Prayer of the Day
♥ Lord, teach us to pray ♥
♥ Pray for those who were injured, died, or lost loved ones - Moore Tornado ♥
♥ We pray for those who have lost their loved ones & family at Sandy Hook School ♥
♥ Pray for those who were injured, died, or lost loved ones - Moore Tornado ♥
♥ We pray for those who have lost their loved ones & family at Sandy Hook School ♥
"MINDFULLNESS"
"'The technique whereby you can accept another person's ideas
as yours is the same whereby you may
let the mind which was in Christ be also in you.”'
"'The technique whereby you can accept another person's ideas
as yours is the same whereby you may
let the mind which was in Christ be also in you.”'
Johannes Metz
JOHANNES BAPTIST METZ
"But as for you, return to your God, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God."
- Hosea 12:6
"When the mask falls and the core of our being is revealed, it soon becomes obvious that we are religious by nature, that religion is the secret dowry of our being."
- Johannes Metz
from Poverty of Spirit
God of all races, nations, and religions, You know that we cannot change others, Nor can we change the past. But we can change ourselves. We can join You in changing our only And common future where you 'reign' The same over all. Help us not to say, "Lord, Lord" to any tribal gods, But to hear the One God of all the earth, And to do God's good thing for this One World.
In fact, Christians can risk looking into this abyss of pain precisely because they believe in God's eschatological promise. METZ
"But as for you, return to your God, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God."
- Hosea 12:6
"When the mask falls and the core of our being is revealed, it soon becomes obvious that we are religious by nature, that religion is the secret dowry of our being."
- Johannes Metz
from Poverty of Spirit
God of all races, nations, and religions, You know that we cannot change others, Nor can we change the past. But we can change ourselves. We can join You in changing our only And common future where you 'reign' The same over all. Help us not to say, "Lord, Lord" to any tribal gods, But to hear the One God of all the earth, And to do God's good thing for this One World.
In fact, Christians can risk looking into this abyss of pain precisely because they believe in God's eschatological promise. METZ
St. Teresa of Avila
St. Teresa of Avila
"Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality...'"
- Acts 10:34
"Through this world of toil and snares, If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee."
- Unknown, from the gospel hymn, "Just a Closer Walk With Thee"
Give me death, give me life. Give me sickness, give me health. Give me honour, give me shame. Give me weakness, give me strength. I will have whatever you give. Amen.
Prayer by St. Teresa of Avila
"Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality...'"
- Acts 10:34
"Through this world of toil and snares, If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee."
- Unknown, from the gospel hymn, "Just a Closer Walk With Thee"
Give me death, give me life. Give me sickness, give me health. Give me honour, give me shame. Give me weakness, give me strength. I will have whatever you give. Amen.
Prayer by St. Teresa of Avila
Corita Kent
Corita Kent
"We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless, and we grow weary from the work of our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we speak kindly."
- 1 Corinthians 4:10-12
"One of the things Jesus did was to step aside from the organized religion of his time because it had become corrupt and bogged down with rules. Rules became more important than feeding the hungry."
- Corita Kent
God, we pray for a peaceful resolution to the miners' demonstrations in South Africa. Lord, the violence gives us uneasy flashbacks to apartheid and states of emergency. Give the leaders the courage to condemn violence and engage in negotiations that lift up dignity and safety for all. Amen
"We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless, and we grow weary from the work of our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we speak kindly."
- 1 Corinthians 4:10-12
"One of the things Jesus did was to step aside from the organized religion of his time because it had become corrupt and bogged down with rules. Rules became more important than feeding the hungry."
- Corita Kent
God, we pray for a peaceful resolution to the miners' demonstrations in South Africa. Lord, the violence gives us uneasy flashbacks to apartheid and states of emergency. Give the leaders the courage to condemn violence and engage in negotiations that lift up dignity and safety for all. Amen
Bill McKibben
Bill McKibben
"I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you."
- John 14:18
“TV makes it so easy to postpone living for another half hour.”
- Bill McKibben
from The Age of Misunderstanding
O God, have mercy upon us. Forgive us for what we could have been but failed to be. Give us the intelligence to know thy will. Give us the courage to do thy will. Give us the devotion to love thy will. In the name and spirit of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Adapted from a prayer by
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
"I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you."
- John 14:18
“TV makes it so easy to postpone living for another half hour.”
- Bill McKibben
from The Age of Misunderstanding
O God, have mercy upon us. Forgive us for what we could have been but failed to be. Give us the intelligence to know thy will. Give us the courage to do thy will. Give us the devotion to love thy will. In the name and spirit of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Adapted from a prayer by
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Wendell Berry
Wendell Berry
"Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me."
- Psalm 5:8
"The great enemy of freedom is the alignment of political power with wealth. This alignment destroys the commonwealth - that is, the natural wealth of localities and the local economies of household, neighborhood, and community - and so destroys democracy, of which the commonwealth is the foundation and practical means.”
- Wendell Berry
from The Art of the Commonplace
Dear God, I am so afraid to open my clenched fists! Who will I be when I have nothing left to hold on to? Who will I be when I stand before you with empty hands? Please help me to gradually open my hands and to discover that I am not what I own, but what you want to give me. And what you want to give me is love— unconditional, everlasting love. Amen.
A prayer by Henri Nouwen
"Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me."
- Psalm 5:8
"The great enemy of freedom is the alignment of political power with wealth. This alignment destroys the commonwealth - that is, the natural wealth of localities and the local economies of household, neighborhood, and community - and so destroys democracy, of which the commonwealth is the foundation and practical means.”
- Wendell Berry
from The Art of the Commonplace
Dear God, I am so afraid to open my clenched fists! Who will I be when I have nothing left to hold on to? Who will I be when I stand before you with empty hands? Please help me to gradually open my hands and to discover that I am not what I own, but what you want to give me. And what you want to give me is love— unconditional, everlasting love. Amen.
A prayer by Henri Nouwen
Thomas Merton
Thomas Merton
"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."
- Revelation 4:11
"We cannot be ourselves unless we know ourselves… We cannot begin to know ourselves until we can see the real reasons why we do the things we do, and we cannot be ourselves until our actions correspond to our intentions, and our intentions are appropriate to our own situation."
- Thomas Merton
from No Man is an Island
Help us to help each other, Lord, each other's load to bear; that all may live in true accord, our joys and pains to share. Amen
Adapted from a prayer by Charles Wesley
"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."
- Revelation 4:11
"We cannot be ourselves unless we know ourselves… We cannot begin to know ourselves until we can see the real reasons why we do the things we do, and we cannot be ourselves until our actions correspond to our intentions, and our intentions are appropriate to our own situation."
- Thomas Merton
from No Man is an Island
Help us to help each other, Lord, each other's load to bear; that all may live in true accord, our joys and pains to share. Amen
Adapted from a prayer by Charles Wesley
Barbara Kingsolver
Barbara Kingsolver
"Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, "Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land."
- Deuteronomy 15:11
“Pain reaches the heart with electrical speed, but truth moves to the heart as slowly as a glacier.”
- Barbara Kingsolver
from Animal Dreams
Lord, please give us the courage to speak up on behalf of the world's hungry and starving people. Grant us wisdom to speak the words to legislators so that they pass laws eradicating global hunger. Amen
"Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, "Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land."
- Deuteronomy 15:11
“Pain reaches the heart with electrical speed, but truth moves to the heart as slowly as a glacier.”
