Saturday, November 16, 2013

Praying the Scriptures: The Book!

You've seen the blog; now buy the book!

Below I have included some of the litanies that are now included in Praying the Scriptures: Litanies for Sunday Worship.  In the book you will find prayers for the entire three-year Revised Common Lectionary, plus the story of how this all started.

The book is published by Church Publishing and can be purchased from most major on-line book sellers - including Cokesbury, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

If you are interested in owning a copy, follow this link: http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?vsl=172&pid=9780898699203

I appreciate your support and your prayers.

Thank you.



JW+

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Prayers of the People - Proper 24C



Prayers of the People—Proper 24C

Brothers and sisters, our help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.  And yet, we can pray, saying, Put your word within us, O God; write it on our hearts.”

We pray, O God, for the Church and its leaders.  May we proclaim the Truth and share the Good News.  Give your Church grace, that each member may carry out his or her ministry fully.
Invite the congregation to offer their thanksgivings, followed by Silence
Put your word within us, O God;
write it on our hearts.

We pray, O God, for all those who interpret and establish laws—especially judges.  Give our leaders wisdom equal to their responsibilities, that they may serve the common good and promote justice throughout the world.
Silence
Put your word within us, O God;
write it on our hearts.

We pray, O God, for all of creation.  In the beauty of hills and streams, we glimpse your majesty.  In the wonder of sun and moon, we glimpse your power.  May we be responsible in our care and protection of all you have given us.
Silence
Put your word within us, O God;
write it on our hearts.

We pray, O God, for the people of the Toledo area.  May those who cry out for justice, see justice.  May those who search for Truth, find Truth.  May those who fear for their own safety, realize their comfort and security is in you.
Silence
Put your word within us, O God;
write it on our hearts.

We pray, O God, for the sick and the sorrowful.  May those who call upon you for healing also find you to be their faithful healer.
Invite the congregation to offer their petitions, followed by Silence
Put your word within us, O God;
write it on our hearts.

We pray, O God, for all who have died.  May all those justified by your Son, Christ Jesus, be judged by him as faithful and good.
Silence
Put your word within us, O God;
write it on our hearts.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Prayers of the People - Proper 23C



Prayers of the People—Proper 23C

Great are the deeds of the Lord!  Sisters and brothers, let us pray saying, “Christ, hear our prayer!  Jesus, have mercy on us!”

May your Church be faithful, even as you are faithful.  May we and your whole Church unashamedly work to further the Gospel.  May we endure whatever apathy or distraction might threaten our witness.
Silence
Christ, hear our prayer! 
Jesus, have mercy on us!

May the nations of the world seek wisdom and truth.  May people, rich and poor, powerful and weak, know that you are the source of healing and wholeness.
Invite the congregation to offer their thanksgivings, followed by Silence
Christ, hear our prayer! 
Jesus, have mercy on us!

May we protect and guard the created order.  May we be careful to recognize the majesty and splendor of all you have made.  May we remember that healthy waters, sky and land make for healthier people.
Silence
Christ, hear our prayer! 
Jesus, have mercy on us!

May we be ever compassionate towards those who are pushed into the margins of our society.  Give us open hearts that welcome and open hands that touch.  Teach us a love that crosses boundaries and borders.
Silence
Christ, hear our prayer! 
Jesus, have mercy on us!

May the sick and suffering know in their bodies and minds your healing power.  You desire to make men and women clean—of disease and stigma; make your grace known.
Invite the congregation to add their petitions, followed by Silence
Christ, hear our prayer! 
Jesus, have mercy on us!

May those who have died know the salvation found in you, Christ Jesus.  And may we, the Church on Earth, live in the enduring hope that, just as we are baptized into your death, so will we also live with you.
Silence
Christ, hear our prayer! 
Jesus, have mercy on us!