Prayer for Sunday
Merciful God we praise you for your unfailing love.
We praise you for feeding our hunger for bread and for “the bread of life.”
We praise you for taking our little basket of fish and barley loaves and using it to feed others.
Lord we ask you for your care and healing touch for those who are sick.
We ask for your compassion on those who are suffering in our world.
We ask for you comfort for those who are grieving.
We thank you for your daily tender mercies.
We thank you for your daily love.
We thank you for your daily grace.
We call upon you Lord to empower us as we declare who are to a world who needs you.
We call upon you Lord to inspire us as we seek to inspire others.
We call upon you Lord to strengthen us in our own weakness.
We ask all this in your son’s name,
Amen.
cross posted at revgalblogpals and preaching to the choir
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
VBS with Kindergartners
Priceless. I am a crewleader for kindergartners in VBS this year. For some reason we did not get enough adult volunteers. I offered to help, but while I was away on vacation got made a crew leader. Fortunately, it is a week I can do it. There are also an adult team leader, and two teen helpers.
We are doing Group's Crocodile Dock. Its pretty cool and Group does a good VBS. One of the focuses is God sightings. During the class time we were talking about God sghtings. The kids didn't quite get it at first, but then did and started sharing when they saw God. It was neat. We are in one of the adult class rooms, because we had more kids than our children's rooms could hold. On the wall were pictures of Jesus including a crucifixion of Jesus. One kid asked who was the guy on the wall, and I told him. Then he grabbed my arm and pulled me over to the picture of the crucifixion. And then the questions insued about Jesus and the crucifixion. Try telling a five year old about Jesus's crucifixion in their language. But the other kids who knew and had heard the story were able to help. It was priceless time of telling the old story of Jesus and his love.
I love VBS and kids. Can't wait to learn and share today with them about Jesus.
We are doing Group's Crocodile Dock. Its pretty cool and Group does a good VBS. One of the focuses is God sightings. During the class time we were talking about God sghtings. The kids didn't quite get it at first, but then did and started sharing when they saw God. It was neat. We are in one of the adult class rooms, because we had more kids than our children's rooms could hold. On the wall were pictures of Jesus including a crucifixion of Jesus. One kid asked who was the guy on the wall, and I told him. Then he grabbed my arm and pulled me over to the picture of the crucifixion. And then the questions insued about Jesus and the crucifixion. Try telling a five year old about Jesus's crucifixion in their language. But the other kids who knew and had heard the story were able to help. It was priceless time of telling the old story of Jesus and his love.
I love VBS and kids. Can't wait to learn and share today with them about Jesus.
Monday, July 20, 2009
It took you this long Jimmy Carter?
Jimmy Carter Leaves Church Over Treatment of Women
After more than 60 years together, Jimmy Carter has announced himself at odds with the Southern Baptist Church -- and he's decided it's time they go their separate ways. Via Feministing, the former president called the decision "unavoidable" after church leaders prohibited women from being ordained and insisted women be "subservient to their husbands." Said Carter in an essay in The Age:
In 1984, the Southern Baptist denomination first voted to not ordain women. Since then they have continued to take this stance. They have continued to take the stance that women are to be subservient to men.
So why so long Jimmy? Its been 25 years. Perhaps for Jimmy its been all the years of his work in couuntries that subjucation meant slavery, violence, forced prostitution, genital mutilation and national laws that omit rape as a crime. Perhaps he awoke to what it meant for his wife and daughter. I don't know and I do applaud him for leaving them now. But really what took so long?
After I left the Southern Baptist Church, it wasn't long that my dad left because of their stance toward women. Sadly my mom has remained in the Southern Baptist Church, which I still don't understand to this day. May more men and women wake up to what this stance toward women means and what it means about them, and what it means about being Christlike.
After more than 60 years together, Jimmy Carter has announced himself at odds with the Southern Baptist Church -- and he's decided it's time they go their separate ways. Via Feministing, the former president called the decision "unavoidable" after church leaders prohibited women from being ordained and insisted women be "subservient to their husbands." Said Carter in an essay in The Age:
In 1984, the Southern Baptist denomination first voted to not ordain women. Since then they have continued to take this stance. They have continued to take the stance that women are to be subservient to men.
So why so long Jimmy? Its been 25 years. Perhaps for Jimmy its been all the years of his work in couuntries that subjucation meant slavery, violence, forced prostitution, genital mutilation and national laws that omit rape as a crime. Perhaps he awoke to what it meant for his wife and daughter. I don't know and I do applaud him for leaving them now. But really what took so long?
