A Prayer for the 9th Sunday after Pentecost

 Time flies. I thought I hadn't posted in two weeks...and it turns out since the end of May. 

Holy One, you long to give us what is good and right, and yet too often we are afraid to let go so there is room for them in our spirits and lives. We worry even though it does us no good and can harm our health. We rely only on ourselves and our own efforts when you have created us to be in mutual relationship with you and others. We miss your surprising graces because we have narrowed our vision.

Yet you still reach out to us, and ask us to reach out to you. So this morning we lift up to you our simple prayers for your reign of love and grace-filled justice to be evident to us and others in these places, situations and lives.

For those dealing with drought and the fire dangers that accompany it. Protect those who give of themselves to fight the fires that even now tear through nature and homes alike.

We remember those whose lives are beset by violence, whether of weapon, fist, or word, seeking your peace.

So many are in need of food and clean water – fill their plates and cups with what nourishes as well as fills empty stomachs.

For those held by the chains of addictions of all types and forms we ask for release and new life.

We lift up to you those we love and care about who are ill, who are hurting, who are facing surgery or recovery whether it be in body, mind or spirit, asking for your good will to become evident in their lives, as well as your rest and strength.

As grief enters some lives and continues in others, provide a safe space for them to share all that they feel, while bringing your comfort and hope.

And so, where you have already given us what we need to be the answer to our prayers, give us the faith to do so even through our fears.

Where you would send us to become part of your answer to these or other’s prayers, fill us with your Spirit that sent Jesus into the world filled with compassion and love.

We lift up these prayers as well as the unspoken ones of our hearts and minds.  Amen. 

A Prayer before Worship: Lament for the violence in Uvalde, TX, Laguna Woods, CA, and Buffalo, NY.

I shared this prayer this monring as worship started. I add my prayer that I will never need to offer such a prayer again.

Loving and compassionate God, over these last ten days we have seen lives and communities shattered by mass shootings;  in a grocery store in Buffalo, NY, attempted  in a Church in Laguna Woods, CA,  and Tuesday at an Elementary School in Uvalde, TX. There were 31 people killed. 31 more people to remember this Memorial Day Weekend, 19 of the under the age of 11. We lift them up this morning by name.

 

Margus D. Morrison, 52, of Buffalo

Andre Mackniel, 53, of Auburn, New York

Aaron Salter, 55, of Lockport, New York

Geraldine Talley, 62, of Buffalo

Celestine Chaney, 65, of Buffalo

Heyward Patterson, 67, of Buffalo

Katherine Massey, 72, of Buffalo

Pearl Young, 77, of Buffalo

Ruth Whitfield, 86, of Buffalo

Dr. John Cheng

Makenna Lee Elrod, 10

 Layla Salazar, 11

 Maranda Mathis, 11

 Nevaeh Bravo, 10

 Jose Manuel Flores Jr., 10

 Xavier Lopez, 10

Tess Marie Mata, 10

Rojelio Torres, 10

Eliahna “Ellie” Amyah Garcia, 9

Eliahna A. Torres, 10

Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez, 10

Jackie Cazares, 9

Uziyah Garcia

Jayce Carmelo Luevanos, 10

Maite Yuleana Rodriguez, 10

Jailah Nicole Silguero, 10

Irma Garcia, 48

Eva Mireles, 44

Amerie Jo Garza, 10

Alexandria “Lexi” Aniyah Rubio, 10

Alithia Ramirez, 10

 

We weep with the families and friends of these victims, and with all others who also died in those days from acts of violence that we never heard about. And we know you wept before we even knew.

Why do these lists grow O God?  What is it about who we are, what we do or don’t do that seems to be increasing the frequency and the deadliness of these attacks? What must we change O God, where and how must we change?

For this is too much- too many times breaking news has brought us reports of another one. Too many have grown numb or cynical when they happen, sure that anything will change. There are too many people who believe that this is just the way it is, the way of the world, and all we can do is live with it. There are too many whose hearts are broken each time, who are now missing a loved one at their table, or celebrating their birthday, holding their child, all those little moments that mean so much to us. Those small moments that make life so beautiful and deepen our connections with each other and with you.

Your love will need to undergird our efforts to successfully stem this, O God.  We will need humility to know there will not be just one solution. For this has pervaded our society so long and so deeply that it will take actions in many areas to untangle all that leads to such horrendous violence. It will take time. Only you can provide us the love to refrain from well-rehearsed comments and responses that lead us nowhere, and the humility to accept many of those solutions already proposed may be needed together. There are other actions we will need to take up that you will raise up if only we would let go of our biases and agenda. Only you can provide us the grace to release our anger to make room for solutions. Only you can release us from our numbness, our cynicism, and our fears. Only you can keep us from our certainty, and our pride so we can talk with each other, discern where we should go next, and do so for the good of all.

