A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, July 30th

Good Morning, God

Lord, it behooves us to be able to laugh at ourselves, even when we are dealing with serious things.  A case in point, Lord, was the headline that said that there is now an app (or “application”) on our I-phones where we can see ourselves in the various clothing of different religions.  For example, some may see themselves in a nun’s habit; some in a black pulpit robe; some in priestly garb complete with the headdress; some in a fancy three-piece suit with handkerchief in the pocket.

The app, called “Ordain Thyself” doesn’t confer any religious credentials, but merely lets a person see themselves as a religious worker.  Some of us, who have the ordinations that take an undergraduate degree and a seminary degree and rigorous ordination exams, and then a church that wants us, may be offended by the humor in this.

But, Lord, what if through this you would speak to a person you really want as an ordained worker for you?  We know that you do have a sense of humor and that you use many means to touch our lives.  Perhaps this app is one.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

A Prayer for the Headlines foe Friday, July 27th

Good Morning, God,
The headlines today are about an international event that could surely enjoy your guardianship, Lord! The Olympics open today in London, but rather than the back-stories on all the amazing athletes, we get the sensational story of how it takes 18,200 troops to "guard" the "games"!
It is said that the Ministry of Defense is also deploying two warships, Typhoon fighter jets, Puma helicopters, and high-velocity missile batteries on rooftops! My gosh, are we sure that we shouldn't just call these "war games"?

Lord, sorry for the sarcasm, but why must everything that is good about sports and people coming together to participate and watch, have to be "protected" like it is more of a prison camp than a sports arena? You say this is nothing new, only that the "sport" used to be even about how long men could make it with lions competing with them in the arena? You say it is still about sin against righteousness?

Loving God, we pray for the safety, endurance and success of each athlete, the pure enjoyment of the spectators and complete protection from any nefarious, evil intent and attack.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, July 25th

Good Morning, God,
The headlines just keep coming, don't they, God, telling us about the fallout from sin. The fallout this time is from the Sandusky sexual abuse scandal, cover-up, and the lack of proper oversight and control by those in authority. Now, a very fine university and some very fine young men and adult men who have come through Penn State will forever live with the stigma and stink - plus having their efforts on the football field nullified for the past, present and future. Those currently in authority have wielded their power thoroughly.
Lord Jesus, we pray for the extreme remorse - the extreme remorse - by everyone who had even the slightest involvement in the sins. We pray that all concerned will accept the penalties as pronounced, then begin to lead a more righteous life inside and outside the university.
We pray for each and every victim, that their lives will be healed and peaceful. And, we pray for the innocent people - the students, faculty, staff and supporters of Penn State, that they will have hope and strength enough for the new days ahead.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, July 23rd

Good Morning, God,
Lord, whether we like it or not, or admit it or not, the headlines since Friday have bothered us. Some of our feelings are fear; some feelings are anger; some are frustrations; and, some are even hate. Lord, we even don't know what we are supposed to feel after something as horrific as the shootings in the theatre in Colorado takes place. We just know we are supposed to feel something.
So, Lord, even though you are busy comforting, strengthening, and giving wisdom to the people of Aurora, please give us the wisdom and strength and comfort to handle our feelings here. We don't want to fear going to our theatres. We don't want to imagine everyone we meet as a possible murderer. We want to feel safe in our homes, on our streets , around our businesses and even at our entertainment.
Lord, let us hear your words, "In life and in death you belong to me. You are my child, and I am always with you.
Thank you, Lord. We hear and pray this in Jesus' strong name, Amen.