distant countries who are waiting for the hour of redemption be assured by your birth into our world, that you are with us always and hear their prayers and have them in your care.  Thank you for your promise of comfort. 

Amen.

Prepare Our Hearts

O Savior-Messiah, hover over us to help us prepare once more for your coming into the world.  Let our preparation be sincere and complete, not superficial.  Make us quick to recognize that in our lives which is contrary to your will for us.  When you judge our lives as wanting, let us humbly resolve to do better in the months ahead.  When our attitudes are far from your example, give us the wisdom to change our thoughts.  As you enter our homes and families again, unite us in peace and understanding love.  We would behold the loveliness of your Kingdom as we joyfully work for its advent into our world once again.  In your most blessed Name we offer this prayer.  Amen.

Awaken Us To The Coming Of Your Kingdom

Loving God, impart to us a clear vision of faith which will guide us toward Your Kingdom.  Lead us to discover the new law which You have written upon our hearts.  Attune our spirits to hear the voice of the Messiah, whose birth we celebrate in this Advent Season.  Awaken in us a high expectancy of the coming of Your Kingdom.  Your promises are ever new and abundant and gracious.  Thank You for Your Love.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Prepare Our Hearts

O God, who reigns in a kingdom that is and is to come, and who placed a desire in our hearts that leaves us seekers until we find our way back to You; let this Advent season be a time of glad awaiting of your entrance into our lives and hearts once again.  We long for You even when we don't know it.  We praise you, God of all creatiion, that you have revealed yourself to Your children throughout the ages.  Let Your Spirit come upon us in our day opening to us new life.  Dwell among our hurried and dissatisfied lives until we recognize You as the fulfillment of our spirits' groping and longing.  In the Name of the Christ Child, we do pray. 
Amen.

Thanks For Creation

Most gracious God, we give you humble and hearty thanks for the world which you have created for our dwelling place, for all our friends and family and for the love which binds us to you and to one another here on earth and for all of eternity in your Heavenly Kingdom.  We are thankful that you have placed in our hearts the love and compassion which shows itself more brilliantly during this Christmas Season, as we remember the greatest gift of all from you, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we do pray.  Amen.

Prepare Our Hearts

O God, who prepared the minds and hearts of women and men of old for the coming of your Son, cast out all sin in our minds and hearts today, that we might we ready to receive your Son once again into our lives.  Let your Spirit illumine our darkened lives with the light of His Gospel.   Prepare us anew that Christ might dwell within us, not just for this season, but for all our days.  May He ever reign in our thoughs and affectins as the King of Love and the Prince of Peace. Grant this, we pray, for His sake.  Amen.

Show us the Way To Peace and Accord

O Lord, once again we hear through your word the voice of "one crying in the wilderness" across the centuries.  Open our ears that we may hear that voice of John the Baptizer, and heed his call to repent and prepare our hearts once again for the coming of the King!  We long for there to be accord in our nation once again, and we yearn for peace throughout the world.  If there be any way that we as individuals can help bring about that peace and accord, reveal it to us and give us the strength to pursue that course in our lives.  Humbly we ask it in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Hope Of The World

Hope of the world unfailing, we start off this Advent journey proclaiming that your love in the Christ Child brought hope for all your children.  Bless us as we try to witness to that faith we have.  May our lives bear  that testimony and not our words only.  There are so many of our sisters and brothers who have lost their way and now live in desperation and hopelessness.  May we bring your hope to them as we befriend them in Jesus' name.  We acknowledge that if it weren't for your Lord Jesus, we, too, would live in hopelessness.  Makes us bearers of Good News bringing hope and joy to this world.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Thanks For All Your Mercies

Almighty anbd most merciful God, from whom comes every good and perfect gift:  We give you hearty thanks for all your mercies.  Crearte in us a greater love for you, and enable us to show our thankfulness for all your benefits by dedicating ourselves to your srvice.  Through Jesus Christ, we pray.  Amen.

Prayer for Humility

Let the beauty of your light shine upon us, O Lord, transforming our lives from what we are to what we ought to be, uniting us in a new love, a new grace of service, and a new happiness of obedience.  Make us aware of those things in our lives which are separating us from your gracious love, for in our hearts we know that you are always with us, and if you seem distant it is only because we have turned our backs on your ever-presence!  Make us one with all your seekers and finders, that we may also be one with those who triumph over time and death by your grace.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Hope For The Coming Kingdom

O Lord, who set before us the great hope that your Kjnhgdom is coming ohn earth, and has taught us to pray for its comeng:  Make us ever ready to thank you for the signs of its dawning, and to pray and work for that perfect day when your Will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven.  In Christ's Name we pray.  Amen.

We Praise You, O God

God of the heavens and the earth, guide of our lives; We magnify you and praise you and give thanks to you for all the bountiful blessings of this present life , and for all the hopes of a better life to come.  May we always remember your goodness that our hearts may be full of joy and thankfulness always.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Bear Good Fruit

O God who taught us not to live by bread alone but by every word that comes from you, we would praise you for Jesus Christ, your richest Miracle of heavenly grace.  In him we see the fruits of your saving righteousness and love.  Forgive us of our sins and make us generous in sharing our blessings with others.  Give each of us the grace to bear good fruirt for  your Kingdom.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  amen.

Let Our Hearts Sing!

O God of Love who has called us to come before you in prayer and thanksgiving, let our hearts sing forth your praise and our lives reflect your generous love for your children.  Give us reverent spirits and joyful hearts that we may magnify your Name in spirit and in truth.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

The Communion of Saints

This Sunday is the last Sunday in the Church Year, when many Evangelical Churches Celebrate the lives of their loved ones gone on to their eternal reward.  In remembrnce of these loved ones, let us join in this prayer:

O Lord of all the Universe, before whom stand the spirits of the living and the dead; we bless your holy Name for all your servants who have finished their course and kept the faith, and who are now at rest in your Eternal Kingdom.  Grant us grace to follow their good example, that we with them may finally be partakers of your Kingdom as well.  Take now the veil from every heart, and unite us in one communion with all the saints on earth and the saints in heaven.  In Jesus Name we pray.  Amen.

Thanksgiving For The Present

Eternal God of the past, present and future, forgive us when we become so fearful of the future that we cannot enjoy today.  Help us to feel forgiven of our sins and failings of the past, which prevent us from living joyfully in the present.  When we gather today with our families, may our prayers of thanksgiving be for all the blessings we enjoy right now in the present.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Thanksgiving

O most loving God, you have created us in your image, but we still need to learn how to become more faithful to that image.  We are thankful for all you have provided for us, your children, to help us learn your ways - the laws of creation, the teachings of your Word in the Bible, and especially your Son, Jesus the Christ, who not only most perfectly taught us your ways, but gave his life on the cross as an example of pure obedience to Your Love.  We are expecially thankful that you have instilled in every one of us an inate conscience through which your Holy Spirit can guide and correct us - if we are willing to listen whith our hearts.  For all your gifts, and Grace and Love, we give you most humble thanks.  In Jesus Name we pray.  Amen.

Praise and Glory Be To Our God!

Giver of every good and gracious gift and fountain of every blessing:   We praise you and give honor to your name for sustaining every living thing and guiding everthing according to your will.  Your faintfulness from generation to generation calles forth our praise and thanksgiving!  Heaven and earth are bathed in your splendor and you fill the life of each of your children with the gifts of yor Spirit.  For all your goodness and mercy, we give you our heartfelt thanks.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Fountain of Life

O God, the fountain of life and the sun of our souls;  Thankfully we parise You for making it possible for us to commune with you at any time through prayer!  Accept our gratitude for your love, which was so great that you allowed your only Son, Jesus, to die for our sins that whoever belives in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  May you give us the power of soul to live our lives every day to His glory and to be about the upbuilding of Your eternal Kingdom.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Light In The Darkness

Gracious and loving God, there are so many during this holiday season who are overwhelmed with worry and brokenness in their lives - that we ask for you, who are the Light of the world, to shine on them and bring them light in their darkness.  Reveal yourself to them as the Light which darkness cannot overcome!  Strengthen their hearts so they will not faint under the heavy burdens of their lives.  Let them know that in their distress you care for them and are with them to help them through to better days ahead.  Help them to fix their eyes on you, instead of the cares of this world.  We ask it in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

Preserve Us From The Cares of Life

O God, the fountain of life; preserve us from the cares of this life, lest we become too much entangled in them; also from the many necessities of the body, lest we should be ensnared by pleasure; and from whatever is an obstacle to the soul, lest we should fall under the power of Sin.  Give us strength to resist, patience to endure, and constancy to persevere.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  amen.

For Social Justice

Almighty God, who created all humans in your own image: Grant us grace to fearlessly fight against and evil or oppression of our fellow humans.  May we use our freedom which you have given us, to help further justice among all peoples and nations, to the glory of your holy Name.  Amen.

