01 01 09
Eternal God, by a star you led magi to worship your son. We pray that you will guide the nations by your light and Christ the whole world will see your glory. Forgive us when we do not follow your light and truth; forgive us when we yield to pettiness in our dealings with others; forgive us when when we are mean spirited. We pray that you will renew a right spirit within us and help us to amend our ways. Through the power and presence of Christ, we pray. Amen
01 11 08
Merciful God, in baptism you promise forgiveness and new life, making us part of the body of Christ. We confess that we remain preoccupied with ourselves, separated from brothers and sisters in Christ. We cling to destructive habits, hold grudges, and show reluctance to welcome one another; we allow the past to hold us hostage. In your loving kindness, have mercy on us and free us from sin. Remind us of the promises you make in baptism so that we may rise to new life and live together in grace. In Christ's name, we pray.
Amen
May 22
Dear Lord, we read in the Holy Scriptures that if we love you and keep your words, we will in so doing discover our true selves and your presence. So often when you appear to be distant, it is because we are not following your commandments and loving you. Give us the power to love you aggressively and to become your determined disciples and bold witnesses. When we are so determined and engaged, may we discover that we are not alone, but that you, the Father and the Holy Spirit, are right beside us. In Christ’s name we pray.
Amen
May 29
God of grace, love, and communion, we confess that we have failed to love you with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We ignore your commandments, stray from your way, and follow other gods. Have mercy on us. Forgive our sin and raise us to new life, that we may serve you faithfully and give honor to your holy name. In Jesus name we pray.
Amen
June 12, 2011
Almighty god, we have seen your power and glory in the face of your son, whom you raised from the dead and received unto yourself. By sending your Holy Spirit, you have shared the same power with us, yet we turn it aside trying rather to live by our own strength on our own terms. Forgive our stubborn resistance and fill us with the spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. Enable us to raise from the ashes of our weakness to the strengths you freely give us. In Christ's name we pray.
Amen
