Prayer, day 1412

Holy God, You encircle us with your love and mercy: hear the prayers of your people that we offer to You today. 

Blessed Savior, we pray that we cling to your ways and wisdom more tightly, listening for your call to us in each moment. 

We pray that those unquiet in spirit be gentled, and that empathy and compassion for themselves and others bloom in their hearts. 

We pray that all who are hurting- from sorrow, from contempt, from pain- be soothed in your loving embrace, and know your blessing. 

We pray that all who seek a deeper knowledge of You may be led to the living water of your peace and wisdom. 

We pray that we heal the divisions that tear apart our communities and our hearts. 

Holy One, call down your angels upon us, and send a Spirit of Peace to those we now name.

Amen.
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Prayer 1411

Madonna and child. Photo from wikimedia commons.

Most Merciful God, we lay our hearts at your feet, and sing our praise for your goodness and mercy. 

With each new day, may we renew our commitment to walk in this world as Christ himself taught us. 
Preserve us from getting lost in our own foolishness, and guide us into your pastures of peace. 
Inspire us through your Holy Spirit to seek wisdom and act in compassion in each moment that You have given us. 
Let us see your light always before us, and may your truth take us by the hand like little children. 

Rest your hand of power and healing upon us, O Almighty One, and bless those whose needs we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1410- Turning toward home

Let my heart rise to God.

Let me raise my heart
and extol the wonders of the Most High,
who is making the heavens and the earth.
Let my heart fly to You, O God,
as geese arrow overhead unerringly to wend their way home.

Almighty One, You are our home,
and the source of all that is blessing and peace.
Your words are like honey on the tongue, O Redeemer,
and your love is a balm to the wounded spirit.

Forgive us our sins,
and help us turn from rebellion
and turn toward those in need.
Unite us to your Son and to each other
with hearts laid bare to receive your grace.

May we remember that the heart of wisdom
is living bravely
into the way of love and faithfulness.
Teach us to live outside ourselves,
working for the peace of the world
and the healing gospel of Christ.

Walk with us, Lord Jesus, through this day,
whether it holds joy or tears,
and grant your favor upon those
whose needs we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1409: for renewal

Just when you think you are lost, light breaks through, and a path is found.

Holy One, we lift our praise to you on the morning wind, remembering your goodness and lovingkindness in all things. Our souls wait for you, O Lord; like watchmen for the morning, we seek You and your wisdom to guide us.

Help us be humble and kind, remembering your compassion to all who turn to You in need. Let us seek to give what we ourselves receive, and walk in mercy and fellowship with each other as you teach us to do.

Let us remember that Christ comes among us as refugee and asylum-seeker as well as healer. Let us see your face, Lord Jesus, in the faces of the poor, the desperate, and the marginalized. Let us still our souls to hear your call to forgiveness and repentance as we walk our pilgrim path in service to You, O God.

Bless all people in their daily lives and work, Almighty One, and place the balm of your Spirit on those we now name.

Amen.

Promises, Promises: Speaking to the Soul, November 29, 2016

Isaiah 11:1-10
Matthew 3:1-12

We begin to settle in to Advent this week with readings that remind us of the glorious promises which are our inheritance as people of faith. Advent is a rime of penitence as well as expectation, a time of remembering things past while also inhabiting the “not-yet” of the coming Messiah. In the darkness and cold of winter, we are reminded of promises made and promises kept. The first promise we encounter this week is the promise in Isaiah 11 regarding the Jesse tree. Jesse was the father of David, and in 2 Samuel 7, David had been promised that one of his descendants would be king throughout eternity. Jesse is thus Jesus’s many-times-great-grandfather. Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, was of course known as the city of David because Jesse was from Bethlehem.

One of the main theses of the gospel of Matthew is that God fulfills the promises he makes, in this case to David, and this reading from Isaiah helps establish proof for that claim in Matthew. Jesus is referred to as the “son of David” ten times in the gospel of Matthew, more than in any other synoptic gospel (the term does not appear in John). Promises made by God are never forgotten.

