Bluebonnet Collected Prayers

Great, O King, is our happiness in thy, thou, our King

2006-02-07T19:06:00.000-08:00

Great, O King, is our happiness
in thy kingdom, thou, our King.

We dance before thee, our King,
by the strength of thy kingdom.

May our feet be made strong;
let us dance before thee, eternal.

Give you praise, all angels,
to him above who is worthy of praise.

Prayer in sacred dance of the Zulu Nazarite Church

Fairest Lord Jesus

2006-02-06T19:05:00.000-08:00

Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature,
O thou of God and man the Son,
thee will I cherish, thee will I honor,
thou, my soul's glory, joy and crown.

Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,
robed in the blooming garb of spring:
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
who makes the woeful heart to sing.

Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight,
and all the twinkling starry host:
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
than all the angels heaven can boast.

Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration,
Now and forevermore be thine.

Munster Gesangbuch (1677, trans Joseph August Seiss, 1873

Help Us Remember!

2006-01-30T08:49:00.000-08:00

Heavenly Father,
Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.

- Author Unknown

Most holy and eternal God

2006-01-30T08:44:00.000-08:00

Most holy and eternal God, Lord and sovereign of all the creatures, I humbly present to thy divine majesty, myself, my soul and body, my thoughts and my words, my actions and intentions, my passions, and my sufferings, to be disposed by thee to thy glory; to be blessed by thy providence; to be guided by thy counsel; to be sanctified by thy Spirit . . .

Jeremy Taylor, 1613-67

Lord, what we know not, teach us

2006-01-27T19:03:00.000-08:00

Lord, what we know not, teach us; what we have not, give us; and what we are not, make us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Anonymous

Psalm 119:33-40

2006-01-26T18:53:00.000-08:00

Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees;
then I will keep them to the end.
Give me understanding, and I will keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.
Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.
Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.
Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.
How I long for your precepts!
Preserve my life in your righteousness.

May the God who binds up the brokenhearted

2006-01-25T17:47:00.000-08:00

May the God who binds up the brokenhearted, who proclaims freedom to those held captive by poverty, and promises justice to all who mourn its loss, bless you with beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness in place of grief, and instead of your spirit of despair, a garment of unending praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Christian Aid

As the compass-needle's arms point to North, South, East and West

2006-01-24T17:23:00.000-08:00

As the compass-needle's arms
point to North, South, East and West,
so the cross, through life's alarms,
helps us choose the way that's best.
Thank you, Lord, that you provide
this clear compass-cross to guide.

Where life's meaning is obscure,
through the valley of deep shade,
eyes are blind and hearts unsure;
Christ our Sun, shine through to aid,
showing where before us lies
journey's end in paradise.

Transitory earthly things
break like bubbles in the breeze,
hopes dry up like desert springs,
plans may crash like rootless trees.
Drench dry land, O Lord, with rain,
till we bear the harvest grain.

Countless voices seek to guide,
many paths there are to choose,
if we turn to either side
firm ground soon our feet will lose.
Take us by the hand, we pray,
lead us on the narrow way.

Lord, through dusty ways ahead,
save the stumbling, here below,
be on every path we tread,
show lost sheep which way to go.
Guide us through the sheepfold's door,
Till we come to joy once more.

Ernest Yang Yin-liu

Prayer for Marriage

2006-01-24T17:09:00.000-08:00

Most gracious God, we give you thanks for your tender love in sending Jesus Christ to come among us, to be born of a human mother, and to make the way of the cross to be the way of life.

We thank you, also, for consecrating the union of man and woman in his Name.
By the power of your Holy Spirit, pour out the abundance of your blessing upon this man and this woman.
Defend them from every enemy.
Lead them into all peace.
Let their love for each other be a seal upon their hearts, a mantle about their shoulders, and a crown upon their foreheads.
Bless them in their work and in their companionship; in their sleeping and in their waking; in their joys and in their sorrows; in their life and in their death.
Finally, in your mercy, bring them to that table where your saints feast for ever in your heavenly home; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Christian
source: Book of Common Prayer (1979)

My Dearest Lord, Be thou a bright flame

2006-01-23T17:07:00.000-08:00

My dearest Lord,
Be thou a bright flame before me,
Be thou a guiding star above me,
Be thou a smooth path beneath me,
Be thou a kindly shepherd behind me,
Today -- tonight -- and forever.

Columba

Prayer for Peaceful Sleep

2006-01-22T16:55:00.000-08:00

Lord God,
send peaceful sleep
to refresh our tired bodies.
May your help always renew us
and keep us strong in your service.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our souls and bodies, beseeching you to keep us this night under your protection and strengthen us for our service on the morrow, for Christ's sake.
Amen.

- Archbishop Laud (1573-1645)

Lord of the morning and ruler of all seasons

2006-01-20T16:45:00.000-08:00

Lord of the morning and ruler of all seasons, hear our prayer and have mercy on our souls . . .with the day may your light shine on our thoughts and may it drive away the shadows of error from our souls . . .

Syrian Orthodox

I cannot dance, O Lord, unless you lead me

2006-01-19T16:20:00.000-08:00

I cannot dance, O Lord, unless you lead me. If it is your will, I can leap with joy. But you must show me how to dance and sing by dancing and singing yourself! With you I will leap towards love, and from love I will leap to truth, and from truth I will leap to joy, and then I shall leap beyond all human senses. There I will remain and dance for evermore.

Michtild of Magdeburg (1210-80)

God, of your goodness give me yourself

2006-01-18T16:15:00.000-08:00

God, of your goodness give me yourself; for you are sufficient for me. I cannot properly ask anything less, to be worthy of you. If I were to ask less, I should always be in want. In you alone do I have all. Amen.