Today we lift to your care those who died, those who EMS and police and medical personnel who now must live with the images of these events, the loved ones and friends who are left behind, the injured, and those through out our nation whose heart is broken by these last 10 days. Grant us the honesty to repent where we have been complicit through action or inaction. We long for the day when these tragedies are so rare that when one does occur, we must struggle to recall if another one has happened in our lifetime. Bring us to that day O God, bring about that day.

Bring us to that day when you no longer have to the first one to weep when this violence happens.

We pray this in the name of the one called the Prince of Peace. Amen.  

Sixth Sunday in Easter- a Prayer for Memorial Day

 

Gracious God, we remember with gratitude and humility this weekend all who have died while serving on behalf of others.  We lift up all those who have laid down their life in hopes of serving country, neighbor, stranger or friend.

May the memory of those who gave their lives inspire us to emulate their self-sacrifice and service through your call to be peacemakers, justice bearers, reconcilers on your behalf.  

As we remember those killed in acts of war, we pray for the end to all wars, so that swords may be beat into plowshares, and bombs and tanks and guns gather dust.

Yet war still exists, acts of violence and death performed in the hopes of “winning” through the loss of life.  We lift up anywhere in the world where acts of war reign, or where the threat of war overshadows everyday life. 

As you call us to be instruments of your reconciling grace and mercy, fill us with the Spirit’s power so we take up your call.

For we long for the  Memorial Day when  there will no longer be  names to add to the roles of those who died in service of their country.

We long for, we reach for, the day we actually do live as you have always intended- in loving unity as your diverse yet loving family.

We pray this in the name of the one known as the Prince of Peace. Amen.    

 

A Prayer the Day After

A note: Below I am not advocating for a particular party or answer, or condemnation of a political or group. Yes I have opinions on what could be done now to help, as well as what we need to address long-term. But that's not this prayer, My prayer is one of the deepest longing for us to sit down, grieve together , share, and discern and attack with love anything and everything that has been a factor in yesterday's shooting and other mass casualty acts of violence.
-------------------------------------------------
It is the day after O God. A day of anger and immediate drawing of lines because we cannot handle our grief.
Our thoughts and prayers ARE with the victims.
The families with one less member than yesterday. The runs running terrified from the school for their life and the parents running towards it hoping it's not their child.
The first responders who will carry images with them for the rest of their lives that no one should have to carry, who had to take another human life, who will question what if they had only done "this" or not done "that" if it could have been prevented.
The teachers and staff who ask the same, and wonder if their desire to teach and expand the lives of these little ones overides their desire to quit so that they are safe.
The school, the community that now has this hole that was shattered as the violence unfolded, as well as the empty places at dinner this night.
Those wounded as the now must face pain that is physical, emotional, even spiritual.
Those who have relived their own experience of being part of a mass shooting.
Those who we have not even thought of whose lives are now in disarray and wonder how to gather all the pieces together again.
They have our thoughts and prayers of love, comfort, and hopes for healing what can be heald.
They have our prayers of grief, pain, anger, and shame.
But that's not the only ones who are in our thoughts and prayers. They are with how many times all that has been offered or attempted is "thoughts and prayers." Do you even hear those?
We would ask you to fix this, show us how to repair this but we think we know your answer. You've already shown us- so demand we just do it. The answer is love.
Love that gets down in the dirt and the grime and the gore and stays there until a way out is found.
Love that is willing to sacrifice our tightly held beleifs, stories we've told ourselves, fears we've ingrained, no matter how painful that may be.
Love that throws away political agendas and knee-jerk reactions, that abolishes media stunts and soundbites and Tweets that will be used later in campaign offered to win later votes rather than attempt to save one life.
Love that recognizes that this isn't a problem that can be solved by one simple act of legislation, but will persevere until the so many tentacles feeding are cut off and elimated.
Love that allows us to look at each other and see nothing but an beloved child of yours, a beloved sibling of ours, and want nothing but abundance of life and joy for them.
Love that works towards protecting and uplifting the most vulnerable until there are no more to protect or lift up. Love that will worki through differences of opinions and beliefs for their benefit, not ours.
Oh Lord, yes, let us offer our thoughts and prayers- but let them be filled with your words, not our own. May our response be filled with your words and actions, not are own. Shower your love upon us, surround us with such love that we have no choice but to find ways to live out of the ways of that love with others.
For you promise us that salvation is not only for after death, it is that grace upon grace is available now, that the life you offer is a life of abundance and joy. Show us how to say yes to you O God. Make the only response possible be "Yes".
Amen

Prayer for Fifth Sunday in Easter - May 15, 2022

Holy One you radiate such love that it not only shines upon us but emanates through us. As you provide us a place of rest, you not only shelter us from the troubles and worries of life and the world, you form us to become bearers of that love into the world. Even if we resist or protest, you will continue to shower your love on those we would have turned our backs upon, or judged as not yet worthy, even dangerous to the communities of love that you are building. Thank you for your love for us that never ends, and that nothing we do can hinder you from offering your love as freely and abundantly as you do.