Open Our Hearts To Your Redeeming Presence

Gracious God, make yourself known to us when we take time out of the busyness of this world and turn to you in prayer.  Grant us grace to block out all the concerns of our lives, and to concentrate only on your loving presence.  Comfort us with your Spirit; empower us with your Word and fill us with your loving presence.  May we not only barrage you with words about our desires, but pause in stillness to hear your word for us this day.  Make us attentive to your Word and transform us with your redeeming presence.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

For All In Authority

O God of history, grant health and wisdom to all that are in authority, especially the president and Congress of the United States, the Governors and Legislatures of Illinois and Missouri, and all our judges and magistrates.  Grant that they may promote peace and justice and equality in our nation, ruling with righteousness and according to your Will.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Overcome Our Divisions

O Christ, in the midst of our dividsions and suspicions, we need your guiding Spirit which calls us to all be one in reconciling love toward each other.  Let your teachings on unity override all creeds and doctrines which divide; all forms and institutions which block justice; all prejudices and platforms which weaken our nation instead of keeping it as a light to all nations.  Work within our leaders so that we as a nation might again be about bearing good fruits of the Spirit.  To this end, bless our nation and all its leaders so they might work together and remember your word which cautions us:  "A house divided against itself shall not stand!"  Bless us in the years ahead with your guiding power and wisdom.  Amen.

Guide Our Nation

Loving God, ruler of all nations and guide for the destinies of us all; today is a very special day for our nation as we come together to elect our new leaders for the future of our nation - be with us to guide us that we might follow your guidance into the future.  We believe you have called our nation to be a light to all nations, and that you have guided us throughout our history to be your special people - continue to make us sensitive to your  leading.  Use us to glorify your name as we lead the world in following your will for us.  In Jesus' Name we offer this prayer.  Amen.

Comfort

God of all comfort, there is so much suffering in our world that we cannot fathom it all!  Millions are victims of earthquakes, hurricanes like Huricane Sandy, wars between nations and within nations, and those in poverty and sickness cry our for our help.  We cannot do it all without you powerful Spirit guiding us and encouraging us.  Lord, help us not to grow cold and indifferent to all those in need or to give up in despair because of the enormity of suffering!  And as we work for their relief, grant your spirit of comfort on them to uphold them and give them hope for a better tomorrow.  All things are possible in your sight, O Lord - help us to never forget !  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

More Love For God

O Lord God accept our humble thanks for your great mercy bestowed upon us.  We confess that we are not worthy of the least of all your mercies yet grant  we pray, that every fresn proof of your goodness may cause us to love you more and more, and make us to use our strength and all your gifts in doing your holy will more perfectly for the time to come.  We pray in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

Give Us Generous Hearts

O Lord our God, who has taught us to love one another, give us grace, we pray, to fulfill this law of Christ.  Instill in our hearts the spirit of charity.  Make us centers of radiant good will.  Thus may we reach out in generous giving for the rerlief of victims of Huricane Sandy.  Make us channels of your saving grace.  In Christ Name we pray.  Amen.

For Sandy's Victims

God of all compassion, who cares even if a single sparrow falls, we ask that the victims of hurricane Sandy might feel your closeness and not despair.  May your everpresent love give them encouragement; may your powerful Spirit give them courage and strength to persevere.  Help us to find ways that we, too, can reach out to help them to rebuild their lives.  Comfort those who have lost everything - especially loved ones through death.  Thus may your Spirit work through our lives.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

God has Called Us Into Covenant

Creator of all the universe, whose name is to be praised throughout the earth, you have made us to have dominion over the work of your hands.  Praise be unto you!  We are thankful for ervery task and gift you have bestowed upon us.  We rejoice that through Christ you have called us into covenat with yourself.  Gratefully we acknowledge the gift of mind with which to plan and dream and create.  We praise you for the gift of hands with which to fashiion and toil, and above all the gift of soul in which to reflect your image.  In the name of Christ Jesus, we praise your most Holy Name.  Amen.

Fill Our Hearts With Copmpassion

Loving and Compassionate Father, you have blessed us with so many provisions in this life.  Give us the grace to be compassionate as you are for those who are not so blessed because those of  us who have plenty have not generously shared our blessings with others.  Make us aware of the thousands who are starving because of ignorance or superstition or because of the horrors of humankind's destructive activities.  Forgive us where we have tolerated filth and diease and overcrowded conditions to exist in our cities, when you desire to fill the earth and every life with beauty and strength.  So may our lives follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, who not only reached out to the sick and lame the poor and disinfranchised, but actually gave his life as a ransom for us all.  It's in his name that we do pray.  Amen.

Thanks For Life

O God of love, we thank you for life and love, for the mystery and majesty of existence, for the world of beautywhich surrounds us, for everything you have given us richly to enjoy; for health and vigor, for the love and care of home, for joys of friendship and for every loving gift.  We give you thanks!  We pray in the Name of jesus.  Amen.

A Glorious Song of Redemption

We praise you, O Lord, for your love and righteousness which have shined in the face of Jesus Christ.  In him, fairer than all nature, we behold your meaning for all of life.  In him all voices of nature join in a glorious song of redemption.  Praise be to you, forever and ever!  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Praise For God's Faithfulness and Lovingkindness

O God, whose splendor is revealed in all creation; we call to remembrance your faihtfulness and lovingkindness toward us and the world in which we live.  We praise you for the order and constancy of nature, for the beauty of the earth, sea and sky and for the bounty of the harvest.  We thank you that you have given us the warmth of human fellowship and the love of those intimately dear, our home blessings and the pure pleasures of life as we rejoice in you and in one another.  We are grateful for the trustfulness of little children, for the weak who need us, and for the strong who give us of their strength.  Bless all of us, O Lord, as we praise your holy name.  Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, we pray.  Amen.

Defend Us O Lord

Out of your unspeakable goodness, grace, and mercy, O Lord, defend us from all harm and danger of body and soul.  Preserve us from false and pernicious doctrine, from sickness and pain, from those calamities which so beset us in this life and from anguish of heart and loss of hope.  Show yourself to us that we may perservice in your service.  In Jesus' Name we do pray.  Amen.

Remake Us

O God, our everlasting hope, who holds us in life and orders our future: strip us of every proud thought and fill us with patient tenderness for others.  Make us ready to help, and quick to forgive.  Fix our eyes on your Grace and give us courage to face all our fears.  Reveal your power to us and your love for us, that we might completely trust in you for all our time on earth and for all of eternity.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

God's Timeless Heartbeat

Lord of all holiness, when are overwhelmed by our weakness and failure, come to us as a friend of sinners.  When anxieties press in to suffocate the breath of the  Spirit, give us faith to breathe deeply the winds of heaven's promises.  When burdens oppress us, be like a shadow of a mighty rock in the heat of the desert.  If any of us are beset by doubt, let us reach out in mind and spirit until we feel your timeless heart beat near our hearts.  Let us not be afraid to follow the reasoning of faith when it outreaches the reasoning of our minds.  May radiance upon our faces be the sign that we have been filled with the radiance of your love.  In Jesus Name we pray.  Amen.

Thanksgiving For God's Love In Jesus Christ

Almighty and most merciful God, we offer this prayer of thanksgiving for all your goodness and tender mercies, especially for the gift of your dear Son, and for the revelation of your will and grace; and we beseech you to implant your word in us, that in good and honest hearts, we may keep it and bring forth fruit by patient well-doing.  In Jesus Name we pray.  Amen.

The Deeper Meaning Of God's Blessngs

Eternal Spirit, we are thankful when beauty and joy flood our life and you provide abundantly for our creature comforts.  When life is healthy and strong and our efforts meet with success, let us not fail to see the deeper meaning in your blerssings for us.  Save us from pride and make our life a song of praise.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Teach Us The Secret Of An Open Heart

O God, who in divine wisdom gave us freedom to lock or unlock our heart's door; teach us the secret of an open heart.  Let our waiting for your knock become a reverent desire to please you as loving children.  When words fail us and our thoughts are barren, teach us to be still and know that you are the one and only God.  If our soul's image of you is uncertain, put your arms around us.  May we feel the strength of your majesty and the reassurance of redeeming love.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.

General Intercessons

O God: We humbly ask that you bless all your people.  Send down into our hearts the peace that passes all understanding, and grant us contentment in this life.  Give life to all of us and keep any deadly sin from prevailing against us.  Deliver all who are in trouble, for you are our God who gives hope to the hopeless and help to the helpless.  Give us your forgiveness for our many sins and refresh us with your spirit.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Open Our Eyes and Hearts

O merciful Father, open our eyes that we may see Jesus; enlighten our understanding that we may know him; and strengthen our wills that we may follow him.  Unite all your children in the fellowship of prayer.  Refresh us in the inner life; purify us by your cleansing power and bless us by the indwelling of your Holy Spirit.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.

Grant Us Grace

O Christ grant us a new awareness of your presence; give to those who are filled with anxieties for tomorrow sufficient strength for today.  Guide us in work, play and companionship into ways which cause us to return to your altar with joy and thankfulness.  Lead the heavy-laden by your Spirit into green pastures and refreshing strams.  Grant us grace to declare the gospel of your glorious life and kindgom.  We ask it in your Name.  Amen.

