Good Morning, God,
Lord, as we end this week, there are so many headlines for which we need to pray, some very serious, some very personal, all with a need of some kind from you in your heaven. So, this prayer for the headlines today cannot name just one need, but we want to claim your presence, your strengths, your all-knowing for what is needed.
We want to claim your promise that when we do not know exactly for what and how to pray, your Holy Spirit prays for us with ways that words cannot express, and when you search our hearts, you hear the Spirit's words for our specific needs.
Generally, though, we pray:
Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let us so love.
Where there is injury pardon.
Where there is doubt faith.
Where there is despair hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
God, grant that we may not seek so much to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.
In Jesus's name, Amen.
20130424
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday April 24th
Good Morning, God, Lord,
The adrenaline is slowing down now, but we are not done with the event yet. Each hour it seems we are getting more information about the Boston bombings.
Many people are soaking all of this up and cannot wait for the next installment. But many others are ready to move on. Some people need to know why the deed was done; others just want to know the remaining perpetrator is justly punished. Some people identify with the parents and other friends and loved ones of the perpetrators who cannot believe the boys did this thing; others think "too bad! Why did not you bring them up better?"
Heavenly father, give us all peace about this terrible act. Give us strength to endure the ongoing saga and continuing coverage. Give those who need it acceptance and give us all protection from another such act...please.
In Jesus is name, Amen.
The adrenaline is slowing down now, but we are not done with the event yet. Each hour it seems we are getting more information about the Boston bombings.
Many people are soaking all of this up and cannot wait for the next installment. But many others are ready to move on. Some people need to know why the deed was done; others just want to know the remaining perpetrator is justly punished. Some people identify with the parents and other friends and loved ones of the perpetrators who cannot believe the boys did this thing; others think "too bad! Why did not you bring them up better?"
Heavenly father, give us all peace about this terrible act. Give us strength to endure the ongoing saga and continuing coverage. Give those who need it acceptance and give us all protection from another such act...please.
In Jesus is name, Amen.
20130422
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, April 22nd
Good Morning, God,
Lord, we see every day the obituaries of those who have died. The headline is usually their name and where they are from. The obit then lists the loved ones who survive and the loved ones who have preceded in death.
We who read these obituaries may know the person who has died or one of the loved ones. We may have known them at work or at church or at play or through organizations or just out in the community. However, we have known them, even as a family member, we don't ever know the entire person. No one but you, God, knows us completely.
Today, Lord, we pray for those who know enough about their loved one that causes resentment and hard feelings. May we think about these relationships today and pray for grace, mercy and peace to work through them while it is still possible. And, if it isn't still possible, may we get the help we need to find the forgiveness and acceptance we need for our healthy relationships.
Take any bitterness and return love, dear God.
In Jesus's name, Amen.
Lord, we see every day the obituaries of those who have died. The headline is usually their name and where they are from. The obit then lists the loved ones who survive and the loved ones who have preceded in death.
We who read these obituaries may know the person who has died or one of the loved ones. We may have known them at work or at church or at play or through organizations or just out in the community. However, we have known them, even as a family member, we don't ever know the entire person. No one but you, God, knows us completely.
Today, Lord, we pray for those who know enough about their loved one that causes resentment and hard feelings. May we think about these relationships today and pray for grace, mercy and peace to work through them while it is still possible. And, if it isn't still possible, may we get the help we need to find the forgiveness and acceptance we need for our healthy relationships.
Take any bitterness and return love, dear God.
In Jesus's name, Amen.
20130419
Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, April 19th
Good Morning, God,
Creator God, we thank you that you have given us the ability to visualize beautiful and utilitarian ideas. Of such are all the renovations of Southridge high school. If we (legally) could, Lord God, we'd anoint the building and dedicate it to your will for our students and teachers.
If we could, we'd ask that everyone who walks through the doors of the school be safe people and to be at the school for positive purposes. If we could, we'd ask that the teachers be given an extra gift of energy, intelligence, imagination, and love, and instill a desire for the same in each student. If we could, we'd have every citizen of the Southwest Dubois School Corporation more than happy to be contributing through their property taxes for this renovation. If we could, we'd pray for the highest excellence throughout the halls of Southridge.
Well, Lord, we can, so we do, pray. May it all be so!
