January 3rd Prayers

Prayers for Sunday, January 3^rd @ 10:45am, Using “Prepare Him Room”

Prepare Him room, prepare Him room, Let the King of glory enter in.

Good morning Lord – what joy is in our hearts this Christmas – that which was foretold by the prophets has come to pass.  The mystery of your love is clear in the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He is the one we have been waiting for.  His kingdom, Your kingdom, is at hand.

Lord we praise you for the Church, our fellow believers in Christ on the earth.  As our world changes give the church wisdom to follow you, clinging not to our own comfort but, by your guidance, open to how you are bringing your kingdom into the world.  Work in us to bring your gospel message of salvation to all who do not know you.  Come Lord Jesus,

Prepare Him room, prepare Him room, Let the King of glory enter in.

Just as Solomon set us an example by asking you for wisdom above riches or fame, we pray that the government and religious leaders in this world would seek You. In this New Year, we ask that Your kingdom would come and Your will would be done on earth in greater ways than ever before. Lord, bring justice and peace to troubled nations and peoples. Give our leaders wisdom, compassion, and humility. Come, Lord Jesus.

Prepare Him room, prepare Him room, Let the King of glory enter in.

Father, we are all too aware of our own city’s troubles.  Crime, homelessness, unemployment, drought, and a sense of helplessness fill the headlines. But You, O Lord, bring light to the darkness and fill the hungry. Restore Stockton. Through our city’s leaders, our church congregations, and our relationships, bring healing and hope. Thank you for the many tireless workers serving You and others. Encourage them and show each of us how to love our neighbors as ourselves. Come, Lord Jesus.

Prepare Him room, prepare Him room, Let the King of glory enter in.

We are called to lives of compassion.  Give us hearts and hands to share your mercy with those who are oppressed, neglected, mocked, and ridiculed; those suffering from addiction and mental illness.  Help us to love out of the love you have shown us.  We pray for those in need of healing, especially those we name in our hearts….  Come Lord Jesus

Prepare Him room, prepare Him room, Let the King of glory enter in.

Thank You for giving us this time to quiet our hearts and speak with You. As we enter 2016, help us to hear Your voice in our daily lives. Let us hear you knocking on the door of our hearts. We ask that our hearts would be ready and prepared to follow You wherever you lead, and that we would be continually mindful of Your loving presence. Come, Lord Jesus.

Prepare Him room, prepare Him room, Let the King of glory enter in.

And all God’s people say, Amen.

Sunday, December 6 Prayers

Written and lead by Dave Thompson

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this beautiful day for the earth, moon and stars that you created.  Father we also thank you for St. Andrews Lutheran Church and Christian churches here in Stockton.  Thank you for the Christian churches around the world, and all the faithful who work so hard in these churches and ours to show us your love, and your healing Grace by their example and faithful teaching of your Word.  Father we pray for the whole world: we ask that you help and free those who are oppressed.  We pray for those who are sick, for the poor and ask that you would give comfort to the grieving - especially for the families of those who lost loved ones in San Bernadino.  We pray for all those who suffer in body, mind, and spirit; who live in pain everyday.  Father, we ask that you shed your light of healing on these, your people, all over the world. Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for our families, for our children, for our family of friends and acquaintances and Father we ask that in your loving kindness and mercy to help those of us that have a special concern or problem that may seem unsolvable.  Father, you are the One, the only One who can give us the Peace and Knowledge to make the right decisions.  Father, we pray for those who suffer addiction of any kind, for those who suffer from abuse and violence.  With your cleansing love bring healing and strength and by your justice lift them up so they may again rejoice knowing the love and faithfulness of your presence.  Lord, we ask that you bless and lift up those we name in our hearts.  Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Father we ask that you remind us to be good example to all those among whom we live; to be honest and conscientious in all we do.  Help us to be courteous; to be respectful toward all including those we don't know.  Help us to be respectful of our environment.  We know that you made this beautiful earth for us and all the animals in every form to live in and enjoy.  Father give us the grace to live and to share our love of Christ to anybody that asks us what it does in our lives so that they know we are his disciples.  Help us to be good stewards of your blessings, to share and freely give to those in need.  Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father,
We humbly ask for your protection of our military.  For the men and women in uniform in whatever capacity they are serving.  Father keep them safe in the face of evil.  We constantly fight in wars of every conceivable kind here and abroad.  Help us to prevail in holding strong in our Faith and abilities to overcome those who seek to destroy us.  Help su to work to preserve our right to practice our faith without fear.  We ask for your guidance and wisdom from our leaders.  Help us to come together in unity and strength.  Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Father we give thanks for what the earth produces.  Thank you for rain.  In this time of scarce rainfall we humbly ask for the life-giving water for farmers to grow fruits of the earth so that all may share, rejoicing in your goodness.  Bless those who work in the fields, the growing and nurturing of crops, and those who help in the harvesting of the beautiful agriculture of your creation.  Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father we also thank you for the ministry of the children of the Good Shepherd family.  It is hard to find works to describe the innocence and beauty of their Christmas program.  The Christmas carols sung so beautifully and happily by their voices raise our level of pure joy.  They are such a blessing and all those who care for them, who help run the program, and every one of the helpers are very special blessings.  Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

And lastly Father, thank you for the company of disciples who teach our children, following our teacher Jesus Christ, into every walk of life. 