You show us where that love is evident now, even when there is real pain, hurt, and even evil, inviting us to live within that love. Continue to help us to recognize that love, and move towards it, rather than becoming discouraged. Keep us from abandoning hope. Prevent us from deciding that we will acquiesce to “the way things are”, resigning ourselves to that it isn’t worth the effort to try, or deciding that such wrongs and divisive ways are the only the way for us to get ahead.

When it is hard for us to see where we or others abide in your love, where it is still the light radiating that you will not allow to be overcome, open our hearts to recognize your presence there. Whether it be in places far away such as the Ukraine or closer to us such as The Top Friendly Market in Buffalo, or Chippewa Falls, remind us that such love isn’t for a moment, but will last until all live within its breadth so that such violence never occurs again.

Show us where your love is within the gift of Creation itself, how you call us to love the environment in similar manner to how we are to love all people- caring for its needs, welcoming its gifts, and repairing the harm we do.

As we pass the horrid milestone of one million CoVID deaths in this country, show us how we can love each other in this time as Jesus is loving us.

Wherever there are those hurting, injured, and ill in body, in mind, or in spirit, reveal your love at work there. Strengthen and give peace to those who are going through these times, as well as those who love and care for them.

As people grieve the loved ones lost recently or long ago, those who mourn losses of relationships, hopes, dreams, security, and all that may be lost, comfort them O God. Hold them in your love, providing safe places for all that they may feel, so that once again they can begin to see the glimmers of hope and joy that you and life still offer.

We pray this all in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Prayer for Easter Sunday, 2022

 

God, what can we offer to you in prayer that could be worthy of what you have done? You have brought sun out of darkness, refusing to let death have the final word, even when we bring that death on ourselves.

For you wrought resurrection this morning, creating new life from the ashes of hope, and bringing grace to places of shame and regret. You declare that no matter how hard we or others try, nothing can separate your children from your love. Your actions reveal that nothing will prevent the coming of your reign of reconciliation, your ways of true justice, and provide us liberation from death in all its forms.

Enable us to express our gratitude by following the Risen One, even now at loose in this world.  That we may follow Jesus into the places of poverty, hunger, violence, hurt, and hate, no matter if they be close to home or in places far away.

Help us to embrace the truth that even where there is pain, there is still your love and care. The reality of  Christ weeping with us even while bringing us to places of comfort, hope, and life.   

Reveal for all the people, places, and times it seems that despair is unending, pain and illness unrelenting, hunger and poverty insurmountable, where Jesus is already present, and where we are called to join him there.

Destroy the barriers we erect during those times we feel that what we have done or what we have failed t do keeps us trapped, isolated, permanently separated from You and from others, so that we can live in your reign of grace upon grace and reconciliation.

You have brought life out death, hope out of the ashes of despair this day, and continue to each day until your reign of love fully encompasses each person. With our gratitude may we join the Risen One wherever we hear his call to come, follow him.  In Jesus name. Amen.  

Pastoral Prayer for the 6th Sunday in Lent

 

How often we act in the same way as the older son in Jesus; parable, O God, refusing to enter fully join you in joy because of the company you keep. How grateful we are that when we do, you stand with us, loving us as we are unable to love others, until we too can join joyfully saying“the dead are now alive, the lost have been found!” Until we recognize that we are just as lost as others, and that you are just as eager to welcome us home.

We recognize that there are so many people, so many places, where people don’t feel welcomed even in the own homes, where they are experiencing lack due to no fault of their own. Here us now as offer these simple prayers for them and for us:

    Peace in Ukraine and all places violence exists,

    Enough for those who are hungry for anything from food to your justice,

    Gratitude for the beauty of your creation and remorse for how many times             we’ve neglected it,

    For all hurting, in body, mind or Spirit, as well as those grieving losses of any         kind, whether recent or long ago.We offer these prayers to your compassionate care, seeking your Spirit so that we can be part of your care.