Juliana of Norwich, England, 15th century

Psalm 25 - To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul

2006-01-17T16:14:00.000-08:00

1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;
2 in you I trust, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one whose hope is in you
will ever be put to shame,
but they will be put to shame
who are treacherous without excuse.
4 Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;
5 guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you are good, O LORD.
Psalm 25:1-7

Prayer for Peace

2006-01-17T16:06:00.000-08:00

May there be peace in the higher realms;
may there be peace in the firmament;
may there be peace on earth.

May the waters flow peacefully;
may the herbs and plants grow peacefully;
may all the divine powers bring unto us peace.

The Supreme Lord is peace.
May we all be in peace, peace, and only peace;
and may that peace come unto each of us.

Hindu

In Remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr.

2006-01-16T11:41:00.000-08:00

O Guardian of Israel,
Our shelter and shade,
Stir up in us that flame of justice
That Jesus incited on this earth,
That rages in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

O arouse in us
That very flame of righteousness
That enticed Martin
To be a living sacrifice of praise,
To seek freedom for all God's children.

O to you, God, ever faithful and true,
Be glory for ever and ever.
Amen.

- Attributed to J. Glenn Murray, SJ

My life is a bubble, a smoke, a shadow, a thought

2006-01-16T11:20:00.000-08:00

. . . My life is a bubble, a smoke, a shadow, a thought; I know it hath no abiding in this thoroughfare. O, suffer me not so mad as while I pass on the way I should forget the end. It is that other life that I must trust to. With thee it is that I shall continue.

From The Art of Divine Meditation by Joseph Hall (1574-1656)

Bedtime Prayer - Now I lay me down to sleep

2006-01-15T02:33:00.000-08:00

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray Thee, Lord, thy child to keep:
Thy love guard me through the night
And wake me with the morning light.
Amen.

Our darkness is never darkness in your sight

2006-01-13T02:47:00.000-08:00

Our darkness is never darkness in your sight:
the deepest night is clear as the daylight.

Within our darkest night, you kindle the fire
that never dies away, that never dies away.

The Taize Community

Lord, do Thou turn me all into love

2006-01-12T02:51:00.000-08:00

Lord, do Thou turn me all into love, and all my love into obedience, and let my obedience be without interruption.

Jeremy Taylor

Great art thou, O Lord, and marvelous are they works

2006-01-11T02:53:00.000-08:00

Great art thou, O Lord, and marvelous are thy works: no words suffice to sing the praise of thy wonders. . .
The sun sings thy praises;
The moon glorifies thee;
The stars supplicate before thee;
The light obeys thee;
The deeps are afraid at thy presence;
The fountains are thy servants.
Thou hast stretched out the heavens like a curtain;
Thou hast established the earth upon the waters;
Thou hast walled about the sea with sand.
Thou hast poured forth the air that living things may breathe.
The angelic powers minister to thee; the choirs of archangels worship thee.
By the elements, by the angels and by men, by things visible and invisible, may thy most holy name be glorified, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

At the Blessing of the Waters, Epiphany, Orthodox

Fix thou our steps, O Lord

2006-01-10T02:56:00.000-08:00

Fix thou our steps, O Lord, that we stagger not at the uneven motions of the world, but steadily go on to our glorious home . . .the winds are often rough, and our own weight presses us downwards. Reach forth, O Lord, thy hand, thy saving hand, and speedily deliver us. Teach us, O Lord, to use this transitory life as pilgrims returning to their beloved home; that we may take what our journey requires, and not think of settling in a foreign country.

John Wesley

O merciful and loving Father of all

2006-01-09T02:58:00.000-08:00

O merciful and loving Father of all, look down we pray thee on the many millions who are hungry in the world today and are at the mercy of disease. Grant that we who have lived so comfortably and gently all our lives may have true sympathy with them and do all in our power, as individuals and as a nation, to help them to that abundant life which is thy will for them; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

George Appleton

Let this day, O Lord, add some knowledge...

2006-01-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

Let this day, O Lord, add some knowledge or good deed to yesterday.

Lancelot Andrewes

Soul of Christ...Body of Christ...Blood of Christ

2006-01-05T07:08:00.000-08:00

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Hide me within your wounds
and never allow me to be separated from you.
From the wicked enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me,
And bid me come to you,
So that with your saints I may praise you
for ever and ever.

The "Anima Christi" from the 14th century

Let nothing disturb you...

2006-01-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

Let nothing disturb you
nothing frighten you,
all things are passing;
patient endurance
attains all things.
One whom God possesses lacks nothing,
for God alone suffices.

On the bookmark of Teresa of Avila

Thanks be to thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits

2006-01-03T04:21:00.000-08:00

Thanks be to thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which Thou hast given us; for all the pains and insults which thou hast borne for us. O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother, may we know thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, and follow Thee more nearly; for Thine own sake.

St. Richard of Chichester

91st Psalm v.1-6 (Christian translation)

2006-01-03T03:08:00.000-08:00

91st Psalm

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
abides under the shadow of the Almighty.

He shall say to the Lord,
"You are my refuge and my stronghold,
my God in whom I put my trust."

He shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter
and from the deadly pestilence.

He shall cover you with his pinions,
and you shall find refuge under his wings;
his faithfulness shall be a shield and buckler.

You shall not be afraid of any terror by night,
nor of the arrow that flies by day;

Of the plague that stalks in the darkness,
nor of the sickness that lays waste at mid-day.

A thousand shall fall at your side
and ten thousand at your right hand,
but it shall not come near you.

Your eyes only have to behold
to see the reward of the wicked.