- Barbara Kingsolver
from Animal Dreams
Lord, please give us the courage to speak up on behalf of the world's hungry and starving people. Grant us wisdom to speak the words to legislators so that they pass laws eradicating global hunger. Amen
Jeanette Winterson
Jeanette Winterson
"Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever."
- Daniel 12:3
"A tough life needs a tough language – and that is what poetry is. That is what literature offers – a language powerful enough to say how it is. It isn’t a hiding place. It is a finding place."
- Jeanette Winterson
from In Defense of Poetry
"Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever."
- Daniel 12:3
"A tough life needs a tough language – and that is what poetry is. That is what literature offers – a language powerful enough to say how it is. It isn’t a hiding place. It is a finding place."
- Jeanette Winterson
from In Defense of Poetry
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa
"I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
- Romans 8:38-39
"Today it is very fashionable to talk about the poor. Unfortunately, it is very unfashionable to talk with them."
- Mother Teresa
"I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
- Romans 8:38-39
"Today it is very fashionable to talk about the poor. Unfortunately, it is very unfashionable to talk with them."
- Mother Teresa
St. Katharine Drexel
St. Katharine Drexel
"Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved."
- Psalm 80:3
"Christ wishes the Christian Community to be a body that is perfect because we work together towards a single end, and the higher the motive which actuates this collaboration the higher, no doubt, will be the union. Now the end in question is supremely exalted: the continuous sanctification of the Body for the glory of God and the Lamb that was slain [Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament]."
- St. Katharine Drexel
God, as we remember Rachel Corrie and thousands of other innocent people who have died because of conflict in Israel and Palestine, we ask you continue to comfort the families of the victims. Move the hearts of the leaders so that peace and harmony can reign. Amen
"Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved."
- Psalm 80:3
"Christ wishes the Christian Community to be a body that is perfect because we work together towards a single end, and the higher the motive which actuates this collaboration the higher, no doubt, will be the union. Now the end in question is supremely exalted: the continuous sanctification of the Body for the glory of God and the Lamb that was slain [Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament]."
- St. Katharine Drexel
God, as we remember Rachel Corrie and thousands of other innocent people who have died because of conflict in Israel and Palestine, we ask you continue to comfort the families of the victims. Move the hearts of the leaders so that peace and harmony can reign. Amen
Wendell Berry
Wendell Berry
"For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them with food and clothing."
- Deuteronomy 10:17-18
“We have lived our lives by the assumption that what was good for us would be good for the world. We have been wrong. We must change our lives so that it will be possible to live by the contrary assumption, that what is good for the world will be good for us. And that requires that we make the effort to know the world and learn what is good for it.”
- Wendell Berry
from The Long-Legged House
God, we pray for those who live in the path of Hurricane Isaac. Keep the residents of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast safe and dry, and give wisdom to local officials so they know how to handle any damage or potential damage that may occur. We pray for your mercy, Lord. Amen.
"For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them with food and clothing."
- Deuteronomy 10:17-18
“We have lived our lives by the assumption that what was good for us would be good for the world. We have been wrong. We must change our lives so that it will be possible to live by the contrary assumption, that what is good for the world will be good for us. And that requires that we make the effort to know the world and learn what is good for it.”
- Wendell Berry
from The Long-Legged House
God, we pray for those who live in the path of Hurricane Isaac. Keep the residents of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast safe and dry, and give wisdom to local officials so they know how to handle any damage or potential damage that may occur. We pray for your mercy, Lord. Amen.
Karen Armstrong
PENTECOST SUNDAY Karen Armstrong
"[God] removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit."
- John 15:2
"There are times when you have to speak out against injustice and cruelity. But if you speak--and this is what Ghandi said--in order to punish or wound, you will do more harm than good. The Dalai Lama said that to condemn injustice with hatred in your voice will make the injustice worse. A lot of fundamentalist spirituality is rooted in fear, and when we attack, they become more extreme. So it does no good to attack visciously. The thing to do is not rise to the bait."
- Karen Armstrong
from an interview in The Believer June 2012
Holy God, we pray that you will bless the married couples in our communities. Give them peace and patience, honesty and encouragement, and joy through sickness, pain, and hardships as well as good health and success. Amen
"[God] removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit."
- John 15:2
"There are times when you have to speak out against injustice and cruelity. But if you speak--and this is what Ghandi said--in order to punish or wound, you will do more harm than good. The Dalai Lama said that to condemn injustice with hatred in your voice will make the injustice worse. A lot of fundamentalist spirituality is rooted in fear, and when we attack, they become more extreme. So it does no good to attack visciously. The thing to do is not rise to the bait."
- Karen Armstrong
from an interview in The Believer June 2012
Holy God, we pray that you will bless the married couples in our communities. Give them peace and patience, honesty and encouragement, and joy through sickness, pain, and hardships as well as good health and success. Amen
5-18-13 Derrick Jensen
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that [God] may exalt you in due time."
- 1 Peter 5:6
"Learning has to come from doing, not intellectualizing.”
- Derrick Jensen
from The Culture of Make Believe
Almighty God, inspired by the life and ministry of your son Jesus Christ, continue to challenge us to be the living representatives of your love, truth, justice, and peace wherever we are. Amen
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that [God] may exalt you in due time."
- 1 Peter 5:6
"Learning has to come from doing, not intellectualizing.”
- Derrick Jensen
from The Culture of Make Believe
Almighty God, inspired by the life and ministry of your son Jesus Christ, continue to challenge us to be the living representatives of your love, truth, justice, and peace wherever we are. Amen
John Muir
5-17-13 John Muir
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud."
- Proverbs 16:18-19
“Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life.”
- John Muir from A Thousand Mile Walk to the Gulf
God, we thank you and praise you for the elders in our communities and our society. Thank you for the wisdom you've bestowed upon them, and open our ears so that we may receive their words sincerely. Give them strength in their own families and communities, surrounding them with your love. Amen
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud."
- Proverbs 16:18-19
“Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life.”
- John Muir from A Thousand Mile Walk to the Gulf
God, we thank you and praise you for the elders in our communities and our society. Thank you for the wisdom you've bestowed upon them, and open our ears so that we may receive their words sincerely. Give them strength in their own families and communities, surrounding them with your love. Amen
5-16-13 Charlotte Perkins Gilman
"You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord."
- Leviticus 19:18
"Eternity is not something that begins after you are dead. It is going on all the time."
- Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Lord, free us from our addictions and vices. Break our chains and renew our spirits. Lord Jesus, lead us in the path to righteousness. Amen
"You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord."
- Leviticus 19:18
"Eternity is not something that begins after you are dead. It is going on all the time."
- Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Lord, free us from our addictions and vices. Break our chains and renew our spirits. Lord Jesus, lead us in the path to righteousness. Amen
Walter Wink
5-15-13 Walter Wink
"Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart,
and bring me out of my distress. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins."
- Psalm 25:16-18
"It is a time of hope; it is a time of despair. I have seen enough of God’s wily ways with the Powers to stake my life on the side of hope. I believe that even these rebellious Powers can be transformed in the crucible of God’s Love."
- Walter Wink
from The Powers that Be
God, we shed tears of sadness for the violence and destruction in Syria and other parts of the Middle East. Please shine your light there, and raise up forces for peace. Amen
"Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart,
and bring me out of my distress. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins."
