Prayer, day 1298

Annunciation, George Hitchcock, Art Institute of Chicago.

Most merciful God, gather your people together like flowers in a field, that we may sing out the beauty of creation! Feed our hearts and minds with the bread that never perishes, that we may drink deeply of your love and abundant mercy. 

For the glory of our Lord and Savior, lead us into repentance, and renew a right heart within us, we pray. Give us grace to follow your paths of peace and compassion, making each others' burdens our own. Wrap us in the mantle of righteousness, that we may be disciples in word and deed as we go forth from your courts, rejoicing. 

Send your Holy Spirit to set us aflame with a desire to serve you, O God, and bless and keep those we now remember.

Amen.
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Prayer 1297- for those who teach and heal

Holy, Holy, Holy: we sing our thanks to God this day, and place ourselves within the bounds of the love of God. 

Most Merciful God, place your compassionate spirit within our hearts, we humbly pray. May we act to heal and restore the hurts we encounter within ourselves and within each other. May we live our lives in each moment as testimony to the mercy, justice, and lovingkindness we are called to embody. May we be forces of reconciliation and peace even within the storms we encounter. May we open our hearts and minds to be guided and molded by the wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One. 

Holy Redeemer, encompass us within your abiding care, and envelop within your love those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1296

O Light Eternal, Prince of Peace, we thank you for tending us as we have slept and abiding with us as we have awakened. Guide us into wisdom and teach us to live honorably and peaceably among each other. 

Spirit of Wisdom and Truth, fill us to overflowing, that we may walk in the way of Christ. Kindle within our hearts a holy fire for justice that we may work to end oppression and inequality. 

Lord God, Holy and Merciful, anoint us with your grace, that we may bear witness to your beauty and proclaim your gospel throughout our lives. Draw within your healing embrace all those who cry out to You, especially those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 1295

We rise in the dawning of the day the Lord has made, and we rejoice in God our Savior! 

Purify our hearts and minds that we may serve You, O Christ, and embody your love in the world! Forgive us for twisting your good gifts to us for our own ends, and for despising the needs of our neighbors. 

Let us walk gently upon the earth, proclaiming your gospel with compassionate hearts. Let us love You, O God, with all our hearts and all our strength, seeking to serve You in joy. Lord Jesus, act through us today for healing: we pray to be worthy of being called disciples. 

By the power of the Holy Spirit, unite us in love, peace, and justice for all, we humbly pray. Holy One, stretch out your hand over us, and over all those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 1294

Blessed be God, whose mercy endures forever: let us give thanks, and remember all our blessings! Holy One, bend near, and fill our opened hearts with your mercy and love: purify our souls, that we may sing your wonders. 

You are our solid rock, the cornerstone of our life: we put our trust in You, O God, and are not shaken. Settle us within the shadow of your wings: draw us within the embrace of the Holy, Lord Christ. Strengthen the weary and abide with the waiting, O Lord, that we may rejoice with the rising sun. Plant peace deep within our hearts, and make us blessings to all the world to your glory, we pray. 

Blessed Jesus, illumine us with your mercy, and stretch over us the shade of your blessing as we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 1293- Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost

Bridge, Japanese Garden, Missouri Botnical Garden.

Holy One, we rise to hear your Word: peace, let us be still, and know that God is Lord of all. 

By the tender mercy of our Savior, we place ourselves before You, O Holy One: bless and keep us, we pray. 

Turn our hearts aside from bitterness and division: shine the light of peace into the corners of our hearts. Unite us in thanksgiving and remembrance at your altar, Lord, and feed us in our hearts by faith. 

Let us work for justice, mercy, and peace upon the earth, walking in love as Jesus taught us. Let us proclaim the abundance of your Love, O God, as we go into the week renewed in our ministry. 

Hold us in the hollow of your hand, Lord Christ, and bless those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 1292- Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord

Surprise lilies, Missouri Botanical Garden.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord, who lifts us up and places us upon the solid rock: let us give thanks to God! 

