Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

Loving God, who creates us into new be-ing each day, help us to discover your purpose for our lives and to seek our roles in fulfilling this purpose.  We praise you for your creation of our lives day by day, for your re-creation of hope within us, even when hope seems foolish.  We pray for this world of ours.  We confess our responsibility for those thoughts and actions by which we further the powers of evil and destruction in our world . . . for we know that becoming human is a process of reconciliation and not of separation, of trust and not of suspicion, of communion and not of coercion.  We accept your call to peacemaking, wherever we may be and in whatever situation we find the hatreds, the fears, or the distrusts which cry out for peace to heal and to mend the brokenness.
Help us each to offer thanks to you, not in empty words or pious gestures, but in lives which are faithful to your call.  Enable us to bear the fruits of thankfulness in serving others and in building community with the people in our lives.  May we reach out to these persons, supporting them in their struggles and celebrating with them their joys and victories.  May we also accept the love and friendship offered to us by others, as we confess and acknowledge our needs, our weaknesses, our times of despair and hopelessness.  We see your loving purpose in these expressions of human concern . . . we feel your loving touch healing us and caring for us as a child is cared for by a parent. We know that you are with us and for us in the midst of our lives. We praise you for this constant love and in Jesus’ name.  Amen and Amen.

Dear God, thank you for the changing of seasons.  Forgive us when we complain that winter is too cold or summer is too hot, or that we don’t like the wind and cool rains of spring.  Help us to remember beautiful autumn.  May our lives be like an autumn tree, always growing upward to heaven, branches reaching to you our God, leaves falling like our years.  Thank you for hearing us and help us to support one another, rejoicing with those who rejoice, weeping with those who weep.  For we want to be joined together as members of the Body of Christ, in unity loving one another and serving the world.  We want, like Jesus to respond to each human being who crosses our path with sensitivity and compassion.  Help us to be aware of your presence and to hear your voice, for your Word is our life . . .

From the cowardice that dares not face new truth,
from the laziness that is content with half-truth,
from the arrogance that thinks it knows all truth,
Good Lord, deliver me.  Amen.  (Prayer from Kenya)

Lord, how would we feel if we knew you passed us by and went on somewhere else to someone else to bless and heal and help?  What thoughts would be ours if we discovered you went to others, to give them your work to do, your commandments to obey, your love to share, your truth to embrace?  What if your word came to us loudly and clearly that you did not have time for us, that it was not convenient for you to pay attention to us — that you had other things to do, more important things?
Thank you, God, for not being that way, for not having that kind of nature or disposition. Thank you for paying attention to us, for being with us when we are alone — for never letting us go.  Thank you for loving, caring for, and wanting us as much as you do others, for strengthening, guiding, helping us as well as others.  Thank you for letting all of us, each of us, be, in your sight, very special.
How do you feel, Lord, when we go on our way, including you when we feel like it, thinking your thoughts when it's convenient for us to do so, being concerned about your work as long as the cross we have to bear is a comfortable one?  How do you feel when we live as though somehow we can pass you by, the one eternal God?  Do you ever weep as Jesus did over the Holy City that knew not and accepted not the time of its visitation and redemption?  Are there times when we try your patience and when you yearn to tell us to wake up and live by taking you seriously, walking in your way gratefully, welcoming each day according to the light that comes by faith?  Do you ever grieve, Lord, over decisions and conclusions and priorities we make on our own, calling those things your will, before we have consulted you in prayer?  Do you ever feel like yawning, becoming bored, at our frantic busyness over things of no real consequence or worthwhile value? How do you feel about games people play with the things of the Spirit?
Lord, God, bear with us in all our trials and tribulations and temptations. Be nearer to us than life and breath; never, never let us go: never forsake us or abandon us or pass us by.  Do not do to us as we do to you. Do not do to us as we deserve, but deal with us now and always as the great God of compassion who hates every sin with a holy hatred, yet wonderfully loves and forgives and cleanses every repentant sinner. Hold before us the person of Jesus Christ, crucified for us, and raised from the dead — alive forevermore — making it possible for us to go beyond sin and selfishness to freedom and faithfulness.
God, bless us now, each and everyone, according to our particular needs. Amen and Amen.

O great and gracious Creator, your ways are indeed inscrutable and your judgments unsearchable.  And your patience defies all understanding.  Were we in your place, patience would soon yield to impatience.  We would overrule the wills of your rebellious children and turn them into servants of our will.  We would set this world straight in short order.
We thank you, O God, for meeting us in our place; for respecting our human condition and for setting the world straight in your own way.  Some think you could cut through our stubborn resistance as lightning fells a tree.  Perhaps you could.  But you rarely do.  You prefer, instead, to employ gentler methods.  You do not walk among us as Creator among creatures, but as creature among creatures.  And you reveal yourself only to those of us who see heaven on earth; who, having survived the earthquake, wind, and fire, still incline our ears and hearts to the still, small voice. As we approach you, O God, in the name of Jesus Christ, let us behold the One to whom we listen, and let us heed the One whom we behold.
Let us heed your summons to personal repentance.  By your words and example, you teach us that the narrow way of self-giving is the path to self-fulfillment, yet we keep to the broad road of self-seeking.  You invite your disciples to become colleagues, but we begrudge them your love.  You call us to shape the church around the spirit of the Lord, but we confuse it with brick and mortar.  For this betrayal of you, our neighbors, and your church -- we ask your forgiveness.  We implore you once again to break the silence with your still, small voice.
Finally, dear Lord, let us heed your call to intercession on behalf of our neighbors.  We know that you perceive their needs before we ask you to meet them.  But you do not lightly excuse our failure to ask, for you turn our very asking into answers.  Our asking is the stuff from which you forge our oneness with one another and with you.  So we ask you, dear God, to turn us, receivers of your gracious love, into givers.  Let us be good stewards to those looking for their place in the Lord’s house.  Let us give them the key that unlocks the door in the name and spirit of the Lord.
We humbly ask you also, dear Father, to watch over those in service to our country . . . who strive to make our nation and our world a safe place to live.  Cause each one of us to have renewed respect for what they do and cause each one of us to be consciously grateful.
Amen and Amen.

God, you spoke to Moses and gave him the Ten Commandments.  They were so simple . . . we have made them so complicated.  You spoke to David and gave him the Psalms with which to honor you . . . and yet we find it so hard to find words to sing your praises.  You spoke to the prophets and provided us with many words of guidance . . . and yet we find it impossible to steer a straight course.  You spoke through your Son Jesus and taught us the way of love and forgiveness . . . and yet we insist on living in a world of hatred and revenge.  Help us to see you in our tradition, Lord, but help us to see you in the everyday reality of time.  Help us to be aware of your presence with our ancestors . . . but help us to know the reality of your presence with us every day.  Help us to praise you in word and song . . . in mind and spirit . . . in body and soul as the saints have praised you throughout the ages.
During the past week, we have experienced disappointment . . . we have had our feelings hurt by someone close to us . . . promises have been broken . . . trusted friendships have been shattered . . . our prayers have not been answered as we wanted them answered.  Please be near to us as we try to pick up the pieces and remold our lives.
Hear us as we pray for our loved ones who have gone on to victory as they entered into your holy presence . . . hear us as we pray for the sick and the afflicted.  Hear us as we pray for our children, our parents, and for all those whom we love.  Show us how to reach out to those who are alone . . . show us how to help those who are alone.  Guide us tand lead us to those who need You most.  Make us your missionaries. 
You have been good to us in the past, Father.  You have comforted us when we were sorrowing . . . you have healed us when we have been sick or injured . . . you have found us when we have been lost . . . hear us now as we pray all these things in the name of your son, Jesus Christ.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day, our daily bread. 
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. 
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. 
Amen and Amen.