In Jesus' name, Amen
Creator God, we thank you that you have given us the ability to visualize beautiful and utilitarian ideas. Of such are all the renovations of Southridge high school. If we (legally) could, Lord God, we'd anoint the building and dedicate it to your will for our students and teachers.
If we could, we'd ask that everyone who walks through the doors of the school be safe people and to be at the school for positive purposes. If we could, we'd ask that the teachers be given an extra gift of energy, intelligence, imagination, and love, and instill a desire for the same in each student. If we could, we'd have every citizen of the Southwest Dubois School Corporation more than happy to be contributing through their property taxes for this renovation. If we could, we'd pray for the highest excellence throughout the halls of Southridge.
Well, Lord, we can, so we do, pray. May it all be so!
In Jesus' name, Amen
20130417
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, April 17th
Good Morning, God,
Lord, so much pain and mayhem today and the headlines. We have national pain and we have local pain. We have group pain and we have personal pain. We pray for the victims in Boston and we pray for the South Spencer high school and particularly for the Stafford family, as Cody took his own life Monday night.
Heavenly father, come and undergird us this day support us as we seek to continue what we must do on our jobs, in our families, at our schools. Give us strength to get through the hours of news that keep coming at us with details few and far between.
What we do know, Creator God, is that we need to regain our belief, trust and hope in you. We need to talk with you and listen to you. We need to rededicate our personal and national lives to you.
Until we all do this, we pray this day for protection from such sadly mis-guided people and decisions.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Lord, so much pain and mayhem today and the headlines. We have national pain and we have local pain. We have group pain and we have personal pain. We pray for the victims in Boston and we pray for the South Spencer high school and particularly for the Stafford family, as Cody took his own life Monday night.
Heavenly father, come and undergird us this day support us as we seek to continue what we must do on our jobs, in our families, at our schools. Give us strength to get through the hours of news that keep coming at us with details few and far between.
What we do know, Creator God, is that we need to regain our belief, trust and hope in you. We need to talk with you and listen to you. We need to rededicate our personal and national lives to you.
Until we all do this, we pray this day for protection from such sadly mis-guided people and decisions.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130415
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, April 15th
Good Morning, God,
The headline spoke to us regarding traffic and parking laws and their associated fines last week, Lord.
One story wants fines for parking wrongly or too long to increase… A one dollar ticket would increase to five dollars, then to $10, if not paid within 24 hours. The thought is, besides breaking the law, the higher ticket penalties would help the offenders take the violations more seriously.
Then, Lord, is the guy who believes pretty much all traffic laws are illegal; in fact, he says that the Supreme Court has said that we are all "sovereign people," subject only to God, the Constitution, and "lawful laws."" It seems that we also have the right to travel freely and unencumbered… Unencumbered by traffic laws.
You know, Lord, if we were truly all sovereign people, subject first to your law, then we would not need to have any law but yours: Loving you and loving each other, doing what is safest and best for all.
But until then we are one nation under God... and traffic laws!
In Jesus' name, Amen.
The headline spoke to us regarding traffic and parking laws and their associated fines last week, Lord.
One story wants fines for parking wrongly or too long to increase… A one dollar ticket would increase to five dollars, then to $10, if not paid within 24 hours. The thought is, besides breaking the law, the higher ticket penalties would help the offenders take the violations more seriously.
Then, Lord, is the guy who believes pretty much all traffic laws are illegal; in fact, he says that the Supreme Court has said that we are all "sovereign people," subject only to God, the Constitution, and "lawful laws."" It seems that we also have the right to travel freely and unencumbered… Unencumbered by traffic laws.
You know, Lord, if we were truly all sovereign people, subject first to your law, then we would not need to have any law but yours: Loving you and loving each other, doing what is safest and best for all.
But until then we are one nation under God... and traffic laws!
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130412
A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, April 22nd
Good Morning, God,
The headlines these days are about the ramping-up of the saber-rattling from North Korea-and the tough rhetoric from many other places around the world-South Korea, the United States, even China. Offensive and defensive departments are shuffling men, women and machines. Weapons are being pointed, troops are being put on alert, civilians are urged to leave North Korea or "take cover," and North and South Koreans aren't working together anymore at their joint businesses and factories.
Lord, many if not most of us don't remember the last Korean War. Perhaps our mothers and fathers fought it, but none of us have had to.