- Psalm 25:16-18
"It is a time of hope; it is a time of despair. I have seen enough of God’s wily ways with the Powers to stake my life on the side of hope. I believe that even these rebellious Powers can be transformed in the crucible of God’s Love."
- Walter Wink
from The Powers that Be
God, we shed tears of sadness for the violence and destruction in Syria and other parts of the Middle East. Please shine your light there, and raise up forces for peace. Amen
Wendell Berry
5-14-13 Wendell Berry
"And the one who was seated on the throne said, 'See, I am making all things new.'"
- Revelation 21:5
“Love is what carries you, for it is always there, even in the dark, or most in the dark, but shining out at times like gold stitches in a piece of embroidery. ”
- Wendell Berry, from Hannah Coulter
May the God of peace be present to all who are suffering violence from the hands of broken people. Violence and hatred are a tragic reality in our fallen world. Therefore, may our own hearts be moved so that every day we are makers of peace. Amen.
Adapted from a prayer in a blog by Tim King.
"And the one who was seated on the throne said, 'See, I am making all things new.'"
- Revelation 21:5
“Love is what carries you, for it is always there, even in the dark, or most in the dark, but shining out at times like gold stitches in a piece of embroidery. ”
- Wendell Berry, from Hannah Coulter
May the God of peace be present to all who are suffering violence from the hands of broken people. Violence and hatred are a tragic reality in our fallen world. Therefore, may our own hearts be moved so that every day we are makers of peace. Amen.
Adapted from a prayer in a blog by Tim King.
5-13-13 Dorothy Day
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."
- Matthew 18:20
“During this year, God will quietly ‘call out’ as [God] did in gospel when someone asked ‘…Where dewllest Thou?’ [God] will say to you, ‘Come and see.’ And you will have to step out and begin your walk in faith, in hope, and in love.”
- Catherine Doherty
Lord, I am so often overtaken by machines, trapped by technology. Help me to find my life again, enhanced and not eroded by these technical aids. Help me to take control, at least in my heart, and put them in their place. Help me, Lord, to rejoice at the machines, and to be hopeful about the future benefits they can bring. May technology serve us Lord, so that we may better serve one another, and you. Amen.
Adapted from a prayer on aftersunday.org.uk
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."
- Matthew 18:20
“During this year, God will quietly ‘call out’ as [God] did in gospel when someone asked ‘…Where dewllest Thou?’ [God] will say to you, ‘Come and see.’ And you will have to step out and begin your walk in faith, in hope, and in love.”
- Catherine Doherty
Lord, I am so often overtaken by machines, trapped by technology. Help me to find my life again, enhanced and not eroded by these technical aids. Help me to take control, at least in my heart, and put them in their place. Help me, Lord, to rejoice at the machines, and to be hopeful about the future benefits they can bring. May technology serve us Lord, so that we may better serve one another, and you. Amen.
Adapted from a prayer on aftersunday.org.uk
Dorothy Day
5-12-13 Dorothy Day
"But ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?"
- Job 12:7-9
"We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community."
- Dorothy Day, from The Long Loneliness
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy.
Divine God, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.
A prayer of St. Francis.
"But ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?"
- Job 12:7-9
"We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community."
- Dorothy Day, from The Long Loneliness
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy.
Divine God, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.
A prayer of St. Francis.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
5-11-13 Ralph Waldo Emerson
"For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, says the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: 'It is Zion; no one cares for her!'"
- Jeremiah 30:17
“Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
God, help me to speak through my life: "I have come to do your will, O God" - from Hebrews 10:9
"For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, says the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: 'It is Zion; no one cares for her!'"
- Jeremiah 30:17
“Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
God, help me to speak through my life: "I have come to do your will, O God" - from Hebrews 10:9
Stanley Hauerwas
5-10-13 Stanley Hauerwas
"My beloved speaks and says to me: 'Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away."
- Song of Solomon 2:10-13
“Never think that you need to protect God. Because anytime you think you need to protect God, you can be sure that you are worshipping an idol.”
- Stanley Hauerwas
Lord, forgive us for our lack of creativity whenever we try to solve our problems using violence or force. Fill us with your spirit in the times we are afraid, stressed, or angry so that we can create beauty out of chaos. Amen.
"My beloved speaks and says to me: 'Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away."
- Song of Solomon 2:10-13
“Never think that you need to protect God. Because anytime you think you need to protect God, you can be sure that you are worshipping an idol.”
- Stanley Hauerwas
Lord, forgive us for our lack of creativity whenever we try to solve our problems using violence or force. Fill us with your spirit in the times we are afraid, stressed, or angry so that we can create beauty out of chaos. Amen.
Edith Stein
5-9-13 Edith Stein
"People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the [reign of God] belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the [reign of God] as a little child will never enter it.'"
- Mark 18:15-17
"The nation... doesn't simply need what we have. It needs what we are."
- Edith Stein
Now I love you alone. You alone do I follow. You alone do I seek. You alone am I ready to serve. For you alone have just dominion. Under your sway I long to be. Amen.
Prayer by St. Augustine of Hippo
"People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the [reign of God] belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the [reign of God] as a little child will never enter it.'"
- Mark 18:15-17
"The nation... doesn't simply need what we have. It needs what we are."
- Edith Stein
Now I love you alone. You alone do I follow. You alone do I seek. You alone am I ready to serve. For you alone have just dominion. Under your sway I long to be. Amen.
Prayer by St. Augustine of Hippo
Brian McLaren - Emergent Church - Evangelical
5-8-13 Brian McLaren
"Look! On the mountains the feet of one who brings good tidings, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, O Judah, fulfill your vows, for never again shall the wicked invade you; they are utterly cut off. A shatterer has come up against you. Guard the ramparts; watch the road; gird your loins; collect all your strength. (For the Lord is restoring the majesty of Jacob, as well as the majesty of Israel, though ravagers have ravaged them and ruined their branches.)
- Nahum 1:15-2:2
“We must never underestimate our power to be wrong when talking about God, when thinking about God, when imagining God, whether in prose or in poetry.”
- Brian McLaren, from
A Generous Orthodoxy
God, send rain to the areas in our country that have been burdened by drought. Let the water replenish the ground and rejuvenate all life. Help us to care for our land in as many ways as possible. Amen.
"Look! On the mountains the feet of one who brings good tidings, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, O Judah, fulfill your vows, for never again shall the wicked invade you; they are utterly cut off. A shatterer has come up against you. Guard the ramparts; watch the road; gird your loins; collect all your strength. (For the Lord is restoring the majesty of Jacob, as well as the majesty of Israel, though ravagers have ravaged them and ruined their branches.)
- Nahum 1:15-2:2
“We must never underestimate our power to be wrong when talking about God, when thinking about God, when imagining God, whether in prose or in poetry.”
- Brian McLaren, from
A Generous Orthodoxy
God, send rain to the areas in our country that have been burdened by drought. Let the water replenish the ground and rejuvenate all life. Help us to care for our land in as many ways as possible. Amen.
G.K. Chesterton
5-7-13 G.K. Chesterton
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence."
- 2 Samuel 22:2-3
"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder."
- G.K. Chesterton
God, bring your peace and calmness to the ends of the earth: to Syria where war still rages, to the Philippines as flood waters wreak havoc, and to every space where we, sinners, desperately need your grace. Amen.
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence."
- 2 Samuel 22:2-3
"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder."
