Tag Archives: progressive Christianity

A Liturgy for Easter 6C – Waiting for Healing

22 Wednesday May 2019

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CALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 67)

One: May God bless each one of us.
Many: May God bless our siblings across the world.
One: May God’s face shine upon us.
Many: May God’s face shine upon each of our neighbors of other races and religions.
One: May God’s way be known across this earth.
Many: May all nations experience God’s mercy and love.               
One: Let all nations be glad and sing for joy.
Many: Let all the peoples know you and sing your praises.

INVOCATION

God of Steadfast Radiance, as creation took form across the universe, your light bid all living beings a greeting of wellness. Crossing time and space, your illumination has alleviated the pain of shadows. Through your luminosity, we see the value of each of our worldwide siblings.  Continue to shine your light upon this earth so that we see the needs of our neighbors. May your moonglow and sunshine allow us to see your image in your children across our planet.  Amen.

PRAYER OF RECONCILIATION 

One: In the haste of our days, we rush to meet our needs.  In the process of our living, we occasionally will step in front of people.  On difficult days, we will even spiritually step over or on our neighbors. 

All: Forgive us, Divine Radiance.  May your mercy shine so brightly on our world that we can clearly see our neighbors’ needs. May your glow of kindness remind us to ensure all people have a place in line. May your righteousness move us to safeguard others’ essentials.  Encourage us to step aside to allow our marginalized neighbors to have their greater needs met before ours. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF GRACE

One: God’s Radiance will shower us with mercy and call us to new paths of care.  May the steadfast love of God give us the courage to create God’s realm here on earth.  Amen! Alleluia!

All: Amen!  Alleluia! Thanks be to God!

CALL TO OFFERING

One:   The Divine Radiance of God rains upon us.  As we flourish, may we never forget to care for creation, your children, and the church.  We take this time to reflect and to share from our gifts.

DEDICATION PRAYER

Loving God, Divine Gleam, as your light reaches this earth, may this brightness allow us to see the ways we are called to care.  Let our light shine before others so that our world is encouraged to foster your children across this globe. Amen.

BENEDICTION

One: Beloved Siblings in Christ,

Let us open our windows to the light of God

Let us open our doors to the Christ in our midst,

And let us open our hearts to the Spirit who compels us to share God’s love with our world.

Amen!   Alleluia!

All: Amen!  Alleluia!

*****

(c) Rev. Michelle L. Torigian. Free to use with attribution.

National Take a Chance Day Prayer

23 Tuesday Apr 2019

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Chaotic, Creative God-

The winds of change hover over your creation, nudging us towards a new heaven here on earth.

As the dry winds from the south pick up, causing us to remain inside our comfort zones, your Spirit is throwing open doors and windows, begging us to move back into the world.

In a vulnerable state, we slowly emerge into ferocious terrain- an atmosphere which wants to remain at rest and at unrest.

But here you are, God, asking us to take chances, asking us to speak boldly, love courageously, and care fiercely.

Today, we ask for prayers of strength to advocate for our neighbors on the margins. We pray for bravery as we allow mercy to emerge from our traumatized, closed-up souls.

We are willing to heed your call and take chances that build a more-caring world and share love which unites us and magnifies your image in one another.

Amen.

A Prayer for Farmers

23 Saturday Mar 2019

Posted by in Lent Prayers, Pop, Prayers, Vocation Prayers

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Holy Sower, Holy Harvester-

For the ones who till the ground, we celebrate.

For their early hours and long days, for their weathered hands which plow and pluck, for their strategic minds which plans out lands- – we laud their exceptional efforts.

Bless their hours as they intensely labor in the fields. Bless their land as the seeds burst forth from the soil. Bless the roots as they embed within the dirt. Bless the clouds which bring forth rain, and bless the sun which dances upon the leaves of trees our farmers have planted.

May our farmers, landscapers, and all who work in gardens find time to rest. May their sabbaths be filled with moments of sleep and joy.

We thank you for their endeavors in co-creating with you: the fruits and grains, the vegetables and beans, and the trees which shade our grounds.

Amen.

A Prayer for Electricians

21 Thursday Mar 2019

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Holy Spirit who infused our every step with energy-

With gratitude we celebrate our electricians. In the sharing of their gifts hospitals have access to CT scans, homes have access to heat, churches have access to organ music, and teenagers can recharge their phones!

As they cut and reconnect wires, keep them safe from unruly currents. In their crawling and climbing, allow their movement to be incident free.

May they see the value of their vocation. May we verbally share our appreciation of their trade. And may we never take for granted the gift of power wherever we are.

Amen.

*****

This is part of a series of Lenten daily prayers for various careers. The list was determined by St. Paul UCC, Belleville, IL.

