Today is the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! You, Lord God, formed us from the dust of the ground and breathed life into our nostrils. You saw fit to place us humans on this earth and you called it good. You surrounded us with such great beauty. You created all the majesty before us, from the highest mountain to the deepest sea. You continue your creation as we may behold, but often do not notice. Your kingdom reflects the exuberance of life and joy that we imagine you must feel as you look upon that which you hold so dear.
Thanks be to you Father, that not only did you choose to create the world, but you also chose to save the world.
Thanks be to you, Father, for our savior, Jesus Christ. The invisible image of God, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the body. In him all things in heaven and on earth were created and through him you were pleased to reconcile yourself with all things…with us…through the peace manifested in the blood of the cross. There is no other name under heaven by which to be saved.
We fall on our faces before you in worship and adoration…for your great love and faithfulness.
As we contemplate the purpose of your creation, we cannot but help to ponder the purpose of our being on this earth. We are your children, most certainly, but we are also your tools, your servants. We are undeservedly privileged to be servants of the king. We are grateful, but we cannot sit back and enjoy the great privilege in a vacuum…because with great privilege comes great responsibility. You set heavenly tasks before us: that all may know and worship you...that your kingdom on earth reflects your love…as we await the Savior’s return. Thankfully you do not leave us alone in these endeavors…you love your kingdom and us too much to create a world such as this and then just walk away.
In the silence, Lord, help us contemplate the enormity of your creation as we try to fathom the depth of your love.
You created us, Father, and you created those we call our enemies. You did not make us enemies, Lord; we did that ourselves. Bless our enemies and bless us…that your love will overcome the chasm that is between us and we can live like you intend.
We ask your blessings, Lord, on Philokalia Ministries and the Headen Family as they work to express your love to outcasts of our societies. Not only do the Headens preach the gospel, but they share your unconditional love with HIV patients, helping them understand they have a home in your kingdom and helping them remain productive members of their community even as their health and strength slip away in the ravages of their disease. Strengthen the Headens and members of the ministry as they share your love in the midst of death.
And now we pray together as the firstborn of all creation, Jesus Christ, taught us to pray:
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9 years ago
After reading a few prayers (very beautiful prayers) I note your format which includes a focus on enenmies. I'm curious as to your use of the term "enemies" so consistently. Are you referring to nations, neighbors, spiritual enemies? Am I wrong to not focus regularly on people/institutions who might be "enemies"?
ReplyDeleteThe "prayers" have received guidance from our pastor to ensure we pray for our enemies, whether they be people or nations or institutions. I have done so. Positive comments have been made to me specifically about praying for enemies...because I guess we all have them in one form or another.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there's an issue with not praying for enemies every time, but I do think we should pray for them at least some times.
If you notice, I also include a moment for silent prayer; again, that is based on guidance. When I started writing these prayers, I was given an outline to work from and have built on it. Maybe you're just seeing patterns from the guidance I was given.
Thanks for your affirmation.