Inspire Us With Reverance

Creator God, who has wondrously made all things; we glory in the wonder of your creation!  Direct our eyes and our minds to see the work of your hands in the beauty, form, and bounty of nature.  All the myseries of the universe have been your doing since the very beginning.  Inspire us with reverance as we work to unfold the mysteries of our Spirit still at work cereating and sustaining all that is.  Keep us mindful that children and flowers, stars and atoms, and all that has life and form were fashioned by your hand, and declared to be prescious in your sight and full of all goodness. Accept our  praise, O Lord of the Universe.  We pray in the Name of Jesus.  Amen.

Praise For God's Laws In Creation

O Everlasting God, whose living Spirit has brought all things into being:  We glory in the wonder of your creation.  Your mind has given order to the universe; we bless you for your truths and laws, often hidden in unfathomable ways.  You have revealed your love in Jesus Christ; we praise you for your immeasurable goodness in your continual redemtion.  We come to you, our Father, needing your guidance and sustanence, your judgment and comfort.  We pray in the blessed Name of Jesus.  Amen.

Grant Us Your Peace

God of all grace:  Grant us your peace which passes all understanding, that the quieness that comes for communion with you and our neighbors may possess our souls.  We withdraw from the trials of this world for awhile when we come to you in prayer - help us to recover the strength that we have lost, and pass victoriously through all the troubles of this day and the days to come.  We ask it in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

Remember Those For Whom We Pray

Remember, O Lord, those for whom we pray: Give comfort to those who are bereaved; heal speedly those who are sick, for you are the Lord of Life, the hope and the deliverer of us all.  We ask it all in the Name of Jesus.  Amen.

For The Indwelling Spirit

Spirit of purity and grace: We thank you for your revelations of centuries past, and now ask that in our day you might guide us that we might not fear either the present or the future.  Let our daily tasks glow again with the light of your holy purpose, and give us some part in your abiding work of salvation.  Move us to speak and achieve the things that conform to your purposes, uniting us more closely to Jesus in whose name we offer this prayer.  Amen.

Make Us Righteous In Your Eyes

Forgive us, Lord, for allowing ourselves to be deluded into thinking we are not sinners and not responsible for the death of Christ on the cross!  We have so watered down the teachings of Jesus that we have allowed ourselves to be deceived into thinking we are not in need of your Grace and forgiveness.  Open our eyes that we may realize that we live in a world full of SIN, and need to be on guard against destructive influences in our lives.  SIN is real, and SIN hurts innocent peope and only Christ can free us of the power of SIN in our lives.  We cry out to you today in our need to heed the teachings of Jesus, knowing full well that without the power of your Holy Spirit, we are helpless against the evil one.  Help us, our Father, to be strong sons and daughters engaged always in the battle against injustice and evil in our world.  Make us righteous in your eyes and use us in the battle against evil.  We pray in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

Knowledge Of Yourself

Shine into our hearts, O Loving Christ, by the pure light of the knowledge of yourself. Open the eyes of our minds to the contgemplation of your teaching.  Put into our hearts the will to follow your commandments.  Putting aside all that is worldy, may we follow a spiritual life, thinking and doing things according to your goodness.  In your blessed Name we pray.  Amen.

May We Serve You Faithfully

Gracious God, as we look down the future years, make us sure that we place our lives where the need is greatest.  Deepen our love, that giving ourselves up wholly to your will, we may serve you faithfully all the rest of our life, becoming channels of your infinite love.   All this we ask thorugh the inspiration of Him who sanctified and elevated all of life, even Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Keep Us Watchful and True

O Love eternal, prosper and strengthen us in the work we have undertaken in your name in our families, churches and communities.  May the world not mold us today; make us strong enough to mold the world.  O God, keep us watchful and true by keeping our eyes on you who endured the cross for the joy set before you.  By your grace make us partakers of that joy.  Continue to call us to be your disciples until in serving you we find perfect freedom.  In your blessed Name we offer this prayer.  Amen.

Release Our Courage From Fear

O Spirit of God, touch our lives with your power and serenity that we may resist evil and with confidence champion your gospel.  Help us to be aware of your renewing and inspiring goodness which is as constant as the heavens above us.  Free us from old irritations and small comparisons.  Give power to our faint hearts to accept tasks wholeheartedly in your name.  Release our courage from fear and suppressed anxieties. Hallow our passios and our  strength through consciousness of your holy guiding.  In the Name of Jesus, we pray.  Amen.

Build Our Lives Into a Thoroughfare of Mercy

O God, who made all things for humanity to glorify your name, let us meet your unspeakable gifts of love with humility, obedience and thankfulness.  In the clatter of the world we often do not hear the still, sad yearnings of suffering humanity; thinking of our needs, we find it easy to forget that every need in the world is our neighbor in Christ.  Build our lives into a thoroughfare of mercy and compassion.  In Jesus' Name we do pray.  Amen.

Let Your Love Work Through Us

Lord of both Heaven and earth, you cast off your heavenly power and humbled yourself to become the servant of all - even becoming obedient to death on a cross.  Now, as your disciples, you challenge us to work as hard at serving the least and the lowly, as we work at being number one in our job, or our sport team, or other worldly endeavors.  Help us to follow your examope and to gladly put aside  our own egos and to humble ourselves by giving ourselves to your service of redeemng the lost and the holepess.  Let your love work through us as you build your Kingdom on earth.  We pray in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

For Trust

Lord God of all creation, let your majesty master us and your power of calm control us.  Subdue every storm, without and within.  Deepen the stillness of our inmost thoughts, and refresth us with the quiet springs of eternity.  Confirm in us  the knowledge of your presence as our companion on life's voyage, that at length our  hearts may find rest in your presence.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

A Prayer For Our Nation

Almighty God, bestow your grace upon our nation and all who are in authority.  Cause your glory to dwell among us, and let your mercy and truth, righteousness and peace revail.  We especially pray for our children, that they might be protected from all the violence and drug usage and abuse that they are subjected to.  Bless all of us as in our daily lives we seek to work for peace and harmony in our lives and that of our neighbors.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

For Your Revelation In Jesus

Awesome God, we give you thanks for your revelation of yourself in Jesus Christ, showing yourself as a loving and mereciful God.  Make our hearts pure so we might behold you in your majesty.  Cleanse our hearts that we might open them to you so you can fill them with your loving spirit.  Let your light shine through our lives bringing illumination to those around us.  Humbly we ask it all in the Name of Jesus, our Savior.  Amen.

Our Abiding Refuge

Eternal and Holy God, out of the storms of the world we come to you in prayer for you are our abiding refuge.  Thanks be to you for silence which unfolds strength and for tranquility leading us to things deep and true.  Meet with us again today in the inner place of our spirits and refresh us with your living presence.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

For The Riches of Your Spirit

Ever-present God, we adore you for the riches of your Spirit that were in Jesus Christ; in your forgiving mercy we receive divine strength; in you healing power we receive the health of our spirits; in your Word we know the truth that sets us free; in your love we find the true meaning for our living; in the risen life of Jesus we know an imperishable hope and joy.  May we find gladness not in what we call our own, but in what we may share in your name.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Refresh Our Spirits

Gracious God, we thank you for the refreshing rain bringing new life to all growing things.  Rain down upon us, we pray, your Spirit to refresh our souls and give us new life in Christ.  Search our hearts and reveal the deepest longings of our lives.  Strengthen us, then, to better serve You in the redeeming work of your Church.  Bless us always with the awareness of your presence, so we don't lose hope or lose our way.  We reach out to you asking only that you guide and direct us this day in your Way.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Cleanse Our Hearts

Almighty God our Heavenly Father, we lift up our hearts today asking your blessings on us this day.  Cleanse our hearts that we may enter into your presence and offer you our thanks, O Lord, for this day, and for the opportunity to live our lives in your service.  Calm our fretfull hearts and fill them with the quiet spirit of your peace.  So manifest yourself to us, that all that is best in us may be called forth to praise you and to serve you.  In Jesus' Name we do pray.  Amen.

Prepare Us For Service

Gracious and loving God, make us always mindful of your divine presence and power in our world, and of a love that never slumbers our fails, and so unite us with yourself that you might prepare us to be your servants in this lost world.   Prepare us to serve you everyday of our lives, thus fulfillng our purpose and your will.  In Jesus' Name we do paay.  Amen.

