Prayer, day 2855- Lord's Prayer Cycle, 7: Deliver Us From Evil

Our Father in heaven,

loving Parent and Creator,
tender Mother,
deliver us from evil,
for we depend upon You wholly
when our courage falters
and our integrity is challenged.

Strengthen us in faith,
O Shield and Refuge of Refugees,
that we may renounce the sin
of claiming helplessness
rather than acknowledge our participation
in systems of oppression and inhumanity.

O Lord Our Banner,
Opener of Blind Hearts,
enlighten our hearts and minds
that You may set us free
from the miserliness of spirit
that besets us in the face of fear and division.

Teach us to walk humbly
in the Way of Jesus,
that we may seek to perfect our devotion
even when it is inconvenient.
Instead, may we ever embrace those fleeing evil
just as You embrace and sustain us each day.

O Loving One, hear our prayers
and grant your benediction and grace
to those whose needs we now raise before You.

Amen.

Prayer, day 2768: For God's protection

Loving God,
spread the tent of your protection 

over us today. Guide us with your loving, almighty hand
that we may walk in your paths with integrity.

We fervently thank you for our abundant blessings:
help us to spend our time numbering them
rather than our worries.
Bring us within your enclosure,
that we may abide there forever,
rejoicing that we are your own.

Embrace us, Loving One,
despite our manifold faults,
for we seek to be worthy of You.
Let our lives sing out
a testimony of your love and faithfulness,
your compassion and your forgiveness.
Help us to speak in love, never in anger;
help us to act with charity and forthrightness
to all we meet today.

Hear our prayers
as we remember these, your beloved children,
in their petitions and thanksgivings.


Amen.

Prayer, day 2622: Based on Psalm 23

Let me give thanks and praise to God,
my shepherd and provider,
who claims me and unfailingly loves me as God’s own. 
I lay all my trust at the feet of the Almighty,
Lover and Seeker of my soul. 

God leads me into verdant, abundant pastures
filled with all I need, and gives me rest and security. 
God restores and refreshes my soul,
tending and guarding my inmost being. 
My Shepherd sees my weariness, and lifts me up;
guiding me in right pathways,
that I bring honor to God’s Name. 

God, You shield me with your strength and vigilance;
may I always remain at your side. 
No matter what terrors or trials approach me,
I am not afraid 
for You, 
Emmanuel, 
are with me, even if death overhangs me. 

O God, You provide for me plentifully and exalt me,
even as my enemies look on,
helpless to harm me. 
You have consecrated me
and blessed me abundantly,
and the cup of my blessings overflows
like a spring in the desert. 

O God, your promise to love me
envelops me in goodness and mercy,
following me as my companions throughout my life. 
I am secure in God’s arms,
and my home is with you forever,
even into eternity.

Amen.

To the Hills: Speaking to the Soul, March 5, 2020

(Inspired by Psalm 121)

Let me sit in silence
and abide with You, my Savior.

I lift my eyes to the hills,

but my help lies beyond the horizon.

O God, I lift my eyes to You,
for You are my heart and my help.

I stand fast upon the path of truth

because You are my foundation.
I lay upon my bed at night 

knowing You watch over me
and keep me safe,
and I am at peace.

You hear my cries, and know my fears:
your hand rests upon my head
to bless and protect me.
Evil cannot enfold me,
for I rest in the embrace of the Almighty,
whose love never sleeps or turns away.

The Maker of heaven and earth loves me
and tenderly cares for me:
who can do me harm?

God watches over me in all my journeys:
God sets my feet firmly upon the way of love and compassion.
The God of Peace calls me
to the path of righteousness,
whose foundation is justice and equality.

The heat of anger and fear may beat down upon me,
but my God shades me and shields me,
and I am at peace.

In all my roaming and all my homings,

God’s gaze rest upon me

now and always.

Amen.

Prayer 2513

Merciful, Loving God, 
we turn to you in gratitude 
for bringing us through the shades of night, 
and for the gift of this new day. 