Heavenly Father, we pray that none of us will have to fight in a new war, either. May wisdom overcome all sides, young and older rulers alike. May we continue to dwell in relative safety, because no one wants to go through their lives scared each day and night… Yes, give us wisdom, and where we think we know the truth, give us humility.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
The headlines these days are about the ramping-up of the saber-rattling from North Korea-and the tough rhetoric from many other places around the world-South Korea, the United States, even China. Offensive and defensive departments are shuffling men, women and machines. Weapons are being pointed, troops are being put on alert, civilians are urged to leave North Korea or "take cover," and North and South Koreans aren't working together anymore at their joint businesses and factories.
Lord, many if not most of us don't remember the last Korean War. Perhaps our mothers and fathers fought it, but none of us have had to.
Heavenly Father, we pray that none of us will have to fight in a new war, either. May wisdom overcome all sides, young and older rulers alike. May we continue to dwell in relative safety, because no one wants to go through their lives scared each day and night… Yes, give us wisdom, and where we think we know the truth, give us humility.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130410
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, April 10th
Good Morning, God,
Gracious God, who has given us the multitude of ways our bodies can do what they do, we thank you for the headlines that speak of healing and the sharing of health between people.
The headline spoke of how a local woman received a bone marrow transplant from a man in Dallas, Texas five years ago. The transplant therapy was successful. Now the donor and recipient have met, tears were shed, and thanksgivings were abundant.
Heavenly Father, from Creation you have given us the capability and possibility to create life. Now we have learned that we can transplant body parts from one person to another; in fact, there is almost no limit as to what can be shared-organs, tissue, blood products, bone marrow, etc.-if only we are willing to give.
Make us so willing to give what we can while we are alive, and to give what we don't need anymore once we have died.
In life and in death, may our bodies be useful, oh Great Physician.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Gracious God, who has given us the multitude of ways our bodies can do what they do, we thank you for the headlines that speak of healing and the sharing of health between people.
The headline spoke of how a local woman received a bone marrow transplant from a man in Dallas, Texas five years ago. The transplant therapy was successful. Now the donor and recipient have met, tears were shed, and thanksgivings were abundant.
Heavenly Father, from Creation you have given us the capability and possibility to create life. Now we have learned that we can transplant body parts from one person to another; in fact, there is almost no limit as to what can be shared-organs, tissue, blood products, bone marrow, etc.-if only we are willing to give.
Make us so willing to give what we can while we are alive, and to give what we don't need anymore once we have died.
In life and in death, may our bodies be useful, oh Great Physician.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130408
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, April 8th
Good Morning, God,
The headline said, "Cute Kids Potty Mouth Goes Viral."
It seems that someone had videoed a child, their child, speaking with a "potty mouth" and put it out on the Internet. Of course, like flies to a cow patty, people are clicking on the video to laugh at him.
This is so sad on several fronts, Lord. It's sad that this child, at his young age, has been exposed to these words enough that he can tie them together and speak them. Protect him in the future from parents and friends who use such language.
It is also so sad that we will waste our time "clicking on" this video, and thinking it is cute, rather than rude and abusive. In fact, once we see just the headlines, we shouldn't click on it at all!
Lord, help us to remember that it is out of our mouths that evil comes and that our little tongue can set the world ablaze. May we watch what we say, how we say it, and to whom we say it, because a child may be within earshot and echo the what and the how.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
The headline said, "Cute Kids Potty Mouth Goes Viral."
It seems that someone had videoed a child, their child, speaking with a "potty mouth" and put it out on the Internet. Of course, like flies to a cow patty, people are clicking on the video to laugh at him.
This is so sad on several fronts, Lord. It's sad that this child, at his young age, has been exposed to these words enough that he can tie them together and speak them. Protect him in the future from parents and friends who use such language.
It is also so sad that we will waste our time "clicking on" this video, and thinking it is cute, rather than rude and abusive. In fact, once we see just the headlines, we shouldn't click on it at all!
Lord, help us to remember that it is out of our mouths that evil comes and that our little tongue can set the world ablaze. May we watch what we say, how we say it, and to whom we say it, because a child may be within earshot and echo the what and the how.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130405
A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, April 5th
Good Morning, God,
Lord God, who inspired the writers of the Bible through your Holy Spirit, we thank you for simple rules for us to follow to be "good" and "better" people. Of course, we all have the 10 Commandments and the two great commandments-and try to follow them. But what do you really require, Lord? How can we boil it down?