Generous God, our kitchen cabinets are well stocked with food; our grocery stores are a cornucopia of plenty; and a great variety of restaurants are scattered through our communities. Yet we ask, “What shall we eat?”  Forgive our preoccupation with the desires of the flesh.  We overindulge and then diet, stuff ourselves and then starve ourselves, when the image in our mirrors does not match our vanity or cultural pressures.  All this cannot satisfy the hunger in our souls or realize your vision for our wholeness.

Thanksgiving Day drives us to our knees to offer prayers of gratitude for the abundance of your love and generosity.  Open our eyes to see your love in the fruitfulness of the land.  The yield of gardens and fields, trees and flowers reminds us that we are nourished by your hand and by the labor of those who plant and harvest the good foods we enjoy.

We offer our anxious hearts and minds to your spirit, help us find all who are lost and to those who are waiting, pour out a special anointing of your presence.  To those loved ones who now are in your throne room, we humbly thank you for your mercy. 

Most of all, gracious God, help us to come home to you.  You desire above all that we nourish our lives at the fountain of your love and the embrace of faithful affection.  You have done great things for us, O God, and we are glad.  You restore our fortunes like the waters cause the deserts to bloom.  We would be generous to share your bounty with our neighbors in need. We seek to know your purpose and your path.  When we do that, all other things assume their rightful place. 

These prayers we offer in the name of him who spoke your Word, who kept your Word, who is your Word--Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen and Amen. 

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson  (1803-1882)
:bigsmurf:

We are waiting, God of all worlds, for the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
We anticipate the Coming One, not just as an event of past history,
but as a part of our own story here and now. 
Help us to encounter your Word as a living message for our day. 
Amen and Amen.

Eternal God, who can make all things new, we humbly bring before you the record of our lives in the year now ending.  Where life has been good to us, do not let us take more of the credit than we deserve.  Where we have been good to others, help us forget all thoughts of honor and reward.  Where we have fallen short, forgive us, and free us from the brooding over what is past. 
Cleanse us by your mercy, guide us by your truth, fill us with your love, lead us forward in your all-conquering hope.  Through the grace of Jesus Christ . . . who taught us to pray . . .   Amen and Amen.

O Lord of heaven and earth, bend low to hear our plea, for we approach you in weakness and in need. 
Although the rulers of earth derive their power from you, sometimes they do not wield it in your spirit. They treat their land as if they owned it.  They treat their government as if they were answerable to no one.  And they treat their people as if they were not your people.  We wish, O Lord, that we could say we deserve better.  Occasionally we do, but usually we get what we deserve.  We do not wield great power, but we often abuse the little power we have.  We do not have many possessions, but we often use the ones we have for selfish purposes. And we often treat the people below us as thoughtlessly as we are treated by those above us. Deliver us and our leaders from the thirst for more power than we know how to use, from the desire for more possessions than we need, and from the will to become masters over rather than ministers among our neighbors.
We come before you, O God, a mixed multitude.  Some of us carry the burden of declining health; others mourn the loss of friends or loved ones; others have suffered losses in the marketplace; and a few of us are addicted to substances that work us harm.  But these differences aside, we all have one thing in common. We need your enlightenment of our understanding, your strengthening of our will and, above all, your guidance of our lives.  We are not alone in this need.  We have no problems that others do not face; we bear no pain that others do not share; we experience no losses that others do not suffer; and all of us know that tomorrow or even today could be our last day on earth.  So we pray, O God, that you will make us sensitive to all of our neighbors.  Bring us near to them that, through us, they might be brought near to you.  And bring them near to us that, through them, we might be brought near to you.  Just as Jesus became one with you and you with him, make us one with each other.  Amen and Amen.

Father God, I bless you for your mercy and grace.  You are my source of hope, of righteousness, of justice.  With great shame I confess I do not love my enemies as you have instructed -- the truth is, even when trying to look at people through your eyes, no love forms in my heart.  People hurting and killing other people -- it makes my blood run from hot to cold. Yes, I know, I am to love the person and despise their acts.  I understand in my mind I am to forgive, yet I nurse bitterness.  I thank you for loving me as I am and yet showing me how I can be.  Help me Lord for I want to be an instrument of your love, your justice, your compassion.  Help me relinquish all that is not of you, through the grace of Jesus Christ.  Amen and Amen.

Hear our prayers, dear Jesus. Those whom we love are in the hospital . . . those whom we love are in the nursing homes . . .  those whom we love have had the angels of death call upon them . . . those whom we love have become confused . . . those whom we love have lost their way and are not following in your way . . . those whom we love who are struggling with health issues . . . those whom we love with money problems . . . be with those whom we love, faithful Jesus.  Walk with them . . . strengthen them . . . comfort them . . . heal them . . . and take them as your own.
Bless all of us whom you have called to work in every vineyard   . . . we bow before you seeking your guidance as we try to determine your will for us and then try to complete your assigned tasks.  Help us to recognize your voice when you call . . . help us to recognize your direction when you point . . . and then give us the courage and the faith to know that if we follow you, we will always succeed . . . to your glory.
Forgive us all our sins as you have promised.  Help us to have the faith to accept that promise as well as all your other promises . . . we pray these things as you taught us... OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME.  THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.  GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD.  AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US.  AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL. FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOREVER.  AMEN AND AMEN.

Almighty God, who sat the sun in the heavens to light up the earth by day and the moon and the stars by night, you sent Jesus Christ to earth to light up our life by day and by night.  We celebrate your gift of life.  As you chased the shadows of the deep, you have shattered the darkness of Calvary.  Now we know that nothing can ever separate us from the light with which you flood all creation in Jesus Christ.  Amen and Amen.

We thank you, Father, that you have so ordered our existence that we are designed to live together in families.  We would offer a special prayer today for the fathers of the world.  At this moment, some are away from their children by choice and some by necessity and some by illness . . . whatever the reason, be with all fathers so they may recognize their mission to raise up childrenin the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it.  Grant them love and patience and wisdome, we pray.
We have some frustrated, angry, minunderstood, impatient people in our world today, God.  Many of these we know and some of them are a part of our own families.  They have uttered prayers to you and their situations doesn't seem to change and they have lost patience with their situation.  They continue to be in pain, they continue to be bedridden, they continue to be called upon to do more than they are physically capbable of doing.  Speak to these people especially this day and let them know you are listening -- Let them know that you understand
and let them know you are working on their needs . . . give to each of us an extra measure of patience today. Amen and Amen.