Because you have made the Lord your refuge,
and the Most High your habitation,

There shall no evil happen to you,
neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.

For he shall give his angels charge over you,
to keep you in all your ways.

They shall bear you in their hands,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.

You shall tread upon the lion and the adder;
you shall trample the young lion and the serpent
under your feet.

Because he is bound to me in love,
therefore will I deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my Name.

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him;
I am with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and bring him to honor.

With long life will I satisfy him,
and show him my salvation.

- Psalms 91: 1-16
Christian, appropriate for many faiths
source: Book of Common Prayer 1979

91st Psalm v.1-6 (Jewish translation)

2006-01-03T03:04:00.000-08:00

91st Psalm

O thou that dwellest in the covert of the Most High, and abidest in the shadow of the Almighty;

I will say of HaShem, who is my refuge and my fortress, my G-d, in whom I trust,

That He will deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

He will cover thee with His pinions, and under His wings shalt thou take refuge; His truth is a shield and a buckler.

Thou shalt not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flieth by day;

Of the pestilence that walketh in darkness, nor of the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

A thousand may fall at Thy side, and ten thousand at Thy right hand; it shall not come nigh thee.

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold, and see the recompense of the wicked.

For thou hast made HaShem who is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation.

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy tent.

For He will give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

They shall bear thee upon their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and asp; the young lion and the serpent shalt thou trample under feet.

'Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he hath known My name.

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and bring him to honour.

With long life will I satisfy him, and make Him to behold My salvation.'

- Psalms 91: 1-16
Jewish
source: Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society, 1917)

Prayer for Friends - Father, I ask You to bless my friends

2006-01-02T11:25:00.000-08:00

God still sits on the throne. Each and every one of us are
going through tough times right now but God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can.

Keep the faith.

This prayer is powerful, and prayer is one
of the best gifts we receive. There is no
cost but a lot of rewards. Let's continue
to pray for one another.

The prayer:

Father, I ask You to bless my friends,
relatives and those I care deeply for who
are reading this right now. Show them
a new revelation of Your! love and power.
Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to
their spirit at this very moment.

Where there is pain, give them your peace
and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release
a renewed confidence through Your grace.
Where there is need, I ask you to fulfill their needs.
Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings
and their comings.. In Jesus' precious name Amen.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

TRUTH
For the law was given through Moses;
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

~ John 1:17

Prayer for those in Military Service

2006-01-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

God of compassion,
we pray for military personnel,
offered for the sake of others,
and separated from family and loved ones.
Care for them; meet their needs.
Grant them courage, compassion, strength,
and all they need for the living of these days.
Sustain them through their every trial.
Remind them of the humanity they share
even with those who are called "the enemy;"
through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.

Prayer for the New Year

2006-01-01T13:30:00.000-08:00

Grant me the strength from day to day
To bear what burdens come my way.
Grant me throughout this bright New Year
More to endure and less to fear.
Help me live that I may be
From spite and petty malice free.

Let me not bitterly complain
When cherished hopes of mine prove vain,
Or spoil with deeds of hate and rage
Some fair tomorrow's spotless page.
Lord, as the days shall come and go
In courage let me stronger grow.

...

Lord, as the New Year dawns today
Help me to put my faults away.
Let me be big in little things;
Grant me the joy which friendship brings.
Keep me from selfishness and spite;
Let me be wise in what is right.

A happy New Year! Grant that I
May bring no tear to any eye.
When this New Year in time shall end
Let it be said I've played the friend,
Have lived and loved and labored here,
And made of it a happy year.

- Edgar A. Guest

Prayer for the Courage to Look Within

2005-12-31T13:35:00.000-08:00

May all sentient beings have the courage to look within themselves and see the good and bad that exists in all of us. May we open our hearts, shining the light of love into the dark recesses where doubt and fear reside. May we have the courage to step into that light and embrace whatever we find, letting it rise to the surface freed by the act of loving kindness.

- Beliefnet member kuliLinei

Motorists' Prayer

2005-12-30T13:41:00.000-08:00

Grant me, O Lord, a steady hand and watchful eye, that no one shall be hurt as I pass by.

You gave life; I pray no act of mine may take away or mar that gift of thine.

Shelter those, dear Lord, who bear my company, from the evils of fire and all calamity.

Teach me to use my car for others' needs; nor miss through love of undue speed

The beauty of the world; that thus I may with joy and courtesy go on my way.

St. Christopher, holy patron of travelers, protect me and lead me safely to my destiny.

Amen.

O Sweet Lord Jesus, Thou art the present portion of thy people

2005-12-30T13:37:00.000-08:00

O sweet Lord Jesus, thou art the present portion of thy people, favor us this year with such a sense of thy preciousness, that from its first to its last day we may be glad and rejoice in thee. Let January open with joy in the Lord, and December close with gladness in Jesus.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-92)

Morning Prayer

2005-12-29T13:45:00.000-08:00

O Lord, grant that my heart may be truly cleansed and filled with Thy Holy Spirit, and that I may arise to serve Thee, and lie down to sleep in entire confidence in Thee, and submission to Thy will, ready for life or for death. Let me live for the day, not overcharged with worldly cares, but feeling that my treasure is not here, and desiring truly to be joined to Thee in Thy heavenly kingdom, and to those who are already gone to Thee. O Lord, save me from sin, and guide me with Thy Spirit, and keep me in faithful obedience to Thee, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord.

