Opening Prayer
Renew me today in the image of your love in the likeness of your mercy, O God. May any refusal to forgive that lingers with me and any hardness of heart be softened by your loving embrace -A2J Community (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. -Psalm 95:1-3 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin You, Lord, do not see as people see. People look at my outward appearance, but you look at my heart. -I Samuel 16:7 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus And Jesus allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. -Mark 5:37-40 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others O God, with all prayer and petitions, help me pray always in the Spirit, and to this end I will be watchful with all perseverance and petition for all the saints. -Ephesians 6:18 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Lord, give me I pray: A remembering heart for the things that have happened An attentive heart to what I have heard A forgiving heart for what has hurt A grateful heart for what has blessed A brave heart for what may be required An open heart to all that may come A trusting heart to go forth with You A loving heart for You and all Your creation A longing heart for the reconciliation of all things A willing heart to say “Yes” to what You will -Leighton Ford (1931- ) |