World in Prayer for August 14, 2014 (As I looked around me at our world this week, preparing to write these prayers, I found myself singing over and over the words to Marty Haugen’s wonderful hymn, “Healer of Our Every Ill”, and so I have incorporated them into the prayers for this week.) […]
A Game That Transcends Language: A Prayer at the Opening of the World Cup in Brazil (June 12, 2014)
Creator God, in the midst of economic, political, and social turmoils, we thank you for the opportunity to gather for another World Cup. We thank you for open fields that ignite children’s imaginations, for communities and governments that promote healthy activities, for the opportunity to teach teamwork and sportsmanship. We praise you for giving us […]
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind: An Advent Prayer Remembering Nelson Mandela (December 12, 2013)
This week, Dear Lord, has been one where the contrast between what is right and what is convenient or what we choose to do has been held up to scrutiny. We give thanks for the example that change is possible through the life journey and work of Nelson Mandela. We pray for honesty, humility, and […]
Positive Delight in a Wonderful World: A Thanksgiving Prayer for the Enslaved and the Attacked (November 28, 2013)
When Jesus said, ‘I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly’ (John 10 : 10), I do not think He was speaking only of spiritual life – I think He meant us to have positive delight in all the good things in this wonderful world which his […]
May Your Kingdom Come: A Prayer After Typhoon Haiyan and US Tornadoes (December 3, 2013)
For in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16 (NRSV) Creating God, you spoke and the world came to be. Through your Word, life began. Your living word continues […]
May Your Footsteps Show: A Prayer for Migrants Lost in the Niger Desert (October 31, 2013)
Creator God, by your word and in your power, you have created us and our world. As we learn more of you, so we come to realize how powerful is your word. In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show. Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me. (John L. Bell […]