- G.K. Chesterton
God, bring your peace and calmness to the ends of the earth: to Syria where war still rages, to the Philippines as flood waters wreak havoc, and to every space where we, sinners, desperately need your grace. Amen.
Robin R. Meyers, “Saving Jesus from the Church”
5-6-13 Robin R. Meyers
"Jesus said to them, 'The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.'"
- John 12:35-36
“Indeed, a quick glance around this broken world makes it painfully obvious that we don't need more arguments on behalf of God; we need more people who live as if they are in covenant with Unconditional Love, which is our best definition of God.”
- Robin R. Meyers, from Saving Jesus from the Church
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world. Have mercy on us. Grant us peace. For the unbearable toil of our sinful world, we plead for remission. For the terror of absence from our beloved, we plead for your comfort. For the scandalous presence of death in your creation, we plead for resurrection. Come, Holy Spirit, and heal all that is broken in our lives, in our streets, and in our world. [In the name of God the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sustainer.] Amen.
"Jesus said to them, 'The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.'"
- John 12:35-36
“Indeed, a quick glance around this broken world makes it painfully obvious that we don't need more arguments on behalf of God; we need more people who live as if they are in covenant with Unconditional Love, which is our best definition of God.”
- Robin R. Meyers, from Saving Jesus from the Church
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world. Have mercy on us. Grant us peace. For the unbearable toil of our sinful world, we plead for remission. For the terror of absence from our beloved, we plead for your comfort. For the scandalous presence of death in your creation, we plead for resurrection. Come, Holy Spirit, and heal all that is broken in our lives, in our streets, and in our world. [In the name of God the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sustainer.] Amen.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
5-5-13 Martin Luther King, Jr.
"But Ruth said, 'Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die—there will I be buried. May the Lord do thus and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you!'"
- Ruth 1:16-17
"Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Holy God, give us peace in our hearts so that we may further pursue peace in the world. Amen.
"But Ruth said, 'Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die—there will I be buried. May the Lord do thus and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you!'"
- Ruth 1:16-17
"Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Holy God, give us peace in our hearts so that we may further pursue peace in the world. Amen.
Thich Nhat Hanh
5-4-13 Thich Nhat Hanh
"Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual edification."
- Romans 14:19
"I myself feel that I cannot get along with this society very well. There are so many things that make me want to withdraw, to go back to myself. But my practice helps me remain in society, because I am aware that if I leave society, I will not be able to help it change."
- Thich Nhat Hanh, from Being Peace
You are there, O God, when a baby cries. You are there, O God, when someone dies.
You are there when they love and do your will -- You are there when they fight and hate and kill.
You are there and you love them, though they do not care though they laugh at and mock you, you are always there.
You are there in the darkness, in the light you are here, your presence brings hope - so why should we fear?
Adapted from a poem by Fr Roger Lesser
"Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual edification."
- Romans 14:19
"I myself feel that I cannot get along with this society very well. There are so many things that make me want to withdraw, to go back to myself. But my practice helps me remain in society, because I am aware that if I leave society, I will not be able to help it change."
- Thich Nhat Hanh, from Being Peace
You are there, O God, when a baby cries. You are there, O God, when someone dies.
You are there when they love and do your will -- You are there when they fight and hate and kill.
You are there and you love them, though they do not care though they laugh at and mock you, you are always there.
You are there in the darkness, in the light you are here, your presence brings hope - so why should we fear?
Adapted from a poem by Fr Roger Lesser
Mother Teresa
5-3-13 Mother Teresa
"Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received."
- 1 Peter 4:10
"You can do something I can’t do. I can do something you can’t do. Together let us do something beautiful for God."
- Mother Teresa
Loving God, darkness has covered our nation and thick darkness has descended upon our people. Tragedy has clouded out the light. Shots rang out in Aurora, Colorado. Some people were wounded by gas and bullets. Others were murdered. In this time of darkenss may your resilient light shine forth. Amen.
The prayer for today is excerpted from Rev. Brian Brandsmeier's larger prayer "Lord Have Mercy: A Prayer for Colorado,” which is featured on the God's Politics blog.
"Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received."
- 1 Peter 4:10
"You can do something I can’t do. I can do something you can’t do. Together let us do something beautiful for God."
- Mother Teresa
Loving God, darkness has covered our nation and thick darkness has descended upon our people. Tragedy has clouded out the light. Shots rang out in Aurora, Colorado. Some people were wounded by gas and bullets. Others were murdered. In this time of darkenss may your resilient light shine forth. Amen.
The prayer for today is excerpted from Rev. Brian Brandsmeier's larger prayer "Lord Have Mercy: A Prayer for Colorado,” which is featured on the God's Politics blog.
Ben Sira's Proverbs
5-2-13 Ben Sira
"While I was still young, before I went on my travels, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. Before the temple I asked for her, and I will search for her until the end."
- Ben Sira 51:13-14
"Who trusts in God lacks nothing."
- Swahili Proverb
God, as we hear news of icebergs breaking free of Greenland and glaciers melting, give us the motivation to protect all of your majestic creation. We pray for not just the penguins and polar bears, but for the people who live, work and breathe in these environments as well. Amen.
"While I was still young, before I went on my travels, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. Before the temple I asked for her, and I will search for her until the end."
- Ben Sira 51:13-14
"Who trusts in God lacks nothing."
- Swahili Proverb
God, as we hear news of icebergs breaking free of Greenland and glaciers melting, give us the motivation to protect all of your majestic creation. We pray for not just the penguins and polar bears, but for the people who live, work and breathe in these environments as well. Amen.
Derrick Jensen - The Endcame
5-1-13 Derrick Jensen
"Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the [God of lights], with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
- James 1:17
"We cannot hope to create a sustainable culture with any but sustainable souls."
- Derrick Jensen, from Endgame Vol.1: The Problem of Civilization
Lord we praise you for the gift of life! We thank you for a new day and a new month. We praise you for these things in the little, everyday reminders: a sunrise, a congregation of chirping birds, or a drop of dew on a spider's web. Lord, thank you for these things, and many more. Amen.
"Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the [God of lights], with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
- James 1:17
"We cannot hope to create a sustainable culture with any but sustainable souls."
- Derrick Jensen, from Endgame Vol.1: The Problem of Civilization
Lord we praise you for the gift of life! We thank you for a new day and a new month. We praise you for these things in the little, everyday reminders: a sunrise, a congregation of chirping birds, or a drop of dew on a spider's web. Lord, thank you for these things, and many more. Amen.
Ann Druyan - Author of The Demon-Haunted World
4-30-13 Ann Druyan
"Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith for ever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free."
- Psalm 146:5-7
“And what greater might do we possess as human beings than our capacity to question and to learn?”
- Ann Druyan
Gracious God of mercy and justice, move those of us with more abilities to share their gifts with those that have less, so together we can overcome immediate difficulties and long-term structural injustices. Amen.
Adapted from "Meditations and Devotions on the Millennium Development Goals"
"Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith for ever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free."
- Psalm 146:5-7
“And what greater might do we possess as human beings than our capacity to question and to learn?”
- Ann Druyan
Gracious God of mercy and justice, move those of us with more abilities to share their gifts with those that have less, so together we can overcome immediate difficulties and long-term structural injustices. Amen.
Adapted from "Meditations and Devotions on the Millennium Development Goals"
Thomas Merton
4-29-13 Thomas Merton
If I am to know the will of God, I must have the right attitude toward life. I must first of all know what life is, and to know the purpose of my existence.
