Prayers from Sunday, Nov. 29th - Number 2

Here are the prayers from the 10:45am worship service from Sunday, November 29th.  These prayers incorporated the song, "Open Up" by the musical group, The Brilliance.  It follows the parts of the Prayer of St. Francis.

May your love cause us to open up, cause us to open up our hearts

May your light cause us to shine so bright, that we bring hope into the dark

Good morning Lord – Thank you for this time we have to be with you in worship and prayer together as one body of Christ.  We live in a world that is desperate for peace; for peace between nations and people, between neighbors, in families, friendships and within ourselves. Lord, make us instruments of your peace.  Where there is hatred, let us sow love, where there is injury, pardon. 

Hope for the hopeless, your love is

Where there is doubt, let us bring faith; where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness let us bring joy. For those who are alone, oppressed, and left out, give us courage to reach out with your love to show them the grace we have felt from you.

Hope for the hopeless, your love is

Grant that we would not be so much seeking to be consoled as to console.  We pray in our heart especially for those who are struggling with their physical, mental and spiritual health now… May they find comfort, healing and be restored through your love. 

Strength in our weakness, your love is

Grant us that we would not focus too much on being understood without seeking to understand those around us.  Help us to seek not just to be loved by others but to seek to love.  For it is in giving that we receive; in pardoning that we are pardoned.  Lord we pray for the courage to forgive, not only others, but ourselves.  Lead us to reconciliation and restoration in and through you.

Strength in our weakness, your love is

May your love cause us to open up, cause us to open up our hearts

May your light cause us to shine so bright, that we bring hope into the dark

And all God’s people say.  Amen.

Prayers from Sunday, November 29th

Thank you for visiting the St. Andrews Words of Faith blog.  As you can see from past posts we have been sharing the prayers written by those in our church that are shared on Sunday morning.  This week we have a few different prayers.  Our first were written by Valerie Andersen for our first Sunday in Advent - a Sunday of Hope!

Prayers for the 1st Sunday of Advent

from the Great “O” Antiphons, Taize, and O Come, O Come Emmanuel

 O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.

 O Wisdom, coming from the mouth of the Most High!  You reign over all things from one end of the earth to the other; come and teach us the way of wisdom.  Lord Jesus, come soon!

 Hear our prayer.

O Lord and Head of the house of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai; come with outstretched arm and ransom us.  Lord Jesus, come soon!

 Hear our prayer.

O Root of Jesse, standing as an ensign before the peoples, before whom all kings are mute, to whom the nations will do homage; Come quickly to deliver us.  Lord Jesus, come soon!

Hear our prayer.

O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel, You open and no one can close, you close and no one can open; Come and rescue the prisoners who are in darkness and the shadow of death.  Lord Jesus, come soon!

Hear our prayer.

O Morning Star, Splendor of Light eternal and bright Sun of justice; come and shine on all who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.  Lord Jesus, come soon!

 Hear our prayer.

O King of the nations, you alone can fulfill our desires; Cornerstone, you make opposing nations one; come and save us.  You formed us all from clay.  Lord Jesus, come soon!

Hear our prayer.

 O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice!  Rejoice!  Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Bless us, Christ Jesus; in you our hearts find joy.

Amen

Prayers from All Saints Sunday

Below are the prayers written by Joanne Fisher and Karl Winter for our All Saints Day Worship Services:

Written by Karl Winter:

Gracious and loving Heavenly Father,

We come before you today with joy and gratitude in our hearts. We are not deserving of the many blessings that you have bestowed upon us, but you are merciful and compassionate. We are forever indebted to Jesus Christ, our Savior, who lived and died for us to live in harmony today.

Divine Holy Spirit, we thank you for our family, friends, and community here at St. Andrews. Your grace has guided this church to become a place of courage, repentance, and unity. We are grateful for our leaders and teachers who have committed themselves to the well-being of each person who seeks your love in this place.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Magnificent Provider, we thank you for the beauty of your Creation, the colorful and fruitful Earth that you have given us. This delightful and dazzling autumn season is a daily reminder of your great mercy.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgiving Healer and Lord of Resurrection, on this All Saints Day, we thank you for the faithful believers who have come before us and continue to live among us. We praise those who dedicated their lives to your service, those alive or dead, known or unknown, who set an example of faith and holiness for us. We pray for our connection and inspiration from each of these saints.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Eternal Master, we offer you our many petitions. We pray first for the ministries and
leaders of this church, this community, and this nation. We pray that you, the Great Teacher, will inspire and guide our leaders to draw us together into one great company of disciples. We ask for you instill the values and morals of Jesus Christ into our leaders so that they can advise, educate, and rule this church and this nation with positivity and diligent discipleship.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Abundant God, we pray that you send us the gift of rain. We ask that you replenish and sustain this Earth so that we may benefit and praise the fruits of our soil. This great valley thirsts for you to restore and refresh the Earth this autumn and winter, and we request your global help for the well-being of Creation as well.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, we lift up to you the poor, oppressed, sick, bereaved, lonely, and those who suffer in body, mind, and spirit. We ask that you lay your healing hand upon those who are physically and mentally ill, those who are in great pain and agony, and especially those close to this congregation who need your soothing love. We ask that you revive and rebuild the homeless, the addicted, and simply those who have strayed from your calling. Please rehabilitate these people and help them to return to your path. Please preserve the hope of those who fear and suffer, strengthen their minds and recoveries.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty Creator, we pray that you battle the evil forces within our hearts and mind. Help us to be just and honest, and please protect us from those who seek to destroy your influence in this world. We are sinful and shameful, and you are righteous and pure, and we need your blessing to lead a daily life that reflects your love.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we as a church and your unified people, faithfully believe that you will observe our requests. We humbly trust in your incredible power. Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. And all God’s people agreed and said,
Amen. 

Written by Joanne Fisher
Let us pray,

 Behold a host arrayed in white like thousand snow clad mountains bright, that stands with palms and sings its psalms before the throne of light. These are the saints that kept God's word; they are the honored of The Lord.  He is their prince who drowned their sins, so they were cleansed, restored. They now serve God both day and night, they sing their songs in endless light.  Their anthems ring when they all sing with angles shining bright.

Today we celebrate All Saints Day and remember those whose light has been extinished and are now in Your presence. We ask for Your continued comfort and healing to the families who hearts are missing their loved ones. We have lost parents, grandparents, siblings and friends who are now experiencing the love and grace You offer, be with us all and fill us with the knowledge that one day we will be reunited.  

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In faith, hope and love, give us compassion, commitment and a steadfast heart which no  one can drag down and that no tribulation can wear out.  Grant us O Lord understanding to KNOW You, diligence to SEEK You, wisdom to FIND You and a faithfulness that may bring us to your eternal kingdom.  We give thanks for the saints living with us today who continue to inspire and encourage us to follow Christ as Lord and Savior.  

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of all comfort and our help in time of need be with the sick and suffering. Grant them healing and return them to health. Remember those who we name in our hearts at this time. . . 

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep us this day under Your protective care and preserve us, securely trusting in Your everlasting goodness and love, for the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. All God's people agreed and say. Amen