Words of prayer for all occasions
Prayers on every theme, for every occasion written over a 40 year ministry in the Uniting Church of Australia. ‘These sample prayers, written to be spoken, are logged in two groups: soft-theistic and non-theistic/post-theistic. They seek to be shaped by a progressive, post-liberal theology. When soft-theistic, they attempt to use new or different metaphors when […]
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What words do we use when we reach out to the Spirit of Life? the Source of Peace? Explore these resources to find worship words relevant to you today. Click on the theme. What is prayer? Thoughts from the Diocese of Oxford UK, printed in the Living Faith pamphlet, ‘Christianity: a simple guide’… Prayer is ‘not a […]
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Gracious God, Today we pray for a moment of quiet to catch our breath; to give thanks to you; to listen to the insects and the birds, to the cars and airplanes; to watch the breeze move gently in the leaves and the squirrels collect food for their winter store. Grant us quiet. Today we […]
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A prayer arising from 1 King 19 God ever-new and ever-old, Teach us to listen: To listen with patience, when we want immediate answers; To listen with openness to a new word, when we are more comfortable with the old; To listen with deep respect to the roots of our faith, when we […]
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As we go about our busy and frenetic lives we thank you for your on-going unfailing love, that at times we almost forget is there. We thank you, that you are always present in our lives, behind and before us. Your love is so great that we know you will never let us down, you […]
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Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 1 Samuel 15:34 – 16:13 Mark 4:26-34 God, your ways continue to surprise and delight us. Thank you for the seeds you have sown in us. Encourage us to nurture them as they grow and develop in our inner being, rather than spend so much time and energy on […]
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Out of the mouths of babes… Five-year-old Deborah has considered the gender of God. She realises God is bigger than ‘she’ or ‘he’. So Deborah offers a new pronoun for God: heesh And heesh is very pleased!
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Ever felt uncomfortable praying ‘Lead us not into temptation’? Ever wondered why God would need to be asked to refrain from leading us toward that which tempts us? The French Catholic Church (Bishops, March 2018) has altered their translation of this troubling petition to read: ‘Ne nous laisse pas entrer en tentation.’ In English: ‘Do not […]
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What of colour and faith? What colour would you assign to love or to peace? What colour symbolises God or Jesus? How would you use colour to describe the feelings and emotions of trust, joy, anger, depression, dreams, hope, loneliness, or thankfulness? David explains: ‘As a Christian with dyslexia (dyslexia comes from the Greek meaning […]
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Theme: Growing in the habit of prayer A complete worship service weaving together scripture, drama, reflection & conversation Compiled & written by Ana Gobledale for Open Table This service is designed for a congregation gathered around tables. It can easily be adapted for a more traditional setting. The Leader’s Sheet includes the entire service, with […]
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What words express the mystery of love? Love felt? Love received? Love committed? Love lost? Love divine? Words of love express our care and compassion, inviting others into relationship. Explore these resources to discover ‘Love Words’ relevant to your experience and situation, to use in both group worship and personal devotions. Newest posts . . . […]
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Words to move us from indecision to certainty, from doubt to trust, from unknowing to knowing . . . Explore these resources to discover ‘Wisdom Words’ relevant to your experience and situation, to use in both group worship and personal devotions. Newest posts . . . (images link to posts) Alphabetical archive of all ‘Wisdom Words’ […]
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What makes for peace? What words express the urgency of reconciliation and bridge-building, and our longing for trust and serenity? Explore these resources to discover ‘Peace Words’ relevant to your experience and situation, to use in both group worship and personal devotions. Newest posts . . . (images link to posts) Alphabetical archive of all ‘Peace […]
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Words of praise exhilarate and empower, catapulting us into joyful action. Explore these resources to discover ‘Praise Words’ relevant to your experience and situation. Newest posts . . . (images link to posts) Alphabetical archive of all ‘Praise Words’ resources . . .
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Words to slow the pulse, calm the breath, settle the soul . . . Explore these resources to find Meditation Words relevant to your experience and situation. Newest posts . . . (images link to posts) Alphabetical archive of all ‘Meditation Words’ resources . . .
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With words we cry out for justice in our lives and our world. Explore these resources to discover ‘Justice Words’ relevant to your experience and situation. Newest posts . . . (images link to posts) Alphabetical archive of all ‘Justice Words’ resources . . .
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Words connect us to the power and strength we need to meet the day. Explore these resources to find ‘Strengthening Words’ relevant to your experience and situation. Newest posts . . . (images link to posts) Alphabetical archive of all ‘Strengthening Words’ resources . . . Featured image: African Beauty in opalstone by Peter […]
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Words can reach out to pain and suffering, bringing renewal and new life. Explore these resources to discover ‘Healing Words’ relevant to your experience and situation. Newest posts . . . (images link to posts) Alphabetical archive of all ‘Healing Words’ resources . . .
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Words of hope defy despair. Words of hope buoy us when we sink, hold us when we falter. Explore these resources to discover Words of Hope relevant to your experience and situation. Newest posts . . . (images link to posts) ‘Words of Hope’ resources: an alphabetical listing
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With what words do we express thanksgiving? How do we convey the depths of our gratitude? Words of thanks and gratitude illuminate the path of life. Explore these resources to discover ‘Gratitude Words’ relevant to your experience and situation. Newest posts . . . (images link to posts) Alphabetical archive of all ‘Gratitude Words’ resources . […]
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Accompanying a flickering flame, words bring light into the darkness, illumination into the wondering . . . Explore these resources to discover ‘Words by Candlelight’ relevant to your experience and situation. Newest posts . . . (images link to posts) Alphabetical archive of all ‘Words by Candlelight’ resources . . .
