Prayer, day 2564

O God, You cover the earth in snow like a blanket:
cover us with your wing as the storms pass,
both within and without.
The earth rests beneath the snow,
gathering itself to burst forth in new life:
enliven our spirits to take up our work
in your kingdom.

Let us make each moment of our lives
a worthy oblation to You,
O Source of All Beauty. 
Make us grateful for our friends,
and never take for granted their love or generosity to us. 
Let us be loving, yet bold,
in seeking justice and compassion for all;
for You, O God, are patient and merciful to us. 

Let us assess and correct our own flaws
before we dare to judge
our brothers and sisters who are struggling.
Let us be generous
with our time, talent, and treasure
in your service,
for we know that all we have comes from You. 

Preserve all those who protect us today,
especially first responders, nurses, and doctors.
Bring them all safely home to their loved ones
at the end of day, and protect them from cold or danger. 

Shield the joyous and comfort the afflicted, 
O Loving One,
and rest your hand upon those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 2405: Prayer as the Storm Approaches

Hurricane Dorian is a Cat 5 over the Bahamas right now.

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.

Prayer 2307

Photo by Chris Jenkins of the Jefferson City tornado that hit on May 23, 2019.

Let us raise our hearts to our Creator,
who is making the heavens and the Earth.
Let us sing praise to our Savior,
whose mercy endures forever,
and sustains the weary with unfailing compassion.

Your creating energy, O God, is awesome in its power:
we worship You and give you glory!
God is our refuge and our shelter,
our steadfast companion in times of trouble or danger.
We turn to you in trust, Holy One,
for You abide with us even in the midst of the storm.
Place your hand of protection
over all who are in danger,
over all who seek the lost or injured,
we humbly pray.

Guide the hands and the hearts
of doctors, nurses, and first responders,
of clergy and chaplains,
as they seek to comfort and heal the injured and the traumatized.

Blessed Jesus, you know our cares and concerns:
gather under your sheltering wing
all those for whom we pray.

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, 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 2041: Gratitude in the Storm

As rain blesses and waters the longing Earth,
so, Creator God, we long for You,
and offer our gratitude
for the abundant blessings You shower upon us.
For your lovingkindness and protecting hand, O Lord,
that has kept us safe through darkness and storm,
we thank You and sing out your praise!

Blessed Jesus, lead us to walk in paths of wisdom and justice,
that we embody your gospel of mercy this day.
In your compassion, forgive us our sins and waywardness,
that we may turn again to your guidance with joy.
Unite us as living witnesses to your grace,
working for the reconciliation of the world in love.
Make us gentle and humble of spirit,
that we may listen and learn from those we meet.

Spirit of the Living God,
sanctify and bless us this day,
that we may ourselves be a blessing.
Give your angels charge over all who call upon You, Lord,
especially those for whom we now pray.

Amen.

Prayer 123: Inspired by Psalm 31 (For the victims of the Moore, OK tornado)

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.