As with last week’s reading from Isaiah, we have a hopeful vision of the future that the prophet paints for the people of Judah, one that directly again confronts the problem that has led the people astray—that their kings have been false rulers, leading them into apostasy and promoting values at odds with those of God. More specifically, this is one of the three messianic oracles in Isaiah (see also Isaiah 7 and 9). The Messiah was expected to sit on David’s throne and restore David’s line as true king. God had warned the people that choosing to have human kings would get them into trouble, and the situation by the 8th century BCE has proved that point.

The vision recounted here in our Isaiah passage this Sunday ends with a description of a restored creation: many of the animals paired together are domesticated animals and the wild animals who prey upon them, led by an innocent. The vision ends with a reference to the “root of Jesse”—to David and David’s descendants—and again expresses the wish that the entire world will turn its face toward Israel and look to it as the source of salvation. Even though, as Isaiah writes, it appears that the tree of Jesse has fallen, the hope is that a rod or branch will spring up from the fallen tree that will grow to be even mightier than its parent.

Above, you will see one of the most famous depictions of this Jesse tree, from the Chartres Cathedral. This is one of the original windows in the cathedral, from circa 1150 CE. Notice that at the top of the tree is Jesus, with his mother Mary right below him. David and Solomon are also included at the bottom of the tree above Jesse. The tree of Jesse runs through the biblical story, planted in the soil of both faithfulness and mercy.

As we begin year A in the three-year lectionary cycle, we will spend most of this year with the gospel of Matthew. Matthew’s gospel will build the case that Jesus is the Messiah all along up to this point— chapter 1 recounts Jesus’s genealogy and legitimacy as a son of David and as a son of Abraham. Chapter 2 tells the story of the Magi, Herod’s massacre of the innocents, and the flight of Jesus’s family to Egypt. Today’s gospel depicts a prophetic herald warning his listeners that the one who by rights may judge them is at hand. Our gospel this Sunday will also quote Isaiah (chapter 40) as a touchstone to solidify the claims that John will make about Jesus and about himself. John is the one crying out from the wilderness, proclaiming the coming of the Lord. The appearance of John himself in our gospel from the third chapter of Matthew is also a sign or promise fulfilled, since he comes out of the wilderness dressed just so for the role of an Old Testament prophet—his attire is remarkably similar to that of Elijah in 2 Kings 1:8.

As the winter nights lengthen, we have the promise of light from light, true God from true God, coming among us, offering salvation and enlightenment for all. We have the promise of not retribution, but mercy coming to live among us, judging with righteousness and equity the cause of the oppressed.

(Photo of the Jesse Tree window at Chartres Cathedral, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:France_Chartres_JesseTree_c1145_a.JPG)

Prayer 1408

Morning light gilds the grasses.

Early in the morning
we lift our hearts to You,
O Wondrous Light:
come, let us add our song
to the wakening Earth's.
Before your radiant goodness
we bow, O Holy One:
may our voices ever sing your praise!
You have laid our your paths before us:
may we ever keep our feet within your way,
that we may worship You in all things.

Lord Jesus,
You lead us with gentleness and truth:
teach us to ever serve You
and one another
with joy.
Make us
a compassionate, faithful people,
living into your gospel of love and faithful action,
we humbly pray, O Lord.
Help us to renounce
the fears and failings that lead into darkness,
and claim our place
within the Beloved Community.

Gather our prayers into your keeping,
O God,
and and bless and keep those whose hope is in You.

Amen.

Prayer 1407: Shine

Yesterday's #adventword was "shine," and I thought of this photo I took in 2012 of the rose window at the Cathedral de Notre Dame in Paris.

Let us rise to sing praises to the Holy One who inhabits eternity yet dwells within our hearts: Come, Lord Jesus, Come. You, Lord, are our shield and help: your love surrounds us and holds us fast within your boundless mercy. You sustain us and watch over us in tenderness: may we ever rejoice within the arms of our Creator and Savior.

Let your teachings to us be as bread to the hungry: enlighten us with your wisdom and truth. Lead us into repentance for all our wrongdoing, and for our cooperation or silence in the face of oppression. Give us gentle hearts, compassionate spirits, and enquiring minds, that we may grow in your peace and grace. 

Holy Spirit, rest upon us, filling us with your fire, and bestow your blessing upon those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1406: The First Sunday in Advent

On the first Sunday of Advent, we light "the Prophecy Candle, or the "Candle of Hope,"
directly opposite from the Rose Candle.