- Rev. Thomas Arnold (1795-1842)

Almighty God, by whose mercy my life has continued for another year

2005-12-29T13:39:00.000-08:00

Almighty God, by whose mercy my life has continued for another year, I pray that, as my years increase, my sins may not increase. As age advances, let me become more open, more faithful and more trusting in thee. Let me not be distracted by lesser things from what is truly important. And if I become infirm as I grow old, may I not be overwhelmed by self-pity or bitterness. Continue and increase thy lovingkindness towards me, so that, when thou dost finally call me to thyself, I may enter into eternal happiness with thee, through Jesus Christ my Lord.

Dr. Samuel Johnson (1709-84)

Prayer for Protection

2005-12-28T13:52:00.000-08:00

Princes shall come out of Egypt,
Ethiopia shall stretch forth her
hand unto God. Oh thou God
of Ethiopia, thou God of divine
majesty, thy spirit come within our
hearts to dwell in the pasts of righteousness.
That the hungry be fed,
the sick nourished, the aged protected,
and the infant cared for. Teach us
love and loyalty as it is in Zion.

Rastafarian

Eternal God, thou makest all things new

2005-12-28T13:48:00.000-08:00

Eternal God, thou makest all things new, and abidest forever the same: grant us to begin this year in thy faith, and to continue it in thy favor; that, being guided in all our doings, and guarded all our days, we may spend our lives in thy service, and finally, by thy grace, attain the glory of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

William Edwin Orchard (1877-1955)

For those coping with Divorce

2005-12-27T13:57:00.000-08:00

Lord, be with this family as they transition into two separate households. Let your eternal light radiate throughout both homes, that this child may know your lovingkindness, as manifested by her parents, who love her, Lord. Let both this husband and wife grow strong in your love and live their lives according to Your will and not their own... I also pray for all children of divorce, that they have both their parents in their lives, and never doubt for one second that they are loved and cherished, and precious in Your sight. Thy will be done Lord, Amen.

Almighty God, who alone art without variableness or shadow of turning

2005-12-27T13:54:00.000-08:00

Almighty God, who alone art without variableness or shadow of turning, and hast safely brought us through the changes of time to the beginning of another year: we beseech thee to pardon the sins that we have committed in the year which is past; and give us grace that we may spend the remainder of our days to thy honor and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Church of Ireland Book of Common Prayer

Hanukkah Candle-Lighting Prayers

2005-12-26T14:01:00.000-08:00

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us by his commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.

Baruch ata Adonai, Elohenu melech ha-olam asher kideshanu be-mitzvotav, ve-tzivanu le-hadlik ner shel Hanukah.

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.

Baruch ata Adonai, Elohenu melech ha-olam she-asa nisim la-avotenu ba-yamim ha-hem ba-zeman ha-zeh.

On the first night only:
Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has kept us alive, and has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this season.

Baruch ata Adonai, Elohenu melech ha-olam she-hecheyanu, ve-kiyemanu, ve-higiyanu la-zeman ha-zeh.

Jewish

Christmas Prayer

2005-12-25T03:44:00.000-08:00

Loving Father,
Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

- Robert Louis Stevenson

Christmas Eve Prayer

2005-12-24T03:52:00.000-08:00

Most Loving Father, thank you for this night and for all it represents. Thank you for the hope you bestow, the peace you bring, the love you pour out, and the joy you give. We praise you most of all for Jesus, your Word made flesh. May he light our way as the holy star lit the way for the wise men. Amen

- Rev. Richard J. Fairchild

Be mindful, O Lord

2005-12-23T03:55:00.000-08:00

Be mindful, O Lord, of those who travel by land, by sea, and by air; of the old and young, the sick, the suffering, the sorrowing, the afflicted, the captives, the needy and the poor; and upon them all send forth Thy mercies, for Thou art the Giver of all good things.

Christian
source: Orthodox Christian liturgy

O sweet Child of Bethlehem

2005-12-21T07:33:00.000-08:00

O sweet Child of Bethlehem, grant that we may share with all our hearts in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into our hearts the peace for which we sometimes seek so desperately and which you alone can give us . . . Reveal to us also your beauty, holiness and purity. Awaken in our hearts love and gratitude for your infinite goodness. Join us all together in your love. And give us your heavenly peace. Amen.

Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)

Let your goodness, Lord, appear to us

2005-12-20T05:54:00.000-08:00

Let your goodness, Lord, appear to us, that we, made in your image, conform ourselves to it. In our own strength we cannot imitate your majesty, power and wonder; nor is it fitting for us to try. But your mercy reaches from the heavens, through the clouds, to the earth below. You have come to us as a small child, but you have brought us the greatest of all gifts, the gift of eternal love . . .

Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)

Welcome, all wonders in one sight!

2005-12-19T21:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome, all wonders in one sight!
Eternity shut in a span.
Summer in winter, day in night.
Heaven in earth, and God in Man;
Great little one! Whose all-embracing birth
Lifts earth to heaven, stoops heav'n to earth.

From 'The Nativity' by Richard Crashaw (c.1613-49)

Spouses' Prayer

2005-12-18T02:44:00.000-08:00

O Lord, omnipotent and eternal God, we give you thanks and we bless your holy name. You created man and woman in your image and blessed their union, so that each would be for the other a help and support. Remember us today. Protect us and grant that our love may be in the image of the devotion and love of Christ for his Church. Grant us a long and fruitful life together, in joy and in peace, so that, through your Son and in the Holy Spirit, our hearts may always rise to you in praise and goods works.

Christian
source: Catholic Doors Ministry

Prayer for Young People

2005-12-17T21:12:00.000-08:00

God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Watch, O Lord

2005-12-17T05:47:00.000-08:00

Watch, O Lord, with those who wake,
or watch, or weep tonight,
and give your angels and saints
charge over those who sleep.

Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ,
rest your weary ones,
bless your dying ones,
soothe your suffering ones,
pity your afflicted ones
shield your joyous ones.

And all for your love's sake.
Amen.

- St. Augustine

O Thou who art the source of all existence and the light of all seeing!

2005-12-16T17:53:00.000-08:00

O Thou who art the source of all existence and the light of all seeing: We remember with joy and awe that the world is thy creation, and that life is thy gift. Lift up our thoughts from the littleness of our own works to the greatness, the majesty, and the wonder of thine, and teach us so to behold thy glory that we may grow into thy likeness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

From the Book of Worship of the United Methodist Church (1964)

Oh, Allah! I am your servant (Muslim Prayer)

2005-12-15T23:54:00.000-08:00

Oh Allah!
I am your servant,
son of Your male servant,
and son of Your female servant;
my forehead is in Your Hand;
Your judgment is exact;
Your decision about me is just;
I ask You by every name of Yours which You have called Yourself,
or revealed in a Book of Yours,
or taught to any of Your servants,
or reserved within Your unrevealed Knowledge,
to make the Qur'an a spring to my heart,
a light in my chest,
that it removes my sadness,
and erase my anguish.

- Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Muslim

O Morning Star, how fair and bright Thou beamest

2005-12-15T08:18:00.000-08:00

O Morning Star, how fair and bright
Thou beamest forth in truth and light,
O Sovereign meek and lowly!
Thou Root of Jesse, David's Son,
my Lord and Master, thou hast won
my heart to serve thee solely!
Thou art holy, fair and glorious,
all victorious, rich in blessing,
rule and might o'er all possessing.

What joy to know, when life is past,
the Lord we love is first and last,
the end and the beginning!
He will one day, O glorious grace,
transport us to that happy place
beyond all tears and sinning!
Amen! Amen! Come Lord Jesus!
Crown of gladness, we are yearning
for the day of your returning.

Philipp Nicolai, 1599

Prayer for Police Officers

2005-12-15T03:47:00.000-08:00

Almighty God we pray to you
In heaven up above
Watch over our dear police officers
And protect them with your love.

Please guide them as they keep us
both safe day and night
And hold them firmly in your car
should danger come their way.

Give them true strength and courage
As they serve til duty's end
And one more thing to ask dear Lord
Protect their family and their friends.

Come now, High King of Heaven

2005-12-14T04:33:00.000-08:00

Come now, High King of Heaven. Come to us in flesh and bone. Bring life to us who are weary with misery. Bring peace to us who are overcome with weeping, whose cheeks are covered with bitter salt tears. Seek us out, who are lost in the darkness of depression. Do not forget us, but show mercy on us. Impart to us your everlasting joy, so that we, who are fashioned by your hands, may praise your glory.

The Exeter Book

The Johnny Appleseed Blessing

2005-12-14T03:24:00.000-08:00

Oh, the Lord is good to me,
And so I thank the Lord
For giving me the things I need
The sun, and the rain, and the apple seed.
The Lord is good to me.

Christian

O just and faithful King

2005-12-13T03:19:00.000-08:00

O just and faithful King, you can unlock the prison-house of sin, and let us out into the glorious freedom of love. Now we sit in darkness, grieving over the wrongs we have committed. We long for the sun, we yearn for the warmth and brightness of your truth. Open the gate of this prison, and lead us to your kingdom, which is our true home.

From the Exeter Book c. 950

O King of the Nations, You are the Headstone

2005-12-12T14:20:00.000-08:00

O King of the nations, you are the headstone of the glorious hall of creation. You are the firm mortar which holds the building together. Throughout the earth people marvel at your works . . . Reveal yourself to mankind, show yourself as the ruler of the world, demonstrate the power of your love.

The Exeter Book (c.950)

Children's Prayer for Morning

2005-12-09T00:13:00.000-08:00

Now, before I run to play,
Let me not forget to pray
To God who kept me through the night
And waked me with the morning light.

Help me, Lord, to love thee more
Than I ever loved before,
In my work and in my play
Be thou with me through the day.
Amen.

- Author Unknown

Grant that I may not pray alone with my mouth

2005-12-08T16:37:00.000-08:00

Grant that I may not pray alone with my mouth; help me that I may pray from the depths of my heart.

Martin Luther

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light

2005-12-07T16:42:00.000-08:00

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light.
They lived in a land of shadows,
but now light is shining on them.
You have given them great joy, Lord;
You have made them happy.
They rejoice in what you have done,
as people rejoice when they harvest grain
or when they divide captured wealth.
For you have broken the yoke that burdened them
and the rod that beat their shoulders

A child is born to us!
A son is given to us!
And he will be our ruler.
He will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9: 2-4, 6 (From the Good News Bible)

What can I give Him, Poor as I am?

2005-12-06T04:12:00.000-08:00

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd,
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a Wise Man,
I would do my part --
Yet what can I give Him?
Give my heart.

Christina Rossetti -- In the Bleak Mid-Winter

Luther's Evening Prayer

2005-12-06T00:09:00.000-08:00

My Heavenly Father, I thank You, through Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, that You have protected me, by Your grace. Forgive, I pray, all my sins and the evil I have done. Protect me, by Your grace, tonight. I put myself in your care, body and soul and all that I have. Let Your holy angels be with me, so that the evil enemy will not gain power over me. Amen.

- Martin Luther

You wait for us until we are open to you.

2005-12-05T22:08:00.000-08:00

You wait for us
until we are open to you.
We wait for your word
to make us receptive.
Attune us to your voice,
to your silence,
speak and bring your Son to us --
Jesus, the word of your peace.
your word is near,
O Lord our God,
your grace is near.
Come to us, then,
do not let us be deaf to you,
but make us receptive and open
to Jesus Christ your Son . . .

