Our Father in heaven, lead us not into temptation. Help us to recognize the temptations that surround us, the subtle snares that, on their face, seem good: The temptation to use violence and force to achieve peace and gentleness; The temptation to see our perspective as truth and others as heresy; The temptation to believe […]
Prayers for Mexico
Mexico appears in these prayers through earthquakes, landslides and storms, and through violence, disappearances and the search for missing people. Migration is a constant theme, with families crossing and waiting at the northern border. Elections, water and the arts are held here too, with thanks for ordinary kindness along the way.
For Such a Time as This: Prayers After the Chibok Bombings, the Kabul Attack, and Damascus (February 4, 2016)
“Do not think that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to […]
Prayer Tree: After the Nepal Earthquake, the Baltimore Riots, and Chile’s Calbuco Volcano (April 30, 2015)
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – Romans 12: 12 I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. -1 Cor 14: 14 – 16 Pray continually – 1 Thessalonians […]
Free to Be Children: Prayers for Freed Child Soldiers in South Sudan and Mexico’s Missing Students (January 29, 2015)
He cried out, “I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” Mark1:24b (NRSV) Surrounded by the presence of the Holy One of God, let us pray together. Holy One, we gather in worship this morning seeking your presence, your grace and your wisdom. Humbly we gather to hear your words of hope and […]
God, Be With Us in the Chaos: Prayers for Mexico’s Missing Students and Ukraine (November 13, 2014)
As we gather the thoughts of our hearts in prayer, we give thanks to the Creator who brings order out of chaos. Let us bring the chaos of our lives and our world to God, to hold in love. Let us pray for those whose memories are chaos: For all veterans whose lives are affected […]
Go and Do Likewise: Prayers for West Africa’s Ebola Outbreak and a Divided America (November 6, 2014)
Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers? He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “Go, and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36-37) Heavenly Father, few parables are as easy to understand as the story of the good Samaritan. And […]
Let There Be Light: Prayers on Secret Trade Deals and Mexico’s Disappeared (October 9, 2014)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines […]
Precious Lord, Lead Them Home: Prayers for Typhoon Rammasun and Gaza (July 17, 2014)
Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light, Take my hand, precious Lord, Lead me home. Even as we sing, even as we pray, Precious Lord, our thoughts turn to […]
There Is a Balm in Gilead: A Prayer for Farzana Parveen and the Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolgirls (May 29, 2014)
Go up to Gilead and take balm. — Jeremiah 46:11 “There is a Balm in Gilead” – American Spiritual There is a balm in Gilead To make the wounded whole; There is a balm in Gilead To heal the sin sick soul. Some times I feel discouraged, And think my work’s in vain, But then […]
A Good Friday Vigil: Prayers for the Korean Ferry, South Sudan, Forgiveness, and New Beginnings (April 17, 2014)
I write this during the long vigil between Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. The time when those who follow the ancient traditions of the Christian church year stay up and keep watch with Jesus, as he prays in agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. We have, once again, been present as he washes the disciples’ […]