Thank You Sister for you and your words.  I can not express such words as you do so in prayer - I can only add music.
This song I have known for years and I think it is worthy for your ear.
Yolanda Williams " Be Blessed"
http://www.youtube.com/v/6bwOOvAkPVw&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0
--
I am the music Monkey,  I may have posted this before - I am not sure. I love this song so much ..that I continue to share it ..
Every time I listen to this song - We are Conquerors .. My bottom eyelids hit my pupils .. pure emotion and I make the ugliest faces I bet if anyone would see me singing along .. :P .. I cannot keep my hands at my sides. They raise slowly .. my Arms to reach towards the sky .. Because I feel it so deeply. I do not go to church. Will never attend a church. I have my own beliefs. I stand by them. Because I KNOW all by myself.

I am adding one more song. It is one that grabs me to my soul every time I hear it. Its from the movie " The Color Purple".  Its gospel. Its Shug Avery walking down the path to her Father .. appropriate for Father's day.  For all the Daughters and Son's that have never felt good enough for their Father's approval. * not me with my Dad,  ~ I identify with the song ..within family members.. who offer nothing, yet condemn like a hammer by their own judgment of others. I cry *mixed emotions* when I hear this song. It so emotional and deep.  It hits me every time I hear it.  I have seen the movie the Color Purple over 30 times. I can't say that for any other movie.. The vid is Shug ..singing Sistah in the juke joint.. feeling her blues..and gets interrupted by ... sounds heard far away.. yet known all to well.. 


Sister, Thank you so much for your presence, your posts.
Amen & Be blessed.
 

There are so many things in our daily lives which remind us of your mercy and your watchful care over us, dear Father.  We see a mother tenderly holding her new baby in her arms, the love for that child shining from her face . . . we walk through hospital corridors and at every turn, at every door, we see miracles . . . we stand in the halls of nursing homes and can feel the love and the tenderness and the understanding coming from those who care for the elderly and those who can no longer care for themselves . . . we stand in the dark of the night and turn our eyes towards the heavens and are overwhelmed by the vastness of your creation.
In all these things, the truth of your existence and the truth of your greatness and the truth of your closeness is wrapped so closely around us.
Yet, sometimes we get so caught up in our daily activities we forget . . . we forget that you love us . . . we forget that you are ever so near to us . . . we forget the price you paid to reclaim us.  We get carried away by the currents of the world . . . we are almost swirled over the falls by our inattentiveness to your voice . . . we insist on going on our own journeys . . . carrying our own baggage, intent on reaching our own goals . . we forget we are yours.
Forgive us all our sins, dear Father, as you have promised and give us the courage and the wisdom to know and accept your forgiveness.
We pray especially for those who will undergo surgery this week and for those who are frightened about tests.  We pray for their physical needs, God, but we pray even more earnestly for the needs of their souls and the needs of their heart.  Strengthen those who are ill, both in body and in spirit.
Help us not so much to seek to be blessed, but help us to be a conduit for your blessings to those who need your blessings more than we.  Though we have our own personal troubles, help us to look especially for those less fortunate than ourselves and help us to share your love and your mercy and your forgiveness with them.  Help us to become aware of our need to lay up treasures in heaven.  We ask all these things with the innocence and wisdom of the children of God, we join together in that prayer that Jesus taught those who claimed his name . . .

Sister
Thank you for your heart, your integrity and your messages. Your words speak to so many. Not many comment, but YOU are read .. and read and read by many.
We all have to be accountable, for this world around us. If its not working for us, we have to work to change it along the way. Even if it is within small offerings and or silent gifts. Even a Smile is worth the day of days to some we encounter on the street. Just that simple gift of a " eye to eye contact" and a smile. Or a " let me get the door for you" The other person is recognized ...and I put them before me. A gesture that goes a long way. Even it is not recognized at the moment. It is felt.
Its us recognizing we are all equal. We are not to be above or not beneath  - we are all set up for failure at any minute. Nothing protects us, nor makes us more or less than anyone else..  When I have even myself thought " years ago" Why me? during certain circumstances of illness etc.. I have learned many lessons in my years since. Now I say Why not me? When it comes to health or issues at hand that hit me when I have no explanation of why. When you are able to say/feel " Why not me" its easier to deal with ..than asking Why Me?  God is not fair weather he is of his own reasons and he makes no concessions because " one feels they are above another or has a better health plan or a bigger bank account " ...  just for the sake of saying. He is not a fair weather faith/friend either if you really understand him. He never whispers in your ear ~~ you never were up to my standards " a person trying to do their best"  He is the one that lifts you when your not understanding why your best is not working.
We are either our own best cheer leader or our own worst enemy depending on how we handle personal crisis. Sometimes its easier to let go and not try to handle it on our own. Thank you Sister, Me.

God, you are aware of this world in which we live.  This is your world and look what we've done with it. We are yours, and look what we've done with ourselves.  Forgive us, Lord, for living as though we are in charge, and then charging you with the blame when things turn out differently from the way we want them to.  Forgive us, Lord, for concentrating on how bad things are, and not asking you to make us become part of your solution.  Forgive us, Lord, when we have figured out very well what everybody else should be doing, but have no idea what you want us to do and to be.  Forgive us, Lord, when we hurt others by hurting ourselves.  Forgive us for not developing ourselves to our fullest potential — for abusing ourselves, for wasting our time and talents, for being less than we can be with your help — so that we let others down by letting ourselves down.
Put your arms around us and all those we hold in our hearts, Lord.  Give to all of us the security that comes to those who know they live in your presence.  Give to all of us the guidance and the direction that are sure to come, one step at a time, to those who walk in faith hand in hand with you.  Put in our hearts that love which is not man-made but which is, rather, given by you; and cause us to be numbered among the peacemakers of this earth.  It is time for us to stand up and be counted, to lift high the royal banner of Jesus, to be disciples of the things that shall not perish and pass away, of that one who is with us always, to the close of the age.  It is time that all the world should know that we are a visited planet, and we have been visited by you, in the person of Jesus, because you love us.  Grant to us the beautiful blessing, the priceless victory, of loving you by living in love one with another.  Turn this world right side up once again because people behold how we Christians love one another, and others.
Turn our fears away from us; give to us your courage. And with our lives we’ll give you the praise. Through Christ our Lord. Amen and Amen.

Sister,  thank you for sharing these prayers, they are such a blessing!  ::MonkeyAngel::

You are more than welcome -- we are blessed to be a blessing!

