Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peacable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Continue reading “Prayer for the peace of the world”Tag: Prayer
The end of the matter
2019 closes out. 2020 looms large.
In all of it, with politics and anger, frustration, joy, loss, and victories… it is refreshing to me to end the year in Bible reading with Revelation. The end of the matter is summed up well here:
Continue reading “The end of the matter”Feast of Holy Innocents
We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Continue reading “Feast of Holy Innocents”Christmas prayer
O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the True Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
A Prayer of Self-Dedication
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as we will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (William Temple)
Praying for the persecuted church
Yesterday was a day of prayer in our church for the worldwide persecuted church. We called out several places in the world where believers meet in “underground” (or hidden) churches. I was mindful of some friends who recently had less that 24 hours to evacuate a country because their lives were in danger. They were there only to show the love of Christ to people around them.
Continue reading “Praying for the persecuted church”The gift of mourning
For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. (Ps. 30:5)
The Lord teaches me the way of the Cross and part of that journey is the gift of mourning, or the gift of sorrow. He wants to gift to me the heart of the Father. I can’t have that heart without knowing sorrow. It’s not all about “happy”. The joy is sweeter when the sorrow has been deeper.