Thomas Merton No Man Is An Island. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1955: 63.
Thought for the Day
He does not need our sacrifices, He asks for our selves. No Man Is An Island: 63.
Contemplative Pause: " For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me’".
Matthew 25:34-36
If I am to know the will of God, I must have the right attitude toward life. I must first of all know what life is, and to know the purpose of my existence.
Thomas Merton No Man Is An Island. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1955: 63.
Thought for the Day
He does not need our sacrifices, He asks for our selves. No Man Is An Island: 63.
Contemplative Pause: " For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me’".
Matthew 25:34-36
Mother Jones Magazine
4-28-13 Mother Jones
"But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith."
- Galatians 3:24-27
"Pray for the dead, and fight like hell for the living."
- Mother Jones
God, we pray for all those without power and electricity, especially 600 million of our brothers and sisters in India. Protect and sustain those who need this power source to survive, and help officials and technicians resolve this problem quickly. Amen.
"But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith."
- Galatians 3:24-27
"Pray for the dead, and fight like hell for the living."
- Mother Jones
God, we pray for all those without power and electricity, especially 600 million of our brothers and sisters in India. Protect and sustain those who need this power source to survive, and help officials and technicians resolve this problem quickly. Amen.
Woody Guthrie
4-27-13 Woody Guthrie
"God gives the desolate a home to live in; [God] leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious live in a parched land."
- Psalm 68:6
“Every year we waste enough,
To feed the ones who starve.
We build our civilization up,
And we shoot it down with wars..
O it's Jesus Christ our president,
God above our king. With a job and a pension for young and old,
We will make hallelujah ring”
- Woody Guthrie, from "Christ for President"
Eternal God, giver of joy and source of all strength, we pray for those who prepare for and compete in the London Olympic and Paralympic games. In a world where many are rejected and abused, we pray for a spirit of gracious magnimity, humility, and respect and for the health and safety of all people. May we at the last be led toward the love of Christ who is more than gold, today and forever. Amen.
Adapted from a prayer by Rev Christopher Woods, Church of England
"God gives the desolate a home to live in; [God] leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious live in a parched land."
- Psalm 68:6
“Every year we waste enough,
To feed the ones who starve.
We build our civilization up,
And we shoot it down with wars..
O it's Jesus Christ our president,
God above our king. With a job and a pension for young and old,
We will make hallelujah ring”
- Woody Guthrie, from "Christ for President"
Eternal God, giver of joy and source of all strength, we pray for those who prepare for and compete in the London Olympic and Paralympic games. In a world where many are rejected and abused, we pray for a spirit of gracious magnimity, humility, and respect and for the health and safety of all people. May we at the last be led toward the love of Christ who is more than gold, today and forever. Amen.
Adapted from a prayer by Rev Christopher Woods, Church of England
August 5, 2012, at the Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, six people were shot and four others wounded in a mass shooting.
4-26-13 Sikh blessing
"Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
- 1 Corinthians 15:58
"This earth is a garden, the Lord its gardener, cherishing all, none neglected."
- Sikh blessing
God of reconciliation, we pray for Israel and Palestine. Lord, sometimes we don't know what will bring about peace, but you do know. We pray for the day where this "Holy land" lives up to its namesake, becoming a land where justice flows down like mighty waters and where universal human dignity is restored. Amen.
Sikh blessing
"Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
- 1 Corinthians 15:58
"This earth is a garden, the Lord its gardener, cherishing all, none neglected."
- Sikh blessing
God of reconciliation, we pray for Israel and Palestine. Lord, sometimes we don't know what will bring about peace, but you do know. We pray for the day where this "Holy land" lives up to its namesake, becoming a land where justice flows down like mighty waters and where universal human dignity is restored. Amen.
Sikh blessing
Elizabeth Alexander -- poet at Obama's first inauguration
4-25-13 Elizabeth Alexander
"I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding."
- Jeremiah 3:15
"What if the mightiest word is love, love beyond marital, filial, national. Love that casts a widening pool of light. Love with no need to preempt grievance. In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air, anything can be made, any sentence begun. On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp -- praise song for walking forward in that light."
- Elizabeth Alexander, from Priase Song for the Day
God, help us to know how to pray for the economies and market places around the world. For those who make the big decisions, please give them wisdom and selflessness so that they can be just and effective leaders. Give them the eyes to see how their policies and procedures affect people throughout their company as well as their communities. Amen.
"I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding."
- Jeremiah 3:15
"What if the mightiest word is love, love beyond marital, filial, national. Love that casts a widening pool of light. Love with no need to preempt grievance. In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air, anything can be made, any sentence begun. On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp -- praise song for walking forward in that light."
- Elizabeth Alexander, from Priase Song for the Day
God, help us to know how to pray for the economies and market places around the world. For those who make the big decisions, please give them wisdom and selflessness so that they can be just and effective leaders. Give them the eyes to see how their policies and procedures affect people throughout their company as well as their communities. Amen.
Etty Hilllesum
4-24-13 Etty Hillesum
"But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."
- Matthew 13:23
"There is a really deep well inside me. And in it dwells God. Sometimes I am there too. But more often stones and grit block the well, and God is buried beneath. Then God must be dug out again."
- Etty Hillesum, from The Letters and Diaries of Etty Hillesum 1941-1943
God, we pray for all those around us, in our communities and in the world, who suffer from depression. Lord, we don't know how they've come to be in this broken state -- whether it be from social, biological, or other factors -- but you know each and every one of them. You know where they've been and where they are going. So God, please give them hope for today. Amen.
"But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."
- Matthew 13:23
"There is a really deep well inside me. And in it dwells God. Sometimes I am there too. But more often stones and grit block the well, and God is buried beneath. Then God must be dug out again."
- Etty Hillesum, from The Letters and Diaries of Etty Hillesum 1941-1943
God, we pray for all those around us, in our communities and in the world, who suffer from depression. Lord, we don't know how they've come to be in this broken state -- whether it be from social, biological, or other factors -- but you know each and every one of them. You know where they've been and where they are going. So God, please give them hope for today. Amen.
Nelson Mandela
4-23-13 Nelson Mandela
"Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands at a distance; for truth stumbles in the public square, and uprightness cannot enter. Truth is lacking, and whoever turns from evil is despoiled. The Lord saw it, and it displeased [God] that there was no justice."
- Isaiah 59:14-15
"My hunger for the freedom of my own people became a hunger for the freedom of all people, white and black. I knew as well as I knew anything that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed. A [person] who takes away another [person's] freedom is a prisoner of hatred ... is locked behind bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. I am not truly free if I am taking away someone else's freedom, just as surely as I am not free when my freedom is taken from me. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity."
- Nelson Mandela
Lord, help us to live peaceful lives with our neighbors, especially those who hold different religious, ideological, or cultural beliefs than we do. For as your servant James said, peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. God, give us this wisdom that can only come from you. Amen.
Prayer from James 3:17-18
"Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands at a distance; for truth stumbles in the public square, and uprightness cannot enter. Truth is lacking, and whoever turns from evil is despoiled. The Lord saw it, and it displeased [God] that there was no justice."
- Isaiah 59:14-15
"My hunger for the freedom of my own people became a hunger for the freedom of all people, white and black. I knew as well as I knew anything that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed. A [person] who takes away another [person's] freedom is a prisoner of hatred ... is locked behind bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. I am not truly free if I am taking away someone else's freedom, just as surely as I am not free when my freedom is taken from me. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity."