We lift all these prayers, as well as the unspoken ones of our hearts and minds in the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

Pastoral Prayer for Sunday March 20, 2022- Third Sunday in Lent

 Gracious and merciful God, we are grateful that you do “give a fig” about us so much that through Jesus you draw closer to us when we cannot or will not draw closer to you. You long for all your children to live lives in which they flourish, both for ourselves and for each other. Change us so that we not only can see as you do, but live as Jesus did- under your joyful, abundant reign sharing it with others.

We are having trouble seeing that reality right now, O  God. The pandemic isolated us even as the measures taken were necessary to protected the most vulnerable. The escalating rhetoric around politics, policies, race, and all the “blaming” pointing to others without looking at themselves, the shaming; all raises fears that only isolate us more. Our own hurt, feelings of betrayal, abonnement, or wrongs done against us block us, so that we think  your way can’t work and  that “worlds” ways are our only option. Reassure us that repentance is possible, that the reality of your love and grace frees us from all that would seemingly push us away from you and each other.

Not that we have completely lost that sense of connection. Our collective horror and pain over the war waging in the Ukraine remind us that we still long to live lives together that accept your love and joy. Free us from all that prevents us from reaching out with ways of welcome and care, as well as being your peace bearers there and anywhere others use violence to resolve conflicts or advance their own wants and ideals.

Show us again how to reach out to each other, to refrain from judging who does or doesn’t deserve good, as we humbly recognize that we do not have the complete view you have. Restore in us the impulse to acts of kindness and hospitality. Help us long to listen to understand and learn more than to speak and insist on our views. Bring us to reach out again for the healing you offer, to let go of our hurts and resentments no matter how long it takes, so that we may be free to reach out to others in vulnerability and love.

We lift up all these prayers, as well as the unspoken ones of our hearts and spirits in the name of Jesus. Amen

Pastoral Prayer for Sunday March 13, 2022- Second Sunday in Lent

Ever calling, Ever-reaching God, we are grateful that you never give up on your longing to bring us into your love and care.

Yet we resist, choosing to scatter or to run towards other people, places, or ideas whicch slyly lure us with false promises of security and love. Continue to call us, until we finally run to you to be captured by your embrace, finally recognizing that we are your beloved children, each and every one of us.

Continue to call all to live under your wings of love and ways until we finally are united as your family there. For there are so many people, so many places where foxes still lure us and others into danger and pain. Hear us now as we ask seek your care and shelter for a few of those on our heart.

The continuing invasion of the Ukraine by Russia pains us for all involved. Bring them into your refuge providing, healing, reconciliation and your true peace that can never be found in guns or missiles. Continue to call us as peacemakers, until the day when your children no longer see each other as predators or prey.

We are grateful that the number of CoVID cases has decreased. Remind us that even as the numbers of cases decrease, there are still many who are experiencing the devastating effects of this disease months afterwards "recovering". Keeping us mindful and caring of them when we rather push them aside so we can forget the pain of these past two years.

Where we have scattered not only from you but from each other, ready to fight each other than rather join together under your love to face our challenges together, keep calling us back to you, and to each other. 

For those who are hurting in body, mind or spirit, who are grieving losses of loved ones and all kind, bringing them into the shelter of your presence to find a place where they can pour out all they feel from anger to sadness to peace to joy, all the while knowing you care. 

We lift up these prayers, as well as the unspoken ones of our hearts and minds in the name of Jesus.  Amen. 

Pastoral Prayer for First Sunday in Lent and Communion Sunday, 2022

Holy and Gracious God, you come to us in Jesus not to condemn us, but rescue us. You urge us to allow you to release us from all that we block off living the life you intend for all: one of love, health, wholeness, and peace in relationship with you and each other.  Help us to see Lent not as a time of sorrow or punishment, but as a time for reflection and letting go of what we hold onto that keeps us from experiencing these restored relationships.

We seek that restoration for ourselves, and for all who are in need of it:

We long for peace in the world wherever acts or threats of war rule, thinking of the Ukrainians fleeing their homes or standing their ground under the attacks driven by one man, as well as all those forced to fight.

Bring health to those where personal or societal poverty brings lack of food, clean water, medical care, and all that is necessary for healthful lives.

Build wholeness wherever relationships, bodies and spirits, communities and nations are divided and fractured, restoring or making new connections that embrace diversity as well as what is held in common.

Show us how to love as Jesus loved with actions of giving, outreach, and welcome.

We pray this all in Jesus name. Amen. 

Prayer for Transfiguration Sunday 2022

 Apologies for late post. Thought I had done this Sunday.