For Those Who Are Suffering

Gracious and loving God, hear our intercessions for those who are suffering from physical pain and those who are suffering from loneliness, fruistration, unkindness, or some other cause.  Gve them the  comforting assuirance that all will be well with them and theirs; grant them the grace to forget self in the daily service of others, making their difficulties less cumbersom and easier to bear.  Teach us all anew that it is in losing our lives in the service of others that we find our highest joy.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

We Would Seek For That Which Abides

All-knowing God, from whom the innermost thoughts of our hearts are not hidden; we confess that we have been slow to perceive your immeasurable goodness toward us.  We have not entered the open doors which lead to eternal life.  We have loved the deceptions and distortions of temporal things which bring no answer to the questions which haunt our brief stay on this earth.  Impart to us the greater joys and rewards which belong to your kingdom.  May we see them as a pearl of great price and surrender all lesser possessions.  We would seek for that which abides when friends forsake us and afflictions assail.  We seek for that which is more precious than find gold or more dear than the desires of our bodies.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

The Unsearchable Riches of Christ

O God our Father, in whom is our peace; reveal unto each of us the unsearchable riches of Christ.  Show us our poverty of soul apart from living with him.  Help us to seek the richness of his blessings, rather than expending all our energy amassing material wealth which is not lasting.  Take from us all impurity and blindness of heart that we may own your love and behold the treasures of life with you.  In Jesus' Name we do pray.  Amen.

Still Small Still-speaking Voice

O God of the small still speaking voice, our hearts remain hushed as all of creation whispers a psalm of praise.   Be especially close to us who are moved by the beauty of your creation, filling our hearts with your Spirit, and strengthening us with your Love.  O Sprit of the everlasting God, you alone can bring light out of the darkness in our world; grant us peace of mind in these tumultious times and make us courageous enough to be obedient to your will  and channels of your Love.  In Jesus' Name we do pray.  Amen.

Witnesses of Your Truth

Merciful and loving God, we thank you that you have come to us in the person of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.  We praise you that through his life, death, resurrection and reign, Christ has saved us from the ravages of sin.  Conform our wills to that of  Jesus, and fill our hearts with your love.  Take our lips and speak through them; take our lives and use them to your blessed purpose; make us, O Lord, vessels of your grace, examples of your teaching and witnesses of your truth and glory.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Touch Us With Your Spirit

Righteous God, we often are oveercome with the evil forces in our world, and in despair we call upon your name for help.  Touch us with your Spirit so that the power of evil over our lives may be vanquished by your might.  Heal the wounds of sin and help us to grow and increase abundantly in our lives so that we might be true to your will for us.  May the gospel of your love in Christ overcome our despair and bring forth the good fruit of Christian Living. Open our hearts to hope which only you can give to us and strength to be your living witnesses to our day.  We pray in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

Our Heartfelt Gratitude For Our Savior

Gracious God, giver of  all good and precious gifts; We thank you that through the laughing eyes of little children you bring us joy; to the searching eyes of youth you reveal the wonder and order of the universe; to the discerning eyes of the mature you disclose your glorious truths clothed in mystery and faith; to the dim eyes of the aged you grant vision to see the beauty of this world as a forgleam of the splendor of life that endures forever.  As we come to you in prayer, we become more like your Son Jesus Christ, who is our savior and our Lord.  Accept our heartfelt gratitude for our Savior.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Help Us Take Your Yoke Upon Us

Gracious Lord, our loving Savior, you have invited us to lay aside fears and worries that consume our energy, imprison our joy and weary our souls. You have invited us to take your yoke upon us - not to help you pull a burden, but that you might help us pull our burdens.  In grateful trust, we accept your invitation.  Thank you, lord, for providing us hope in the midst of our desapir, strength in our human weakness and your Love to bring peace to our troubled souls and rest for our weary bodies.  In Jesus Name we pray.  Amen.

Free Us From That Which Destorys

Loving and forgiving God, we have done so many things in our lives that have hurt our loved ones, but worst of all we have caused you grief.  Yet in patinent love, you continue to forgive us - waiting for us to turn to you for the help we need.  Thank you for your understanding and love.  Yet we come again to you in prayer today, seeking your power to free us from that which destroys our lives and that of our loved ones.  Enter our hearts and make us loving and forgiving like our Lord Jesus Christ, in whose name we offer this prayer.  Amen.

Still Speaking God

Still speaking God, open our ears, our hearts, our eyes that we might experience your presence with us every day of our lives!  The pressures of life and the clamor of our world, so easily drown our your "still, small voice," that would guide our lives and change the future.  Help us to take the time to stop and listen for your miraculous voice and to listen - REALLY listen.  Fill our hearts with your love and our minds with your wisdom.  We would live in awe of your miraculous power still working in our world today.  In Christ's Name we pray.  Amen.

Building Your Kingdom

Loving God, we thank you today that your Son Jesus came to live among us to teach us how to build your Kingdom on earth!  Forgive us for sometimes discounting the worth of the gifts you have given us, by withholding them thuinking they are not important for your plan of building your Kingdom .  Help us to remember that your wisdom is greater than our best thoughts, and that you have given us those gifts for us to use them in your service!  Thus may we in faith commit ourselves and our gifts to your plan of salvation for the world.  In Jesus Name we pray.  Amen.

True Joy Is In The Sharing

Generous God, you have given us so many blessings, yet we still feel the need for more to make us joyous.  Shame on us!  Awaken our hearts making them grateful for such wealth of spirit which you offer us!  Move us so deeply, that we cannot help but share those blessngs with others.  Help us realize that it is in such sharing that true joy is to be found.  Open our eyes and our minds to this basic truth of life whhich you have revealed to us in the life of Jesus.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Help Us Follow In Your Way

Lord, we know that the way you ask us to travel in life is not always easy.  There are times of sickness; times of great loss; times when we are afraid to speak up and be couhnted; times when the challenges of the day are bigger than we can handle.  But we know you would not have asked us to follow if you did not intend to be there with us, to help us through.  When we falter in our faith because of human weakness, reach out to us in your strength and uphold us.  When we lose heart, fill us with your Spirit.  When we become lost, call us like a shepherd calls his sheep that we may hear and return to your.  You are the light of the world, and no matter how hard the evil one has tried, darkness has never overcome it.  Help us always to be mindful of that truth.  Lead on, O King Eternal, and we will follow in your way.  In Jesus' Name we do pray.  Amen.

Perfect Freedom In Service To You

Almighty and everlasting God, in whom we live and move and have our being:  you have created us so that we will not find perfect freedom until we give our lives over to your service.  Grant us purity of heart and strength of purpose so that no selfish passion may hiinder us from knowing your will, and no weakness from doing it.  Grant us your light that we may see life clearly and in your service find perfect freedom  In Christ's Name we do pray.  Amen.

Let Our Souls Find Rest In You

Forgive us, Gracious God, for allowing the distractions or pressures of our lives to crowd out our time in prayer with you every day.  You have taught us in the life of Jesus that no matter how busy we bercome, we NEED our time in pray in order to live faithful lives.  So even now, O Lord, we turn to you in prayer spending some quality time in your presence and waiting for your direction as to how we best spend this day.  Help us in the course of this day to remember often your words that show us the way you would have us serve you.  Most of all, let our souls find rest in you and the refreshment that keeps us from despair and gives us the assurance of your loving presence everywhere.  In Jesus' Name we do pray.  Amen.

Enter Into Our Hearts

Glory be to you, O Christ our Savior, who became poor that we might be made rich, we give thanks for the wondrous love you brought into the world.  We thank you for taking on our nature that we might become your followers and true children of the Father.  Lord Christ, enter into our hearts and fill us with the grace of your tenderness and goodness.  Establish your rule in our hearts; establish your mercy in our lives; heal all the wounds of misunderstanding, jealousy or regret.  Teach us to remember to love, to forgive anger, to forget unkindness, that something of your beauty might be upon us, and that your grace may be in our hearts.  Make us compassionate toward one another, merciful, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as you have forgiven us in your divine compassion.  In your most blessed Name, we do pray.  Amen

Wondrous Are Your Ways

Gracious Lord, We continually wonder at the marvels of this life in which we live; the glorious sunrises and sunsets, the miracle of growth and produce which sustains our lives and the that of others; the power of human love which comes close, sometimes, to the boundless love which you have for us; those billions of ways your majesty is revealed, from the tinyest molecule of life to the boundless expanses of the universe - O lord, how wondrous are your ways, how majestic your plan for your creation!!  We stand in awe before you, and yet you have revealed that your love for us is the most wondrous part of your whole plan for creation.  Accept our humble praise, we beseech you, and through this prayer draw us closer to you this day and everytime we come to you as your children, in prayer.  In Jesus' Name we do pray.  Amen.

All Praise To You Our Blessed Savior

All praise be to you, our blessed savior.  All the creatures of heaven and earth testify to the wonder of your love and the power of your works!  You have come to share our life in the life of Jesus of Nazareth, and through his death and resurrection you have bought our salvation.  Help us to accept your saving grace and to turn our lives over to you.  Teach us to know, and to be convinced that by turning our lives over to you, we obtain eternal life with you in glory.  Enter our  hearts, O Lord, and make us yours forever.  In Jesus' Name we do pray.  Amen.