Enter into the inmost center of our being, O Holy One, and anoint us with your Spirit, that we may cling to your love. 
Let us make our home in the embrace of God, who abides with us and guards all our ways. 
May we be filled with the light of Christ, and may it pour forth from our hearts to illumine our path, and guide us home. 
May we be transformed and radiate the love of Christ into a world famished for hope and peace. 

Beloved Savior, envelop us within your care, and place your blessing upon those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1291

Tree bark, Missouri Botanical Garden.

Holy One, we lift our hearts to you, who gives us life and light, thankful for your care of us as we slept. Forgive us our sins, O Merciful God, and renew a spirit of amity and generosity within us. Plant our roots deep in faith, that we may serve the cause of love with gladness. Strengthen us in holiness that we may be healed, and work to heal the divisions that plague us. Give us steadfast hearts to serve the cause of justice and peace: help us to follow in the path of Christ. Tend to the sick and the weary, O Lord, and place the mantle of your blessing upon those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1290

Waterlilies at the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Breathe upon us, O Breath of God, and fill us with your Spirit of wisdom and truth, that we may glorify your Name. May our souls be lifted up by the light of your countenance shining upon us this day, O God. 

Merciful One, forgive us for our sins, we humbly pray, and set our feet upon the way of peace and healing. Help us to forgive those who have wronged us and have the strength to pray for our enemies. 

Give us healing hands and tender hearts toward all those we encounter today, walking the way of Jesus as true disciples. Lord Jesus, may we find our home in you, and invite you into our hearts: make us holy habitations for the light of Christ. 

Send your Spirit upon us, Holy One, and grant your blessing to all for whomwe pray.

Amen.

Prayer 1289: Inspired by the Lord's Prayer

Window from the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, University City, MO. 

We lift our hearts to God, who is making the heavens and Earth, who bears our pain, who gives us life as Mother and Father: let us praise God always! 
You are slow to anger, of great mercy and compassion: forgive us for our sins, as both one and many-- they are heavy upon us. 

Feed us with the bread of brotherhood, that we may see and honor the beauty in all that You have created. 
Liberate us from the fears we use to divide ourselves: give us courage to embody your love as Christ taught us. 
Teach us to reveal your holy, tender love throughout all we do and say: open our hearts like children to your wisdom. 
Bring heaven and earth together: may your blessings be made known to all, and may all sing your praise. 
Heal us of the wounds we inflict on ourselves and each other, and draw within your embrace all who suffer.

Living light, shine within us, and cast your radiance upon those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1288

Glory be to God Most High, whose praise fills our mouths like the song of angels: Lord, hear our prayer. Awaken us to the beauty of your creation O God, and all that dwells within it. Teach us to love You and each other in holiness, and seek to amend our lives that they be a testimony to your grace. Bless the hands of the healers and peace-makers, that they may do your own work in the world. Strengthen us in goodness and compassion, and steep us in thy wisdom, we humbly pray. Holy Spirit, descend upon us and guide us, and uplift and bless those for whom we pray. 

Amen.

Prayer 1287

Wildflowers, Telluride, Colorado.

Almighty One, we rise to sing our praise to You, remembering your mercy and lovingkindness always. Let the wings of the morning bear our song to You: that You are Lord of Life and Light. Give us the grace to bear your name in the world in the Name of Love, we humbly pray. Pour out your blessings upon all who seek to heal the world, tearing down the edifices of hatred and enmity. Hold us within the hollow of your hand, Holy One, and bless and comfort those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 1286

Holy One, we gather around your altars with all your saints, free to worship You with joy and thanksgiving. 

Forgive us our sins, O God, and draw us back into paths of holiness, we humbly pray. 

Lord, lead us to a deeper faith in You and each other, that we may love more generously, renouncing the politics of division. Let us remember that we are called into unity through Christ, who sustains all things in his mercy and charity. Let us walk in mercy and love, as Christ called us to follow him. 

Place your hand of blessing over all those in need, anxiety, or trouble, we humbly pray.

Amen.

Prayer 1285- Praise to the Creator

The Lord is our light and our salvation: let us praise God with joyful hearts! 