Come,
O Light of Lights,
and encircle us with your wisdom and truth,
that we may be led into paths of faith and joy.

We bless You and thank You,
O Holy One,
for all that You are doing within us
and in creation.
Transform our hearts and minds
through your instruction,
that You may find us ever watchful
and alert to your call.
May your light
drive away the shadows within our hearts,
and its warmth be a balm for our souls.

Lord Christ, all that we are and have is yours:
heal us of all that separates us from your love.
Let us give all,
that we may receive the life
for which you made us:
a life of praise, thankfulness, and compassion.
United by your grace,
we ask for your blessing and healing, O God,
upon us and all whom we now remember.

Amen.

Prayer 1405

We all know where our place of safety and welcome is.

Almighty God, we lift our hearts to You in thanks and praise, recalling your blessings without number.

You have set us high upon the rock when the waters of fear rise:
You have cared for us as a Mother for her children.
You have called us and cared for us with an ever-lasting love:
may we hear and seek to abide with You always.

May we be inspired by your Word to work for justice and peace among the oppressed and the powerless.
May we never seek our own advantage over the needs of others; may we advance the cause of love and compassion. 
May we never seek to inflict our own wounds upon others, but walk gently among those we meet as beloved companions. 

Guide us and gentle us, O Savior:
let us walk faithfully in the ways of wisdom and love.

Holy One, send forth your Spirit to shelter those in danger, sorrow, or fear; enlighten the hearts of those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer, day 1404

The grasses die back as winter approaches, but remind us of the enduring hope of new life and growth.

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.
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Prayer 1403- In Thanksgiving

Dawn on the Missouri River Bottoms.

O God,
Source of Continuous Blessings,
Creator of All,
we bow our heads
and lift our grateful hearts to You. 

We ask your blessing, O God,
on those who stand resolute,
protecting your good Earth,
its forests, plains, mountains, and waters.
Help us remember that
the bounty we enjoy
comes from your creation,
for you called us to serve the land,
not dominate it.

Help us to embrace our loved ones,
of birth and of choice,
and joyfully express our love for them.
Remember those who travel
or work to keep us safe this day,
and place your right hand of power over them.

Help us be decisive
in ensuring the blessings of our abundance
are shared with all.  Let us remember that gratitude
is the life You call us to live into,
and that it is rooted in peace
and justice for all.
Give us hearts
to care for our neighbor
and bid welcome to the stranger,
reflecting your grace, mercy,
and lavish love.

In all things,
You fill our hearts with your blessing:
envelop those we name
in your shalom,
we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 1402

Reading about Dietrich Bonhoeffer this semester, andgiving thanks to God for his witness.

We praise you and bless You,
Lord God of Power and Mercy,
and give You thanks for this moment of worship.
You are creating the heavens and the earth:
let the song of the earth overflow
to fill our hearts with peace. 

Open our eyes
to perceive your grace and mercy
moving within our lives,
for we know that our times are in your hand.
Animate us by your Holy Spirit
to be warriors for justice
and humble servants for the cause of real peace and compassion.

Drive far from us
our arrogance and self-service,
which lead us away from You
to worship at false altars of pride and contempt.

Let us act in justice,
and love mercy,
and walk humbly with You, O Holy One,
all the days of our lives.

Lord Jesus, we place our hearts and souls
within your healing hands:
lead us to new life in kinship
with You and each other.

Resting within your embrace, O Christ,
accept our whispered prayers and petitions
that we bear in our hearts, as we pray.

Amen.

Prayer, day 1401

Although shepherds were also considered to be lowly, kings were also referred to as shepherd of their people.

Lord Jesus Christ, reign in our hearts today and always as our King and our Teacher. Teach us to live as true children of God, walking in ways of peace, gentleness, and compassion for all living things. 

Exercise your healing power over a world in which too many suffer, O Savior, by working through us as your servants. Inspire us by the Holy Spirit, O God, to live with each other in love and faithfulness, strengthened around your altar. 

Holy One, bless and keep us in your embrace, and stretch out your hand of blessing over all who call upon You.

Amen.
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Prayer, day 1400

The beauty of forests in a Missouri autumn.

Each day is a precious gift, O God: Let our praise rise to You, as hope lifts the hearts of your people. 

