Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. James 1:17 Oh Lord, there are many things that concern us and call us to prayer. We open our hearts to you in gratitude and wonder. We pray for those who rage and are quick to anger, for those who seem to be eaten up […]
Sure on This Shining Night: A Christmas Prayer for Every Nation on Earth (December 19, 2019)
Christmas 2019 Sure on This Shining Night – Concordia Choir Sure on this shining night Of starmade shadows round, Kindness must watch for me This side the ground. The late year lies down the north. All is healed, all is health. High summer holds the earth. Hearts all whole. Sure on this shining night I […]
Can We Dare to Love Like You: Prayers for Migrants Stranded off Italy and for the Righteous Few (August 15, 2019)
There is a Love that is deeper than love, that fills the world, that fuels the world. O, give thanks and sing. From Genesis 18:16-23 (Paraphrased): The Lord, having heard much outcry about the sins of the two cities, was prepared to destroy them, and all the people in them. But Abraham challenged the Lord: […]
A Song of Peace for Their Land and for Mine: A Fourth of July Prayer for All Nations (July 4, 2019)
“My Country ‘Tis of Thee Sweet Land of Liberty of Thee I Sing” (Hymn, Samuel Francis Smith) Holy God, I write from my little corner of the world, my little neighborhood of my native land, the United States, celebrating its birth. You have heard the fun, fireworks explosions from sea to shining sea. You […]
I Am About to Do a New Thing: A Prayer in a Time of Fear and Change (April 4, 2019)
“Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing…” ~ Isaiah 43: 18 – 19a. (NIV) “For now my place is in him, and I am not dependent upon any of the self-achieved righteousness of the Law. God has given me that genuine righteousness […]
Love Came Down at Christmas: A Blessing for Every Nation on Earth (December 28, 2018)
Love. Love, said poet Christina Rossetti, “Love came down at Christmas.” Love spoke to Mary in the voice of the angel Gabriel. Love said: “Fear not.” Fear not, when you have seen a vision of hope and glory, healing and joy that transcends the universe. Fear not when you are called to be the bearer of […]
How Majestic Is Your Name: A Psalm 8 Prayer for Peacekeepers, Asylum Seekers and the Earth (November 22, 2018)
Note: Words in italics are from Ps 8 (NRSV) O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! As cosmologists view a “ghost galaxy” hidden in sight… You have set your glory above the heavens. As the UN tries to recruit more women to be Blue Helmets peacekeepers, Mali has the […]
What Are We That You Are Mindful of Us: Prayers for Yemen, Idlib and a Neglected Earth (September 27, 2018)
What are we that you are mindful of us? You made us a little lower than the heavenly beings, and crowned us with glory and honor. You made us ruler over the works of your hands; You put everything under our feet O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is our name in all the Earth.” […]
Who Are My Mother and My Brothers: Thanks for Flying Doctors, Diplomats and Earth Scientists (May 31, 2018)
Jesus asked “Who are my mother and my brothers?” Lord Almighty, Son and Spirit, you who live in community know that we are always separate from one another but invite us into your family. You give us a way to live together for our mutual comfort and support. We give thanks for those, who understanding […]
Perfect Love Casts Out Fear: A Toronto Officer, a Hyderabad Priest and a Montgomery Memorial (April 26, 2018)
“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” ~ 1 John 4:7 “Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love […]