Holy One, you are as close to me as my own breath which God has given me: let me praise You forever. 
With each beat of my heart may I remember God's goodness and mercy to me: let me praise You forever. 
With each move that I make may I remember God leading me in wisdom and justice: let me praise You forever! 

We are all your children, Lord, wonderfully made in your image: let us praise You and turn to You in hope and trust forever! 

Have mercy upon us and grant us your blessing, especially upon those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1284

The final full day of Camp Phoenix includes a celebration of the Eucharis near the lake.

(based on the Beatitudes) 
Let us gather to worship the God of Peace and Lord of Life, proclaiming our love and devotion! 

Lord Jesus, you called us to live by the values of love, honor, and mercy, as you proclaimed from mountaintop, sea, and valley. Inspire us to remember that the way of blessing is the way of honoring and loving the oppressed, sorrowing, and humble. Open our hearts to proclaim your good news of salvation and peace in every action we take, we pray. 

Let us comfort the suffering and stand with those who endure injustice or oppression. Give us the grace to proclaim your righteousness, mercy, and compassion, O God, as our Savior taught us. Give us healing hands and hearts for those who suffer in body or spirit, and pour out your blessing upon those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1283

Lord of Life and Light, we give thanks for the dawn of another day, and ask your blessing as we laugh, love, learn, and pray together. You call us to transformation and compassion as hearers and doers of your Word: guide us in learning paths of peace and unity. 

May the day be filled with joy and may we care for each other and take delight in each other. May we remembering the love you share through creating and sustaining this beautiful world you have made our home. 

Help us to be hands of healing and care, loving each other as You always love us. Bend near, Lord Christ; place the kiss of your blessing upon us, and upon those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 1282

A typically glorious sunset at Camp Phoenix from last year.

Blessed Jesus, may we rise like the morning mist off the lake to give you thanks and praise for this day. May we hear the song of birds, and join our voices in the chorus of praise to God throughout creation. 

We thank you for the lives of saints who live among us, and ask your help in living as witnesses to your grace and truth. Be with all who suffer fear or pain this day, O God, and watch over and welcome those whose lives are in distress. Holy One, guide the hands and hearts of the healers, especially the doctors, nurses and social workers who tend the sick. 

We ask your favor to rest especially upon those for whom we now pray.

Amen.

Prayer 1281- for the second day of Camp Phoenix

Pray without ceasing.

Almighty God, Holy One: You have graciously brought us in peace to this new day, and awakened us to the glory of your morning. Bless us, O Lord, and help us to be a blessing in the world you have placed us within. Help us to be joyful and reverent at play in your glorious creation; help us to gentle and patient with each other when tired. Abide with us as we work and play and pray, as we sing our praises to You, O Precious Lord. We ask your blessing especially on those whom we now remember before You.

Amen.

Prayer 1280

The first full day of Camp Phoenix dawns, and I remembered this sunrise from last year. I will miss it this year!

Almighty God, we thank You for watching us through the storms of the night, and for bringing us in safety to this new day. 

Bless us and keep us, that we may fill our hearts with your love for the tasks that await us as we do your will. You are our strength and our stronghold, O God: may we see your glory throughout creation and rejoice! May we walk gently among each other and upon this beautiful earth, our home. 

Tend to the sick and the weary, Lord Christ, and give us the strength to love them and comfort them in your Name. We pray especially for those commended to us in their need, and ask your blessing upon them.

Amen.

Prayer 1279- Tenth Sunday After Pentecost

"Ask, and you shall receive." Window at Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis.

(inspired by Luke 11:1-13)
Almighty God, may your Name be holy throughout the world: we lift our prayers and thanksgvings before You in faith. 

May we seek to honor You with our lives and our words, our hearts dedicated to love. May your kingdom be established on Earth, and the world know we are yours by our love and charity for all. 

Feed us with the bread of hope and the cup of salvation, this day and every day, we pray. 

Forgive us our sins, and, forgiven, may we remember to enact the mercy we receive with those who hurt us. 

From trials too great to endure, Lord God, deliver us and shield us; yet we know You are always with us. 

Holy One, we ask for your Spirit to cover us with her wings: gather within your mercy all those for whom we pray.

Amen.