Holy, holy, holy is Adonai!

(portions of the “Amidah" - A Hebrew blessing)

Let us sanctify God’s holy name on earth, as it is sanctified in the heavens above. As it is written by your prophet: “Holy, holy, holy is Adonai! God’s presence fills the whole earth.”

Source of our strength and Sovereign One, how majestic is your blessed and holy presence in all the earth! You alone are our God and our Creator, our Ruler, our Provider, and our Helper.

In mercy, our holy God is revealed to all the living. Adonai shall reign forever,  from generation to generation. Hallelujah!

"You are Holy"

From the writings of William Loader, Here's a prayer about God's holiness...

O God,
You are holy,
and deep within ourselves
where our souls touch the ground,
where our being meets your being,
we are on holy ground
and your holiness surrounds us
and calls our name.

Your holiness is your goodness,
your generosity towards us
and the silence which waits
and hopes and is glad
and disappointed - and waits.

You wait to meet us,
to make us holy with your holiness,
to make us loving with your love,
to make us hopeful with your hope.
 
In your presence we bow our heads
in shame where we have failed others,
failed ourselves and failed you.
Touch us with the tenderness of your forgiveness.

In your presence we breathe new life
when we dare to be still, to be centred,
to be whole, to be holy.

Set us free to be holy.
Set us free to be for ourselves a place
where sacredness is joy and peace.
And let us be a sacred space for others
and make sacredness for them.

Dwell in us as in a holy temple,
that we may know stillness
and that we may sense the fragrance of your love
and bring that fragrance to
where life is a stench and putrid and stale,
within ourselves and within our world.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Come Lord Jesus

Here’s an Advent prayer from Fr. Henri Nouwen:

Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness,
send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do
seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.

We who are anxious over many things
look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways
long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy
seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people,
walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!”

Prayers to the WORD

Here’s a prayer of petition and commitment based upon John 1:1-12...

In the beginning was the Word ...

to all who received him, who believed in his name,

he gave power to become children of God. ~ John 1:1, 12

Inspiring Word,
move over the chaos within me,
calling forth form and order,
that I may know you in my shaping,
and in the shaping,
surrender my life to yours.

Illuminating Word,
pierce the darkness within me,
calling forth insight and understanding,
that I may know you in my seeing,
and in seeing,
follow the way of your kingdom.

Incarnate Word,
indwell the life within me,
calling forth passion and purpose,
that I may know you in my living,
and in living,
embody you for the world.

Lent 2016 - Lenten Activities + Prayers - Day 18

[PRAY]

In a short treatise concerning prayer, Martin Luther taught the discipline of praying the Ten Commandments. Today, as a practice in devotion and discipleship, reflect upon and pray this prayer based on the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17):

Almighty and Everlasting God. You alone are God, there is no other. You have revealed yourself to us in many ways, through your creation, scripture and the prophets, and through your Son Jesus Christ.

You have also revealed yourself to us by name, so that we can call out to you in faith, hope, and love. Help us to always remember that you are with us.

Help us to keep the Sabbath, that we may gather in your name and give praise and thanks to you for all you have given us, our families, homes, and our health. Help us to share these gifts with all those in need.

We give thanks to you for our parents, our leaders, and all who are placed in authority by your hand. We ask that you provide them with wisdom and patience, and the ability to make sound decisions, governing according to your will.

Living God, we ask you to help us protect all life, being mindful not to harm others through our actions, or our words.

Bless us in our relationships, helping spouses to remain true to one another and live in the fullness of their love.

Lent 2016 - Lenten Activities + Prayers - Day 1

[PRAY] 

Almighty and everlasting Father, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Renew us and give us contrite hearts, that we, lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.