Archive for June, 2020

The Change We Need

June 28, 2020

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:23

We are used to empty promises.

Legislation well named but devoid of content. Unfunded mandates and standards without consequences. The creation of commissions and the drafting of studies and reports, all with no action that might bring about real change.

Let this time be different Lord.

Help us to enact laws that move us forward.

Laws that might actually advance our collective health and safety.

Laws that could provide a foundation for future growth.

Laws that reflect our ideal of liberty and justice for all.

Laws that will bring us peace.

Help us Lord, to create the change we need.

Amen.

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Energy To Action

June 21, 2020

Creative God, move us from chaos to reform throughout our systems – economic, political, healthcare, education, housing, and legal. All are in need of change.

Let us be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger that we might learn from each other. (James 1:19-21).

Give us courage, grace and compassion as we confront our failures. Save us from easy answers.

And then move us to sustained action. Channel our energy and help us to persevere, even as we weary from the effort.

Help us Lord, to be better than we are.

Amen

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Moving Forward

June 14, 2020

Lord, we know what to do for you have told us:

to love you and

to love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39);

to love even our enemies (Matthew 5:44);

to act justly, to love mercy, to follow with humility the path you set out (Micah 6:8);

to seek wisdom (Proverbs 3:11-24);

to do good and share with others (Hebrews 13:16);

to welcome the stranger and care for the poor (James 1:27, Zechariah 7:9-10);

to grow and bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-26).

But we have become polluted by the world (James 1:27),

aligned with those who divide (Romans 16:17),

entertained and misled by deceit and hypocrisy and slander (1 Peter 2:1),

entranced by the deceitfulness of wealth, and

overwhelmed by the demands of our daily lives (Matthew 13:22, Luke 8:14).

We have wandered from your ways.

Forgive us Lord.

Help us now to put our faith into action, and to build a better world.

Amen

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United For All

June 10, 2020

This prayer was submitted by a reader, Kay, from the heart; First Presbyterian Church Elder, Presbyterian Women Moderator

Dear God help us to listen to one another and to unite in our actions for the good of all.

Help us change our ways.

Each of us needs your spirit to light the way.

When we march lead us.

When we pray hear us.

When we cry give us comfort.

Protect us from the virus as we are drawn to demonstrate.

Lift this movement into action for a better future for us all, but especially for our black brothers and sisters who have struggled for so long.

Guide us to universal change that brings justice to all.

In the name of your Jesus we pray.

Amen

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In Need of Mercy and Grace

June 7, 2020

Today’s prayer is an adaptation of Ps. 33:18-22 that appeared in The Book of Family Prayer by Robert Webber (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1986.)

Lord, we believe Your eye is upon those who fear You,

Those who have hope in You.

Lord, we wait upon you;

For You are our help and our shield.

Our hearts rejoice in You

Because we have trusted in your holy name.

Lord, let Your mercy be upon us

As we hope on You,

And send upon us

Your Holy Spirit, we pray.

Amen

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