Prayer, day 3650 (Tenth Anniversary Prayer)

Beloved Creator, Amazing Grace,

who holds us tenderly

like sparrows in Your hand:
we turn into your embrace today,
joining with creation singing your praise.

The music of the spheres rings out
from highest heaven to the slumbering earth
as we rejoice in the song of your abundant love:
your mercy is the ground which bears us up
as we seek to walk in your ways.
Strengthen us in faithfulness
as we reflect your light within us.

Keep watch, O Shepherd of Our Souls,
that we may not stray from your side,
and grant us compassion
as we seek out the lost and hurting.
May the brush of angels' wings
dry the tears of the suffering and those who mourn,
and the tenderness of the Almighty
rest upon those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 2840: Like a high-flying bird

Like a high-flying bird,
like a hawk upon a current,
let my soul arise on wings of hope
to You, my God and Savior.

Like a dawn sparrow
let me sing out my praise
for all the blessings and opportunities
of the coming day,
O Holy One.

Like the flash of a cardinal

as it hops among branches,

let me give joy and bring wonder

to someone today, O Savior.

Bring us within the bounds of your mercy,
Lord Jesus, we pray,
and gather us to you,
as a mother hen guard her nest:
hold us within your hands,
and nurture us in wisdom
that we may grow stronger in faith.

Give us courage
in the face of our trials and uncertainties,
O Rock and Redeemer,
and let your Spirit brood over us
and create within us clean hearts
to strengthen us to work and praise this day.

Draw within the bounds of your mercy, O God,
all those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 2456

Holy One,
we rise to center our hearts in you,
offering you thanks and praise
for your protection and love;
for you are Creator of All--
Creator of this little bird
and Creator of the seed she is eating.

You gather all things to yourself, O Merciful One,
and we rejoice at your lovingkindness,
O Holy and Undivided Trinity:
Source of All Being, Incarnate Word, and Holy Spirit.
Help us be alert for opportunities
to do justice,
to love mercy,
and walk humbly beside You, O God,
that our testimony to your beauty
may be a light to all who see.

By the power of the Holy Spirit,
make us wise and resourceful in fulfilling our call,
offering to You, O God,
from the blessings you have given us,
that we as your disciples
may do your work in the world around us.
Beloved Savior,
press the kiss of your healing love
on all who turn to you
for comfort, for relief, for peace,
especially those for whom we now pray.

Amen.

Prayer 1864: Safe Through the Storm

The storms of night have rolled away,
but the favor of our God lasts forever!-
let me praise our God with my first thought,
Our Shield and Shelter,
Our Help and Our Maker.

As the wind and rain coax new life
into the awakening grasses and groves,
and remnant leaves add their percussive testimony
to the cadence of my heart,
yet my spirit hears the music of creation
in the joy of the nesting birds, ringing like bells:
this moment of peace with You is precious, O God,
a gift beyond measure.

The smallest sparrow sings her prayer
from the rooftop of the house of Your mercy,
knowing Your hand is beneath her:
why then should I fear?

Help my greening faith, I pray,
and knit up the ragged, frayed edges of my spirit,
Beloved Savior, Brother Jesus.

May your grace soak into my bones, O God,
your love keep me within the field of your blessing,
that my life testify to your wondrous compassion and saving help.

Into the lea of your mercy
we gather in gratitude, Lord Christ,
to offer your our prayers:
help us to walk in your ways today,
and pour your abundant favor upon those we now name.

Amen.