"What do I require, you ask? I require that you "do justice" and "love mercy" and walk humbly with me, your God."
Oh, Lord, when we put others ahead of ourselves in a line, or not take what we deserve but only what we need; when we serve and dine with sloppy, smelly eaters; where we comfort the afflicted; when we stand up for others at our own peril and when we humble ourselves, even as pastors, priests, and the Pope, to hug and wash dirty feet and not expect special privileges and not hold ourselves out to be better, but are truly your servants-is this doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with you?
"Yes, that's part of it. But do it all.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Lord God, who inspired the writers of the Bible through your Holy Spirit, we thank you for simple rules for us to follow to be "good" and "better" people. Of course, we all have the 10 Commandments and the two great commandments-and try to follow them. But what do you really require, Lord? How can we boil it down?
"What do I require, you ask? I require that you "do justice" and "love mercy" and walk humbly with me, your God."
Oh, Lord, when we put others ahead of ourselves in a line, or not take what we deserve but only what we need; when we serve and dine with sloppy, smelly eaters; where we comfort the afflicted; when we stand up for others at our own peril and when we humble ourselves, even as pastors, priests, and the Pope, to hug and wash dirty feet and not expect special privileges and not hold ourselves out to be better, but are truly your servants-is this doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with you?
"Yes, that's part of it. But do it all.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130403
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, April 3rd
Good morning, God,
The headlines speak of another scam being attempted among our residents. It happens when someone calls with what we thought was personal, private, privileged information. Because the caller has such information, we believe the call was legitimate, and we will send the money or give out more personal information, such as our Social Security number, driver's license number, and/or our bank account numbers. We may even be asked for our "pin" number and passwords. The next thing we know, our checks are bouncing because our bank accounts had been drained.
Lord God, why did you have to make people who turn out to be scammers?
Lord, scammers give those who truly need help a bad name and a tough time. Worse than this, scammers prey upon the least and the lonely, those whom you say we are supposed to care for.
So, Lord, we pray for a change of heart among those who would use another person's innocence for their own personal gain. Lord, come against and into any who would scam this day.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
The headlines speak of another scam being attempted among our residents. It happens when someone calls with what we thought was personal, private, privileged information. Because the caller has such information, we believe the call was legitimate, and we will send the money or give out more personal information, such as our Social Security number, driver's license number, and/or our bank account numbers. We may even be asked for our "pin" number and passwords. The next thing we know, our checks are bouncing because our bank accounts had been drained.
Lord God, why did you have to make people who turn out to be scammers?
Lord, scammers give those who truly need help a bad name and a tough time. Worse than this, scammers prey upon the least and the lonely, those whom you say we are supposed to care for.
So, Lord, we pray for a change of heart among those who would use another person's innocence for their own personal gain. Lord, come against and into any who would scam this day.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130401
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, April 1st
Good Morning, God,
Ah, Lord, it is great to begin another week! We Christians celebrated your Resurrection Day yesterday, and the "high" carries over even to today. Oh, we know that "highs" soon fade away, but for a person of faith, it can be experienced every day to some degree or another.
Each day we have the opportunity to "greet the dawn," no matter when we awaken. We have the opportunity to say, "Good, God, it's morning!" Rather than "Good God, it's morning." (It's hard to get the vocal inflection with this writing!)
We have the opportunity to thank you for your care through the night and ask for your guidance through the day. We can praise you with, "Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name." We can ask you for what we need, "give us this day our daily bread and forgive us as we forgive others." We can ask you for "protection from evil and the time of trial."
All of this is plenty to be able to say, "Good, God, it's morning."
In Jesus's name, Amen.
Ah, Lord, it is great to begin another week! We Christians celebrated your Resurrection Day yesterday, and the "high" carries over even to today. Oh, we know that "highs" soon fade away, but for a person of faith, it can be experienced every day to some degree or another.
Each day we have the opportunity to "greet the dawn," no matter when we awaken. We have the opportunity to say, "Good, God, it's morning!" Rather than "Good God, it's morning." (It's hard to get the vocal inflection with this writing!)
We have the opportunity to thank you for your care through the night and ask for your guidance through the day. We can praise you with, "Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name." We can ask you for what we need, "give us this day our daily bread and forgive us as we forgive others." We can ask you for "protection from evil and the time of trial."
All of this is plenty to be able to say, "Good, God, it's morning."
In Jesus's name, Amen.
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