Note: this piece may be attached to a copyright; apologies if this is the case. We are still the people walking. We are still people in the dark, and the darkness looms large around us, beset as we are by fear, anxiety, brutality, violence, loss — a dozen alienations that we cannot manage. We are […]
Read full textPrayer for illumination
Eclipse — Steve Garnaas-Holmes, USA
Womb of light from whom we shine, but whom we cannot see but by looking away, only the unseen hides you, eye of darkness, ring of light, mystery of day’s bright night. We too are you, eclipsed. Let our horror of losing you remain. What conceals you reveals you, but only the merest edges of […]
Read full textDrawn Up — David Long-Higgins, USA
Loving God, Draw everything of me Into the mystery of You Bending the barrenness Of winter’s weary wait Toward Your leading light Hinting at things to come. Let everything of me Be swayed toward You Resisting every wind Of the world’s uprooting Often blowing within Daring to break my resolve To follow Your Christ-love Wherever […]
Read full textStitched — David Long-Higgins, USA
A prayer inspired by the Sacred Ally Quilt Ministry* Loving God, Stitch us anew Forming the fragments Of your human family Into something more Than the world sees As possible or probable. Let no story be scrapped As unimportant Or unworthy of notice All carrying something of you And your beloved unfolding. Let your Christ-presence […]
Read full textPrayer before Preaching — Ana Gobledale, Zambia
God, prepare me. Proclamation Channel Instrument Prepared yet overtaken Connection Identification ‘That’s me!’ Mouth of God Beyond words translated Interpreted Confirming purpose and usefulness Use me, God. Keep me humble. Use me beyond my perceived limits. Today may I be on fire With your spirit With your word Consumed yet refined Given yet received Blessed
Read full textPrayers for Illumination — Zambia
These prayers for illumination, variations on a theme, were shared by students of theology and ministry preaching at morning devotions at the United Church of Zambia University, Mindolo. By Thomas Bwalya God, our father and mother, we open our hearts to you this morning. Speak to us as we interact with the text read. By […]
Read full textPrayer for illumination– Valerie Noble, UK
This prayer might be used preceding or following a scripture reading, or as a segway into the sermon. Dear Forgiving One, It is so easy to listen to your words and yet sometimes so hard to truly hear them. Teach us to truly listen to your teaching not only with our ears but with our […]
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