Help Us To Witness To Your Love

God of Grace and God of glory, help us this day and every day to realiize that every new day is a new opportunity for us to witness to the importance of your love in our lives!  May your faithful  children throughout the world use the power of your Spirit to overcome all the animosities of this world and to spread your kingdom of justice, righteousness and love.  May we reach out to all those who are sorrowful and lonley and thorugh us, grant them your Spirit which gives us peace which knows no end.  Let us be a part of that transformation.  In Jesus' Name we ask it.  Amen.

Enter Our Hearts, O Lord

Our hearts rejoice, O Lord, because you have become a part of us in Jesus of Nazareth, and through his teachings you have won us over to your eternal kingdom.  Thank you!  Enter our hearts anew every day, and grant us your heavenly favor.  Let us become living temples of your Spirit, that we might encourage others to also become part of your Kinjgdom  Grant us strength to follow faithfully in your footsteps every day of our lives.  In your blessed name we do pray.  Amen.

Make Our Hearts Receptive

Most Loving and Gracious God; Make our hearts receptive of you glorious Word contained in scriptures and in the words of prophets throughout the ages.  Help us to realize just how central Jesus needs to be in our lives, if we are to find our way to you, and to live by the words of Life!  Help us realize that it is through Him that those who are sorrowful can find comfort; those who are weak may find inexhaustible strength; those who who have not found their way back to you, may indeed find the way in Him.  Open for us the door of our hearts to receive the Holy Spirit and thus be transformed from children of this world, into children of our heavenly King.  It's in His name that we do prayl  Amen.

Come Into Our Hearts

Almighty and ever blessed God: we thank you that we are permitted to come to you always in prayer.  Keep the thought of your love bright in our hearts, that we may be joyful.  Empower us with childlike expectations and simple faith.  Come into our hearts, that we may be moved to spread Peace and goodwill to all whom we meet.  Bless our lives that they might be a blessing to others.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Help Us To Make Room

Merciful God, we praise you for the blessings of your loving Spirit; grant us the grace and heavenly wisdom to make room in our hearts for that Spirit!  As we enter into another new day, create in us an understanding of the deep significance of your presence every day of our lives.  Come into the lives of your people still languishing in the bonds of sin and bestow upon us all the joy of being your discipes.  Use us daily  as tools of grace to bless the world by our lives.  In Jesus' name we ask it.  Amen.

Help Us To Be Forgiving

Gracious and mercifiul God,We are grateful that you have forgiven us of all our sins through Jesus Christ our Lord - but often, like the evil servant in  your parable, we plead for your forgiveness and having received it, fail to be forgivng of our neighbor.  Forgive us when we do that, and be pleased, we pray, to so fill us with your love, that we, too, will be forgiving.  We know we are weak and need help in being more like our Savior, so we place ourselves into your hands, asking you to remould us into persons whose lives will glorify your name instead of denying your Lordship.  Help us to be merciful and forgiving.  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

That We Might Receive Your Word

Merciful God our Heavenly Father, We praise you for the blessings of your Holy Word!  Grant us grace and heavenly widsdom that we may receive your Word with pure affection and bring forth the fruits of your Spirit.  We pray in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

Faithful Witnesses

Lord, our nation is straying further and further from your Word upon which our nation is founded.  We have become a nation divided, which is crippling us from faithfully being a light to the world and a hope for justice in our world.  We individual Christians are so often fearful when you ask us to step up and witness to your lordshiup over the world.  Forgive us, Lord, and help us to remember that as we step out in faith, you will provide the  power to obey, as you promised in your holy Word:  "Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with my righteos right hand."  (Isaaih 41:10)  Give us courage, O Lord, to be faithful witnesses in our world today.  In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Bless The World

O God, for whose Spirit our world hungers and thirsts: Bless us with peace and righteousness the world over.  Let all hatreds and contentious spirits be overcome by your Love.  Let your Spirit rule among the nations that peace and concord and mutual service might be established, and the mind of Christ might bind all people together in love and brotherhood.  In Jesus Name, we offer our prayer.  Amen.

Thanks For This World and The Next

Most gracious God:  we give you humble thanks for the world which you have prepared for our dwelling place, for friends and kindred, for that larger home of seen and unseen followers of your Son, and even for the disappointments of this life which remind us of your promise of that better life with you and our departed loved ones,  May we live this life on earth triumphantly in the knowledge of that perfect life with you.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

Make Us More Like You

Take my heart, O God,
    Make it ever new -
Take my Heart O God,
    Make us more like You!

Praise be unto you, O God, for giving us your Word in Holy Scriptures revealing your covenant of love with your children and your faithfulness to every generation.  We are thankful for all those who were chosen by you to live out that covenant, and to write down your mighty works of salvation.  Grant that we may be wise enough to heed those words of love and wisdom, to study and digest them and patiently to embrace them.  May we find ev erlasting comfort in your words, and hope for our future and the future of your kingdom on earth.  This we pray in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Another Day To Glorify God!

Amazing God, when we look at the wonders of your creation, we are overwhelmed with feelings of awe and wonder.  Like the psalmist, our souls yearn for the comfort and strength of your presence, and we wondeer at the start of each day, what it is that you want us to do today to fulfill your purpose for us.  We know that each new day affords us another opportunity to live to glorify your name - yet the pressures of this life on earth sometimes blinds us to your presence in our lives altogether!  Forgive us when we falter in faith like that!  We reach out to your majesty knowing that in your presence there is the fulness of life.  In Jesus Name, we glorify you through this prayer.  Amen.

Dedication

Most merciful and gracious God, you have given us another day of life.  Help us to dedicate both our souls and our bodies to your most glorious service!  We would seek to live a sober, righteous and godly life, but we know we need the help of your holy spirit to do so.  O merciful God  confirm and strengthenh us that as we grow older in age, we might also grow wiser in the knowledge of your truth and stronger in our resolve to walk this life with our hand in yours.  This we humbly ask in the name of our most blessed savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen..

An Awesome God!

In my daily devotions  this morning, I read the following prayer by Dave Branon, and wanted to share it with you.

Dear Heavenly Father, what an awesome and powerful God you are!!  You created life by your very breath.  We praise you and stand in awe of you.  Thank you for your creation.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

Where Should We Go?

Lord Jesus Christ, our blessed redeemer, long ago Peter afirmed his faith in you asking the question "Where should we go---We have found your to be the source of truth!"  Over two thousand years later, your children are still searching for truth in all the wrong places, instead of coming to you for the words of life.  Forgive us, and help us to always look to your teachings for the way that leads to life.  No matter how learned we are, or sophisticated we have become, we will never be able to exceed the truth you taught your disciples, and continue to teach your disciples today.  Help us to "tune in" to your spirit and to be led through life by him.  Humbly we ask it in your most blessed and holy Name.  Amen.

Great Is Your Faithfulness

Great is your faithfulness, O God our Savior!  You have called us out of lives that lead nowhere, into service in building up your kingdom on earth.  You have adopted us as daughters and sons and given us the richness of all that you have created.  You have called us to go into all the world proclaiming your saving grace in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Make us worthy of such a calling!  Let your Spirit pervade our lives, giving us the power to faithfully follow your leading.  Thank you God, for making us your own!  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Refreshing Rain

Lord of all creation, we thank you for the refreshing, life-giving rain that spread over the north central US today.  We pray that the heat spell further south might also be broken saving lives and crops.  Nothing is impossible in your sight, O Lord, so we know you are in control of everything - including the weather.  Look down upon us with your favor and grant us your grace.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

For Watchfulness and Prayer

Eternal God, to whom we are grateful for being permitted to enter into your presence through prayer; Grant us the grace to pass our time on this earth in daily wathcfulness and prayer, patiently looking for the day of your final coming in power and majesty.  Sanctify us and save us from undue love of the world, always putting your Will first in all that we do. In Jesus' Name we ask it.  Amen.

Prayer For Refreshing Rain

O God, Creator of all that there is whose wisdom is beyond our understanding; Hear our humble prayers for the gift of refreshing rain to save our crops and help our nation to provide food for your children around the world.  We confess that we simply don't understand the mystery of your ways - your wisdom is too great for our minds to comprehend, but if this drought is meant to awaken us to our sins leading to global warming, then help your people learn this lesson and change their ways before we ruin the earth for human habitation!  The few of us who have been warning against our wasteful life style which ignores the balance of nature, cannot change the life-style of people around the world.  Show us ways to get their attention and show us ways to live a more harmonious life with our world and with one another.  We implore you to have mercy on those who are impacted by this drought, the young and the innocent, and those of us who are trying to "live green!"  Send us refreshing rain, O God of Love.  We ask it in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

Thanksgiving

We thank you, Loving Father, for all the good things of this life: for food, clothing, and shelter; for work to do and zest in the doing of it.  We thank you for the perpetural touch of the Divine in life, for the image of yourself in the soul of humans; for the vigor of youth, the wisdom af age, and all the lessons of experience; the steps by which we climb to higher things; for the courage of the brave, the indignation of the righteous, the kindness of the thoughtful, and all that keeps us Godlike.  In Jesus' Name, we offer our thanksgiving.  Amen.