After I left the Southern Baptist Church, it wasn't long that my dad left because of their stance toward women. Sadly my mom has remained in the Southern Baptist Church, which I still don't understand to this day. May more men and women wake up to what this stance toward women means and what it means about them, and what it means about being Christlike.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Prayer for Proper 11B/Ordinary 16B/Pentecost 7
Compassionate God,
You have compassion enough for all.
Lord in your mercy,
Have compassion for us.
Jesus, out of your compassion for us,
you invite us to come away with you
to a place of rest and quiet.
Help us to say yes and then
to be able to come away with you.
Lord in your mercy,
Have compassion for us.
Lord, out of your compassion you care for
Those who are harassed, helpless, and
Lost. Sometimes we feel that way ourselves
Lord in your mercy,
Have compassion for us.
Lord in your compassion teach us to follow you,
to trust you, to love you and to love as you love.
Lord in your compassion feed us who are hungry;
Physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Lord in your compassion heal us in the places we need healed.
Lord in your mercy,
Have compassion for us.
And Lord in your having compassion for us
Teach us to have compassion for others as you do.
Help us to show compassion in action the way you did.
And remind us when it is time to come away with you
for quiet and rest.
Lord in your mercy,
Have compassion for us.
cross posted at revgalblogpals and preaching to the choir
You have compassion enough for all.
Lord in your mercy,
Have compassion for us.
Jesus, out of your compassion for us,
you invite us to come away with you
to a place of rest and quiet.
Help us to say yes and then
to be able to come away with you.
Lord in your mercy,
Have compassion for us.
Lord, out of your compassion you care for
Those who are harassed, helpless, and
Lost. Sometimes we feel that way ourselves
Lord in your mercy,
Have compassion for us.
Lord in your compassion teach us to follow you,
to trust you, to love you and to love as you love.
Lord in your compassion feed us who are hungry;
Physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Lord in your compassion heal us in the places we need healed.
Lord in your mercy,
Have compassion for us.
And Lord in your having compassion for us
Teach us to have compassion for others as you do.
Help us to show compassion in action the way you did.
And remind us when it is time to come away with you
for quiet and rest.
Lord in your mercy,
Have compassion for us.
cross posted at revgalblogpals and preaching to the choir
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Prayer for Proper 10B/Ordinary 15B/Pentecost 6
Dear God,
Thank you for this new fresh day.
We thank you for the rest from the night before.
We thank you for this day of Sabbath you have given us;
A day of rest in you,
A day of relaxation in you, and
A day of recreation in you.
We need this time with you Lord,
In the hustle and bustle of our lives.
We need this respite with you Lord,
In the tiredness of our lives.
We need this repose with you Lord,
from the tenseness of our days.
We need this leisure with you Lord,
from our overworked jobs.
So Lord,
Thank you for the Sabbath that quietens our souls
So that we may hear you.
Thank you for the Sabbath that rests us
So that we can draw near to you.
Thank you for the Sabbath that relaxes us to be able to
Open ourselves to your grace.
Thank you for your Sabbath that recreates
us in a time of play with you.
Amen.
cross posted at revgalblogpals and Preaching to the Choir
Thank you for this new fresh day.
We thank you for the rest from the night before.
We thank you for this day of Sabbath you have given us;
A day of rest in you,
A day of relaxation in you, and
A day of recreation in you.
We need this time with you Lord,
In the hustle and bustle of our lives.
We need this respite with you Lord,
In the tiredness of our lives.
We need this repose with you Lord,
from the tenseness of our days.
We need this leisure with you Lord,
from our overworked jobs.
So Lord,
Thank you for the Sabbath that quietens our souls
So that we may hear you.
Thank you for the Sabbath that rests us
So that we can draw near to you.
Thank you for the Sabbath that relaxes us to be able to
Open ourselves to your grace.
Thank you for your Sabbath that recreates
us in a time of play with you.
Amen.
cross posted at revgalblogpals and Preaching to the Choir
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Sunday Prayer Prophet edition
God of all,
We know you sent us out to do your work, to face rejection, to spread the good news of the Kingdom of God, to have people turn their backs on us, to be your prophets, to be laughed at, to heal the sick, to be dismissed, to travel light, sometimes broke and sometimes penniless, and sometimes rich and wealthy.
We are reminded to shake the dust off of our shoes when we are not welcome and not listened to. We are reminded that in our weakness you are strong. We are reminded that in all of this Jesus too was rejected and a scandal to many.
Lord today some of us today some of step into pulpits as your prophets in places where we have been treated less than kind, and sometimes out right rejected. Lord, pour your healing salve into the wounds we carry.