Oh, Majestic God, my soul desires to behold You.  I cry to you from the dust of which I am made.  Help us to know what it is You would have us to know about you.  Cause our minds and hearts to be open to the Light of your Being as you want it revealed to us.  Cause the shame of our arrogance to scorch us so that we will leave it quickly . . . and then, most merciful Father, heal us, according to Your plan . . . so that the beauty of Your love can shine, each and every minute on our faces.  Yes, Eloheim, we ask to be your servants, we ask to let our lives be a beacon to those who do not know you, help us to bring them, help us to bring ourselves, closer to You and what You would have us to do . . .  this we humbly ask of the Father of Jesus our Christ, in whose worthy name we pray.  Amen and Amen.

Dear heavenly Father, we bow our hearts before you in prayer.  We bow because that reminds us that you are almighty and we are not, you are awesome and we are not, and you are always faithful and we are not.
We sometimes feel inferior to everyone.  We tell ourselves that we are inadequate.  We feel competitive with those who seem to have more of things than we do.  O Lord, please deliver us from feeling inferior and help us instead to be humble.
We are humbly dependent upon you for every good and perfect gift.  We are not self-made . . . we sprout from the humus of your love.  As we grow we want to be our won, and yet we also want you to be our divine safety net.
We want to be powerful and responsible and in charge of our lives, and yet, when we are in trouble, we are prone to cry out, “I couldn’t help myself!” or “I can’t change the way I am!”  O Lord, help us to feel powerfully responsible when we are in trouble, not just when we are in triumph.
We are powerful, and yet we are dependent upon you.  You have taught us that we are of great value and that we are to be humble, that we are responsible for our responses to what life offers and that you are the very ground of our being, and that, even though we have sinned and fallen short of your glory, we are also just a little lower than angels.
We rejoice in knowing that you love us unconditionally regardless of how well we cope with the complexities of our lives.  We thank you for the divinely inspiring model that Jesus is for us being humbly powerful.  And we thank you for the faith you nourish within us for living life abundantly.  Thank you in Jesus’ name.

O God, how precious are your thoughts! Your mysteries number more than all the grains of sand and all the blades of grass on earth, yet all of them are one.  Show yourself, Lord, that we might sit at your feet and listen to your teaching!
O Christ, you enter our communitird, and we receive you into our houses. Sometimes, like Mary, we sit at your feet, listening to your teaching; other times, like Martha, we are distracted with much serving, and we complain that the work has been left to us alone. Then you answer us, saying, “You are anxious and troubled about many things, but only one thing is needed.”
Only one thing is needed. How often we forget, Lord, and how often we doubt, that what you most need is not our waiting upon you, but our waiting for you -- waiting for the Word, through whom all things are made, and without whom nothing is done.  We forget; we doubt, because waiting is not easy for us.  We live in a bustling world in the midst of bustling people.  We have little patience and much ambition; we have little time and much talk.  We fidget in silence.  We squirm in idleness.  We teach our children that those who say nothing have nothing to say, and that those who hesitate are lost.
O Christ, interrupt our busyness with a word about mindfulness, lest we forget the God who gives us birth.  Disrupt our distraction with a call to attention, lest we forget the Lord who provides for life.  Convict us if, when we have eaten and are full, we say in our hearts, “The work of our own hands has satisfied our hunger.”
Thank you for your mercy and your grace.  Amen and Amen.

Our heavenly Father, we your humble children invoke your blessing on those for whom we pray and for us.  We adore you, whose name is love, who nature is compassion, whose presence is joy, whose Word is truth, whose Spirit is goodness, whose holiness is beauty, whose will is peace, whose service is perfect freedom, and in knowledge of whom stands our eternal life.  Unto you be all honor and all glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen and Amen.

Sister, if only it could be viewed/found/ heard as simplistic as you state your prayer.
  Thank You Sister for your Prayers and offerings.

 :smt049
 This is for You Sister ~ My Sunday Monkey * even when its not Sunday

Deenie,
Thank you my friend for sharing that -- powerful!

Sister,
You are Powerful ~ You are a messenger and I am Thankful for your Prayers
 ::MonkeyHeart::

You are strong and able ~ have no fear in showing your beliefs ~ this is not of the norm Sister. Seems like in today's society it is to be " politically correct" so to be a marshmallow is best.
Most will never show or offer, for fear that they will be labeled ? for fear of? of fear?

I am proud to be a witness of your thoughts and posts and I am a better person because
 " YOU Sister" you make me think. You make me remember. You offer up and I like it.
I like it very much. 

Thank You for being You ~ K

Heavenly Lord, with a humble but troubled spirit, I come before you.  I entreat you to continue to provide patience to the many people who work so diligently for justice.  Father, I have sat and watched the broadcast of horrid people who will do anything, including lying, to get their client off.  Lord I understand you have the ultimate say about justice, yet I believe justice is given here on this earth.  Please be with those who are seeking justice for precious Caylee.  Give them a special anointing of your strength, wisdom, and grace.  Kindly do not forsake these special people who speak for those who cannot or no longer can speak for themselves.  We do thank you for your blessings.  Help us to keep our eyes upon the good.  Amen and Amen.

Great Creator of the rain which falls, we thank you for the water which nourishes the earth which in turn nourishes us.  Most of all we thank you for the living water of our Saviour who nourishes our spirits.
On this day in many places and in many lands throughout your creation, there are people willing to crawl on their hands and knees to find justice for those who cannot speak for themselves.  Anoint them Lord with a warmth of body which they will know comes only from you.  We thank you for their dedication, we thank you for their courage, we thank you for their desires to make right events which have gone so wrong.  May they receive encouragement in the knowledge that you have chosen many hands and many feet to be a part of your plan of justice.  We are humbled by this knowledge.  Amen and Amen.

My dear friend Fanny, I don't know where you are anymore, but I see you light a candle for my sister Connie.  You have no idea how much that means to me.  I miss you.
Blessings.

O God, whose name is worthy of unending praise, we bow before you in humble submission.  Words fail to communicate the depth of love to you and our yearning to obey your will.  Without your Spirit day follows day in aimless succession.  Nothing can compare with the love you have shown us, not the tribute of leaders, the fame of achievement, the applause of friends and loved ones.  We owe all to your mercy . . . we will praise you at all times and call upon your name.
Hear us as we pray for cleansing . . . rid us of the vanity which clutters our thinking.  Show us the Christ who taught self-denail.  Help us to hear once again how the humble received mercy, the sick were healed, and those whom good people rejected were loved and forgiven.
Increase our faith and save us from the need to boast of our own goodness.  As we are quick to call on your for guidance when we are threatened, let us be eager to give you the glory for whatever we gain.  Fill us anew with you Holy Spirit, so that our words may be your words, our work your work, and our glory your glory.  You are the God of our salvation to whom belongs all the glory, praise, and honor, now and forevermore.  Amen and Amen.