Living A Life of Excellence

Loving and forgiving Father, may everything we do in life bring glory to your Name!  We will never be perfect, but you don't require that from us in order for yor to love us - praise be to you for your goodness!  When we do slip and falter, thank you, Father, for reachihg out your hand to help us stand upright once again.  Humbly we ask that you guide us in the way you have chosen for us.  And may your Spirit give us the strength to live a life of excellence - excelling in faithfulness, excelling in generosity, and excelling in love.  Thus may we tuly show our gratitude for your choosing us as your own children.  We pray in Jesus' Name.  Amen.

Good Instruments In Your Hands

Eternal God our Father, who has formed all hearts to love you: Bestow upon us such humility in spirit, such purity of life, and such strength of purpose that in the days before us we may be good instruments in your hands of truth and love.  Grant that through the din of earthly interests and through the storm of human passion, the voice of you Spirit may be heard and many hearts return to you.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Dependence on God's Holiness

O God, whose Spirit transcends all things, and whose love bears all things: enable us to acknowledge our dependence on your holiness, which seeks to transform our uncleanness; your patience, which forgives our unfaithfulness; your truth, which reproaches all our falsity and sin.  Look upon us with your favor, and grant us your peace.  In Jesus/ name we pray.  Amen.

God's Lordship

We acknnowledge your Lordship in all things, O God of heaven and earth.  You control the whole universe, our world and everything in it.  Accept our gratitude for your mastery of life in all its forms.  Help us to present ourselves willingly in the service of your Son who offered his life for us all.  In his most blessed name, we pray.  Amen.

Overcoming Adversity

All powerful and all-knowing God, hear your children as we pray for your Grace to help us persevere in the face of all our trials and suffering.  You know better than anyone, how painful and difficult this life can be sometimes.  Please help us to remain faithful at such times.  Give us a faith that cannot be shaken and an awareness of your loving presence always so we will not lose heart!  Let our hearts hear those words that sustained the Apostle Paul: "My grace if sufficient for you... My power is made perfect in weakness."  In Jesus Name we do pray.  Amen.

Living Sacrifices

Gracious God, breathe upon us the spirit of love which accepts all of humanity as brothers and sisters of us all.  Renew in us a clean heart and sound mind; draw us nearer to you in the bonds of love and truth; and consecrate our desire to present ourselves as living sacrifices to your service.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Enable Us To Live Lives of courage

Almighty and everlasting God, who in your grace established our nation through the faith and trust of generations before us; we praise you for your gracious guidance and bountiful providence which brought our nation into existence.  You who gives strength for the rising of nations, righteousness for their endurance, and judgments that promote good over evil, embrace us with your love in Jesus Christ  and cleanse our hearts of all evil.

O God, without whom no nation can dwell securely; arm us with the weapons of the Spirit to fight falsehood with truth and half-gods with living faith.  Keep us from contentment that stifles the voice of duty.  Arouse us from ease which is deaf to the cries of the poor, the homeless, and the downtrodden.  May our trust in our Savior enliven us to live lives of courage to follow in his footsteps as his disciples.  In Jesus' Name, we pray.  Amen.

Thanks For Our Nation

Almighty God, who made us citizens of a land filled wit tresures, opportunities and privileges:  We thank you for our ideals of liberty and faith; for the pioneers and fearless leaders who transformed the wilderness into a nation and won for us free institutions; and for all who in government, school, church, homes, in places of business, industry and on the farm, have sought to make us as a nation  an instrument of your service.  In Jesus name, we pray.  Amen.

A High and Holy Will For All People

O creating God, who gives strength for the rising of nations, rigteousness for their endurance and judgments that evil perish and good be enthroned; Embrace us and all humankind with your love in Jesus Christ.  Cleanse our hearts of prejudice and greed.  Preserve us from corruption in industry and in government.  Save us from deceit in our schools and homes.  Fashion us as clean, strong instruments in your hands.  Make our consciences alert to your Holy Will for all people.  In Jesus Name we offer this prayer.  Amen.

Prayer by Samuel Schmiechen

We bless thee, O God, for thy holy laws, thy marvelous power, and thy gracious providence by which our lives are sustained.  We stand in awe before thy ways, known and unknown which dawn with the morning and subside not in the quiet of the night.  Our spirits are hushed, for by the testimony of faith and the discovereis of wise men we can trace thy footprints.  By the whispering of thy Spirit, wooing our better selves, we know that thou art near.  Forgive our dullness of heart when burning bushes beside our path leave us unmoved, when joyful faces of little children do not recall for us the nature of thy kingdom.  Forgive us that our busyness and anxiety rob us of thy quietness and confidence for our souls, that we so often separate physical beauty and wealth from the beauty and riches of the Spirit.  Forgive us that we have not seen the ugliness of sin  nor the grace of the good life, that we have often failed to love one another in the name of him who would weave our lives together with the splendor of a kingdom that fadeth not away.  O thou unwearied God, who dist never fail us; let us not fail thee.  Help us to hold our many blessngs as a shield against temptation; help us to gather the strength of joy for hard tasks.  All this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  Amen.

Make Us Strong In You, O God

Almighty God, we humbly pray that you make us strong that we might serve you faithfully.  Give us strength of body,that we may do our work well and cheerfully and bear the burdens of others.  Give us strength of mind, that we may fearlessly accept your truth and faithfully hold to it.  Give us strength of heart, that we may love you with all our powers and love our neighbor as ourselves.  Increase our faith, that we may trust in your promises and keep fast our hold on Jesus Christ our Savior.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

For The Sick

Almighty God, giver of life and health:  Look mercifully, we pray, on the sick and suffering, especially those for whom our prayers have been offered.  Let your blessing be upon them and upon those who minister unto them.  Restore them, if it be your graciuos will, to health of body and mind, and give them the grace to return and give thanks unto you for all your mercies and benefits.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Thanksgiving To The Triune God

Almighty and most merciful God, from whom comes every good and perfect gift: We give you praise and hearty thanksgiving for all your mercies; for you goodness which has created us; your bounty which has sustained us; your discipline which has corrected us; your patience which has borne with us and your love which has redeemed us.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Keep Us In Your Care

Most loving and powerful God, always keep us in your care; In health of body and soundness of mine, in purity of heart and cheerfulness of spirit, in contentment with our lot and charity with our neighbors, and further all our undertakings with your blessing.  In our labor stengthen us; in our pleasure purify us; in our difficulties direct us; in our perils defend us; in our troubles comfort us and supply all our needs according to the riches of your grace.  In Jesus' Name we offer this humble prayer.  Amen.

The Blessing of Prayer

Almighty God, we rejoice that we are free to come to you in prayer and you are willing to hear us.  We thank you and praise you for that blessing of prayer.  Accept our gratitude for the privilege  of coming to you in prayer and approaching your throne of grace with all our concerns.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Walk With Us

Eternal God, whose face no one has ever seen; we praise you for your glory which meets us each day in the beauty and order of your creation.  Your beauty is upon us, in lakes and fields, among rivers and mountains in song and worship.  Your fairest likeness and glory are not of this world, but of your goodness revealed in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.. Walk with us in our Savior, for in him we behold the wonder of your love.  It's in his name that we lift up this prayer of adoration and praise.  Amen.

The Fellowship of Love

O God our Father, in whose presence we feel the hush of eternity, whose Word we heard in Jesus Christ wearing the flesh of humanity, and through whose Spirit thy voice speaks to every heart; we adore thee for placing a fellowship of love and faith in our keeping.  If we werre to leave thee, we should forsake all that inspires, all that brings hope, and all that reveals a plan for our living.  With thee there is strength other than our own, and we meet a love that is faithful beyond a cross.  Thy mercy ministers to rebuild our shattered purposes lying in ashes.  In thee we see our fellow man as a brother for whom Chrst has died.  We praise thee, our Father, for thy amazng love declared unto us in the gospel.  In Jesus' name we pray.

A pastoral prayer by Rev. Samuel Schmiechen

Prayer For The Outcast

Compassionate God, give us grace this week to widen our interest in the spiritual welfare of humanity.  We remember how our Lord Jesus ministered to the outcast, the unwanted and the distressed.  Help us keep our own prosperity from making us insensitive to the misery and hope of the unfortunate.  Bless us with your compassionate love.  In Jesus' Name, we pray.  Amen.

A Prayer For Love

O God, who has prepared for those who love you such good things beyond our understanding; Pour into our hearts such love for you, that we, loving you above all else, may obtain your promises which exceed all that we can ask or desire.  Through Jesus Christ ur Lord.  Amen.

Prayer For Steadfastness

O God, speak to our hearts whenever we become fearful or the love of Christ in our hearts grows cold and there is distress in the nations of the earth.  Keep us steadfast in the things that cannot be shaken, abounding in hope, and knowing that our labor in your Kingdom is never in vain.  Restore our faith in the omnipotence of good; renew the love which never fails; and make us to lift up our eyes to behold the things which are unseen and eternal.  In Jesus' Name, we pray.  Amen.