Most Holy and Loving God, we hear how Peter, James and John recognized your glory and presence in your beloved Son, Jesus. Renew in us the recognition of your glorious love and presence alive in the world and with us today.

We can easily miss that you are here, already working for good of all, for we become overcome by the places of pain we witness, as well as experience ourselves.

We see it in the Ukraine, as  Russian forces invade. We know that this is just the most visible place where violence and acts of death and destruction are being waged. Mournfully we recognize that this is but one area where armies fight, and leaders seek to expand their power and influence at the expense of the lives of others. In Myanmar government planes execute airstrikes as war continues after a military coupe, civil war continues in Syria, and North Korea again is attempting to intimidate with missile tests- and if only in these places, these wars would be too many. Too often war and acts of war are seen as solutions to problems, or ways to gain more land, power, influence. We pray for peace in these places we named, and wherever acts of violence are inflicted. 

Yet it isn’t just with weapons that we have found ways to inflict violence. We commit acts of violence against the earth, abusing, using and destroying your creation in pursuit of progress or profit. As we grapple with the effects our ongoing disregard has on us and others, grant us the humility and perseverance to live in a different way, one that honors the gift of creation instead of desecrating it.

These past weeks have also brought us verdicts in the cases arising from the killing of Ahmaud Arbery , and George Floyd, cases that highlight how far we still need to go to end hatred and fear based on the shade of skin of another. Transfigure our hearts to reveal a love that seeks reconciliation over revenge or retribution, a reconciliation that can only come about with the telling of the truth of wrongs committed, fears felt, and humanity diminished as it seeks your justice for all your children.  

Equip us to cherish your glory present in each of us, in every human being, and in the wonder of your creation, in the same way Peter was awed by your presence in Jesus. For if we can, how could we live in ways that diminish the lives of others and of this world?

We pray all this in Jesus name. Amen.

A Prayer for Ukraine and for All

 

“He shall judge between the nations,

    and shall arbitrate for many peoples;

they shall beat their swords into plowshares,

    and their spears into pruning hooks;

nation shall not lift up sword against nation,

    neither shall they learn war any more.” Isaiah 2:4

 

How long O God, until that day? When will swords and spears be changed into tools to grow food? Will we see the day when tanks and troop carriers are scrapped to build homes? Why aren’t we at the day when rockets are only used for exploring space and fireworks, where soldiers no longer need to serve, pull a trigger, push a button, in order to destroy another’s life as well as chip away at their own?

Honestly, we wonder if there ever that day will be. Even when we are not the ones to start it, how are we to react? Is there ever a time where responding to violence with violence is right? Is there ever a time when you sanction pre-emptive attacks and violence to protect the innocent, or prevent a worse horror than the attacks themselves?

I have no answers to these O God. I once thought I might, but I don’t. Today the news of war anywhere for any reason saddens me, as I consider the people on all sides. Is it ever justified?  Is it ever necessary, to be undertaken reluctantly because there really is no other way to protect others?  All I know is I want it all to end, that there be no need, no use, no thought of military or paramilitary or enemies or weapons or “shock and awe”. How can we with straight faces never mind calm hearts call such acts “peace-keeping”, or “freedom-bringing” or ‘restoring order” when we know they do exactly the opposite?

And so today we pray. We pray for the people of the lands called Ukraine and Russia as they are pulled into a war they don’t want.  We pray for a swift and easy end, brought about by your Spirit and wisdom changing hearts to retreat, resist the call to attack another, and to instead seek reconciliation that is just as well as peaceful.

We pray for the ordinary citizens who are trying to live their lives but now must run to bomb shelters hoping the warning was in time, hoping the shelter will hold. We pray for those who tend to the wounded even as electricity goes out, supplies run low, and their own homes are threatened. We pray for those who leaders send them into battle, while the leaders are protected while telling “their” soldiers that they must shoot, or drop a bomb, send a missile, or drone that will kill other of your beloved children. Protect their humanity, O God, that when this is finished, they still can find hope even in despair, repentance where it might be need, and a resolve to work so that no one else is called to do as they have done.

For the children who may become orphans, for the parents who may become childless, for the spouses who become widows and widowers, for all who’s loved one, friend, classmate, co-worker, neighbor loses their lives because of this reign of death - we hope for comfort and for peace to come back into their lives. 

Jesus tells us that blessed are the peacemakers- show us how to be peacemakers in this world. Give us what we need- humility? compassion? love? - to be your peacemakers until the day comes when no nation will raise a weapon against a neighbor, and no person will seek the death of others for political, ideological, or religious gains.