Almighty and everlasting God, you have ordained every time as a time of preparation for the coming of our Savior.  Yet we need the challenge of Advent to prepare for his birth.  Deliver us from the temptation to turn this Christmas into just another Christmas.  The season’s commonplaces – lighting candles, singing carols, the giving of gifts – have all too often become a mindless routine, engaging our purses rather than our hearts, calling attention to our diligence rather than our devotion.  Forgive us, O God, for allowing this holy day to become a mere holiday, for letting eternity’s invasion of time become an occasion for time’s corruption of eternity, for permitting your symbol of divine self-giving to become our sanction of human self-seeking.  Grant us penitent hearts, dear Lord, that we might become bearers as well as receivers of your comfort.  Let us make common cause with those for whom Christ’s coming turns bad news into good news; captives in a strange land, strangers in their native land, the neglected poor, the abandoned young, the forgotten elderly, the desperate lonely – all those who have fallen victim to humanity’s inhumanity.  O Holy Comforter, as you break once again into our midst, make us channels of your consolation.  Proclaim your healing word through our surrendered lips.  Manifest your transforming presence through our yielded hearts.  Work your gracious deeds through out outstretched hands.  As we travel again the road of Bethlehem, let us not forget that Golgotha is our destination.  Keep ever before us the connection between cradle and the cross, lest we mute the glory of Christ’s coming and repeat the shame of his going.  As we listen to the song of angels, let us remember the message of Calvary.  With an eye toward Jerusalem, let us march to Bethlehem, with gifts in our hearts, coming to the Lord as the Lord came to us.  Amen and Amen.

God, this Advent season is a time when your light radiates through the world.  Inasmuch as we can, let us be bright for you.  Shine your light through us as though we were pieces in a stained-glass window.  Flow through us into others as the warm glow of colors seeps into our church.  Fill us with your light as though we were lighthouses on the shore.  Use us to guide others and to keep them from danger.  Set us aflame with your light as though we were candles, even candles in a storm.  Enable us to burn steadily with your fiery Spirit and push aside all forms of darkness.  Turn us on with your light a though we were Christmas bulbs all connected to one another.  Help us as a community of faith to celebrate the sparkling good news of your Son’s coming birth.  Be present with us today, God, and throughout the Advent season as we live and worship in our wait for the One who is the world’s light.  Amen and Amen.

Father God, you have given us every good and perfect gift, even the gift of life itself.  We come before you this night to worship you, we also come to give thanks for the life you have given us.  We thank you for all the yesterdays with all their opportunities, many of which glided past us without even an attempt on our part to reach and grab them.  Forgive us for that lack of understanding, comprehension, and aggressiveness.  But we have awakened today, Dear Lord, and you have given us another chance . . . you have given us another night . . . filled with new opportunities.  You, who has the power over life and death . . . have allowed us one more day on this earth.  Guide our steps now . . . freshen our minds . . . strengthen our desire.  In short, take this day and this night and use us in to cause the glorious message of the birth of your son to be sung in the highest heavens.  Cause us ever to be alert for the appearance of the heavenly hosts in our lives . . . for the arrival of the shepherds . . . for the strange bright star to appear in the heavens . . . and whenever we see these signs before us . . . let us not be timid about rushing out to greet our Saviour.  Use us, O Thou Great Jehovah.
We come this night confessing our sins.  As we come to this altar to humble ourselves and receive the elements of holy communion, let us come with the surety that if we confess our sins, you are faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.  Create in us pure hearts and clean minds and renew a right spirit within us.
Hear the pleadings of our hearts for our prayers of concern for those we love.  Fill the needs of those whose names are written within our hearts.  Use us as your comforters and as your healers as we minister to those who seek the fulfillment in their lives only you can provide.
As we celebrate again the birth of Jesus may His presence be felt here among us as surely as it was felt that fateful night in Bethlehem when there was no room in the inn.  Send your blessings upon us Father, for we pray all these things in the name of the baby born of Mary, even Jesus the Christ. 
 OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME.  THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.  GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD .  AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US.  AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOREVER. AMEN and AMEN.

Another year it about to begin.  Father, we thank you.  We never know what the moment will bring to us, but we do know you are in our moments.  We don’t know what 2011 will bring us, but we do know you will provide opportunity after opportunity for us to witness to your love and your forgiveness.  As we pause to give you thanks for caring for us through the past year, we would ask for your abiding grace and continued companionship throughout the year to come.  O God, may we be constantly listening for your voice . . . may we be constantly watching for your hands showing us what we must do . . . may we be ever alert for your spirit to be walking by our sides  . . . calling us to do your work in our community, in our world.
Grant your blessings to those in need.  For the lonely . . .  give them companionship . . . for those in pain . . . give them comfort . . . for those at war with themselves and with others . . . give them peace . . . for those who have lost loved ones . . . give them consolation.  Grant to us all your mercy and your grace. 
And God, forgive us all our sins.  We have known what to do and we haven’t done it.  We have known what we shouldn’t do and that we have done.  Forgive us as you  have promised you would if we pray in the name of your son . . . forgive us because he died for us and made the required sacrifice for our sins . . . forgive us because we love you.  We pray all these things in the name of the Babe who came down at Christmas, the One who spoke your Word, who kept your Word, who is your Word-- ever our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Amen and Amen.

Just Ruler of all nations, we bow in awe before your glorious light.  Amid the shadow in which we live, we catch a glimpse of your radiant promises. You intend that all share the abundance you provide.  You defend the cause of the poor and deliver the weak from their oppressors.  You gather your people to the brightness of your rising.  You lift up our hearts to rejoice.  Surely your love will shine through our eyes as we proclaim your praise, O God.
We thank you, God of glory, that stars do shine, even in our midnight world. The birth of Jesus Christ reminds us that all life is precious, including our own. The magi with their gifts help us realize that we, too, have much to give. Our love for you beckons us to become one with the saints, to explore the mystery, to grow in commitment, to share the good news. How wonderful are your purposes for us!
May we feel your presence so that with boldness and confidence we may follow where your voice leads. As we seek your face, may we become stewards of your grace and ministers of your promise.  Amen and Amen.

Deenie, just want you to know you are missed . . . all good thoughts going your way!

Light of the World, you baptize us each day with the refreshing winds of your spirit. Your life-giving breath awakens us from the shadows of sleep to a morning washed by the rays of your love. Yes, God, you say, “Let there be light,” and there is light in our minds, in our hearts, in our spirits.
Yet, we are troubled by your radiant splendor.  Your light shines into our hidden thoughts and repressed feelings.  It reveals to us our heart of hearts.  It opens our memories to a flood of faces, names, incidents, words, and acts that evoke regrets.  The feeling wells up inside us that we are not worthy to stoop down to untie the shoes of our parishioners.  Sometimes the sense of our unworthiness overwhelms us.  We want to run from your light to escape the pain.  We have missed the mark of our high calling and are not worthy of your forgiving grace.
Your light is good, O God! It shines on your earth and illuminates our hearts. In your light, we can see clearly, repent sincerely, and hear dearly your accepting word!  “You are my child, my beloved; with you I am well pleased.”  Assist us, gracious God, to receive your acceptance and benediction.  Help us to know ourselves as your beloved children.  Wash away like a flood the debris of old devilish thoughts and distracting memories.  Free us from the past to serve you fully in the present. Give strength to your people for a lifetime of loving service.  May the light of Christ bless us with peace and joy. Amen and Amen.
 