Teach Us To Love

O God of all peoples terach us how to love one another.  There is so much hatred and violence in our world, that is seems that evil is overcoming good.  Help us to look at the larger picture, and discern those ways in our own lives and throughout history that your love has triumphed over the world.  Our Lord Jesus overcane both sin and death when he died on the cross and revealed that your love is more powerful than all the evil of this world combined.  Praise be to you for sending us Jesus to tea ch us how to love.  In his name we pray.  Amen.

Enable Us To Love You

O God, enable us to love and trust you as our Heavenly Father; to walk in love as your children; and in all things to honor your Name and keep your commandments.  Make us perfect in Christ Jesus; grant us all to receive his fullness and to rest in him forever.  In Christ's name we pray.,  AMen.

Bless Our Land

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage;  We beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will.  Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners.  Save us from violence, discord and confusion; from pride and arrogancy; and from every evil way.  Defend our liberties, and fashion into one happy people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues.  Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in Thy name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to Thy Law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth.  In the name of Jesus Christ we offer this prayer.  Amen.

A prayer by Frederick Rest - 1961

Glory Be To The Holy One in Three Persons

Glory be to you, O Father everlasting, who sent your only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.. Glory be to you, O Lord Jesus Christ, who brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.  Glory be to you, O Holy Spirit, who binds us together with Christ and fills our hearts with his power and love.  May we always be united with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit through our adoration and praise of the Triune God.  We give you praise, glory and honor forever.  Amen.

Praise To The Truine God

O God, who freely blesses us with all things good; teach us to use our smallest and greatest gifts to better this world in which we live, and bring glory to your Name.  In our needs and in our sorrows guide us to the springs of eternal strength.  Kindle with holy fire the hearts of all who teach and learn, who lead and follow, and who work and wait.  Bring us into true communion with you, O Lord of life and love.  Make us one with all who have worked faithfully for your kingdom on earth that our lives might be faithful to you also.  Praise be unto you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God to whom belongs honor and dominion, power and glory forever.  In Jesus' name we do pray.  Amen.

Send The Power of Your Spirit

O God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; send power from on high to establish your church and to bring honor to your kingdom.  So may we minister in your name and witness to the Life that would fashion us into a new creation; for the sake of him who died and rose again and ever lives to make intercession for us, even Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Thanks To The Triune God!

O God, who dwels in the expanse of the universe, we offer unto you our hearty thanks and we praise your Holy Name for revealing yourself to us as Divine Parent and Creator, Son of our salvation and power and grace of the Holy Spirit.We bless you and committ ourselves into your loving care, for you are glorious beyond human imagination and more wonderful than we can fathom!  Lord God, Heavenly King and Almighty Parent; Lord God, Jesus Christ, you are the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world; Lord God, Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Guide - praise be unto you, worthy of our undivided devotion and obedience.  In Jesus name we offer this praise.  Amen.

Bless All Who Come To You In Prayer Today

Blessed Spirit of light and truth, bless all those who come to you in prayer today.  Descend on all those who look to you for help and guidance.  Dispel all darkness from our hearts.  Spirit of power, strengthen us in the face of temptations, and work in us both to will and to do according to your pleasure.  Sanctify us in body, mind and soul that we may truly follow Him who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  It's in His name that we do pray.  Amen.

Opening Our Hearts to The Spirit

O Lord, we come to you in prayer today opening our hearts to the work of your Holy Spirit:
Fill us with the love of Christ which seeks not its own but suffers for the sake of our neighbors in need;
Grand us joy in doing your will and in the knowledge that we belong to you;
Give us peace the world cannot give and which is the flower of forgiveness and trust;
Grant us patience until we no longer fear evil but wait for you to establish the ways of righteousness;
Bless us with kindness that hearts may seek your face;
Strengthen us in goodness that we may commend the gospel and serve as your sons and daughters;
Bestow upon us gentleness that the sorrowing may be comforted and tender ones may be drawn to you.;
Guide us in faithfulness that our gratitude to you may be known and we may inherit eternal life;
Empower us with self-control to rule our own spirits and to become fit instruments for your will.
All this we ask in the name of and for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

The Fruits of the Spirit

Everlasting God, whose Spirit brought the life and order of creation into the world; work with our unruly spirits until they reflect your divine image.  In Christ, we behold the fullness of life for which our spirits hunger.  Move among us and within us, O Spirit of the Living God, that we may receive your power and glory in our lives.  Increase the fruits of the Spirit in us until all thoughts and desires become obedient unto the mind of Christ.  In his most blessed Name, we offer this prayer.  Amen.

Kindle Our Fire

Spirit of the goodness of God, breathe upon us the gifts of joy and peace, until we throb with a sense of your nearness.  Kindle the fire of love within our hearts, until we can no longer hold its warmth to ourselves alone.  Heal us of fear and disunity in our witnessing for the gospel.  Light the flames of holy understanding that we may know truth and salvation as the language you have spoken to all.  Let your word thunder and whisper your will for our time.l  Baptize us with the unity of the  Spirit and the bond of peace.  Form in us anew the mind of Christ that we may follow your call as joyously and bravely today as the apostles, martyrs and saints of everfy age.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

Thanks for Past Sacrifices

O Lord our God, n whose hands are the living and the dead: As we approach your throne this Memorial Day, we give thanks for all who have laid down their lves in the service of our country and the cause for freedom around the world.We thank you for their heroism and self-sacrifice.  Above all we thank you for the great Captian of our salvation, Christ our Lord, who laid down His life that we might live forever.  Grant that through His great sacrifrice all nations, kindred, and people may be united in a true brotherhood.  In Jesus ' Name, we pray.  Amen.

Guide our Leaders

O God, Lord of the universe, you have led our  country into the paths of freedon and righteousness based on the people's acceptance of your Will.  Direct all those who are in positions of power and leadership filling them with your knowledge and Spirit, so that this great nation might my be preserved in peace and unity, strenth and honor.  Take under your protction your servants the President, the Governor of this state, the lawgivers, the judges and all who are entrusted with authority, so defending them from evil and enriching them with good that your people may prosper in freedom , and that our nation might continue to be a light of hope for peoples of all nations.  We pray it all in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

For Unity and Peace

O God, who has sent to us Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace; Give us grace to hear and understand  our Lord's teachings that lead to peace, and give us the resolve of heart to make every effort to live in unity with all peoples.  Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from accepting each other as Children of God, brothers and sisters regardless of gender, race or religious persuasion.  May your Spirit bind us together into a common bond of one heart and one soul, united and strengthened by your Love.  In Jesus Name we pray.  Amen.

Draw Us Together in Your Spirit

Almighty God, who creates and inspires all that has breath of life; we adore you as your Spirit draws us together in wonder and praise.  O gracious Spirit that dwelled in Christ, touch our spirits that we may know ourselves as children of God.  Incline our hearts to repentance and humility that in fruitful waiting of faith, new life may abound.  In Jesus Name we pray.  Amen.

A Psalm of Praise

O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he has done marvelous things:  his right hand and his holy arm have gotten him the victory.  The Lord has made known his salvation: his righteousness he has openly shown in the sight of the heathen.  He has remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.  Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.  Psalm 98: 1-4

That Our Lives Might Bring Glory To Your Name

O God of the universe, yet our divine parent who is as close as our breathing, through your Holy Spirit inspire and strengthen our lives that they might bring glory to your Name.  Let the power of the name of Jesus bind the faithful together around the world, that every nation, every race might live according to your decrees and bring peace and love to the world in which each of us lives.  In Jesus Name we pray.  Amen.

Guide The Leaders of the World

God of all history, guide the destinies of the nations of the world.  Bestow upon those in power the awareness of your Will for the nations, and help them to follow your guiding.  We know that you are God of all peoples - may they come to realize that because we are all your children, that we need to discover those ways to live together in love and peace.  Keep us from self destruction which comes from ignoring your Lordship of all the world.  Speak that we may hear your voice anew!!  We ask it all in the name of Jesus Christ, your son and our Savior.  Amen.

Thank God for Families

Loving God, as we remember our mothers affectionately on  Mothers' Day, we also recall the many displays of love which you have shown toward us, your children!  We can only cry out in gratitude:  "We appreciate you, we appreciate you."

You have created us to live in families and to learn from them how to love even as you have loved us.  You have also called us to part of the church family, again learning how to love, and joining together so that our love for the world might really matter.  As we stand before the enormity of this calling, we again realize that only by keeping our relationship with you strong, will we be able to love as you would have us love.  Help us to always keep you in our hearts and lives so that we truly might discover that the real purpose for living is to love you and one another.  in Jesus' Name, we offer this prayer.  Amen.

Help Us To Follow Christ

Gracious and loving God, we thank you that you have revealed yourself in your Son, Jesus Christ.  Help us to love him and enable us to follow him, to cling to his words and to be grateful forever for his innocent sufferings and death, his triumphant resurrection and his glorious ascension whereby he accomplished our eternal salvation.  In his most blessed name, we pray.  Amen.