Today, some of us are so wounded from the attacks that it is hard to lift our feet to shake the dust off our shoes, pour your healing grace over us that makes Christ power perfect in our weakness.
Today, some of us feel like total failures and like giving up, pour your steadfast love into us that we may see ourselves as you see us, and not give up as you yourself did not give up. Amen
We know you sent us out to do your work, to face rejection, to spread the good news of the Kingdom of God, to have people turn their backs on us, to be your prophets, to be laughed at, to heal the sick, to be dismissed, to travel light, sometimes broke and sometimes penniless, and sometimes rich and wealthy.
We are reminded to shake the dust off of our shoes when we are not welcome and not listened to. We are reminded that in our weakness you are strong. We are reminded that in all of this Jesus too was rejected and a scandal to many.
Lord today some of us today some of step into pulpits as your prophets in places where we have been treated less than kind, and sometimes out right rejected. Lord, pour your healing salve into the wounds we carry.
Today, some of us are so wounded from the attacks that it is hard to lift our feet to shake the dust off our shoes, pour your healing grace over us that makes Christ power perfect in our weakness.
Today, some of us feel like total failures and like giving up, pour your steadfast love into us that we may see ourselves as you see us, and not give up as you yourself did not give up. Amen
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
fear and father's day
This Sunday's Gospel addresses the Disciples' fear while in a raging storm while the Savior is asleep. This Sunday is designated as father's day as well. In one hand I hold the Sunday Gospel in the other hand I hold Father's day. I start throwing them up in the air hoping they will melt together some how or another for Sunday's sermon. I know that it will be hard, and actually I may even be juggling them on Sunday Morning while delivering the sermon.
But in my life fear and father go together. My father believed you were to drive the fear of him into my life and he did a really good job of it. I am sure he isn't the only dad that did that. My dad has been dead over 10 years now, and I miss him. I am not so afraid of him anymore. Nope, after a lot of years of therapy I came to know him and love him. I hope I am not making my kids afraid of me in the same way.
Sometimes, I think Dads have gone to the other extreme, that kids have no respect for their dads. And sometimes Dads are absent dads or they are long gone. Boy all this leads to mixed up feelings toward God the father and Jesus. We wonder in life is Jesus is asleep instead of being awake and calming the storms of our lives.
Just thinking out loud as we head toward Father's day.
But in my life fear and father go together. My father believed you were to drive the fear of him into my life and he did a really good job of it. I am sure he isn't the only dad that did that. My dad has been dead over 10 years now, and I miss him. I am not so afraid of him anymore. Nope, after a lot of years of therapy I came to know him and love him. I hope I am not making my kids afraid of me in the same way.
Sometimes, I think Dads have gone to the other extreme, that kids have no respect for their dads. And sometimes Dads are absent dads or they are long gone. Boy all this leads to mixed up feelings toward God the father and Jesus. We wonder in life is Jesus is asleep instead of being awake and calming the storms of our lives.
Just thinking out loud as we head toward Father's day.
Monday, June 08, 2009
the kids at Annual Conference
Pictures of the kids at conference for those that want to know: The picture with the bright shiny person is the bishop getting ready to serve communion. Katy is facing us in that picture. The kids all came in singing and playing instruments. They then laid on the altar backbacks filled with items for kids in Africa at the in Zimbabwe at the Ishe Anesu Project. The kids helped serve communion with an adult by their side. People were of course oohing and aahing over the kids. Our friends who were sitting behind us were commenting, like "look at him leading the group, isn't he cute" "She is concentrating so seriously on the cup making sure she doesn't spill it," and "we have to take communion from her." It made me proud. Bob couldn't seem to move, and he was blocking the aisle. I kept telling him get up and get some pictures, but he couldn't move. Finally I crawled over him, ran down to the front and made a fool of myself trying to find them and take pictures. Kate and Kara served, Zach said he was too shy to do that. They all made some good friends, learned about Jesus and had a good time. They want to come back.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Family Picnic at annual Conference
We are recovering from our loss of our doggie. Everybody has been wonderful in their support and care, including you all.
For the first time my hubby and kids have come along to Annual conference. And for the first time they had a family picnic this afternoon for all the families. You had to preorder your meal, but other than that it wasn't that difficult. Chick-Filet provided the lunch. They had blow up bouncies for the kids, miniature golf, basketball, face painting, popcorn and children's music. I helped face paint and got my face painted by my kids. Got to see several of my peers and their families as well. Ran into the Bishop and his wife walking around. Saw one of my best friends who got hired away from our conference to work for Jurisdictional VIM. That was really neat. Tomorrow when everything gets started, there will be no time for socializing and fellowshipping. It will be all business and voting on the amendments. So today was special.
