PASTORAL THOUGHTS & PRAYERS

Prayers To Share

The following prayers are shared by staff and friends of the Council of Churches.

The Collect for Purity: Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: Cleanse our hearts by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily magnify Thy holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

May God, who knows your path and the places where you rest, be with you in your waiting, be your good news for sharing, and lead you in the way that is everlasting.

Dear Lord, I thank You for this day. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day. Clear my mind so that I can hear You. Broaden my mind that I can accept all things; and let me not whine and whimper about those things over which I have no control.

Dear Lord, continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. Keep me generous so that I can share my bounty with those less fortunate.

Dear Lord, please hear my prayers for those that have fallen and need a hand up; those who are misjudged and need understanding; those who are weak and need strength; those in doubt who need hope; those who are alone and need love; those who don't know You and are afraid.

Dear Lord, I pray for all my sisters and brothers, that each one will have peace and love and joy in their homes. I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation that can't be overcome with God's help - God's love fulfills every need.

Dear Lord, help me to remember that love is patient, love is kind; it does not envy, it does not boast; it is not proud, it is not rude: it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth. Love always protects and always trusts; love always hopes, and never fails. Help me to love others as I love You.

O God, We saw the bread crumbs, emptied vessels, damp towels Scattered over the shaking floor of our faith. Justice was swept under the rug of violence And redemption hung in the balance of a cross. Just when all seemed lost and death began to dance The long night came to an end.      Dying you destroyed our death. At dawn, on the first day of the week We pulled ourselves away from tear-stained pillows And walked in tired mourning to the place Where unguarded, the stone, was rolled away, Revealing an empty tomb Full of life and possibility! The earth shook with the news, "He is not here!"      Rising, You restored our life! Light shines and lilies bloom. You are with us again in this upper room. We sigh and laugh at stories of darkness past. At your table we eat and sing Alleluia! Alleluia! Bells of blessing ring! We dare to touch each other's hands and side. Peace is your gift, Love is our guide.      Lord Jesus, come in glory!           David L. Coppola, Ph.D.           Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding           Sacred Heart University

If you would like to share your pastoral thoughts and prayers, please email to pattyjensen@ccgb.org. We will make every effort to include your contribution on our site.