We pray for those exposed to the cold, 
human and animal alike, 
for those who lack adequate housing,
for those who lack warm food,
and for those who work in all weather.
Your eye is on the sparrow, O God of Creation; 
may we follow in your Way of Empathy.

Help us to show our gratitude
by sharing what we have,
and by caring for those we meet
in recognition of our common bonds,
each a beloved child or creature of God.

Grant your blessing, O Savior,
upon all who work or watch or weep this day,
and gather around the hearth of your mercy
all those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 2341

Most Merciful God,
we thank You for the protection of your holy angels
through the watches of the night.

O Comforter,
shelter and shield all those who are in distress,
and grant them strength and perseverance.
Enfold us like little children in your mercy, Lord Christ,
and forgive us our sins and offenses,
we humbly beseech you.

Make us gentle and faithful caretakers and friends,
seeking to serve others as we serve You.
Grant us wisdom and patience, O Holy One,
that we may replace our hearts of stone 
or hearts of tenderness and grace.

Guide us in pathways of peace,
and give us the humility and compassion to follow, we pray.
Send forth your Spirit of healing and comfort
over all who call upon You, O God,
especially those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer, day 2305: In conversation with Psalm 52 (Faith in the storm)

As the sun rises into the sky
on the songs of sparrows,
let me think on God, and praise God's Name.

Blessings upon you, Eternal One:
You are my rock,
my refuge to keep me safe above the raging storm.
Even when the heat of turmoil and trial swirls about me,
You, O God, are cooling water,
and my ever-present help.
You dry my anxious tears,
and comfort the mourning;
I find my home in your tender embrace.

Your love, O Savior, forever will I sing,
and I will sing to You even in the darkest hour.
You refresh my soul, Lord Christ,
and knit my tattered heart together again.
You draw to me the solace of friendship,
the prayers of friends to lift me up and ease my burdens.

May I stand upright before You, O Holy One,
and this day grow deeper in charity, faith, and hope.
Turn the eyes of my heart outward, O God,
that I may sing anew your grace in your community.
Blessed Jesus, take us by the hand,
and grant your blessing upon those we remember before you.

Amen.

Prayer 2215

O God, we give you thanks and praise
for your protecting hand upon us,
for your lovingkindness and mercy
that bears us up on the wings of love.

May we live as joyful witnesses
to the glory of your truth,
and work for the cause of justice and peace
that all may live in true amity and fellowship.

May we open our hearts to those around us
and tear down the walls of fear and hatred
that seek to divide and conquer.

Blessed Savior, draw us ever closer to you
and keep us within the bounds of your mercy.
We ask for your healing hand
to rest upon the brow of all for whom we pray,
by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Prayer 2200

Blessed are You, O God of Our Strength:
your hand has held us tenderly through the night,
and your Name of Love has been our Shield.

We turn to you in faith, Beloved Savior,
for we know You are our ever-present champion and help.
Guard and protect all those who turn to You,
O Holy One, O Creating Spirit,
and let your mercy and peace rest especially
upon those facing trials:
the defenseless, the ill,
the refugee, the unhoused,
the underemployed, the oppressed.

Make smooth the path of all who travel, O Lord,
and guide us all into paths of integrity and justice.
Kindle the flame of empathy
within the hearths of our hearts,
O Merciful One,
and gather within your embrace those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer, day 2175

O God, look with favor upon your servants today.

Let us turn our hearts toward those who,
in the midst of plenty,
are in want in body or soul.
Let us hunger for justice and redemption
as much as we hunger for food.
Let us remember how love has blessed us in our lives,
and let go of discontent and rancor.

Help us to stop building a mountain of our resentments,
and dwell instead within the mansion of our blessings.

Give your protection
to those who are in danger from the cold this day,
and let us work to give them shelter as our own.
Comfort those whose needs we bring before You.

Amen.