- Nelson Mandela
Lord, help us to live peaceful lives with our neighbors, especially those who hold different religious, ideological, or cultural beliefs than we do. For as your servant James said, peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. God, give us this wisdom that can only come from you. Amen.
Prayer from James 3:17-18
― M. Scott Peck, The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love
4-22-13 M. Scott Peck
“…know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One.”
- Philippians 4:7
“Love is the will to extend one's self for the purpose of nurturing one's own or another's spiritual growth... Love is as love does. Love is an act of will -- namely, both an intention and an action. Will also implies choice. We do not have to love. We choose to love.”
- M. Scott Peck (The Road Less Traveled)
God be in my pain and in my enduring. God be in my plans and in my deciding. God be in my mind and in my growing. God be in my limbs and in my leisure. Amen.
From Coventry Cathedral (2 of 2)
“…know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One.”
- Philippians 4:7
“Love is the will to extend one's self for the purpose of nurturing one's own or another's spiritual growth... Love is as love does. Love is an act of will -- namely, both an intention and an action. Will also implies choice. We do not have to love. We choose to love.”
- M. Scott Peck (The Road Less Traveled)
God be in my pain and in my enduring. God be in my plans and in my deciding. God be in my mind and in my growing. God be in my limbs and in my leisure. Amen.
From Coventry Cathedral (2 of 2)
Father Pedro Arrupe, S.J.
4-21-13 Pedro Arrupe
"For the word of the Lord is upright, and all [God's] work is done in faithfulness. [God] loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord."
- Psalm 33:4-5
"I am quite happy to be called an optimist, but my optimism is not of the utopian variety. It is based on hope. What is an optimist? I can answer for myself in a very simple fashion: He or she is a person who has the conviction that God knows, can do, and will do what is best..."
- Pedro Arrupe, from One Jesuit’s Spiritual Journey
Lord my God, I will praise you with all my heart. I will bring glory to you forever. Great is your love for me. You have kept me from going down into the grave. You are a God who is tender and kind. You are gracious. You are slow to get angry. You are faithful and full of love. Turn to me and show me your favor. Give me strength and save me. Amen.
Adapted from Psalm 86
"For the word of the Lord is upright, and all [God's] work is done in faithfulness. [God] loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord."
- Psalm 33:4-5
"I am quite happy to be called an optimist, but my optimism is not of the utopian variety. It is based on hope. What is an optimist? I can answer for myself in a very simple fashion: He or she is a person who has the conviction that God knows, can do, and will do what is best..."
- Pedro Arrupe, from One Jesuit’s Spiritual Journey
Lord my God, I will praise you with all my heart. I will bring glory to you forever. Great is your love for me. You have kept me from going down into the grave. You are a God who is tender and kind. You are gracious. You are slow to get angry. You are faithful and full of love. Turn to me and show me your favor. Give me strength and save me. Amen.
Adapted from Psalm 86
Amma Syncletica
4-20-13 Amma Syncletica
"I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit; you heard my plea, ‘Do not close your ear to my cry for help, but give me relief!’ You came near when I called on you; you said, ‘Do not fear!’"
- Lamentations 3:55-57
"In the beginning there is struggle and a lot of work for those who come near to God. But after that, there is indescribable joy. It is just like building a fire: at first it’s smoky and your eyes water, but later you get the desired result. Thus we ought to light the divine fire in ourselves with tears and effort.”
- Amma Syncletica
God, we pray for the new nation of South Sudan. Help them develop leaders who look after the interests of all their people. May your peace be present always. Amen.
"I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit; you heard my plea, ‘Do not close your ear to my cry for help, but give me relief!’ You came near when I called on you; you said, ‘Do not fear!’"
- Lamentations 3:55-57
"In the beginning there is struggle and a lot of work for those who come near to God. But after that, there is indescribable joy. It is just like building a fire: at first it’s smoky and your eyes water, but later you get the desired result. Thus we ought to light the divine fire in ourselves with tears and effort.”
- Amma Syncletica
God, we pray for the new nation of South Sudan. Help them develop leaders who look after the interests of all their people. May your peace be present always. Amen.
Alice Walker
4-19-13 Alice Walker
"The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the neediest people shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. For the tyrant shall be no more, and the scoffer shall cease to be; all those alert to do evil shall be cut off— those who cause a person to lose a lawsuit, who set a trap for the arbiter in the gate, and without grounds deny justice to the one in the right."
- Isaiah 29:19-21
"Anybody can observe the Sabbath but making it holy surely takes the rest of the week."
- Alice Walker, from In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens
God, you are the light of the world, you have overcome all darkness. May we share your light with those who are searching -- with words and actions that are pleasing to you. Amen.
"The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the neediest people shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. For the tyrant shall be no more, and the scoffer shall cease to be; all those alert to do evil shall be cut off— those who cause a person to lose a lawsuit, who set a trap for the arbiter in the gate, and without grounds deny justice to the one in the right."
- Isaiah 29:19-21
"Anybody can observe the Sabbath but making it holy surely takes the rest of the week."
- Alice Walker, from In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens
God, you are the light of the world, you have overcome all darkness. May we share your light with those who are searching -- with words and actions that are pleasing to you. Amen.
Jack Kornfield
4-18-13 Jack Kornfield
"My peace is the legacy I leave to you. I don’t give gifts like those of this world. Do not let your heart be troubled or fearful."
- John 14:27
"It is the basic principle of spiritual life that we learn the deepest things in unknown territory. Often it is when we feel most confused inwardly and are in the midst of our greatest difficulties that something new will open. We awaken most easily to the mystery of life through our weakest side. The areas of our greatest strength, where we are the most competent and clearest, tend to keep us away from the mystery."
- Jack Kornfield
Eternal God, in this time we remember those who have passed before us. May your everlasting light shine upon all. Amen.
"My peace is the legacy I leave to you. I don’t give gifts like those of this world. Do not let your heart be troubled or fearful."
- John 14:27
"It is the basic principle of spiritual life that we learn the deepest things in unknown territory. Often it is when we feel most confused inwardly and are in the midst of our greatest difficulties that something new will open. We awaken most easily to the mystery of life through our weakest side. The areas of our greatest strength, where we are the most competent and clearest, tend to keep us away from the mystery."
- Jack Kornfield
Eternal God, in this time we remember those who have passed before us. May your everlasting light shine upon all. Amen.
Osip Mandelstam
4-17-13 Osip Mandelstam
"But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."
- Amos 5:24
“My turn shall also come: I sense the spreading of a wing."
- Osip Mandelstam
Loving God, we confess to you that we don't always get it right. We don't always love our neighbors as ourselves. Lord, help us to love you with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Give us strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow and the weeks ahead. Amen.
"But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."
- Amos 5:24
“My turn shall also come: I sense the spreading of a wing."
- Osip Mandelstam
Loving God, we confess to you that we don't always get it right. We don't always love our neighbors as ourselves. Lord, help us to love you with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Give us strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow and the weeks ahead. Amen.
Nelson Mandela
4-16-13 Nelson Mandela
"Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love."
- 1 John 4:7-8
"To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."
- Nelson Mandela
God, we remember the land and people of Japan. Continue to comfort our brothers and sisters enduring tragedy, and grant protection as they continue to rebuild their infrastructure and restore what was lost. Amen.
"Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love."
- 1 John 4:7-8
"To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."
- Nelson Mandela
God, we remember the land and people of Japan. Continue to comfort our brothers and sisters enduring tragedy, and grant protection as they continue to rebuild their infrastructure and restore what was lost. Amen.
Rachel Naomi Remen - Author of Kitchen Table Wisdom
4-15-13 Rachel Naomi Remen
"And to the rest of you, brothers and sisters, never grow tired of doing good."
- 2 Thessalonians 3:13
“Wounding and healing are not opposites. They're part of the same thing. It is our wounds that enable us to be compassionate with the wounds of others. It is our limitations that make us kind to the limitations of other people. It is our loneliness that helps us to to find other people or to even know they're alone with an illness. I think I have served people perfectly with parts of myself I used to be ashamed of. ”
- Rachel Naomi Remen
God, help me to slow down, to move calmly, to look kindly, to find space, so that there is room for You and for others in my life. Amen. - adapted from "Slow Down " by Marcus Braybrooke
"And to the rest of you, brothers and sisters, never grow tired of doing good."
- 2 Thessalonians 3:13
“Wounding and healing are not opposites. They're part of the same thing. It is our wounds that enable us to be compassionate with the wounds of others. It is our limitations that make us kind to the limitations of other people. It is our loneliness that helps us to to find other people or to even know they're alone with an illness. I think I have served people perfectly with parts of myself I used to be ashamed of. ”
- Rachel Naomi Remen
God, help me to slow down, to move calmly, to look kindly, to find space, so that there is room for You and for others in my life. Amen. - adapted from "Slow Down " by Marcus Braybrooke
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
4-14-13 Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"So ready yourselves to pass through the gates, from old to new.Clear the way for the people; Make it clear, easy, and straight. Unfurl the banners that proclaim these people are renewed!"
- Isaiah 62:10
"The Bible speaks with remarkable frequency of 'bearing.' It is capable of expressing the whole work of Jesus Christ in this one word… Therefore, the Bible can also characterize the whole life of the Christian as bearing the cross. It is the fellowship of the cross to experience the burden of the other. If one does not experience it, the fellowship [one] belongs to is not Christian."
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
God of peace, we lift up the victims of gun violence in our cities. Comfort the families who mourn. May we, as your church, have wisdom to confront violence in our own neighborhoods, and show forth the light of your kingdom in the darkest times. Amen.
"So ready yourselves to pass through the gates, from old to new.Clear the way for the people; Make it clear, easy, and straight. Unfurl the banners that proclaim these people are renewed!"
- Isaiah 62:10
"The Bible speaks with remarkable frequency of 'bearing.' It is capable of expressing the whole work of Jesus Christ in this one word… Therefore, the Bible can also characterize the whole life of the Christian as bearing the cross. It is the fellowship of the cross to experience the burden of the other. If one does not experience it, the fellowship [one] belongs to is not Christian."
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
God of peace, we lift up the victims of gun violence in our cities. Comfort the families who mourn. May we, as your church, have wisdom to confront violence in our own neighborhoods, and show forth the light of your kingdom in the darkest times. Amen.
Mother Teresa - Saint to the Poor
4-13-13 Mother Teresa
"Whoever says, ‘I am in the light’, while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness. Whoever loves a brother or sister lives in the light, and in such a person there is no cause for stumbling."
- 1 John 2:9-10
"Holiness consists in doing God’s will joyfully. Faithfulness makes saints. The spiritual life is a union with Jesus: the divine and the human giving themselves to each other. The only thing Jesus asks of us is to give ourselves to [God], in total poverty and total self-forgetfulness."
- Mother Teresa, from The Love of Christ
God, we pray for people of faith living in Egypt. May all religions pursue peace and condemn violence. We pray that your command to "love one another" may reign in neighborhoods, schools, and streets. Amen.
"Whoever says, ‘I am in the light’, while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness. Whoever loves a brother or sister lives in the light, and in such a person there is no cause for stumbling."
- 1 John 2:9-10
"Holiness consists in doing God’s will joyfully. Faithfulness makes saints. The spiritual life is a union with Jesus: the divine and the human giving themselves to each other. The only thing Jesus asks of us is to give ourselves to [God], in total poverty and total self-forgetfulness."
- Mother Teresa, from The Love of Christ
God, we pray for people of faith living in Egypt. May all religions pursue peace and condemn violence. We pray that your command to "love one another" may reign in neighborhoods, schools, and streets. Amen.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
4-12-13 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky."
- Psalm 85:10-11
"If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each [one's] life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility."
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
God of abundance, give me contentment with my possessions, my friends, and my family. Help me to find joy and satisfaction in you. Amen.
"Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky."
- Psalm 85:10-11
"If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each [one's] life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility."
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
God of abundance, give me contentment with my possessions, my friends, and my family. Help me to find joy and satisfaction in you. Amen.
Richard Rohr
4-11-13 Richard Rohr
"Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her."
- Proverbs 8:10-11
“We do not think ourselves into new ways of living, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking.”
- Richard Rohr, from Everything Belongs
Spend a few minutes today in silent meditation. During this time, if a prayer or thought really sticks out to you, write it down on a sheet of paper or note card. Carry it with you for the rest of the day or week, or as long as you like.
"Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her."
- Proverbs 8:10-11
“We do not think ourselves into new ways of living, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking.”
- Richard Rohr, from Everything Belongs
Spend a few minutes today in silent meditation. During this time, if a prayer or thought really sticks out to you, write it down on a sheet of paper or note card. Carry it with you for the rest of the day or week, or as long as you like.
Wangari Maathai
4-10-13 Wangari Maathai
"Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'"
- John 6:35
"We are called to assist the earth to heal her wounds and in the process heal our own -- indeed, to embrace the whole creation in all its diversity, beauty, and wonder."
- Wangari Maathai
Blessed are you, Lord God: Blessed are you for ever. Holy is your name: Blessed are you for ever. Great is your mercy for your people: Blessed are you for ever. Amen!
Adapted from a Catholic prayer of praise
"Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'"
- John 6:35
"We are called to assist the earth to heal her wounds and in the process heal our own -- indeed, to embrace the whole creation in all its diversity, beauty, and wonder."
- Wangari Maathai
Blessed are you, Lord God: Blessed are you for ever. Holy is your name: Blessed are you for ever. Great is your mercy for your people: Blessed are you for ever. Amen!
Adapted from a Catholic prayer of praise
Francis de Sales
4-9-13 Francis de Sales
"For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same?"
- Matthew 5:46
"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your imperfections but instantly set about remedying them – every day begin the new task."
- Francis de Sales
God, we pray for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We pray that the government and rebels will negotiate civilly and effectively. But until then, Lord, please protect the innocent men, women and children. Continuously comfort those who mourn. Amen
"For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same?"
- Matthew 5:46
"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your imperfections but instantly set about remedying them – every day begin the new task."
- Francis de Sales
God, we pray for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We pray that the government and rebels will negotiate civilly and effectively. But until then, Lord, please protect the innocent men, women and children. Continuously comfort those who mourn. Amen
Karen Armstrong
4-8-13 Karen Armstrong
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going."
- Hebrews 11:8
"I'm not in the business of converting anybody. Dialogue is not about bringing people around to your side of things. It's about offering them something, and if they don't like it, fine. Dialogue is about being prepared to be changed by the encounter."