Hoob Oosterhuis (1933- )

May you be blessed forever, Lord

2005-12-02T07:15:00.000-08:00

May you be blessed forever, Lord, for not abandoning me when I abandoned you.
May you be blessed forever, Lord, for offering your hand of love in my darkest, most lonely moments.
May you be blessed forever, Lord, for putting up with such a stubborn soul as mine.
May you be blessed forever, Lord, for loving me more than I love myself.
May you be blessed forever, Lord, for drawing out the goodness in all people, even including me.
May you be blessed forever, Lord, for repaying our sin with your love.
May you be blessed forever, Lord, for being constant and unchanging, amidst all the changes of the world.
May you be blessed forever, Lord, for your countless blessings on me and on all your creatures.

Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)

O Jesus - Be the canoe that holds me in the sea of life

2005-12-01T14:36:00.000-08:00

O Jesus
Be the canoe that holds me in the sea of life.
Be the steer that keeps me straight.
Be the outrigger that supports me in times of great temptation.
Let thy spirit be my sail that carries me through each day.
Keep my body strong,
so that I can paddle steadfastly on,
in the long voyage of life.

A New Hebridean prayer

The heavens praise your wonders, O Lord

2005-11-30T05:04:00.000-08:00

The heavens praise your wonders, O Lord,
Your faithfulness, too, in the assembly of the holy ones.
For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord . . .
O Lord God Almighty, who is like you?
You are mighty, O Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

From Psalm 89

Our Father, here I am, at your disposal, your child

2005-11-29T16:57:00.000-08:00

Our Father, here I am, at your disposal, your child,
to use me to continue your loving the world,
by giving Jesus to me and through me,
to each other and to the world.
Let us pray for each other that we allow Jesus to love in us
and through us with the love with which his Father loves us.

Mother Teresa

Come, though long expected Jesus

2005-11-28T16:54:00.000-08:00

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.

Charles Wesley, 1744

A Forward - Biblical Iraq!

2005-11-23T18:53:00.000-08:00

I received this as an email forward but thought it interesting enough to include here on this blogsite. Let me know what you think:

This is freaky, interesting and scary all in one!

Read down to the very bottom, you don't want to miss this!

VERY INTERESTING -

1. The garden of Eden was in Iraq.

2. Mesopotamia, which is now Iraq , was the cradle of civilization!

3. Noah built the ark in Iraq.

4. The Tower of Babel was in Iraq.

5. Abraham was from Ur, which is in Southern Iraq!

6. Isaac's wife Rebekah is from Nahor, which is in Iraq!

7. Jacob met Rachel in Iraq.

8. Jonah preached in Nineveh - which is in Iraq.

9. Assyria, which is in Iraq, conquered the ten tribes of Israel.

10. Amos cried out in Iraq!

11. Babylon, which is in Iraq, destroyed Jerusalem.

12. Daniel was in the lion's den in Iraq!

13. The three Hebrew children were in the fire in Iraq (Jesus had been in Iraq also as the fourth person in the fiery furnace!)

14. Belshazzar, the King of Babylon saw the "writing on the wall" in Iraq .

15. Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, carried the Jews captive into Iraq .

16. Ezekiel preached in Iraq.

17. The wise men were from Iraq. (my note: from the East...not necessarily Iraq)

18. Peter preached in Iraq.

19. The "Empire of Man" described in Revelation is called Babylon, which was a city in Iraq!

And you have probably seen this one. Israel is the nation most often mentioned in the Bible. But do you know which nation is second? It is Iraq! However, that is not the name that is used in the Bible. The names used in the Bible are Babylon, Land of Shinar, and Mesopotamia. The word Mesopotamia means between the two rivers, more exactly between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers . The name Iraq, means country with deep roots.

Indeed Iraq is a country with deep roots and is a very significant country in the Bible.

No other nation, except Israel, has more history and prophecy associated it than Iraq.

And also... This is something to think about! Since America is typically represented by an eagle. Saddam should have read up on his Muslim passages...

The following verse is from the Koran, (the Islamic Bible)

Koran (9:11) - For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah; and there was peace.

(Note the verse number!) Hmmmmmmm?! God Bless you all Amen !

We thank thee, Lord God and Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth

2005-11-22T19:36:00.000-08:00

We thank thee, Lord God and Father, Creator of heaven and earth, for all thy good gifts which we, O Father of lights, have received of thee, and receive daily of thy liberal hand through Jesus Christ, the dearly beloved Son, our Lord, thou who hast clothed our bodies with the needed covering and hast satisfied them with the natural bread . . . Be pleased to keep us in thy Word in fatherly fashion, in order that to the end of our days we may remain constant in thy Word and Gospel, revealed by thee to the plain and simple, and hidden to the wise ones of this world.

Menno simmons (c. 1496-1561)

Before the winds that blow do cease

2005-11-18T07:09:00.000-08:00

Before the winds that blow do cease,
Teach me to dwell within Thy calm:
Before the pain has passed in peace,
Give me, my God, to sing a psalm.
Let me not lose the chance to prove
The fulness of enabling love.
O Love of God, do this for me:
Maintain a constant victory.

Amy Carmichael

Twinkies and Root Beer

2005-11-18T02:23:00.000-08:00

While not a prayer today, this is a great story!

Enjoy Twinkies & Root Beer!!