Prayer, day 2107

Most Merciful God,
we thank You for the protection of your holy angels
through the watches of the night.
O Comforter,
shelter and shield all those who are in distress,
and grant them strength and perseverance.
Enfold us like little children in your mercy, Lord Christ,
and forgive us our sins and offenses,
we humbly beseech you.
Make us gentle and faithful caretakers and friends, 
seeking to serve others as we serve You.
Grant us wisdom and patience, O Holy One,
that we may replace our hearts of stone
for hearts of tenderness and grace.
Guide us in pathways of peace,
and give us the humility and compassion to follow, we pray.
Send forth your Spirit of healing and comfort
over all who call upon You, O God,
especially those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer, day 2057: Inspired by Psalm 31

Hurricane Florence. Photo from NPR.

(inspired by Psalm 31)
In You, O God, do we take refuge:
our trust is in You as we cry out in distress.
Even when the darkness surrounds us,
when walls close in upon us,
You are our mighty fortress.
Preserve us within the storms of life,
for though the tempest rages about us,
You are our God.
Mighty winds may blow and howl,
but You,
O God,
are our rock of refuge
and stronghold to keep us safe.
For You take heed of our souls' distress
and will never give us up
to the power of darkness and despair.
We rest in the hands of the Almighty:
we rejoice in your mercy and lovingkindness.
Watch over your children, we pray,
and embrace those who rest within You.

Amen.

Prayer, day 2056: God Is With Us in the Storm (Awaiting Hurricane Florence)

Most Merciful God,
may our prayers rise on the scent of jasmine
as we praise and bless your love in our lives.
The curtain of the night parts
and you spread a new day before us:
Lord, hear our prayer.

In beholding afresh the wonders of creation,
let us see with new eyes and hearts, O Christ.
In taking up the work you have given us,
let us be guided to do your will, O Christ.
In turning from sin and self-centeredness,
let us atone for our wrongs, and reconcile, O Christ.
When tumults rage and threaten to swamp us,
let us remember that you do not bring them, O God:
Your hand holds us fast,
and commands the waves to cease-
may we never forget You are with us within the storm.

Merciful One,
make your face shine upon us this day,
and upon those whom we now name.

Amen.
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Prayer 2035: Inspired by Psalm 131

In the peace and quiet of a soul at rest,
let me make my prayer to You,
O Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer.

As I awaken
and open my eyes to receive morning's light,
may I also awaken my spirit
and open my heart to receive your love, O God,
My Strength and My Shield.
Set my feet upon the path of justice, integrity, and peace,
O Radiant Spirit of Wisdom:
let me walk humbly and reverently
upon this good Earth you have hallowed, O Lord.
When I am troubled,
may I sigh and turn into your shoulder,
knowing I am your precious child, O Savior,
safe upon your breast,
soothed within your tender embrace,
enveloped within a mother's protection and care.

Merciful One,
guide and direct me by your abundant grace,
that I may serve the cause of love today
as a witness to the reconciling power of Christ.
Give respite and ease
to all who are troubled in body, mind, or spirit,
O Holy One,
and extend the shade of your blessing
over all who turn to You.

Amen.

Prayer, day 2033: Inspired by Psalm 121

(Inspired by Psalm 121)
Let me sit in silence
and abide with You, my Savior.

O God, I lift my eyes to You,
for You are my heart and my help.
I lay upon my bed at night knowing You watch over me
and keep me safe,
and I am at peace.
You hear my cries, and know my fears:
your hand rests upon my head
to bless and protect me.
Evil cannot enfold me,
for I rest in the embrace of the Almighty,
whose love never sleeps or turns away.
The maker of heaven and earth loves me
and tenderly cares for me:
who can do me harm?
God watches over me in all my journeys:
God sets my feet firmly upon the way of love and compassion.
The God of Peace calls me
to the path of righteousness,
whose foundation is justice and equality.
The heat of anger and fear may beat down upon me,
but my God shades me and shields me,
and I am at peace.
Let me raise up the needs of your children,
my kindred souls,
who put their trust in You.