We got the hotel, and got settled. We then went out to dinner. We then came back and went swimming. Somehow or another, Kate cut both her big toes. She was pretty upset about it. they are going to check out the pool to see if there is anything around that she could have cut her toes on. We sure didn't see anything. Instead of going to the memorial service and to the clergywomen's gathering, I stayed with the family. It will be an early and long day tomorrow.
For the first time my hubby and kids have come along to Annual conference. And for the first time they had a family picnic this afternoon for all the families. You had to preorder your meal, but other than that it wasn't that difficult. Chick-Filet provided the lunch. They had blow up bouncies for the kids, miniature golf, basketball, face painting, popcorn and children's music. I helped face paint and got my face painted by my kids. Got to see several of my peers and their families as well. Ran into the Bishop and his wife walking around. Saw one of my best friends who got hired away from our conference to work for Jurisdictional VIM. That was really neat. Tomorrow when everything gets started, there will be no time for socializing and fellowshipping. It will be all business and voting on the amendments. So today was special.
We got the hotel, and got settled. We then went out to dinner. We then came back and went swimming. Somehow or another, Kate cut both her big toes. She was pretty upset about it. they are going to check out the pool to see if there is anything around that she could have cut her toes on. We sure didn't see anything. Instead of going to the memorial service and to the clergywomen's gathering, I stayed with the family. It will be an early and long day tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Lily Bear's Demise
Lily was a sweet heart of a heinz 57 with a little wolf in her, little chow, little German Shepherd and God only knows what else. She was found out on a busy highway in a box as a puppy with her little brother. The finder God bless the friend, thought she would be perfect for Kate whom we had just adopted from China. So here comes the friend with this mess of a puppy and puts her in Kate's lap. Well, how do you get rid of a puppy that your little child has fallen in love with and is the right size for her to hold and cuddle with? I couldn't. Bob wanted to but we didn't. We already had two other dogs, and three cats while living in a small parsonage. But she stayed as Kate's puppy. She was a mess as a puppy, aggressive, ate all the stuffed animals we had or she could find, and barked at everyone. But she still stayed. Then one day it was really bad weather; Lily stood at the window looking out, agitated and making funny noises. Bob went to check out what was bothering her, and there was a tornado just a block away. The dog stayed, and was never to be discusses of removing her again.
Lily was very protective of her kids our children, and loved them. She loved having her back rubbed. She loved going for walks. She also like to run. The minute the gate or a door was left open she was on the loose. The first couple of times we would try to chase her down with no luck of finding her, so we just learned to wait on her return.
After we moved to Florence we noticed she started to have seizures so we took her to the vet. He wasn't sure if she had a brain tumor or epilepsy. He treated her for epilepsy and told us a small tumor wouldn't show up on xray, but would show up when it got big. That was about three years ago, I guess it got big.
One other time in Florence, Lily had gotten agitated and was trying to get our attention about something. We followed her outside and the airconditioner was on fire. Another time she was agitated and wanted us to pay attention and there was another tornado passing by.
When we got back from the vacation we noticed that she was losing big clumps of hair, was cowering, unhapppy and crying in the night. We decided it was time to take her to the vet.
He agreed it was time to put her down.
This morning we had the kids say good bye to her before they left. Katy just hugged and kissed her all over and didn't want to say goodbye. Kara hugged her. Zachary drew a picture of her and wrote her a letter. He then held her for a long time. I talked to her and told her how much I loved her and how much she meant to me and how much I was going to miss her. Bob took her to the vet, held her as she went to sleep and cried and cried.
Bob and I had lunch together and cried about her and told stories about her. Bob told me when he went home, Koda, our other dog was really sad already. Koda and Lily had become best buddies after the other two dogs had died during our time in Wadley.
Thank you God for this little abandoned puppy who grew into a big dog, who loved us and protected us. We will really miss her. Watch over her and watch over us in our grief. Amen.
I don't have pictures of her on this computer, I'll post them later from my home computer.
Thank you all for your love, prayers and support.
Lily was very protective of her kids our children, and loved them. She loved having her back rubbed. She loved going for walks. She also like to run. The minute the gate or a door was left open she was on the loose. The first couple of times we would try to chase her down with no luck of finding her, so we just learned to wait on her return.
After we moved to Florence we noticed she started to have seizures so we took her to the vet. He wasn't sure if she had a brain tumor or epilepsy. He treated her for epilepsy and told us a small tumor wouldn't show up on xray, but would show up when it got big. That was about three years ago, I guess it got big.