Lord Jesus Christ, who prayed that all your children might be one in you

2005-11-17T09:53:00.000-08:00

Lord Jesus Christ, who prayed that all your children might be one in you: we pray for the restoration of visible unity to your Church. Forgive the pride and lack of love which have driven us apart. Take away our narrow-mindedness, our bitterness, our prejudice. May we never consider as normal the disunity which is a scandal to the world and an offence to your love. Teach us to recognize the gifts of your grace in all those who call upon you through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The French Reformed Church Liturgy

Grant, O Lord, that we may live

2005-11-16T20:18:00.000-08:00

Grant, O Lord, that we may live in thy fear, die in thy favor, rest in thy peace, rise in thy power, reign in thy glory.

William Laud (1573-1645)

O Jesus, Master Carpenter

2005-11-15T15:03:00.000-08:00

O Jesus, Master Carpenter, who at the last through wood and nails purchased our whole redemption; wield well thy tools in this thy workshop, that we who come to thee rough-hewn may be fashioned to a nobler beauty by thy hand; for thy name's sake, O Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Martin P.G. Leonard (1889-1963)

Prayer for our military 111505

2005-11-15T06:12:00.000-08:00

Having had received this today in my email, I thought I would share this with you too!

Prayer request

According to the weather reports, it is my understanding that it is 122
degrees in Iraq right now - and the low will be 111! Our troops need our
prayers for strength, endurance and safety. If it be God's will, give these
men and women the strength they need to prevail.

I am sorry but I am not breaking this one.....Let us pray.

Prayer chain for our Military...please don't break it.

Please send this on after a short prayer. Pray for our soldiers...

Prayer

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect
us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us
in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Amen."

Prayer Request: When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a
prayer for our troops around the world.

There is nothing attached....

Do not let it stop with you, please.... Of all the gifts you could give a
US Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine & others deployed in harm's way, Prayer
is the very best one.

I have now spent fifty-five years in resolving

2005-11-14T07:13:00.000-08:00

I have now spent fifty-five years in resolving: having, from the earliest time almost that I can remember, been forming plans of a better life. I have done nothing. The need of doing, therefore, is pressing, since the time of doing is short. O God, grant me to resolve aright, and to keep my resolutions, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

Samuel Johnson

REMEMBER! - Written by Father Denis Edward O'Brien, USMC

2005-11-11T21:04:00.000-08:00

It was the Veteran, not the reporter,
who has given us the freedom of the press.

It was the Veteran, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It was the Veteran, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to fair trial.

It was the Veteran, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to demonstrate.

It is the Veteran, who salutes the flag,
who served under the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protestor to burn the flag.

To REMEMBER is to HONOR!

Ah, Lord, I am overwhelmed by your love

2005-11-11T13:51:00.000-08:00

Ah, Lord, I am overwhelmed by your love.
I am overcome by your presence by my side.
My soul has no love of itself,
But you alone can arouse love with it. . . .
Now that I have known your presence
All other pleasures are empty.
My only joy is to be with you.

Mechthild of Magdeburg (1210-1280)

O Christ, who laid aside your glory and lived as a man

2005-11-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

O Christ, who laid aside your glory and lived as a man, that all men might see the light of God shining through a human life; help us to be more like you and to lay aside all that hides you from the peoples of other races-- our pride of race, of knowledge, of civilization; so that through our lives of prayer and communion and love, they may come to see you as you are, and hail you as their Lord.

Sister Ruth, SLG

Thou takest the pen -- and the lines dance

2005-11-09T06:54:00.000-08:00

Thou takest the pen -- and the lines dance. Thou takest the flute -- and the notes shimmer. Thou takest the brush and the colors sing. So all things have meaning and beauty in that space beyond time where Thou art. How then can I hold back anything from Thee?

Dag Hammarskjold (1905-61)

A BETTER RESURRECTION by: Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)

2005-11-08T22:25:00.000-08:00

I have no wit, no words, no tears;
My heart within me like a stone
Is numb'd too much for hopes or fears;
Look right, look left, I dwell alone;
I lift mine eyes, but dimm'd with grief
No everlasting hills I see;
My life is in the falling leaf:
O Jesus, quicken me.
My life is like a faded leaf,
My harvest dwindled to a husk:
Truly my life is void and brief
And tedious in the barren dusk;
My life is like a frozen thing,
No bud nor greenness can I see:
Yet rise it shall--the sap of Spring;
O Jesus, rise in me.
My life is like a broken bowl,
A broken bowl that cannot hold
One drop of water for my soul
Or cordial in the searching cold;
Cast in the fire the perish'd thing;
Melt and remould it, till it be
A royal cup for Him, my King:
O Jesus, drink of me.

Open wide the window of our spirits, O Lord

2005-11-08T22:22:00.000-08:00

Open wide the window of our spirits, O Lord, and fill us full of light; open wide the door of our hearts, that we may receive and entertain thee with all our powers of adoration and love. Amen.

Christina G. Rossetti

Praise the Lord - Praise the name of the Lord

2005-11-07T14:13:00.000-08:00

1 Praise the Lord.
Praise the name of the Lord;
praise him, you servants of the Lord,
2 you who minister in the house of the Lord,
in the courts of the house of our God.
3 Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good;
sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.
4 For the Lord has chosen Jacob to be his own,
Israel to be his treasured possession.
5 I know that the Lord is great,
that our Lord is greater than all gods.
6 The Lord does whatever pleases him,
in the heavens and on the earth,
in the seas and all their depths.
7 He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth;
he sends lightning with the rain
and brings out the wind from his storehouses.
. . .
13 Your name, O LORD, endures forever,
your renown, O LORD, through all generations.
14 For the LORD will vindicate his people
and have compassion on his servants.
15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
made by the hands of men.
16 They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but they cannot see;
17 they have ears, but cannot hear,
nor is there breath in their mouths.
18 Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.
19 O house of Israel, praise the Lord;
O house of Aaron, praise the Lord;
20 O house of Levi, praise the Lord;
you who fear him, praise the Lord.
21 Praise be to the Lord from Zion,
to him who dwells in Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord.