Savior, like a shepherd lead us; much we need your tender care.  Strengthen our resolve to be faithful to the gospel, which frees us from the prison of fear, delivers from anxieties that paralyze, and opens up new opportunities to serve.  May your healing presence address our history, transform our present, and enliven our future, that we may become healing persons in our time.   Amen and Amen.

 ::MonkeyDance::   AMEN!
Thank you Sister!  How is your Mom?  I have been keeping you in prayer.    ::MonkeyKiss::

Nana, thank you for asking.  Mom went home yesterday afternoon on the condition someone stay with her.  My other sister is holding down the fort.  Will be taking Connie to see her Sunday afternoon.  Thank you again for asking.  Continued prayers would be appreciated.

I have been and will continue to prayer! Not only for your Mom, but for all of you!   

Yipes! got in your box.  Sorry.

You are welcome in my box anytime!    ::MonkeyKiss::   I pray for you daily, will pick up the pace and be storming Heaven's Gates re:your surgeries. Love ya'!     ::MonkeyAngel::

Abba, I belong to You.
Abba, I belong to You.
Abba, I belong to You.

Still praying for Sister's mom and all Monkeys in need of solace.

Shalom my dear friend, shalom!

It is wonderful to give you thanks, O God, and to sing praises to you, O Most High.  The dawn is a gift of your abiding mercy, the night passes safely, thanks to your grace.  We arise to grant you all glory and honor; we bow down before you and worship your name.  We can herald the arrival of a new day of faithfulness because of Christ Jesus, in whose name we pray.  Amen and Amen.

Let your light shine on us today, O God, that we may participate in your glory. Melt the hardness of our hearts.  Let Christ reveal to us a better way.  May the life of Jesus truly become our standard.  Help us to look with compassion on the needs of our sisters and brothers.  Make us channels of your healing and reconciling power.  Fill our mouths with your words of blessing.  Release our hands to do your work.  Set our feet in the direction you would have us go, and equip us daily, we pray, for the tasks you give us.  Amen and Amen.

Merciful Healer, who causes the dawn to break and turns the night into morning, we give you thanks for promised new life.  In you is hope which has endured throughout the ages . . . with you abides the assurance that we are not alone.  When perils confront us and cause anxious moments, you ease our unrest with your comforting presence.  There are some for whom daybreak brings foreboding . . . they are the lonely, the forgotten, the terminally ill.  For them the flush of the morning is tinged with the drim reality that confronts them.  Help us bring consolation to those known to use, and return to our memory those whom we have forgotten.  May we reach out to touch them and remind them we care.  When the times comes for some to cross over, may we be their companion until they abide eternally with you.  For others who embark on the day full of promise, we rejoice in their anticipation and give you the glory.  Let their laughter be a chorus of alleluias to your mercy, their confidence a tribute to your Spirit within them.  May their enthusiasm be contagious, so that we all may become infused with ardor for task the day brings.  We join them and dance through the hours that await us, uplifting others to the new life in Christ and it is in his name we pray.  Amen and Amen. 

O God, in whom is all our peace and power, we lift also our intercessions unto you . . . for your church and your people throughout the earth that we may be instructed in your ways and may make those decisions and take those actions which shall restore the peace . . . for our brothers and sisters in New Zealand . . . for our brothers and sisters in Eygpt . . . for the lonely and troubled of soul . . . for those tried by temptation or baffled by difficulty . . . for those who are in illness and in pain for whom the days are slow and long . . . for those who are too busy and those who are not busy enough . . . for those for whom the light of life has gone out in the darkness of death. Surround them and us with strength to bear their burdens . . . patience to wait the full revelation of your will . . . and the grace of enough light for each day’s walking.
We pray all these things in the name of the One who spoke your Word, who kept your Word, who is your Word – ever our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Amen and Amen.

To all the monkeys who have walked or are walking in difficult times:
written by Ray Palmer             
             My faith looks up to thee,
   thou Lamb of Calvary,
   Savior divine!
   Now hear me while I pray,
   take all my guilt away,
   O let me from this day
   be wholly thine!


   May thy rich grace impart
   strength to my fainting heart,
   my zeal inspire!
   As thou hast died for me,
   O may my love to thee
   pure, warm, and changeless be,
   a living fire!

   While life's dark maze I tread,
   and griefs around me spread,
   be thou my guide;
   bid darkness turn to day,
   wipe sorrow's tears away,
   nor let me ever stray
   from thee aside.

   When ends life's transient dream,
   when death's cold, sullen stream
   shall o'er me roll;
   blest Savior, then in love,
   fear and distrust remove;
   O bear me safe above,
   a ransomed soul!

Comforting and confronting spirit, you are among us to still the troubled waters and make healing possible.  Each day we hear the frustration of your people, drowning in a cesspool of violence, sinking in the seas of sin.  Children are abused, spouses are inflicted with pain, innocent people are brutalized.  We cry out for relief.  Save us from ourselves.  Amen and Amen.
   

God of the circling years, whose faithfulness spans generations, your grace and mercy continually astound us.  Through Christ you have entered our world, walked where we walk, shared our infirmities, been touched by our joys and sorrows.  You hear the prayers of all who bow down before you as Christ intercedes on their behalf.  We can utter our halting phrases with assurance that Christ will translate the stammers and stutters into thoughts that communicate our love.  We are thankful we need hide nothing from you.  You know our longings and desires, our fears and temptations.  We hear again of how Christ drew apart to spend time in prayer, his tears testifying to the frightening prospect of death.  We sense the sorrow he endured, and witness his unyielding confession of trust in your will.  Through him we too can endure.  We await the day when all hearts shall love you and Christ shall reign supreme.  In the meantime, we shall continue to call on your guidance, for we know not what each day shall bring.  We shall arise with assurance that the dawn brings resurrection, and confront each moment as a time of grace.  When the sun sets, we pray that our efforts will be found worthy of your mercy and grace.  In his name we pray, Amen and Amen.

Here we bring before you, O God, the experiences of lifetimes and the dreams of lives yet to be lived.  Here we offer the problems and the potential of our days upon the earth.  We cannot offer you more than what we are, but we rejoice that you have promised this is enough.  It is your grace that may meet us here and lead us into what you would have us be.
Understand our prayers for all those whom we love.  Help them, our Father, in the trials we see them bear, in the tasks for which we are so helpless to offer counsel, and with the burdens whose weight we cannot carry as our own.  Understand also the griefs we now express individually for those whom we have lost, whose presence we cannot replace, and for whom our hearts can never cease to love and care.  Accept our gratitude for the blessings we have received, and receive our confession that we have not blessed others so much as we have sought to bless ourselves.  Then, from this honest place in our hearts of who we are today, our Father, make us in your strength into the people we should yet become. Amen and Amen.

O God, you have bound us together in this life.
Give is grace to understand how our lives depend on the
courage, the industry, the honesty, and the integrity of all who labor.
May we be mindful of their needs, grateful for their faithfulness, and faithful in our responsibilities to them; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen and Amen.
Reinhold Niebuhr, U.S.A., 20th Cent,.Alt.