One other time in Florence, Lily had gotten agitated and was trying to get our attention about something. We followed her outside and the airconditioner was on fire. Another time she was agitated and wanted us to pay attention and there was another tornado passing by.
When we got back from the vacation we noticed that she was losing big clumps of hair, was cowering, unhapppy and crying in the night. We decided it was time to take her to the vet.
He agreed it was time to put her down.
This morning we had the kids say good bye to her before they left. Katy just hugged and kissed her all over and didn't want to say goodbye. Kara hugged her. Zachary drew a picture of her and wrote her a letter. He then held her for a long time. I talked to her and told her how much I loved her and how much she meant to me and how much I was going to miss her. Bob took her to the vet, held her as she went to sleep and cried and cried.
Bob and I had lunch together and cried about her and told stories about her. Bob told me when he went home, Koda, our other dog was really sad already. Koda and Lily had become best buddies after the other two dogs had died during our time in Wadley.
Thank you God for this little abandoned puppy who grew into a big dog, who loved us and protected us. We will really miss her. Watch over her and watch over us in our grief. Amen.
I don't have pictures of her on this computer, I'll post them later from my home computer.
Thank you all for your love, prayers and support.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Prayer for Pentecost Sunday
Holy Spirit,
you poured yourself out on the people of the early church, pour yourself out on us now.
Holy Spirit you set their tongues on fire with languages so as to speak to one another in ways that could be understood.
Set our tongues on fire to speak in different languages and ways so others may hear the good news about Jesus.
Jesus,
Holy Spirit you set their tongues on fire with languages so as to speak to one another in ways that could be understood.
Set our tongues on fire to speak in different languages and ways so others may hear the good news about Jesus.
Jesus,
you said you had to go away so that the Holy Spirit, the advocate, the counselor would come and it was so.
Come once again Holy Spirit as the advocate that we all need, as the counselor we all need, and as the helper we all need.
Come Holy Spirit, fan your flames of love and empowerment, set us on fire for you once again. Bring life to each of our dry bones.
Amen.
Come once again Holy Spirit as the advocate that we all need, as the counselor we all need, and as the helper we all need.
Come Holy Spirit, fan your flames of love and empowerment, set us on fire for you once again. Bring life to each of our dry bones.
Amen.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Sunday prayer
Jesus,
just as you prayed for your disciples so long ago
Pray for us,
Pray for our wellbeing,
Pray for our protection.
Pray for your joy to be made complete in us.
Pray for our spiritual growth.
Pray for your truth to be made complete in us.
Jesus,
just as you prayed for your disciples so long ago
Pray for us,
Pray for our wellbeing,
Pray for our protection.
Pray for your joy to be made complete in us.
Pray for our spiritual growth.
Pray for your truth to be made complete in us.
Jesus,
we often do not know how to pray,
So pray for us,
Pray with us,
That we may be one with you,
One with each other, and
One in ministry to the world.
Jesus,
Pray for your weak ones,
Your strong ones,
You ones who are have illnesses,
Your ones near death,
Your ones who breeze through life,
Your ones who struggle in life.
Jesus,
Pray for those who have lost loved ones,
Those who have especially loved ones in past wars.
Those who have lost ones in the present wars.
Those who fear theirs may die in these wars.
Jesus,
We join you in these prayers for all your people,
Amen.
So pray for us,
Pray with us,
That we may be one with you,
One with each other, and
One in ministry to the world.
Jesus,
Pray for your weak ones,
Your strong ones,
You ones who are have illnesses,
Your ones near death,
Your ones who breeze through life,
Your ones who struggle in life.
Jesus,
Pray for those who have lost loved ones,
Those who have especially loved ones in past wars.
Those who have lost ones in the present wars.
Those who fear theirs may die in these wars.
Jesus,
We join you in these prayers for all your people,
Amen.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Prayer for Easter 6B
Lord,
Loving God,
We come before you humbly thanking you for your love,
We pray for those in this world who don’t know your love who have not experienced your love, who are in loveless relationships, loveless families, loveless jobs, and loveless lives.
We thank you for your joy, we also pray for those who live joyless lives, whose joy has been taken from them, and who long for a just a little bit of joy in their lives.
We thank you for your friendship, we pray for those who lost their friends or are in need of a friend, or who don’t know how to be friendly.
Lord you put your song in our lives of love, joy and friendship may we sing that song to those in this world who have forgotten the song and how to sing it. Lord may your song fill all our lives, all our communities, all our churches, and our entire world so that the entire universe resounds with your song. Amen
Loving God,
We come before you humbly thanking you for your love,
We pray for those in this world who don’t know your love who have not experienced your love, who are in loveless relationships, loveless families, loveless jobs, and loveless lives.
