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.

Monday, September 8, 2014

Prayers of the People: Once is Not Enough?, 14th Sunday after Pentecost

for September 14, 2014, 14th Sunday after Pentecost, Readings: Exodus 14:19-31, Ps 114, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35

    Seventy-seven times?  So Jesus says we are to forgive those who sin against us, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times." Sometimes forgiving once is the hardest part of my day. And, of course, I hardly ever pass judgment except on those who disagree with my perfect observations and opinions especially in an election year
       As for welcoming those weak in faith, I suppose being disheartened would count as weak and I am that at times. It seems, though, that when we get right down to it, the lessons remain clear - we must forgive as we are forgiven, judge not lest we be judged, and live and die in the Lord's honor.  Oh how simply difficult.  Okay then, it's a new week, the waters are parted, the road is before us, let's give it another go...

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Omnipotent God, Pillar of the Universe, we feel as if our world is drowning in the chaos of death, destruction, and rage. Please save us from the slavery of fear and judgment and lead us together onto Your dry ground, into a New Creation of tolerance and forgiveness.   

                                Strengthen our faith when we are weak, O Lord of Mercy  
RESPONSE:     Let us have patience, let us show mercy, let us live in You, O Lord

~ Omnipotent God, Pillar of the Universe, answers of how to act are often elusive in these difficult times in our world, our country, and our community, but please guide us to press upon our political leaders the urgency of calm and rational response to crises. We pray especially for: add your own petitions.
                         Strengthen our faith when we are weak, O Lord of Mercy 
                         Let us have patience, let us show mercy, let us live in You, O Lord
 
~ Omnipotent God, Pillar of the Universe, let the waves of illness, pain, and despair be parted for those who can no longer swim in hope. Care for those who keep them afloat and help them feel again the warmth of Your love. We pray especially for: add your own petitions.
                         Strengthen our faith when we are weak, O Lord of Mercy 
                         Let us have patience, let us show mercy, let us live in You, O Lord

~ Omnipotent God, Pillar of the Universe, stretch out Your loving arms to give eternal comfort to those in mourning, and an everlasting embrace for those now returned to Your infinite peace. We pray especially for: add your own petitions.

                         Strengthen our faith when we are weak, O Lord of Mercy 
                         Let us have patience, let us show mercy, let us live in You, O Lord

~ Omnipotent God, Pillar of the Universe, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, silently or aloud…

                         Strengthen our faith when we are weak, O Lord of Mercy 
                         Let us have patience, let us show mercy, let us live in You, O Lord

~ Omnipotent God, Pillar of the Universe, impart Your special care to our brothers and sisters anointed through Holy Orders and entrusted to bring Your Word and Wisdom to us. Guide us all that we may grow with each other in our worship, support each other in prayer, and give honor to You in all of our actions. We pray especially for: add your own petitions.
                         Strengthen our faith when we are weak, O Lord of Mercy 
                         Let us have patience, let us show mercy, let us live in You, O Lord

The Celebrant adds: O God of wind and water and light in the darkness, in the midst of a world in anguish and turmoil, let us not lose sight of hope, the joy of new birth, and the constant, perpetual, everlasting Presence of You, in every moment of every day, in this life and in the next. We ask always through the blessings of Your Son, Jesus our Christ and Your most Holy Spirit, who are alive with You, as One God, now and forever. 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.


No comments:

Post a Comment