Help us. Forgive us. Show us a different way. Amen

Prayer from Sunday, February 20, 2022

 Merciful and loving God, we are grateful that you recognize that we are your beloved child, no matter how much may get in the way. For you made us in your image, a reflection of who you are, and of your desire for us to live lives of joy and abundance within the diversity of your creation and love.

Forgive us when we pile on labels, ideologies, or excuses to not do the same as you do towards other. Infuse your Spirit’s strengthen and perseverance in us when we are tempted to resign ourselves to “that’s just how it is”, or are called coward or worse when we refuse to hate, or treat others as an enemies. Remind us that Jesus calls us to follow him not only in refraining from acts of hate, Jesus calls us to reach out with respect, care, and compassion to those who may not or will not do the same towards us.

The possibility of war between Russia and Ukraine fills us with apprehension. If possible bring about a peace that is just and that doesn’t require one solider to fire upon another.

Is there no end to the political tensions in our country. No longer is it reserved for elections or between politicians. It spills out into our social media, communities, neighborhoods. When there is temptation to see others who disagree as enemies or adversaries, transform us into peacemakers who find ways to foster respect of persons, even when there is disagreement over ideas, options, or other possible dividers.

This past week and into the coming one, storms throughout the US and world bringing freezing temperatures, snow and ice to places not equipped to handle them, where homes are equipped with the heat or insulation for these conditions. Grant wisdom to people to stay off roads and away from places so that those who are tasked with clearing roadways, providing emergency services, and other necessities can safely and efficiently do their work. Prompt with compassion neighbors to check on the safety of other neighbors , especially those who are alone.

We pray for wholeness as you see fit for those who are hurting in body, in mind, in spirit.  May they experience your peace, your comfort, your strength.

For those who grieve losses of any kind, surround them with comfort and with joyful memories so that there may come the day where even as they still grieve, they are no longer filled with despair.

We pray this all in the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

Prayer for Sunday, February 13, 2022

 And I am back. I took a little longer of a break from posting as I got settled here in my new call at St. Johns UCC in Fountain City, WI and Hope UCC in Cochrane, WI.  My husband remains in Florida until late March as he finishes recovery from a last minute hospitalization just before Christmas and the move here. (He developed an infection that required surgery- that is fully recovered and now he is working well towards recovering mobility after two weeks in bed in the hospital.) 

I earned my Doctor of Ministry in Family, Youth, and Culture at the end of November 2021. Now that I have a large chunk of time free from that, and that I am settling in here, my desire is to start doing some more blogging on my thoughts once we move into Lent. 

I hope to be posting my weekly Pastoral Prayer a day or two after that Sunday, and then spending some time sharing my thoughts under the subtitle "not that you asked, but..." . Thanks for being part of this journey.

Pastoral Prayer for February 13, 2022

Gracious God, you do not judge us by our circumstances or current position.  Why do we so often fail to do the same with ourselves or others? We love to create checklists of things to do that will tell us we are good or worthwhile, or what to avoid so we aren’t worthless or wrong. We form questions where the right answer means we are good and “in”, and the incorrect answer means we are wrong and “out”.

 When we are drawn to using these as measurements of worth, remind us that your only measurement is being your beloved child. Remind us the only question we need ask is “our we acting in the same love and compassion we see revealed in Jesus, and so reflecting your love and ways to the world?”

For the good news Jesus shared with his first disciples is needed still.

We long for a world where no longer there are those go without having their needs met, while some have more than needed for a thousand people as they only desire to amass more. Help us to live fully into your realm where not only do all have enough, but where those with more use their abundance freely and joyfully to provide what for the needs of others.

So many hunger for more than food O God. They long for justice, for the end of hatred and racism, for the establishment of a just peace. Wherever and whenever there is any type of hunger, bring about the ways of fulfilling such needs not only for a moment, but for eternity.

For those who weep O God, we long that they receive comfort.  When we are the ones who are grieved or pained, remind us that even in our sorrow or emptiness, we are still held in your love and care, still beloved by you.  

And for those who are hurting in body, mind, and spirit, we long that they experience the wholeness of life as your beloved child.  Provide relief from pain, peace even in its midst, and times of joy that reflect your desires of love for them. 

In these and all our prayers, when we can be part of your answers, give us the humility, courage, and love to do so.

We lift up all these prayers, as well as the unspoken ones of our hearts and minds, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

A Little Bit of a Break

 You might have notice I haven't posted for a few weeks.  I finished my time at the UCC church in Sanibel the end of October, and so haven't had need to write my "prayers of the people/pastoral prayers" for a few weeks. I am grateful for my 10 years serving the Sanibel Congregational UCC, but decided to take a two month "sabbatical".