We thank you for your joy, we also pray for those who live joyless lives, whose joy has been taken from them, and who long for a just a little bit of joy in their lives.
We thank you for your friendship, we pray for those who lost their friends or are in need of a friend, or who don’t know how to be friendly.
Lord you put your song in our lives of love, joy and friendship may we sing that song to those in this world who have forgotten the song and how to sing it. Lord may your song fill all our lives, all our communities, all our churches, and our entire world so that the entire universe resounds with your song. Amen
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Zach is turning 7
Psst don't tell Zach, but we are having a big birthday party at Pump It Up tonight. (It's less expensive on week nights than weekend.) He is so excited he can't stand it. Mom on the other hand is taking her ear plugs along to withstand the noise.
See ya'll later. Yea Zach.
See ya'll later. Yea Zach.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Prayer for Easter 5B/Mother's day
Oh God you are so like a mothering hen to us,
You cry over us, protect us, and care for us;
God we thank you for mothering us
And we thank you for the mothers of the world.
Oh God you are the Vine dresser,
you make sure the vine is healthy,
and strong,
we thank you for making sure
we are healthy, and strong.
Oh God you are like a loving mother,
You nourish us with your love and grace every day. Oh God we thank you loving us like a mother.
Lord, we pray now for those
who need your healing, and caring touch.
We pray for those who are the ones among us
whose mothers have died or are dying.
We pray for those who children have died
We pray for those who have had the disappointment
of not being a mother or
who are going through some kind of infertility treatment
or looking to adopt.
Lord in your mercy put your arms around each one
and hold them in thy tender embrace of love.
O God we thank you for tending to us,
We thank you for your wise counsel,
We thank you for pruning those things
that suck the very life out of us
and keep us from abiding in you.
Amen
cross posted at revgalprayerpals.
You cry over us, protect us, and care for us;
God we thank you for mothering us
And we thank you for the mothers of the world.
Oh God you are the Vine dresser,
you make sure the vine is healthy,
and strong,
we thank you for making sure
we are healthy, and strong.
Oh God you are like a loving mother,
You nourish us with your love and grace every day. Oh God we thank you loving us like a mother.
Lord, we pray now for those
who need your healing, and caring touch.
We pray for those who are the ones among us
whose mothers have died or are dying.
We pray for those who children have died
We pray for those who have had the disappointment
of not being a mother or
who are going through some kind of infertility treatment
or looking to adopt.
Lord in your mercy put your arms around each one
and hold them in thy tender embrace of love.
O God we thank you for tending to us,
We thank you for your wise counsel,
We thank you for pruning those things
that suck the very life out of us
and keep us from abiding in you.
Amen
cross posted at revgalprayerpals.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Sunday prayer for Easter 4B/ Good Shepherd Sunday
O Lord, our Shepherding God,
come close to us now
Come near us in our time of need.
Shepherding God,
we need you in our time of anxiety.
We need you in our time of economic uncertainty.
We need you in a time of a globe trotting disease.
We need you to bind our wounds, pour your healing ointment on our heads .
We need the briars, and brambles, and burrs pulled out of our fleece and skin.
Shepherding God.
you guide us with your voice,
Help us to listen and follow no matter where your voice leads.
Help us to trust you.
Shepherding God,
protect us from the hired hands, that do not really care for us and have in the past neglected or abused us
Shepherding God,
thank you for your son who did lay down his life for hose who follow him and for those who are not in the fold yet..
Lord we pray for those who don’t know the shepherd, whose life circumstances kept them from knowing the good shepherd. We pray that by our actions, our behavior, and our reaching out into the community, they may come to know you
Shepherding God,
Renew us, Guide us with your love and renew us with your peace. Amen
come close to us now
Come near us in our time of need.
Shepherding God,
we need you in our time of anxiety.
We need you in our time of economic uncertainty.
We need you in a time of a globe trotting disease.
We need you to bind our wounds, pour your healing ointment on our heads .
We need the briars, and brambles, and burrs pulled out of our fleece and skin.
Shepherding God.
you guide us with your voice,
Help us to listen and follow no matter where your voice leads.
Help us to trust you.
Shepherding God,
protect us from the hired hands, that do not really care for us and have in the past neglected or abused us
Shepherding God,
thank you for your son who did lay down his life for hose who follow him and for those who are not in the fold yet..
Lord we pray for those who don’t know the shepherd, whose life circumstances kept them from knowing the good shepherd. We pray that by our actions, our behavior, and our reaching out into the community, they may come to know you
Shepherding God,
Renew us, Guide us with your love and renew us with your peace. Amen
Image from the Christian Catacombs in Rome.