- Karen Armstrong, from an interview in The Believer June 2012
O God, whose will is good and gracious, and whose law is truth: we ask you to guide and bless our senators and representatives in Congress. Give them courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all people—especially those who struggle to feed themselves and their families. Amen.
From Bread for the World's "Prayer for Congress"
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going."
- Hebrews 11:8
"I'm not in the business of converting anybody. Dialogue is not about bringing people around to your side of things. It's about offering them something, and if they don't like it, fine. Dialogue is about being prepared to be changed by the encounter."
- Karen Armstrong, from an interview in The Believer June 2012
O God, whose will is good and gracious, and whose law is truth: we ask you to guide and bless our senators and representatives in Congress. Give them courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all people—especially those who struggle to feed themselves and their families. Amen.
From Bread for the World's "Prayer for Congress"
Emily Dickinson
4-7-13 Emily Dickinson
"Therefore my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
- 1 Corinthians 15:58
"Tell all the Truth but tell it slant--
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth's superb surprise"
- Emily Dickinson
Almighty God, I ask you for energy today: to do the right thing, to love my neighbors as myself, and to be a witness to you and your reign. Amen.
Emily Dickinson
"Therefore my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
- 1 Corinthians 15:58
"Tell all the Truth but tell it slant--
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth's superb surprise"
- Emily Dickinson
Almighty God, I ask you for energy today: to do the right thing, to love my neighbors as myself, and to be a witness to you and your reign. Amen.
Emily Dickinson
Jiddu Krishnamurti
4-6-13 Jiddu Krishnamurti
"So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift."
- Matthew 5:23-24
"You must understand the whole of life, not just one little part of it. That is why you must read, that is why you must look at the skies, that is why you must sing, and dance, and write poems, and suffer, and understand, for all that is life."
- Jiddu Krishnamurti
God of healing, we pray for all the victims of domestic violence. Lead them to a safe place where they can be healed and nurtured. For the perpetrators, mend their hearts and minds, and show them what true love looks like. Amen
Jiddu Krishnamurti
"So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift."
- Matthew 5:23-24
"You must understand the whole of life, not just one little part of it. That is why you must read, that is why you must look at the skies, that is why you must sing, and dance, and write poems, and suffer, and understand, for all that is life."
- Jiddu Krishnamurti
God of healing, we pray for all the victims of domestic violence. Lead them to a safe place where they can be healed and nurtured. For the perpetrators, mend their hearts and minds, and show them what true love looks like. Amen
Jiddu Krishnamurti
Angela Y. Davis
4-5-13 Pentecost Angela Y. Davis
"...I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.’"
- Esther 4:16
“We have to talk about liberating minds as well as liberating society.”
- Angela Y. Davis
God, may we walk in the company of the the women of faith who have gone before us, both named and unnamed, who testify with ferocity and faith to the Spirit of wisdom and healing. May we walk in the company of women like Esther, who sought and ensured the welfare of her people. Amen.
Adapted from Common Prayer
"...I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.’"
- Esther 4:16
“We have to talk about liberating minds as well as liberating society.”
- Angela Y. Davis
God, may we walk in the company of the the women of faith who have gone before us, both named and unnamed, who testify with ferocity and faith to the Spirit of wisdom and healing. May we walk in the company of women like Esther, who sought and ensured the welfare of her people. Amen.
Adapted from Common Prayer
Joan of Arc c. 1412 - 1431 (aged approx. 19)
4-4-13 Pentecost Joan of Arc
"Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My purpose shall stand, and I will fulfill my intention.’"
- Isaiah 46:9-10
"One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying."
- Joan of Arc
God of life, there are days when the burdens we carry chafe our shoulders and wear us down; when the road seems dreary and endless, the skies gray and threatening; when our lives have no music in them and our hearts are lonely, and our souls have lost their courage. Flood the path with light, we beseech you; turn our eyes to where the skies are full of promise. Amen.
Adapted from a prayer by St. Augustine
"Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My purpose shall stand, and I will fulfill my intention.’"
- Isaiah 46:9-10
"One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying."
- Joan of Arc
God of life, there are days when the burdens we carry chafe our shoulders and wear us down; when the road seems dreary and endless, the skies gray and threatening; when our lives have no music in them and our hearts are lonely, and our souls have lost their courage. Flood the path with light, we beseech you; turn our eyes to where the skies are full of promise. Amen.
Adapted from a prayer by St. Augustine
Mary Daly
4-3-13 Pentecost Mary Daly
"Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins."
- 1 Peter 4:8
"Why indeed must 'God' be a noun? Why not a verb - the most active and dynamic of all."
- Mary Daly
Almighty God, help me remember my first loyalty is not to a flag, a country or any man. Lord, I trust in you first and foremost. Help me to work for your kingdom. Amen.
"Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins."
- 1 Peter 4:8
"Why indeed must 'God' be a noun? Why not a verb - the most active and dynamic of all."
- Mary Daly
Almighty God, help me remember my first loyalty is not to a flag, a country or any man. Lord, I trust in you first and foremost. Help me to work for your kingdom. Amen.
Archbishop Rowan Williams
4-2-13 Pentecost Archbishop Rowan Williams
"For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like."
- James 1:23-24
“Our present ecological crisis, the biggest single practical threat to our human existence in the middle to long term, has, religious people would say, a great deal to do with our failure to think of the world as existing in relation to the mystery of God, not just as a huge warehouse of stuff to be used for our convenience.”
- Archbishop Rowan Williams
God, we lift up to you today all the places where there is unrest: Syria, South Sudan, Mali, Somalia, Pakistan, and others. Infiltrate the hearts and minds of the people in these places with your peace. May we all seek this peace that calms the storms in our own hearts and minds. Amen.
"For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like."
- James 1:23-24
“Our present ecological crisis, the biggest single practical threat to our human existence in the middle to long term, has, religious people would say, a great deal to do with our failure to think of the world as existing in relation to the mystery of God, not just as a huge warehouse of stuff to be used for our convenience.”
- Archbishop Rowan Williams
God, we lift up to you today all the places where there is unrest: Syria, South Sudan, Mali, Somalia, Pakistan, and others. Infiltrate the hearts and minds of the people in these places with your peace. May we all seek this peace that calms the storms in our own hearts and minds. Amen.
Agnes of Rome
4/1/13 Agnes of Rome
The princes of Israel in you, every one according to his power, have been bent on shedding blood. Father and mother are treated with contempt in you; the alien residing within you suffers extortion; the orphan and the widow are wronged in you.
- Ezekiel 22:6-7
You may stain your sword with my blood, but you will never be able to profane my body, consecrated to Christ.
-Agnes of Rome
Inscribe with your precious blood, most merciful Lord, your wounds on my heart, that I may read in them both your sufferings and your love.
- A Prayer by Gertrude of Helfta
The princes of Israel in you, every one according to his power, have been bent on shedding blood. Father and mother are treated with contempt in you; the alien residing within you suffers extortion; the orphan and the widow are wronged in you.
- Ezekiel 22:6-7
You may stain your sword with my blood, but you will never be able to profane my body, consecrated to Christ.
-Agnes of Rome
Inscribe with your precious blood, most merciful Lord, your wounds on my heart, that I may read in them both your sufferings and your love.
- A Prayer by Gertrude of Helfta
