12/10/2007
Prayer for Lonely People
Loving God,
there are times in each life
when there is no one.
No one with whom to share
a word,
a laugh,
a sad remembrance,
a gentle touch,
a fond embrace,
a kiss of love.
Bless each one who suffers
from such loneliness.
Enrich life with a friend
or gentle stranger
who will spend a moment
noticing
and loving.
In those times
your love shines through,
the world is reborn,
and Christ is known.
So be it!
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
source: Adapted from "Prayers of Our Hearts" © 1991 Vienna Cobb Anderson.
21:52 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0)
12/08/2007
Second Week of Advent
When John the Baptizer made his
appearance as a preacher in the desert
of Judea, this was his them: Reform your
lives. The reign of God is at hand!"
Mt. 3:1 Second Sunday of Advent
O Jesus, in an empty desert your
prophet John proclaimed: God is
here, at your side. God has come
to bring about a kingdom where
injustice and suffering will be no
more, where tears will be wiped
away, and where those who turn
to God will feast at a banquet.
"Turn now, your God is standing at
your side. Reform your lives, God's
kingdom is at hand." In an empty
desert John said these things.
Give me faith like John's, O Lord,
strong enough to believe even in
a desert that you and your kingdom
are no farther from me than my hand.
Make my heart strong like his, not
swayed by trials or snared by false
pleasures. Give me courage to be faithful
until your promises are fulfilled.
O King of all nations, Jesus Christ,
only joy of every heart,
come and save your people.
18:29 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0)
12/02/2007
First Week of Advent
"Jesus said to his disciples: 'Be constantly
on the watch! Stay awake!...You do not know
when the Master of the house is coming.'"
Mark. 13:33 First Sunday of Advent
O Jesus, your voice sounds through the
house of my world: Be on your guard!
Stay awake!
Yet I hardly hear you. Busy with so much,
I go about the things I do like a servant
trapped in household routine, hardly giving
a thought to what my life is about. My
spirit within has grown tired and you, my
God, seem far away. How can I hear your
voice today?
Speak to my heart during this season of
grace, as you spoke to your prophets and
saints. Remind me again of the journey
you call me to make and the work you
would have me do. I am your servant, O
Lord. Speak to me in this holy season
and turn my eyes to watch for your coming.
O Emmanuel, Jesus Christ,
desire of every nation, Savior of all peoples,
come and dwell among us.
15:55 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0)