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, September 23, 2014

Prayers of the People: God-Rocks, 16th Sunday after Pentecost

for September 28, 2014, 16th Sunday after Pentecost, Readings: Exodus 17:1-7; Ps 78:1-4, 12-16; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32

       As we journey through this life, don't we all wonder from time to time - Is God here, among us? The Israelites had it good; God's presence was clear in the pillars of cloud by day and night and by God ordering Moses to do all manner of fantastic feats and displays to lead them, feed them, and quench their thirst. Still, it wasn't enough for them. How much more difficult for us to know God's presence in our own times without Moses striking a rock for water or Jesus besting those pesky chief priests and elders, at least until the time came for them to execute him. 
       Yet, still, we believe - most of the time - although the days are busy and fraught with stress in ordinary routine not to mention all the craziness in the world at large. So we don't always stop and question the location of God in the midst of a Tuesday afternoon or Thursday night before bed. Some weeks it's all we can do to find God on Sunday morning in Church. But for me, this week's readings say, God is here, where am I? Faith is as faith does, actions always tell the tale. I need to be conscious, awake, present in the moment to think through how what I do expresses how close to or far from God I am. There are all those good things I've been intending to do...  Need a way to remember God in the middle of a stressful day? Take a walk outside and look at Creation, look up or down depending on your environment - there will be a rock somewhere, mountain large or pebble small. Take a second to think to yourself, ah, God-rocks  ...  God is here and so am I, let's roll.  amen!
         
LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O God of Our Journeys, whether in our wilderness moments, in the frustration of traffic in the city, in the ordinary and the special times, You stand in front of us ready to quench our spiritual thirst in the living waters of Your holy grace.

                               Lord God Almighty, You are always at work within us
RESPONSE:    Help us to remember to always work through You
                                             
~  O God of Our Journeys, with such serious global and local issues, now more than ever, our actions for the benefit of the communities and nations of this world will speak louder than our good intentions. Grant us energy and courage to press our political leaders to seek humanitarian solutions and look beyond personal prerogative for the best interests of all. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
                        Lord God Almighty, You are always at work within us
                        Help us to remember to always work through You

~  O God of Our Journeys, cradle those who are in pain in body, soul, or life circumstance. Bathe them in Your loving comfort, and ease the burdens of those who give them care.  We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                        Lord God Almighty, You are always at work within us
                        Help us to remember to always work through You

~  O God of Our Journeys, wash away the fevers of grief from those experiencing loss, and open Your celestial gates to welcome those now healed with joy, into their new life with Christ Jesus. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                        Lord God Almighty, You are always at work within us
                        Help us to remember to always work through You

~  O God of Our Journeys, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, silently or aloud…

                        Lord God Almighty, You are always at work within us
                        Help us to remember to always work through You

~ O God of Our Journeys, we give You thanks today for the gift of those whose priestly vocations are to nourish our spiritual development, be present in our pastoral needs, and encourage us to be closer to You in every day. Grant them unflagging energy and a never-ending desire to know You better.  We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                        Lord God Almighty, You are always at work within us
                        Help us to remember to always work through You


The Celebrant adds: Holy LORD, You are among us always.  Help us to live out our faith through prayer-filled action, and heed the words of our Savior Christ who, with the Holy Spirit, live and reign with You as one God, forever and ever, beyond all comprehension of time. Amen.





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