Here in Your embrace we have rested, O Loving One. 
Now we go out to the harvest fields we are blessed to tend, knit together in holy love. 
Let the roots of hope grow deep. 
Let compassion overflow into the spaces where hearts are hollow. 
Let us be drawn into the embrace of the One who knows all our needs. 
Let those who are troubled be restored and renewed, filled with the strength of God's grace. 

Here we offer our prayers to You, O Holy and Merciful One.

Amen.
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Prayer 1399: Last Sunday After Pentecost (Christ the King)

Christus Rex, Church of the Good Shepherd, Town and Country, MO.

Holy, Holy, Holy God, let us rise and lift our hearts to You in worship, praise, and thankfulness. Merciful One, remember us not for our failures and faults, but for our bending the knee of our hearts before You. Restore our hearts to charity and compassion for all things, and guide us again into paths of grace. To You we owe all worship and allegiance, Lord Christ, for You are our Shepherd who teaches us how to live in Love. Accept the prayers of your people, O God, and reconcile us to You and one another, as we humbly pray.

Amen.

Prayer, day 1398- For Diocesan Convention

An excerpt from the Barmen Declaration of 1934 used by Bishop of Missouri George Wayne Smith at the beginning of his address to the 177th Diocesan Convention.

O God, You are our refuge and our rock: we put our trust in You. 

Help us to work together in harmony in the work You have given us, and let our deeds bring honor to Your name. 

Let us make your Word and commandments our sure foundation, and seek always to forgive rather than condemn. 

Let us remember the generous love You have given us, and uphold each other in our trials and needs. 

Break the chains of fear and enmity that threaten us, and help us lift up the banner of love and compassion. 

Extend the shelter of your mercy over those for whom we pray this day.

Amen.
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Prayer, day 1397: For the opening of diocesan convention

Dawn this morning was particulaly spectacular. 

Come, let us walk humbly with our God today, that our lives testify and worship the Lord with all we do. 

Our help comes from You, O Holy One: give us the strength and the wisdom to persevere in all our struggles today. 
O God, we pray for peace in our homes, peace in our communities, peace in our nation, and for peace in the world. 

May we remember that the foundation of peace is justice and equity, compassion and mercy, repentance and forgiveness, strength and love.
May God's love be our mantle against the chill of fear, and our shade against the heat of turmoil. 

Lord Jesus, reign in our hearts and teach us your ways: draw us all within your healing embrace as we pray.

Amen.
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Prayer 1396

Even still, the light gets in.

In hope and thanksgiving we pray to You, Lord Christ, who reveals to us the holy path and calls us to mercy and peace.

Lord, we remember our sins, and bemoan our carelessness: have mercy, that mercy may take root in our hearts.

In all our striving let us turn to wisdom and love, gifts of your Spirit, O God, for guidance, and let our striving be to your glory.
In joy and exultation, let us remember that we move in You, and You envelop us, for all blessings come from God.
In our sorrow or anxiety, let us turn toward healing within your steadfast embrace, Lord Jesus.

Reconcile us to each other, Lord; may we never be reconciled to evil done to friend or stranger.
Knit us together in love, mercy, and compassion, O Redeemer, that our lives may testify to your truth. 
Uphold us through thy grace, and anoint us in your way of peace, that we may be a blessing to the world. 

Merciful One, Giver of Life, extend your sheltering love over those for whom we pray this day.

Amen.

Prayer, day 1395

A dry field in autumn as the sun rises.

Creator God, we come before You in awe for the works of Your Hands which sustain us in each moment and breath. You set the stars in their courses- help us follow the paths of peace and justice this day. You clothe the lilies of the field in beauty-- help us to put on the raiment of righteousness and walk humbly with our companions. Your eye is on the sparrow- watch over those who are in need, sorrow, or pain, especially these we now name.

Amen.
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Prayer, day 1394

A window from Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis.

O God, You are our refuge and our rock: we put our trust in You. Help us to work together in harmony in the work You have given us, and let our deeds bring honor to Your name.

Let us make your Word and commandments our sure foundation, and seek always to forgive rather than condemn. Let us remember the generous love You have given us, and uphold each other in our trials. 

Break the chains of fear and enmity we carry, and help us lift up the banner of love and compassion. 

Extend the shelter of your mercy over those for whom we pray this day.

Amen.
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