Forgive our sins; help us to follow the ten commandments that so long ago you gave us to follow.  Help us to witness to your love wherever you send us.  Give your angels charge to keep watch, dear Lord, for those who sleep.  Give rest to the weary, bless the dying, and for those who weep, give them comfort knowing you are present.  Father help us to never forget that in this age of modern life, filled with a constant barrage of information - from phones and computers and all the instant ways of communication - that we only need to find a quiet room, and empty space, to be still and know that you are God.  These things we ask in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

The Holiday's are coming!

The holidays are coming!

The holidays are coming!

The holidays are coming!

Do you feel like that announcement sounds more like a call to action from Paul Revere riding through the streets than a call to greater rest, peace and joy?  If holidays (I believe the etymology is holy-days) are, by nature, times when we rest from our regular work and are meant to make deeper connections with God and with those in our family and community, why do so many of us make them times of frenetic activity and frazzled nerves?

If you read through the Old Testament you’ll see God wove many holidays (feasts and celebrations) into the very fabric of life of the Hebrew people.  Some of these lasted a day, some a week or more.  Besides the many special holidays/feasts, God gave his people one day each week to be at rest and connect more deeply with him and each other. 

Sadly that day became the most abused and shackled day of the week by the time Jesus walked this earth.  Instead of the freedom, rest, and joy it was meant to bring, hundreds of extra rules and regulations had made it a burden to conscience, a denier of justice, and and a miscommunication of the nature of God and the peace found with him.  As you read through the Gospels you’ll note many times Jesus directly challenges the popular misconceptions about the Sabbath that had grown up around it. 

Those misconceptions remain.  I must confess I have misunderstood and misapplied Jesus’ words on the Sabbath for the majority of my life.  His words, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath,” were meant to free people to experience the joy of Sabbath once again.  I have often interpreted and used them to the other extreme: rejecting the need for Sabbath in my life and thus depriving myself of one of the most basic rhythms for which I was created in God’s image. 

I know I am not the only one.  Busyness, overworking, and overloaded schedules have become pervasive idols in our society, even, and perhaps especially, among Christians.  To slow down, yes even stop regular activity (a “day off” to catch up on all your other business is not a Sabbath), for one entire day each week and extra time on vacations and holidays is often seen as lazy, self-centered, and unproductive.  Don’t believe me?  Have you ever come back from a vacation feeling like you need to recover from your vacation?  I rest my case.

This is not how God made us.  This is not what he made us for.  Jesus was saying that the Sabbath is meant to serve us, refresh us, heal our hurts, restore our weariness, and help us understand the very nature of God’s grace toward us.  As one theologian taught, “To fail to see the value of simply being with God and “doing nothing” is to miss the heart of Christianity.”  He means grace.

You will be greatly tempted during the holidays to just add to your schedule and (once again) miss the purpose of holidays.  I pray you have the power to resist that temptation and take this season to connect more deeply with God, your family, and community of faith.  You’ll note we have plenty of things happening around here during the holidays.  They aren’t meant to be a burden, they are meant to enhance your celebration of the story above all stories: the life and work of Jesus our Savior.  Take them in as they enhance your connection to God and others.  Rest alone with God if you need to.  Above all remember that Christ entered this world in human flesh to save you from your sin, make you a brother or sister in his father’s kingdom, and bring you home to rest and rejoice with him for eternity.  What a holiday that will be. 

Blessings - Pastor Dan

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

Prayers written and read by Diane Dolphin

Gracious heavenly Father, 

Thank you for the many blessings you have given us - the rain this past week, our families, friends, food and shelter, but most importantly, your love and the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ and thru him, eternal life with you.

You have told us to ask when we want something as children as their Fathers.  Today, Father, we pray for the end to the violence in our world.  It plagues our schools and our neighborhoods and the wars plague us world wide.  I never thought that Christians in America would be killed because of their faith in you, but it's happened.  Please give comfort to the families of all those whose lives were touched by the latest incident in Oregon. 

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Please send the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those who perpetuate these evil deeds and let us all live in peace until you come again.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are physically and emotionally ill, for those who suffer from addiction and mental illness, and the homeless.  Please lay your healing hands on them and let them feel your love surrounding them.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray that the Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of those who have rejected you so that they will finally accept you and the salvation you have given us.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord please hear our silent petitions at this time...

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We, your people, ask these things in your name and together we say.  Amen.