Today I write my prayers

At the church I attend some of us take turns being the assisting minister. That involves writing prayers and assisting pastor in the distribution of communion. Today I thought I would share the process on my blog. I usually read the scripture that is assigned for the day and use thoughts from there to write prayers. The scripture readings for this week are: Jeremiah 20: 7-13, Psalm 69:8-11 (12-17) 18-20, Romans 6:1b-11 and Matthew 10:24-39.

We praise Your magnificent name. Your power and glory is displayed in the heavens for all to see. You put within us knowledge of You. You beckon us to know You. You want nothing to stand in the way of our relationship with You. You invite us to seek you in silence.
God of love.
Hear our prayer.

For Jeremiah your message to Jerusalem burned within him. He could not hold it in despite receiving ridicule from his listeners. In the end you prevailed and your message was shared. We have a message of love and forgiveness to share today. Does it burn within us? Will You prevail in our hearts? Lord, teach us to learn and do your will.
God of love.
Hear our prayer

Lord, we acknowledge you and ask for courage to share your goodness and gentleness in all the world, having no fear of those who would silence us. Give us your wisdom and perfect timing.
God of love.
Hear our prayer

We offer thanks for good and generous fathers who have been a blessing to their children. We ask that they might keep their focus on you, the perfect example of parenthood.
God of love
Hear our prayer

We pray for parents and families everywhere in the world. Give courage and help to those who struggle to feed their children, to shelter them and to protect them from violence and war.
God of love.
Hear our prayer.

We ask you Lord for comfort and healing for those who are ill. We name...............
Give patence to all for whom healing does not come quickly, and strong faith to those nearing death.
God of love,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for every family who lost a loved one in war this past week. We ask that you continue to make your presence known to them in their suffering and grief. Please continue to protect and give strength of heart to our own military members. We name.........
God of love.
Hear our prayer.

Knowing that nothing can separate us from you and our worship may take place anywhere, we pray for all those who are not with us this morning. We ask blessing upon our homebound members and their caregivers and name them......
God of love.
Hear our prayer