From Psalm 135

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee

2005-11-04T07:25:00.000-08:00

Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be
Swift and beautiful for thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from thee.
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as thou shalt choose.
Take my will, and make it thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is thine own;
It shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love: my Lord, I pour
At thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be,
Ever, only, all for thee.

Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-79)

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the gentle moon and joyful stars

2005-11-03T08:12:00.000-08:00

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the gentle moon and joyful stars, that watch over the darkest night. You are the source of all peace, reconciling the whole universe to the Father. You are the source of all rest, calming troubled hearts, and bringing sleep to weary bodies. You are the sweetness that fills our minds with quiet joy, and can turn the worst nightmares into dreams of heaven. May I dream of your sweetness, rest in your arms, be at one with your Father, and be comforted in the knowledge that you always watch over me.

Erasmus (1469-1536)

You, O Lord, said, "Be clever as serpents and innocent as doves."

2005-11-02T21:14:00.000-08:00

You, O Lord, said, "Be clever as serpents and innocent as doves." Let me retain innocence and simplicity in the midst of this complex world. . . Give me the strength to think clearly, speak freely, and act boldly in your service. Give me the courage to show the dove in a world so full of serpents.

Henri Nouwen (1932-1996)

Lord, how much juice you can squeeze from a single grape

2005-11-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

Lord, how much juice you can squeeze from a single grape.
How much water you can draw from a single well.
How great a fire you can kindle from a tiny spark.
How great a tree you can grow from a tiny seed.
My soul is so dry that by itself it cannot pray,
Yet you can squeeze from it the juice of a thousand prayers.
My soul is so parched that by itself it cannot love;
Yet you can draw from it boundless love for you and for my neighbor.
My soul is so cold that by itself it has no joy,
Yet you can light the fire of heavenly joy within me.
My soul is so feeble that by itself it has no faith;
Yet by your power my faith grows to a great height.
Thank you for prayer, for love, for joy, for faith;
Let me always be prayerful, loving, joyful, faithful.

Guigo the Carthusian (d. 1188)

Teach me, O God, so to use all the circumstances of my life today

2005-10-31T10:07:00.000-08:00

Teach me, O God, so to use all the circumstances of my life today that they may bring forth in me the fruits of holiness rather than the fruits of sin.

Let me use disappointments as material for patience:
Let me use success as material for thankfulness:
Let me use suspense as material for perseverance:
Let me use danger as material for courage:
Let me use reproach as material for longsuffering:
Let me use praise as material for humility:
Let me use pleasure as material for temperance:
Let me use pains as material for endurance.

John Bailie, 1886-1960

Bestow on me, O Lord, a genial spirit and unwearied forbearance

2005-10-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

Bestow on me, O Lord, a genial spirit and unwearied forbearance; a mild, loving, patient heart; kindly looks, pleasant, cordial speech and manners in the exchanges of daily life; that I may give offence to none, but insofar as I can, may live in charity with everyone.

Johann Arndt (1555-1621)

We beseech thee, O Lord our God

2005-10-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

We beseech thee, O Lord our God, to set the peace of heaven within the hearts of men, that it may bind the nations also in a covenant which cannot be broken; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eric Milner-White (1884-1964)

Dear God, thank you for all that is good

2005-10-26T16:50:00.000-07:00

Dear God, thank you for all that is good, for our creation and our humanity, for the stewardship you have given us of this planet earth, for the gifts of life and of one another, for your Love which is unbounded and eternal. Amen.

Jim Cotter (1942 - )

O Parent of Parents, and Friend of all Friends

2005-10-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

O Parent of parents, and Friend of all friends, thou tookest me into thy care, and by degrees led me from all else that at length I might see and settle my love in thee. What had I ever done to please thee? Or what was there in me wherewith to serve thee? . . . O happy begun freedom, the beginning of all my good, and more worth to me at that time than the whole world besides. Had I never since hindered thy will and working in me, what degrees of grace should I now have had . . . My Jesus, forgive me, remember what thou has done for me . . . and for this excess of goodness and love let me no more hinder thy will in me.

Mary Ward (1585-1645)

My God, Father and Savior

2005-10-24T19:20:00.000-07:00

My God, Father and Savior, since you have commanded us to work in order to meet our needs, sanctify our labor that it may bring nourishment to our souls as well as to our bodies. Make us constantly aware that our efforts are worthless unless guided by your light and strengthened by your hand. Make us faithful to the particular tasks for which you have bestowed upon us the necessary gifts, taking from us any envy or jealousy at the vocations of others . . . May every temporal grace be matched by spiritual grace that in both body and soul we may live to your glory.

Jean Calvin (1509-64)

Let our chief goal, O God, be your glory

2005-10-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

Let our chief goal, O God, be your glory, and to enjoy you forever . . . John Calvin

Lord, let your glory be my goal, your word my rule, and then you will be done . . . King Charles I

Immortal, invisible, God only wise

2005-10-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.

To all, life thou givest, to both great and small;
in all life thou livest, the true life of all;
we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
and wither and perish, but naught changeth thee.

Thou reignest in glory; thou dwellest in light;
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all laud we would render: O help us to see
'tis only the splendor of light hideth thee.

Walter Chalmers Smith, 1867 (I Timothy 1:17)

Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed

2005-08-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray thee, in the hearts of all men the true love of peace; and guide with thy pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility thy kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Book of Common Prayer