I am happy to announce that as of January 2022 I will be the pastor of St.Johns UCC in Fountain City and Hope UCC in Cochrane, WI.  So over the next weeks any posting I have will be irregular, and may focus more on the thoughts than prayers. 

I look forward to posting regularly starting in January 2022. 

Prayer from October 17, 2021

It is amazing God, that your desire for us to serve you is not what we might expect. You don’t ask us to please you so that you provide us what we need, or to sacrifice all to make monuments or statutes to your name. You don’t desire worship at your feet to so that you can bask in words of praise that build your ego. Instead, it is serve you with love, through reaching out to those whose cries you hear, who are hurting, and those who are treated as less than your beloved children. You ask us to turn our hearts towards serving the needs of your children, our siblings, in your universal family- serving in the ways that we witness Jesus do.

And so this morning, we look to you for ways that we can do for others O God.  We seek the humility and compassion that Jesus exudes, longing to teach us as we follow his steps in your ways.

When we would myopically focus on ourselves, concerned with only how something impacts us personally, open our spirits to others.

When we seek your interventions in the challenges and suffering of the world, remind us that you ask us to become part of your work. Provide us direction as we long for: 

 

               Freedom for those who are oppressed,

                The end to violence in all its forms,

               And that all who hunger for food, for water, for medical care                                   and safe housing be satisfied.

 

When we pray for the end to all hate and discrimination, remind us that you have already provide to each of us what is needed for the elimination of the vestiges of racism and other isms that infest our systems, institutions, and sometimes even our very self.

 Where we lack the humility to do so, grant it to us- where we would confuse accountability for making changes that eradicate these vestiges of hate with being blamed or judged as causing them, move us to put aside our pride and instead be more concerned with how systemic racism, misogyny and other forms of hate and fear of differences affect others. Give us the willingness to bear the cost that may come with such changes, reminding us of those who have paid the cost for centuries on their own. 

We hope that this pandemic is heading towards an end. As it does, give us the willingness to reach across the divides, to sit at the same table and with others with whom we may disagree. Even if they are not returned, move us to reach out to them with love and compassion.

Remind us that serving others may not bring us praise, or adulation- for Jesus was often criticized, even violently opposed. He continued to serve by refusing to return the violence and instead accept death as another act of love, revealing a different way.

 

                   For it through our actions of dignity towards all                                                           that your love is expressed,

               Your love is experience in our acts of compassion,

               In our welcome and embrace of all people as your children                                       your grace and reconciling ways are spread.

 

We lift up these and all the prayers of our hearts and spirits in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Prayer from the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, October 10, 2021

 Apologies for the lateness of this-sometimes Word doesn't want to cooperate. 

Holy God, you value justice and compassion over empty acts of worship and piety because those are part of your core that is Love. For this we are grateful. As we worship, fill us with your Spirit that inspires us to actions that reflect your compassion and justice – actions seeking reconciliation and amends, instead of punishment or banishment. Form us together through our worship the morning to become an invitation to your liberating ways. 

It was not just in ancient times that prophets were needed. We still need those who will not only speak but act as your prophets, calling for those considered last to be treated in the same manner as those who consider themselves first. Calling for justice that is not afraid to look at where we fall short, not to chastise our failures but so that we may change. Challenging us to humbly, honestly, and fearlessly to love for the ways we perpetuate injustice, discrimination, even oppression in our systemic issues, our institutions, our communities, even ourselves. Open our ears to the prophets aong us new, entreating us to hear the cries of those experiencing poverty, discrimination, fear, and those who are feared merely because of they are who they were born to be. Move our hearts to respond as you would and do.

For we don’t even need to look to people to see where acts of injustice and imbalance have taken a toll over the years. Stir us to act in new ways to stem if not reverse the centuries of misuse and misappropriation of your gift of Creation itself. We need only look at nature around- raging wildfires, floods, more animals extinct while other roam our streets because their habits are gone. Forgive us our self-centeredness and stir us to have compassion upon the environment itself.

Bring us together O God, as we seek to live out your ways in addressing these issues. Remind us that these are not about faceless issues, but people, individuals who are our siblings, our parents, our children, our friends – prod us to visual the face of one who would be helped whenever we seek out solutions and new ways. And when we disagree over how, remind us that the one we disagree with is also your child, as well as a child, parent, sibling, friend themselves.

We lift up all these prayers, as well as the unspoken ones of our hearts and spirits, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

Prayer from 17th Sunday after Pentecost, September 12, 2021

God, you show us the power of Words. The Bible tells us that at Creation was if you spoke a word over chaos and things began to be ordered, new life emerging.  Some call Jesus your Word, your declaration that your love knows no bounds and that nothing can separate us from you and your love. What wonders you reveal with just a few spoken words.