*Call of Remembrance
Leader: When we remember the stockbrokers, office workers, maintenance workers, bystanders, window-washers and all the others who worked together so valiantly to help each other, we can say together:
All: We remember great courage.Leader: When we recall the firefighters who rushed upstairs as most everyone else was racing out, we can say together,All: We remember selfless service.
Leader: When we recall the police officers who stood to protect and defend the people and performed their duties until the towers came crashing down on top of them, we can say together,
All: We remember selfless sacrifice for the safety of others.Leader: When we recall the thousands of workers, women and men and, old and young, single and married, American-born and those born in countries around the world who did not escape the buildings, we can say together,
All: We remember the loss of human life.
Leader: When we recall those citizens who rushed to help, did all they could to help, we can say together,
All: We remember and give thanks for dutiful commitment to those in distress.Leader: When we recall the people who stood in line at the nation's blood banks to make living donations from their very bodies, we can say together,
All: We give thanks for those who live on to pass on life and love.Leader: When we remember the millions of Americans who gave so generously of their life and labor to endow funds to help the survivors and their families recover from their losses, we can say together,
All: We are grateful for generosity.
Remembrance begins with deep, personal identification. It begins with remembering the affliction of our brothers and sisters, and marking their pain as our own. Remembrance is a sacred moment when we raise up and hold to the light of the eternal moment, the good who have passed.

Leader: In our sadness, horror and shock we acknowledge that our own fears turned murderous and we have sought revenge, sometimes against even the innocent.
All: We confess and regret our own anger and recognize its dangers to our spirits, our health, our community, and others.Leader: In the midst of the aftermath of the events of September 11th, 2001 we have been tempted to seek only our own good, hear only our own truth, acknowledge only our own suffering.
All: We know that peace will come to us and to our children only when the concerns of justice anywhere become the subject of political and social will everywhere, and that no justice leads to no peace.Leader: In striving for national security and domestic peace we run the risk of confusing might for right and participating in the very behaviors we
condemn.
All: Guard and guide our country that in our search for security we may not trample the rights of the innocent nor disregard the rule of law. Let us not confuse leadership within the global community as the voice for the whole community.
Repentance means to turn away from wrong deeds. Repentance means choosing instead deeds which require moral restraint, and are more beneficial to all persons who suffer.

Leader: We recall with joy the unity we felt in the outpouring of help, kindness, thoughtful words and deeds from at home and around the world.
All: We must hold firmly to our unity, borne forward now not of tragedy but of loving kindness.Leader: We place fresh confidence in international organizations and conversations that bring the diverse gifts of the world to the problems of poverty, injustice, terror and strife.
All: We long for wise policies that forego short term gain for long term stability, justice and peace.
Leader: In a year filled with tragedy we dare to hope for an era yet to come in which the slaughter of innocents, greed, the ambitions of power, and cultural, racial and religious bigotries are but memories of a dim and unenlightened past.

Unison Prayer:
God of the ages, before your eyes all empires rise and fall yet you are changeless. Be near us in this age of terror and in these moments of remembrance. Uphold those who work and watch and wait and weep and love. By your Spirit give rise in us to broad sympathy for all the peoples of your earth. Strengthen us to comfort those who mourn and work in large ways and small for those things that make for peace. Bless the people and leaders of this nation and all nations so that warfare, like slavery before it, may become only a historic memory. We pray in the strong name of the Prince of Peace. Amen and Amen. --Liturgy by Rev. Eileen W. Lindner and Rev. Marcel A. Welty, National Council of Churches.

self-edit

Very poignant and lovingly thought out ..and shinging such a postive light on the selfless actions of so many people on that day.

All things come from you, O God, and with gratitude we return to you what is yours.  You created all that is, and with love formed us in your image.  When our love failed, your love remained steadfast.  You gave your only Son Jesus Christ to be our Savior.  All that we are, and all that we have, is a trust from you.  Dearest Jesus we need a miracle -- we ask that you turn the shallow water of our living into the strong currents of true discipleship.  Stem evil that flows around us and make holy and acceptable the work of our hands.  Restore our ears to hear the promise of your Gospel, our eyes to see the wonders that your bounty has created, our tongues to sing hymns to your glory.  But above all, rescue our spirits from the death that holds us fast so that we may walk in life and freedom -- free to serve you.  Let us not forget your miracle on Calvary and your continuing power in our lives this very night.  May each morning and each night be bathed in fresh forgiveness from you.  We do not pray only for ourselves, we pray for all we love and know.  And so in gratitude for all your gifts, we offer you ourselves, and all that we have, in union with Christ’s offering for us.  By the Holy Spirit make us one and we ask you to bear our prayer to your Father and ours. Amen and Amen.

Sister....thank you and prayers for you.  Mere

Mere, you are more than welcome.  Praise the Lord!

O God, whose name is worthy of unending praise, we bow before you in humble submission.  Words fail to communicate the depth of love to you and our yearning to obey your will.  Without your Spirit day follows day in aimless succession.  Nothing can compare with the love you have shown us, not the tribute of leaders, the fame of achievement, the applause of friends and loved ones.  We owe all to your mercy . . . we will praise you at all times and call upon your name.
Hear us as we pray for cleansing . . . rid us of the vanity which clutters our thinking.  Show us the Christ who taught self-denial.  Help us to hear once again how the humble received mercy, the sick were healed, and those whom good people rejected were loved and forgiven.
Increase our faith and save us from the need to boast of our own goodness.  As we are quick to call on your for guidance when we are threatened, let us be eager to give you the glory for whatever we gain.  Fill us anew with you Holy Spirit, so that our words may be your words, our work your work, and our glory your glory.  You are the God of our salvation to whom belongs all the glory, praise, and honor, now and forevermore.  Amen and Amen.

     The signs of Christmas are all around Us Father.  Every time we walk through the mall or go to a store or turn on television, the signs of Christmas overwhelm us.  We see Santas on every corner; trees have been trimmed; gifts have been wrapped;  the cash registers are ringing; cookies have been baked; packages have been mailed;  the signs of Christmas are recognizable and are all around us.  But God, what has happened to the first signs?  The Star and the Angels and the Manger and the Baby?  Our up-to-date society has hidden them, Father.  Forgive us we Pray.   Forgive us when we forget that the real reason for the season is to celebrate the birth of your Son and the sending of your love to us.  Help us to be alert during the next week, ever looking for the star, ever ready to follow the shepherds to the manger, ever ready to lay our gifts at the feet of the Christ Child with the Wisemen.
     We recognize that this glorious season with all its good cheer also finds some who are in the depths of despair.  Be near them, Father.  This Christmas will find some chairs empty that were occupied last year; some hearts will long for loved ones no longer in our midst; some hearts will be filled with disappointment and some bodies will be racked with pain.  Deal mercifully with your people, God and surround them with your Peace.  Use us wherever and whenever You can and let us know the blessing of having served you.
     We Pray All These Things in the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. 
   Our Father Who Art in Heaven, Hallowed Be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done on Earth as it Is in Heaven.  Give Us this Day Our Daily Bread. And Forgive Us Our Trespasses as We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us.  And Lead Us Not into Temptation but Deliver Us from Evil for Thine in the Kingdom and the Honor and the Glory Forever.  Amen and Amen.

