Tag Archives: worship
A Prayer for Courage on an Anniversary of Evil
Originally posted on Call for Fire Seminar:
A prayer I offered in 2012 front of an assembly from several nations in Kabul for Patriot Day (September 11): O God, Creator of all, Sustainer of life, our Refuge from disaster, we…
A Prayer While Weeping
This past Sunday, I started crying and for some phrases could only mouth the words of the song “Oh, How He Loves You and Me” during a worship assembly. That song was the lullaby that I sang to my middle … Continue reading
A Prayer for Dwelling in Unity
Passion for unity flows throughout biblical narratives and prayers. We may overlook the friction that threatened the confederacy of tribes united around worship of one God and awareness of a common ancestry. The book of Judges records a tragic incident … Continue reading
Praying Visions and Bringing in the Sheaves
As a child traveling with my parents to my grandfather’s farm in Middle Tennessee, I eagerly anticipated seeing my grandparents, eating my grandmother’s scrumptious home cooking, and drinking water drawn from their well in the front yard. My eagerness would … Continue reading
A Prayer for God to Surround Us
When a child experiences crisis, being held by a loving parent’s comforting arms restores stability in the midst of chaos. Even as adults, we long for comfort, encouragement, or consolation – when overwhelmed, “I need a hug” leaps to our … Continue reading
Prayer for Rescue from Deceit
Few experiences are so distressing as having someone lie about you. Anger and bitterness threaten to consume my soul when I am the victim of slander. The writer of Psalm 120 prays for deliverance from lies. He warns of the … Continue reading
Thanksgiving to a Loving Creator
“Great are the works of the Lord, Psalm 111 says, “studied by all who delight in him. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the … Continue reading
Praying Thankfully in the Congregation
In this season of Thanksgiving, we express our gratefulness to God by enjoying gifts he has given us: food, family, shelter, clothing, and friends. In Psalm 111, we discover additional aspects of our lives for which we should give thanks. … Continue reading
Prayer to God who Avenges the Victim
Our God loves justice; injustice causes him to don his armor and “go to war.” The psalmist prays, “Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob” (Psalm 99:4). Many in the … Continue reading
The Empty Pews Sing Softly
The empty pews sing softly, echoing back melodic tones Wafted by faithful worshipers scattered in erratic zones Through a hall reserved for moments of joy and grief, Exultation and lament, fervor and hopeful belief In Messiah Jesus, Son of God, … Continue reading