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When the earth shakes, the lightning flashes, the tsunami rolls across the waters; when the snow whites out the roads, the floods wash out bridges and homes, the wildfires rage across the ridges; when the tornados race through town, the hurricanes churn up the coast, the heat waves wipe out crops— then, […]
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Dearest Friend, gentle Spirit, breath of live, source of our being, from the peacefulness of silence, the silence that preceded Creation, your Word entered the void and said, ‘Let there be light.’ This afternoon we sit mindful that we are kin and covenanted to that Word and to your light. We are grateful to you, […]
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Inspired by Psalm 105 Lectionary for Year A: 8th Sunday after Pentecost 3th Sunday after Pentecost 16th Sunday after Pentecost We remember your wonderful works and we give thanks We sing praises, we tell of your strength, your faithfulness, your holiness, and we ask, how do we bring glory to you? Your judgements are over […]
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A worship resource from Christian Aid UK for the Third Sunday of Easter, Year A ‘And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad.’ —Luke 24:17 Walk beside us, risen Jesus On the Emmaus road of life On the journey of confusion On the road […]
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Used with permission, from Nicola’s book, Seeking the Risen Christa (SPCK, 2011) which can be purchased at Amazon. Such a fast one You came running towards us Over the morning grass Then off, off forth on swing Sweeping smooth on a big wind Out of our sight I want to come with you Fly with […]
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Loving God who conceived life, originates ingenuity, embraces individuality, welcomes everyone, celebrates diversity, encourages unity, offers serenity, gifts simplicity, lavishes compassion, we worship you! Living Jesus who breathes our air, walks our streets, feels our pain, sheds tears, enjoys company, bubbles with laughter, holds our hands, we worship you! Gentle Spirit who strengthens […]
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ready-to-print copies: WORD Lord’s Prayer – Stephen Best, UK PDF Lord’s Prayer – Stephen Best Great Love; the root and sap of our evolving fullness, Nudge us forward in our creative potential So we may flourish for the common good. In each mindful moment, help us recognise that We free ourselves from the […]
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This multi-voice responsive prayer might incorporate groups of readers or individual voices. Group/Voice 1 states the facts about the suffering in our world. Group/Voice 2 lifts up those taking action to improve the situation and change the world. Group/Voice 3 voices a prayer request. Leader: Through our faith, we reach out to God, interceding […]
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For Emalyn (a youth being mentored by Eleanor) I see God skiing in the snow-capped mountains. I see God suffering with the ragged guy begging for help. I see God sharing in the worship services at our church. I see God playing in graphic artistry. I see God enjoying diverse cultures: how they live, work, and […]
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Day’s Beginning O God, You have birthed the world And us. You have washed us, Dressed us, Fed us, Set us on our way in the school of life. Give us courage to stand strong, To meet all that comes our way with kindness, Learn from all with an open heart, And remember always That […]
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Praying for others… Praying for our world… What words do we use to express the pain of our world? How do we meaningfully express our concerns, fears and anger? How do we verbalize the pain and suffering of creation — the people, the creatures, the land? How do we respond to both natural disasters and […]
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Words seeking the deepest places Words for rigorous honesty Words to cleanse the spirit, mind and soul Newest posts . . . (images link to posts) Alphabetical archive of all ‘Words of Confession’ resources . . . Featured image: Holocaust Memorial, San Francisco, California USA
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What words reach out to a gathered congregation? Do they bring comfort? Challenge? A call for renewal and re-commitment? Are we free or stuck in a formula? What words enable God to speak through us? Newest related posts . . . (images link to posts) Alphabetical archive of all ‘Pastoral Prayers’ resources . . .
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Time for worship has arrived. Worship leaders gather for prayer. What words will inspire us? guide us? ground us? What words will remind us of the need for both humility and authority? What words will connect us to our common purpose, faith and God? This quiet time for gathering and invoking the presence of the […]
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2nd Sunday of Lent, Year A I lift up my eyes to the hills… We lift up our hearts To you, Spirit of the Universe God will not let your foot be moved… Trusting you to hold us securely When we feel caught in the mire of indecision When we hesitate to step forward […]
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Proper 17 13th Sunday after Pentecost – Year A 3 September 2017 Paul makes it sound so easy. Just be sincere, determined, altruistic. Yet we find ourselves hesitant, shifty, unreliable, selfish. Just be zealous, hopeful, patient. Yet we feel tired, desperate, anxious. Just be generous, hospitable, harmonious. Yet we find ourselves hoarding, […]
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Inspired by Psalm 32 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C Eternal One, You have blessed us. You have forgiven our hurtful actions. You have blocked out our mistakes and wrongs. When you add up our errors, the total always seems to vanish. And we start with a clean slate. You erase our shame […]
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Our God We pray for Empathy – seeking to understand: ideas, people, situations, ourselves, our faith, our hopes, seeking, exploring the why of life, the why of who we are. seeking because we know that only by seeking, do we go beyond ourselves, to where answers reside, answers that we had never considered. And we […]
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Luke 24:13-49 Third Sunday of Easter, Year A Theme: The road to Emmaus Spirit of new hope and promise… Stay with us in our places of hopelessness and despair. Spirit of joy and delight… Stay with us in the shadows of grief and terror. Spirit of forgiveness and mercy… Stay with us in the […]
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