A Prayer of Gratitude

O God, giver of every good and perfect gift: We thank you that you have given us a place among your people, and have enabled us to come into your presence through prayer.  We praise you for the world in which we live, for the works of your hand, which show us your infinite power and unsearchable wisdom.  We bless you for your gifts of reason and understnding whreby we can receive and understand the teaching of your Son jesus, the Christ.  Through him you have shown us what a true child of yours lives like.  We esecially thank you for his victory over Sin and Death which he has also made possible for us.  In his most blessed name, we offer this prayer.  Amen.

For Those Being Confirmed

Some churches confirm their youth on Palm Sunday, some on Pentecost and others somewhere in-between.  We confirmed our young people this past Sunday, so our prayer is for them and all those confirmed this year.

O God, who through the teaching of your Son Jesus Christ prepared the disciples for the coming  of the Holy Spirit: enter into the hearts of your servants who through confirmation seek to be in closer relationship with you and your church.  Keep them ever in your care, and may their faith continue to grow as they serve you in building your kingdom in the years ahead.  Keep them from the power of the evil one, and protect them from those who would weaken their trust in you.  We ask it all in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Bless The Seed

O God, Lord of springtime and harvest: We pray that you bless the seed sown in the earth for the sustenance of humankind.  So  water it with the gentle rain from heaven and warm it with the golden sunshine that it may bear fruit a hundredfold, to the glory of your holy name, and the welfare of your people.  In Jesus name we pray.

Thy Good Gifts

O Lord our God, who is always more ready to give your good gifts that we are to seek them; help us so to seek that we may truly find, so to ask that we may joyfully receive, so to knock that the door of your mercy may be opened to us.  Through Jesus Christ our lord.  Amen.

Lift Us Into Joy and Eternal Glory

O God, enable us to come to you freely in prayer, for you are close to our every weakness, and know our every desire.  Let those who are troubled in mind and soul fnd comfort in your Word.  May those who are  sorrowing over the loss of loved ones, find solace in the knowledge of the gates to your eternal kingdom.  May those who are hesitant to come to you, overcome their hesitancy and receive a steadfast faith from you.  Grant that all of us may praise you through consecraed lives leading us into unspeakable joy and everlasting Glory.  We pray in the name of our risen Lord, Jesus the Christ.  Amen.

Lead Us To Faith

O God, who reigns from everlasting to everlasting; we praise you that you have come into our world in Jesus Christ, bringing the power of love and truth to fill all things.  We offer our gratitude that you transformed his cross into a throne of redeeming love.  We rejoice that as the King of life he triumphed over the dominion of death.  We cannot comprehend the vastness of your being or the wonder of your Will, so we pray that you will take our hand and lead us to the stairway of faith which leads us into your presence.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen.

You Have Made Everythig Beautiful

Everlasting God, whose glory is enthroned in the heavens and touches the earth with beauty; we praise you that your Spirit of life and of power invades all creation and dwells in our souls.  You have made everything beautiful in its time and have put eternity into our hearts.  We adore you for your love in Jesus Christ, coming to us like the joy, the hope and the promise of an everlasing springtime.  In Jesus' Name we offer this praise.  Amen.

Guide Your People

Lord Jesus Christ, our master and friend, guide and strengthen your people everywhere!  Help each of us to become more active for the spiritual and physical welfare of our sisters and brothers in the faith and in the world.  Give us insight and grace that we may be what you have shsown us to be in your life death and resurrection.  Give us the courage to also be willing to sacrifice for the needy and those seeking your fold, and to become the friend of everyone.  In your most blessed name, we offer this prayer.  Amen.

God's Love and Mercy

O Lord of life, we praise you that you reign in our hearts and homes and in the world.  We thank you that your goodness and mercy endure even when we sin aganst you and one another.  Come to our wondering, our confusion and our ignorance, O blessed Christ, and make your love real to each of us.  Take the dimness of our souls away.  Let your comfort and your guiding be as an everlasting light illumining the path of life.  In the name of the living Christ, we do pray.  Amen.

Thank You for Your Resurrection

We thank you for all the evidences of your resurrection, O Christ:  for the forces of good which are now at work in the world; for the heroism of those who do not fear death or prison in spreading your gospel; for your power of truth to crush evil and  for times when our hearts burn within us with the power of the Holy Spirit.  Abide with us now, our living Redeemer and lift our faith so that we will not do thinhgs dishonorable.  Save us from complaining when life becomes difficult.  Illumione our spirits in the darkness of temptation and the times of discouragement.  lead us into the way of service and steadfastness until we run with joy to find that you have met each of us with the glorious power of God.  We ask it in your holy name.  Amen.

Thank You For Your Love

Loving God, who created us so you could love us, thank you for makihg us your children.  We have not always been faithful to you, O God, but your faithfulness to us is steadfast.  You came to  us in Christ so you could re-establish our relationship with you, and when we fail to respond, you reeach out to us to bring us back.  Praise be unto you, our blessed Redeemer.  Amen.

Rejoicing In God's Power

Almighty God, Author of life and Lord of heaven and earth; We praise you for all your deeds of strength and glory.  We especially thank you for sending  your Son into this world of sin, sorrow and death, and especially for His power to bring back life and hope.  Accept our undying gratitude for the promise of a reunion with loved ones in a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.  We pray in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

General Thanksgiving

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we offer you today our most heartfelt praise and thanksgiving for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us, your human children!  We praise you for our creation, preservation and all the blessings of this life; but above all, for your wonderful love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace and for the hope of glory.  Mercifuly use us this day and always as channels of your grace to the world in which we live, that we might bring praise to you by deeds and not words only.  In the name of Christ our Lord, we offer this prayer.  Amen.

Power To Do Your Will

O Lord and our God, who has taught us the blessedness of believing even though we have not seen:  We thank you for our faith which gives us the power to overcome the temptations of the world, and gives us newness of life and strength.  Graciously grant us your peace, which the world cannot give or take away, and send us forth to do your will.  In the name of Christ, we do pray.  Amen.

Comfort the Sick and Dying

O Lord, who has risen triumphantly from the grave:  Grant that the Easter message of your glorious resurrection may strengthen the hearts of all who struggle with temptation or with the trials and sorrows of life, especially those who have lost loved ones.  May they be comforted by the good news of your victory over death and the grave.  According to your rich mercy, remember the sick and the dying; refresh their languishing hearts and comfort them with the Word of Life.  May their tears give way to joy and their sighs to your praise.  Amen.

Your Glorious Presence

O eteranl God, who has shared with us your glorious life in Christ: we thank you for your divine presence with us always.  Even when life's meanings are not clear, your love draws us near.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit we gain a view of your boundless life.  You enter through the closed doors of our hearts, and reveal  your resurrected presence in Christ.  Yours is a deathless communion which makes us whole again.  Praie be unto you, O God.  Amen.

For Those Afflicted

O Heavenly Parent, wrap your loving arms of support and comfort around all those who have been devastated by natural calamities.  Relieve those who suffer; restore health and strength to those who are sick.  In Christ, who is the Resurrection and the Life, let the heavy-ladehn find strength to endure and those who are in the valley of the shadow see the light of life eternal.  Give to those in sorrow or loneliness the assurance that nothing can ever separate them from your Love, which is in Christ Jesus, O Lord, in whose name we pray.  Amen.

Raise Us To Eternal Joy

O God, who through the mighty resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ from the dead has delivered us from the power of darkness into the Kingdom of your love:  Grant, we paray, that as by his death he has recalled us into life, so by his presence ever abiding in us he may raise us to joys eternal.  Through him who for our sakes died and rose again, and is ever with us in power and great glory.  Amen.

Help Us To Believe The Resurrection

Almighty God, who through the death of your Son overcame sin and death, ahnd through His resurrection brought to light  life and immortality, that we might live forever in your kingdom; Help us, we pray, to believe with all our hearts the belssed story of he resurrection, to abide in this faith continually and to bless and praise You always.  Through Jesus Christ, our resurrectd Lord.  Amen.

Easter's Songs of Victory

Everliving God, all priase be to You for the glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord!!  Stir our souls with Joy as You bring the story anew into our hearts.  Like Mary, let us hear Christ calling us by name in the midst of waiting, sorrow and longing loneliness.  Where our heart strings have ceased to sing, let Easter's songs of victory awaken new melodies of hope.  Be the living Master who goes before us, healing the wounds of sin and lifting up the truth of life that would claim our love.  Lord, reign in our hearts and help us to die unto sin and to live unto You.  In the name of the Risen Christ we offer this prayer.  Amen.

Praise For Christ's Passion

Almighty and mort merciful God, we praise You for the Love you have shown to us, your children, in the passion of your perfect Son, Our Lord.  We bless You for the love made known in him and for the redemption sealed  for us by his perfect sacrifice.  We thank You for the burdens he bore, the pains he suffered, the words of comfort he spoke; for his bitter conflict with the powers of darkness, and his eternal victory over sin and death.  Blessing, and honor, and glory , and power, be unto You, O God, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.  Amen.