Amen.
575

Prayer 1995: Inspired by Psalm 20

Merciful God, we lift our hearts to you,
seeking to center ourselves in your mercy
and breathe in your peace at the start of our day.

We give you thanks for all the blessings we receive:
your generous hand, O Lord,
supports us from our going out to our coming in,
lifting our spirits and renewing our souls.
Pour out your peace upon us and strengthen us
that we may do the work of reconciliation and compassion
You have given us to do as children of God.

The strength of your arm protects us in trouble,
O Holy One, our Rock and our Guide;
you are always alongside us when we need help,
our companion in adversity,
our comforter in sorrow or pain.

As a mother cares for her children,
You answer us when we call, O Savior and Redeemer:
let us still ourselves
and remember your steadfast love at all times,
but especially as we pray.

Amen.

Prayer, day 1962

Photo from National Geographic, and it is just stunning.

Bless and keep us, Loving One,
and hold us in the hollow of your hand.
Give rest to the weary
and justice to the oppressed, Lord Christ,
using us as the instruments of your mercy.
Make us strong in the ways of wisdom and peace,
and help us to put aside our hurtful ways.
Shield us from those who wish us ill,
and help us live lives of authentic grace and compassion,
immersed in your gospel of love.
We ask that your Spirit of Healing and Comfort
rest upon those we now name, and grant them peace.

Amen.
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Prayer 1833: Our Home Under Your Wing

Merciful God, we give thanks for your love,
for You have searched us out and known us,
and drawn us to your breast
with the warmth and safekeeping of your mighty wing.

Accept our prayers and praises, O Holy One,
for we are your children,
fledglings in wisdom and compassion:
we turn our faces to you in hope and assurance.

May we gather together in love
within the mighty branches of your truth and grace,
and make our home before your alabaster altar
like a sparrow building her nest in safety.

May we extol the beauty of your works, Lord,
greeting each moment with joyful melody,
swooping and trilling our praise
within your cathedral of creation.

Give us wings of faith, Blessed Savior,
to lift our thoughts and desires always to You, Almighty One,
that we may seek Your will with joy
through sunshine or storm,
knowing You are ever beside us as we pray.

Amen.

(Inspired by Psalm 84:1-4)

Photo from Youtube.

Prayer 1798: the Fifth Day of Christmas

O Lord, you are our rock and our stronghold,
and we rise to proclaim your goodness
as we seek your sheltering hand.

From the tempests of sickness and chilling cold,
Good Lord, deliver us.

From our tendency to stray from your paths,
and for our hardness of heart,
Good Lord, deliver us.

From our heedlessness of your beautiful creation,
and our blindness to its fragility at our hands,
Good Lord, deliver us.

Help us fasten our hearts on our blessings, O God,
that we live a life of gratitude, compassion, and joy.

Help us to seek your Wisdom always,
and proclaim your grace and your mercy
through our own deeds.

Help us to see your face in every person, Lord Christ,
and ground ourselves in empathy,
that we may honor the beauty and worth of all.

By the power of the Holy Spirit,
lead us by the light of hope and faith,
and pour out your protection, O God,
over those whose needs we now name.

Amen.

Prayer, day 1790: Inspired by Psalm 121

Let me sit in silence
and abide with You, my Savior.
O God, I lift my eyes to You,
for You are my heart and my help.

I lay upon my bed at night
knowing You watch over me and keep me safe,
and I am at peace.
You hear my cries, and know my fears:
your hand rests upon my head
to bless and protect me.

Evil cannot enfold me,
for I rest in the embrace of the Almighty,
whose love never sleeps or turns away.
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
loves me and tenderly cares for me:
who can do me harm?

God watches over me in all my journeys:
God sets my feet firmly upon the way of love and compassion.
The God of Peace calls me to the path of righteousness,
whose foundation is justice and equality.
The heat of anger and fear may beat down upon me,
but my God shades me and shields me,
and I am at peace.

Let me raise up the needs of your children,
my kindred souls, who put their trust in You.

Amen.
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