Thursday, August 30, 2012

My Prayer for a Dying Church Member


Creator God, Nancy is your beloved child who was known to you before her birth. Now Nancy's life on this earth is coming to a close. We are grateful Nancy has had a wonderful life fully lived. She will never be forgotten as her life and loves are carried along in our own lives in many ways. 
Wrap her in your loving arms so she can feel your presence here at this time. Reassure Nancy that she is never alone, that you are here with us and there is nothing to fear, for you promise that NOTHING can separate us from your all-encompassing love. Please forgive the things that Nancy believes need to be forgiven. Give her reassurance of your mercy, understanding, and unconditional acceptance; for you alone know our deepest thoughts and needs.
May Nancy trust in your promise that you are with us to the end of the age and that we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Take away any present suffering and fear. Replace our worries with your gifts of grace, love, and comforting peace that surpasses all understanding. And in your wise timing, may your heavenly angels peacefully carry our beloved Nancy to the next dwelling place where there is joy; no more tears or sorrow.
Receive Nancy into your tender loving arms of mercy.
And grant us all an awareness of your love interweaving the Universe together in everlasting life. Amen

Monday, August 27, 2012

Prayer for All People


I lift up to you, our Eternal and Loving God, in prayer:
The lost and all who go searching for them, the broken and wounded, and the merciful who tend to them.
The frightened souls and those who advocate for them;
all nations and their advisers who have influence over them.
The diverse peoples of the world and all who protect the smallest and the weakest, 
those involved in warring regions, and for the peacemakers who try to bring a just reconciliation.
We pray:
For the hungry millions and for the homeless, for refugees;
and for all who do their best to provide for their needs.
 For the physically challenged, the oppressed, the addicted;
 and each clinic, advocate and therapist that offers respect and hope.

For the diseased, the mentally ill; and we ask for God's tender loving care of them and encouragement for those who patiently work for their wellbeing.
For the dying and for those who comfort them, and we pray for those grieving the loss of loved ones.
For the unemployed and all who despair with economic problems. 
Inspire those of us who can be of help to boldly take others under our wings.

For the church in its many denominations and congregations. 
May we together present a strong armor to the world protecting the weak, providing for the poor, lifting up the downtrodden, and doing justice with mercy and kindness.  May we channel God's love through all our words and actions.

Thank you Lord for challenging us to be more than we think we can be. Help us be alert to the inspiration of your Spirit and remember to pray at all times. As we draw strength from your power may we stand firm against all that can corrupt your creation.  
Thank you for the reassurance that you deeply love each one of us. 
In Christ's name we pray. Amen