Another year is about to begin.  Father, we thank you.  We never know what the moment will bring to us, but we do know that the hour for serving you is now.  We don’t know what 2012 will bring us, but we do know you will provide opportunity after opportunity for us to witness to your love and your forgiveness.  As we pause to give you thanks for caring for us through the past year, we would ask for your abiding grace and continued companionship throughout the year to come.  O God, may we be constantly listening for your voice . . . may we be constantly watching for your hands showing us what we must do . . . may we be ever alert for your spirit to be walking by our sides  . . . calling us to do your work in our communities and in our world. Amen and Amen.

All-knowing God, you discern our thoughts and are acquainted with all our ways; before a word is on our lips, you know it altogether.  You lay your hand upon in the call of Christ our Savior.  You fill us with your Holy Spirit, who leads us by your wisdom and counsel.  You guide us throughout our journey’s length, forgiving our waywardness, equipping us to serve you, and fulfilling our needs.  Nothing we can do escapes your eye; there is nowhere we can hide from you.  You are within and without, before us and beyond us.  O God of our being, we give you praise and thanksgiving.
Hasten the day when our love for you matches your mercy toward us.  Enlarge our hearts to the dimensions of your mercy, and help us to return to you a measure of the love you give to us.  Purify our souls with your continuing assurance of pardon, and save us from our love of idols and vain display.  Strengthen us whereby we may serve you more effectively and glorify your name through obedience to Christ.
Give us the mind of Christ as we look upon our neighbor.  Keep us from passing by those whom society overlooks.  Plant indelibly on our hearts the plight of the homeless, the forsaken, and the poor.  Lend us a portion of your grace as we seek to life them from despair; cause their fainting spirits to feel the gentle embrace of Jesus our Savior, who came that all may have life and have it abundantly.  Amen and Amen.

Hear our prayers, dear Jesus. Those whom we love are in the hospital . . . those whom we love are in the nursing homes . . .  those whom we love have had the angels of death call upon them . . . those whom we love have become confused . . . those whom we love have lost their way and are not following in your way . . . be with those whom we love, faithful Jesus.  Walk with them . . . strengthen them . . . comfort them . . . heal them . . . and take them as your own.
   Bless all of us whom you have called to work in this vineyard . . . we bow before you seeking your guidance as we try to determine your will for us and then try to complete your assigned tasks.  Help us to recognize your voice when you call . . . help us to recognize your direction when you point . . . and then give us the courage and the faith to know that if we follow you, we will always succeed . . . to your glory.
   Forgive us all our sins as you have promised.  Help us to have the faith to accept that promise as well as all your other promises . . . we pray these things as you taught us... OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME.  THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.  GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD.  AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US.  AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL. FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOREVER.  AMEN and AMEN.

God of the hilltops and of low places, Revealer at Sinai and Reassuring One of the valley of the shadow of death, we need you here.  You have created us and give life to all things, but we have chased after other gods and ridiculed those who practice their faith too seriously.  We have tried to put you to the test, but have not wanted to be tested ourselves.  We place conditions on our belief and limit our trust while the One you sent to love us is rejected, tortured, and killed.  O God, what have we done!  Is it too late to be a disciple?  Hear our cry!  Amen and Amen.

Most Holy God, you know our every thought and deed; our lives are not hid from you.  You dwell in the heights, yet you stoop to hear us; you inhabit the depths, yet you rise to support our efforts to serve you.  You encompass the whole of creation and are yet concerned for our needs.  All praise to you, eternal God; we honor and glorify your holy name.  Amen and Amen.

Call to Prayer
Pastor:   Let us praise those fathers who have striven to balance the demands of work, marriage, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice.
People:   we pray to the Lord . . .
Pastor:   Let us praise those fathers who, lacking a good model for a father, have worked to become a good father.
People:   we pray to the Lord . . .
Pastor:   Let us praise those fathers who by their own account were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support.
People:   we pray to the Lord . . .
Pastor:   Let us pray for those fathers who have been wounded by the neglect and hostility of their children.
People:   we pray to the Lord . . .
Pastor:   Let us praise those fathers who, despite divorce, have remained in their children's lives.
People:   we pray to the Lord . . .
Pastor:   Let us praise those fathers whose children are adopted, and whose love and support has offered healing.
People:   we pray to the Lord . . .
Pastor:   Let us praise those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely choose the obligation of fatherhood and earned their step children's love and respect.
People:   we pray to the Lord . . .
Pastor:   Let us praise those fathers who have lost a child to death, and continue to hold the child in their heart.
People:   we pray to the Lord . . .
Pastor:   Let us praise those men who have no children, but cherish the next generation as if they were their own.
People:   we pray to the Lord . . .
Pastor:   Let us praise those men who have "fathered" us in their role as mentors and guides.
People:   we pray to the Lord . . .
Pastor:   Let us praise those men who are about to become fathers; may they openly delight in their children.
People:   we pray to the Lord . . .
Pastor:   And let us praise those fathers who have died, but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us.
People:   we pray to the Lord . . .
Pastor:   God our Father, in your wisdom and love you made all things.  Bless these men, that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers.  Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.  Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect.  Grant this in the name of the One who spoke your Word, who obeyed your Word, who is your Word, ever our Lord and Saviour.  Amen and Amen.
written by Kirk Loadman with adaption by OC

For those who are missing their loved ones this Christmas . . . heartfelt prayers for you.

www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/harris-emmylou/theres-a-light-14821...

There's a light, there's a light in the darkness
And the black of the night cannot harm us
We can trust not to fear for our comfort is near
There's a light, there's a light in the darkness

It will rain it will rain in the desert
In the cracks of the plain there's a treasure
Like the thurst of the seed we will await we believe
It will rain it will rain in the desert

We will fly we will fly we will let go
To this world we will die but our hearts know
We'll see more on that side when the door opens wide
We will fly we will fly we will fly we will fly
We will all go

Hear our prayers, dear Lord . . . from the time of Adam, we have disobeyed you, Father.  Each of us in our own way have discovered new way to denounce your name and to forget your ways.  Even though you sent your son, Jesus to die for us and to be the final atonement for all our sins, we even forget that and go our merry way, making our own rules and selfishly creating our own world.  Forgive us Father for all our sins.
As you have intervened in our lives, Lord, we pray this moment for you to intervene in the lives of those whom we love.  Some are lying in pain this moment . . . some are frustrated because their lives aren’t going the way they had planned . . . some are disappointed because someone they love has betrayed them and walked out of their lives . . . some have been deserted by their friends . . . but whatever the problem, let them know of your love and your forgiveness . . . let them be aware of your presence and grant them your peace.  Amen and Amen.