A moment of contemplation for yourself or on behalf of others on everything from the life-altering to the mundane.


Prayer: A conversation with The Higher Other who lives within each of us. An invitation to vent, to re-think, to ask, and to rest.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Prayers of the People: Still Hiding Your Talents?, 23rd Sunday after Pentecost

for November 16, 2014, 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Readings: [RCL] Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18; Ps 90:1-8, 9-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:11-14   

For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past and like a watch in the night.  [Ps 90:4]

       For those of us in the colder climes of the northern hemisphere, we see the fruits and leaves of the summer withering and fading, and they begin to drop to the ground as the darkness and cold of the winter approaches. It is a stark reminder of the frailty of living. Yet even in warmer regions we see the swift passing of ages through birthdays, Christmases, and merely through one month becoming another until it seems suddenly that a year has passed.  
       Just as the leaves, fruits, and flowers will send their genes and seeds to return in the spring, so must we be givers of life for the future of Christ's mission and ministry. Let us dig up our talents in all forms - money, time, and ability - and give generously that we may be God's true and faithful servants now and as the foundation for those that are coming behind us. As it has been said, "Stewardship is heart  work."  Let our hearts be filled through giving.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Holy God, our Refuge and our Guide, although our time on earth is as fleeting as a wisp of smoke there is time enough as we come together to honor and worship You. For the generosity of life You have given to us and those we love, for the earth and all of its treasures, let us be good and faithful servants of Your Creation.

                                 LORD of the Ages, teach us to number our days
RESPONSE:      Help us to apply our hearts to Your wisdom
              
~ Holy God, our Refuge and our Guide, let us not be complacent but encourage ourselves and each other to be faithful to Your call and live unstained by the externals of this world. We must also be active in our role as Your stewards by often reminding the political leaders everywhere of their duty to prosper Creation for everyone. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                              LORD of the Ages, teach us to number our days
                              Help us to apply our hearts to Your wisdom

~ Holy God, our Refuge and our Guide, renew the strength of those who are suffering in body, mind, or spirit so they may rest in hope. May they, and those who minister to their needs, know You are with them on the path of life even in the darkest of times. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                              LORD of the Ages, teach us to number our days
                              Help us to apply our hearts to Your wisdom
                                                   
~ Holy God, our Refuge and our Guide, may those who grieve this day feel Your blessing return seven-fold for every tear that falls, and know that those who have entered into Your glory, now rejoice for all eternity. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                              LORD of the Ages, teach us to number our days
                              Help us to apply our hearts to Your wisdom

~ Holy God, our Refuge and our Guide, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, silently or aloud…

                              LORD of the Ages, teach us to number our days
                              Help us to apply our hearts to Your wisdom

~ Holy God, our Refuge and our Guide, for the faithful stewards of Your Church, who keep us on a spiritual track in daily life and guide us in living the mission of Christ on earth, we give great thanks and prayerful gratitude. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                              LORD of the Ages, teach us to number our days
                              Help us to apply our hearts to Your wisdom

The Celebrant adds: Creator of All that is seen and unseen, grant us the vision to realize that as we seek to repay You with our offerings, we also pay forward for the continuing legacy of Christ’s love. We ask of You as we pray to You, through Jesus, our Savior, and the Holy Spirit, our fount of Wisdom, who live and reign together with You, forever and ever. Amen.




Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.

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