We know that words can heal, lift up spirits, bring reconciliation and express love and compassion. But we also know that they can deceive, wound a person’s sense of being, spread lies and half truths that tear down. They can be formed in ways to manipulate others, inspire unfounded fears, or gain unchallenged power.

When we speak, give us the words of our mouth that reflect you and your ways. As we prepare to send an email, a text, a letter, fire off that response on Facebook or Twitter, give us a pause to ask- it is true? Does it reflect your ways of  love and compassion, as well as justice?  Are we the ones you desire to speak this in this time, in this place? We long to have the words of hearts and minds be inspired by you God.

So when forgiveness is sought, give us words of grace to respond.

When we are the ones that need to ask forgiveness, give us words of humility and accountability.

Refrain us when we would speak with anger and malice, especially when we have been hurt or  feel oh so justified.

Provide the words of healing and reconciliation that are needed so much in this world right now.

Show us how to speak to bridge the divisions in this country especially in this time of pandemic.  Help us to hear the vicious words of other for what the often are, words of anger covering their fear of not being heard, that things are changing, out of their control.

Bring our leaders to choose words that unite and build community even when there is disagreement over the ways to address challenges. Silence those who choose words to sow discontent with each other, hoping to gain power, prestige, and position by inciting fear of the other.

Give us the actions to mold and revise our institutions and systems in ways that make true the words so many speak carelessly: justice and liberty for all.

Inspire us to words of welcome to all those fleeing war and violence, poverty, seeking medical assistance.

Provide the words of comfort and support, as well as the times for just silence, to those who are hurting in body, mind, or spirit, and to all who grieve.

We lift up all these prayers, as well as the unspoken ones of our hearts and spirits in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer for Twentieth Anniversary of 9/11

 

Holy One, we stop and remember the events of 9/11-lifting those killed in the Twin Towers, at the Pentagon, and on Flight 93 during these attacks. We remember where we were, what we felt, as we tried to take in what was so rapidly and tragically happening- horrified, sickened, grief-struck, even scared for our own safety. Continue to to comfort and care for all those who survived those attacks, the loved ones of those who died, and the responders who are still dealing with illness and still dying from the attacks of that day. Remind us that we still have a responsibility to them even now 20 years later.

Help us to remember the other scenes we witnessed that day- shop owners opening their doors and urging people to come in for shelter. Fire and rescue, ems, police personnel putting aside their own fears to help others. Passengers on a plane willingly giving their lives to save others. Bring up for us also the images of merchants and people giving away food, clean clothes, swapping heels and dress shoes for sneakers for those who had to walk out of the city. The feeling that we were one people, politics, race, language, beliefs, none of that mattered for at least a few days. Even nationality melted away as acts of remembrance and condolences came in from around the world, from friends such as England and Japan, and from perceived adversaries as Iran.

Make that the legacy of this day- not a pain that seeks revenge or retribution, or a life of fear of it happening again. A desire to reach across those boundaries so that we may experience each day in joy what we instinctively knew for a few moments that day in pain; we are one, that those distinctions and labels we apply are false, for we share in the humanity you created us all to be part of. The reality that we are all your children, and  what effects one impacts us all.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Prayer for Labor Day Weekend 2021

 

Most loving and gracious God, through this pandemic you have opened our eyes to who truly are essential workers, needed by us in a variety of ways.

Grocery clerks and stockers. Farmers and truck drivers. Janitors and garbage collectors. Hospital workers who assist Doctors and nursesby washing sheets, mopping floors, helping patients change  clothes, and all the ways they assist in caring for others. Too many for us to list. We celebrate them this Labor Day weekend.

Yet too frequently peopoe don’t fully seem them, see their situation. Too many are treated unjustly- we don’t care for them as you have called all your people to do throughout time.

Too many are working poor despite working fulltime-struggling to put a roof over their family’s head, food on the table, clothe their children and all the necessities we take for granted.

Too many are carefully scheduled so that they don’t reach the threshold of hours to receive health insurance coverage, or other benefits. So they work multiple jobs to try to cobble together the equivalent of full-time work.

Frequently they are seen as a means to an end- to someone else’s profit, to keep prices low on the things we buy.

Again and again they are the last to be thought of, and the first to be cut.

Open our eyes and hearts to see as you do. Give us the humility to see where we might be complicit, and change what we can to treat those we celebrate with this holiday with justice and equity. Give us the courage to make the decisions and changes needed to treat them with the dignity and fairness they deserve.

We lift this up in Jesus’ name. Amen.