Cross posted at revgalblogpals and preaching to the choir.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Prayer about the Swine Flu/H1N1
Almighty God, who cares for his children like a mother hen.
Care for the ones who already have contracted H1N1 and their family members.
Care for you little ones who are so vulnerable to this flu virus.
Care for your elderly, those already sick and weak who then are more vulnerable as well.
Care for the medical workers who are working day and night to treat those who already are sick, to keep this in check and stop the spread of this disease.
Care for our world leaders who are working together to halt the progress of this disease.
Care for those who have become stricken with fear because of it.
Help us to use wisdom to care for ourselves and one another, and to use regular hygiene.
God forgive those of us who may have used this to point fingers, call names or cause phobia of other people because of where the swine flu was first identified.
Help us as your followers to be servants in this hurting frightened world.
Amen.
You won't find many prayers out there just yet. So I thought I would write one.
You will find a couple at the Church of England website for General prayers for the developing situation regarding swine flu, for those who have contracted the virus and for the people of Mexico. Bravo for the Church of England.
Care for the ones who already have contracted H1N1 and their family members.
Care for you little ones who are so vulnerable to this flu virus.
Care for your elderly, those already sick and weak who then are more vulnerable as well.
Care for the medical workers who are working day and night to treat those who already are sick, to keep this in check and stop the spread of this disease.
Care for our world leaders who are working together to halt the progress of this disease.
Care for those who have become stricken with fear because of it.
Help us to use wisdom to care for ourselves and one another, and to use regular hygiene.
God forgive those of us who may have used this to point fingers, call names or cause phobia of other people because of where the swine flu was first identified.
Help us as your followers to be servants in this hurting frightened world.
Amen.
You won't find many prayers out there just yet. So I thought I would write one.
You will find a couple at the Church of England website for General prayers for the developing situation regarding swine flu, for those who have contracted the virus and for the people of Mexico. Bravo for the Church of England.
Here also are the Prayer Points from the Presidental Prayer team:
Pray for God's help and wisdom for President Obama, Health and Human Services Secretary Sibelius and CDC Acting Director Richard Besser.
Pray that the illness will be contained quickly.
Pray that citizens will be responsible in taking precautions including hand washing and covering sneezes.
Pray for parents who will need care plans for their children if their schools are temporarily closed.
Pray that those who suspect they are infected will avoid going to work and public places.
Pray for no further loss of life.
Pray for supplies of flu medication to reach those most in need.
Pray that those infected who enter our country will be successfully quarantined.
Pray for medical workers who risk their own health as they care for others.
Pray for those in Mexico who have lost loved ones to be comforted.
An Idea for Sunday Worship
We are still having Sunday School and worship Sunday. And we are still doing our Mission Sunday this Sunday. They have closed the schools in our county due to three cases of H1N1 in one of the schools. They are suggesting you don't go out in big crowds right now. I noticed yesterday at Wal Mart it was not as crowded as usual. I found this article and thought it helpful for Sunday Worship. I'll be breathing peace, not germs.
I think it is so appropriate that Sunday's sermon is on the Good Shepherd, how much we need him right now.
Swine flu panic? Pastor: 'Breathe peace, not germs'
Everyone's worried about the outbreak of swine flu. Some folks are even considering hunkering down in their homes and staying away from all kinds of gatherings, including church. But at least one United Methodist pastor is offering some common-sense counsel in the midst of pandemic panic.
The Rev. Diana Holbert, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in East Dallas, sent an email Wednesday to members and supporters of the church. In it, Rev. Holbert offered the following advice on church attendance:
"1. If you are coughing or sneezing, it's probably a good idea to stay home. Let us know and we'll send you a cassette tape of the service if you like!" says the pastor.
"2. If you are well, I encourage you to come together to worship and to pray for those who are sick or panicked."
Rev. Holbert adds that Grace UMC will continue its sanitary practice of washing hands and using hand sanitizer before serving the bread and grape juice of Holy Communion. These practices have become common at many churches that receive bread from a common loaf, which is a Christian symbol for the unity of the body of Christ, the church.
Grace UMC's pastor says in her email that she won't withhold the personal touch of fellowship: "I will continue to shake hands and offer hugs to those who desire it. For those who want to keep a distance, just smile and give a wave."
Rev. Holbert invites Grace UMC members and guests to attend worship this coming Sunday, May 3. "Let's take a deeper look at what Psalm 23 has to say to us today. It may just be what the Doctor ordered," she writes.
The pastor closes with the encouragement: "Breathe peace, not germs."
I think it is so appropriate that Sunday's sermon is on the Good Shepherd, how much we need him right now.