A Prayer for Doctors, Nurses, and All Medical Professionals

20 Wednesday Mar 2019

Posted by in Health, Lent Prayers, Pop, Vocation Prayers

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Holy Winds of Healing-

As you encircle us with your love, surround us with healing energies. Your voice perpetually calls our bodies, our minds, our souls to wellness and wholeness.

For the doctors who examine us, diagnose us, and treat us, we give much gratitude. Gift them with clear minds and overflowing wisdom. May they embrace the continuous unfolding of medical knowledge. May surgeons hands be steady, and may they look towards your healing spirit as they listen for you calling.

For the nurses who journey with us as we continue the healing process, we speak our thanks. May they find fulfillment in their vocations. Point them to your presence as they work towards the health of their patients.

We ask for blessings upon all of those who work in doctor’s offices, on surgical floors, and in hospital rooms. Help them experience patience in their trying moments, and may they see the positive impact they make.

May all medical professionals speak words of love and embrace grace as they work to bring your healing to an injured world.

Amen.

*****

This is part of a series of Lenten daily prayers for various careers. The list was determined by St. Paul UCC, Belleville, IL.

A Prayer for Dentists

19 Tuesday Mar 2019

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God of the Smiles and Smirks-

For our dentists and dental hygienists, we share our gratitude. Through their encouragement of better hygiene health, we become stronger people.

Bless them with patience as so many of us hold much anxiety of drills and needles. May they show much peace when our nerves flare. May their hands be steady as they hold delicate tools which care for our teeth and gums. Through their knowledge, we find dental wellness.

Bless their learning through continuing education. Bless all who work in their office, and bless their leadership of their staff.

Amen.

A Prayer for Chefs

17 Sunday Mar 2019

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Divine Crafter of Cuisines,

We thank you for the imagination of chefs and cooks in our communities. Through the work of their hands, your children are fed. Through the work of their hearts, some who would otherwise go hungry receive food.

We are grateful for all who prepare meals – from our loved ones in our homes to those who create box and frozen dinners to the ones who work in church kitchens. Just as you bless the recipients of the food, bless each one who has cooked the meals. Strengthen each of us as we broil and bake, as we grill and griddle, and as we poach and fry.

Allow us to be your sous chefs as we work together to craft dinners at the tables of justice and mercy.

Amen.

*****

This is part of a series of Lenten daily prayers for various careers. The list was determined by St. Paul UCC, Belleville, IL.

A Prayer for Butchers

15 Friday Mar 2019

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Great Provider-

For the hands of the butchers, we share our thanks. For the precision desired when cutting meat, may their hands stay still.

Through this meat, our bodies strengthen. Bless their knives and other tools which carve our food.

Bless the cheeses, the crackers, the breads, the slaws and salads, and everything else they sell at their delis. May this food sustain the well-being of their customers.

Amen.

*****

This is part of a series of Lenten daily prayers for various careers. The list was determined by St. Paul UCC, Belleville, IL.

A Prayer for Bookkeepers

13 Wednesday Mar 2019

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Divine Spirit Who Abides in Numbers,

For the bookkeepers and accountants who diligently balance books, we give our gratitude.  For their tireless hours staring at screens and ledgers, we acknowledge their efforts.

May this be a career of joy for them.  May they find bliss in the moments of calculating.  May they see that their work is needed to help our neighbors determine what may be next in their financial life.

Allow them to rest their eyes when the days become long and the numbers do not balance.  Grant them patience when additional computations and reports are needed.

For their talents they share with the Church, the community, and the world, we share our thanks.

Amen.

*****

This is part of a series of Lenten daily prayers for various careers. The list was determined by St. Paul UCC, Belleville, IL.

A Prayer for Bartenders and Baristas

11 Monday Mar 2019

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Creator of Coffee Beans and the Fruit of the Vine-

With gratitude, we bless the bartenders and baristas in our midst. Their sweet libations – whether with or without alcohol – bring neighbors together for conversations and celebrations.

Whether mixing cocktails, shaking martinis, blending frappés, or creating a heart of foam on the top of a latte, their attention to detail is focused on serving their patrons. Their time and talents bring joy to their guests sitting at bars and tables and as conversations flow between friends and work is done silently in corners.

Their pastoral care from behind the bar gives our neighbors a chance to be heard and seen. The confessional by the beer on tap allows our friends to feel less alone. For our baristas and bartenders who listen, we give our thanks.

Holy Mixologist, may we celebrate their service in the hospitality industry. Give them the courage to care for their guests, holding boundaries and discerning when to stop the drinks from flowing as guests reach their fill of spirits.

We honor their calling as we remember your son, the Great Sommelier, who served the best wine in celebration of love and joy.

Amen.

*****

This is part of a series of Lenten daily prayers for various careers. The list was determined by St. Paul UCC, Belleville, IL.