Swine flu panic? Pastor: 'Breathe peace, not germs'
Everyone's worried about the outbreak of swine flu. Some folks are even considering hunkering down in their homes and staying away from all kinds of gatherings, including church. But at least one United Methodist pastor is offering some common-sense counsel in the midst of pandemic panic.
The Rev. Diana Holbert, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in East Dallas, sent an email Wednesday to members and supporters of the church. In it, Rev. Holbert offered the following advice on church attendance:
"1. If you are coughing or sneezing, it's probably a good idea to stay home. Let us know and we'll send you a cassette tape of the service if you like!" says the pastor.
"2. If you are well, I encourage you to come together to worship and to pray for those who are sick or panicked."
Rev. Holbert adds that Grace UMC will continue its sanitary practice of washing hands and using hand sanitizer before serving the bread and grape juice of Holy Communion. These practices have become common at many churches that receive bread from a common loaf, which is a Christian symbol for the unity of the body of Christ, the church.
Grace UMC's pastor says in her email that she won't withhold the personal touch of fellowship: "I will continue to shake hands and offer hugs to those who desire it. For those who want to keep a distance, just smile and give a wave."
Rev. Holbert invites Grace UMC members and guests to attend worship this coming Sunday, May 3. "Let's take a deeper look at what Psalm 23 has to say to us today. It may just be what the Doctor ordered," she writes.
The pastor closes with the encouragement: "Breathe peace, not germs."
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Alabama Outdoors
Ya'll, I am sitting outside on my porch meditating. It is a beautiful day with a nice cool breeze. The flowers are beautiful My backdoor neighbor must be a master gardner.
Last night we had fun playing soccer with the kids outside and cleaning up the back yard so they could play.
Sunday is called the Good Shepherd Sunday. I am meditating on the Psalm for Sunday which is Psalm 23. Today I am meditating on Psalm 23 as I sit outdoors on myporch. I don't really know about sheep, sheepherding or Shepherds, but that doesn't seem to be the point does it. I do know the Shepherd and I want to know him more, and that seems to be the point.
There are a lot of different versions that have been written of Psalm 23 from the Sailor’s Prayer to the Indian’s version to the newest version. Psalm 23 is often described as the most popular Psalm, and most well known. If it is read at funerals, people can recite it with the reader. And even though we no longer in an agrarian society we are still touched by the opening words, The Lord is my shepherd.
If you want to know more, go read my thoughts on my Preaching blog.
Last night we had fun playing soccer with the kids outside and cleaning up the back yard so they could play.
Sunday is called the Good Shepherd Sunday. I am meditating on the Psalm for Sunday which is Psalm 23. Today I am meditating on Psalm 23 as I sit outdoors on myporch. I don't really know about sheep, sheepherding or Shepherds, but that doesn't seem to be the point does it. I do know the Shepherd and I want to know him more, and that seems to be the point.
There are a lot of different versions that have been written of Psalm 23 from the Sailor’s Prayer to the Indian’s version to the newest version. Psalm 23 is often described as the most popular Psalm, and most well known. If it is read at funerals, people can recite it with the reader. And even though we no longer in an agrarian society we are still touched by the opening words, The Lord is my shepherd.
If you want to know more, go read my thoughts on my Preaching blog.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
For Bob's Birhday
Bob's birthday was the Monday after Easter. We celebrated it with an ice cream cake from Baskin and Robbins made with his favorite flavor. Can you guess which? You would be right pralines and cream, yum, yum. Oh and it had a chocolate Easter bunny on top. Perfect.
He got some nice gifts from the kids and me. We treated him like a King. And then I gave him a different kind of gift. I gave him a sponsorship of a child from Compassion International. I have to say it was hard to choose which kid, but I chose a little boy close to Zach's age. I figured since we can't have any more children and are now too old to adopt anymore, we can sponsor a child Bob liked it and the kids really liked it. However, they didn't quite like the idea of sponsoring as opposed to adopting. They wanted us to go get him right away. We had to explain it to them, and they were okay with that after the explanation. So Happy Birthday Bob!
He got some nice gifts from the kids and me. We treated him like a King. And then I gave him a different kind of gift. I gave him a sponsorship of a child from Compassion International. I have to say it was hard to choose which kid, but I chose a little boy close to Zach's age. I figured since we can't have any more children and are now too old to adopt anymore, we can sponsor a child Bob liked it and the kids really liked it. However, they didn't quite like the idea of sponsoring as opposed to adopting. They wanted us to go get him right away. We had to explain it to them, and they were okay with that after the explanation. So Happy Birthday Bob!
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