Tag Archives: listen

A Prayer for Light-Bearers

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light of the world robbie quinn

You are the Light of the World by Robbie Quinn

Matthew 5:14 – Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.”

Creating Light, Redeeming Light, Sustaining Light

We seek your presence and your love this day. We come from many places, from many backgrounds, from many stories. And now, drawn by your light, we gather together with you here. In our joy and in our sorrow, your embracing light meets us, holds us, and calls us beloved.

What are you grateful for? Take a moment to name your gratitude today.

Thank you, Lord, for your light.

What is heavy on your heart? Take a moment to name the needs of our world, our community, and ourselves.

Thank you, Lord, for your light.

Drawn by the light of God, may we open ourselves to be filled with a love that transforms, that makes whole, that inspires, so that we may carry light and love where there is sorrow and pain.

You have called us to be light-bearers. Let us not hide it or hoard it. A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. Tend in us hearts that give with passion.

Thank you Holy One, Light of the World, Word made flesh, Jesus our Savior, who taught us to pray, saying:
Conclude with the Lord’s Prayer

A huge thank you for Rev. Macon Armistead for permission to post his prayer.
Matthew 5:13-20 is read on Year A — Epiphany — Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

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A Prayer for Light-Bearers © 2023 Macon Armistead
You are welcome to use this work in a worship setting without asking permission. It’s always a treat to hear from you if you’re using it. Leave a comment for information and permission to publish this work in a book, blog,, etc.

Choosing a Word of the Year – 2023 Update

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Choosing a Word of the Year
Some folks choose a word to guide their year. It functions like a mantra to help them manifest a goal.

My word of the year comes to me. She chooses me. She appears one day, bags in hand, ready to move in. As the months pass and we get to know one another, the word offers me much-needed lessons and wisdom.

What’s surprised me most about receiving a word for the year is the way they abide. So far, all my words have their home in me. They continue to offer grace year after year like a tribe of dear friends. They collaborate with one another and encourage one another to share even more with me as I’m ready to receive it. (or need to receive it)

In 2019, Practice arrived. She gives me permission to experiment, risk, prototype, and fail.

In 2020, it was Rhythm. She’s not a driving, disciplined march. She’s like jazz, the pulse underneath improvisation and adaptation that holds everything together.

Truth joined us in 2021. She helps me say what needs to be said, making space for deep conversation, healing, and peacemaking.

Last year, Curiosity surprised me. I didn’t know how much I needed her. She helps me lead with questions rather than answers, opening the way for unexpected possibilities.

Struggling For My Next Word
My word for the new year usually appears sometime in December, but that didn’t happen last year. The new year came, no word. Weeks went by, no word. Would one come?

I stepped outside myself and went searching for my word. Risk – Abide – Courage. Wonderful words but they weren’t my word. Others began sharing their word with me. Their words weren’t my word.

I wandered. I wondered. I worried. Was my grief blocking the way? Did I need to spend more time with the words I already have? It was unsettling. Where was my word? I knew I needed her.

Then last week, the knock came. I went to the door to meet Adventure. What a word! Expansive. Inviting. Eager. Daring.

I’d felt myself shrinking in recent months. Pulling back. Second guessing. I know it’s the shadow side of grief but knowing is not the same as making your way through it. Adventure is here, machete in one hand, compass in the other, cutting the clinging vines from the path, helping me move forward into places I’ve never been. Welcome, to the family Adventure. 

What word is choosing you this year? I’d love to hear your story. 

2023 word of the year

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Choosing a Word of the Year Update © 2023 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia, http://www.revlisad.com 

Jesus, You are Speaking – a prayer inspired by Hebrews 1

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Hebrews 1:1-2
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds.

Jesus, Word of God
You are speaking
Help us listen

You speak words of deliverance
Words of life

Wisdom and Truth
Healing and Hope

Invitations to rest and
Invitations to action

Jesus, Word of God
You are speaking
Help us listen and follow

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Jesus, You are Speaking © 2023 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia, http://www.revlisad.com
Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12) is read on — Christmas — Nativity of the Lord – All Years
Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12 is read on Year B — Season after Pentecost — Proper 22 (27)

Listen and Act, a prayer for the new year based on Matthew 2.13-23

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Rest on the Flight into Egypt by Luc Olivier Merson
Rest on the Flight to Egypt by Luc Olivier Merson

ONE:
Joseph is silent
He listens and acts

ALL:
Lord, help us listen
Still the noise around us and in us
Still the urgency and anxiety
Still the destruction and falsehood

Lord, help us listen
Break through with your still, small voice
with your calm and clarity
with your leading and light

You reveal the needed next steps
You provide all we need to make the journey

Lord, help us listen and help us act
Amen

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This prayer is based on Matthew 2:13-23, the Holy Family’s escape to Egypt and return.

Listen and Act © 2023 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
You are welcome to use this work in a worship setting with proper attribution.
Leave a comment for information and permission to publish this work in any form.

A Prayer and Poem for Earth Day

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USA_10096-7-8_HDR_Antelope_Canyon_Luca_Galuzzi_2007

Antelope Canyon by Luca Galuzzi. Photo via Wikipedia Commons

Happy 50th anniversary of Earth Day!- Lisa <><

Glorious One
Maker of galaxies
Maker of mountains
Maker of me

Thank you for your grace
Thank you for reaching out
For speaking through the majesty of your creation
For speaking into the smallness of my soul

Help me listen and act
Help me honor and protect your world
Help me join their sacred witness and song
Now and always
Amen

Bless Christ Through Whom All Things Are Made
a hymn text based on Colossians 1:15-18
Meter 88.88 (LM)
For a PDF of the hymn as it appears in the Worship and Song pew edition, click the link Bless Christ, Through Whom All Things are Made

Bless Christ through whom all things are made.
Join seen and unseen in their praise
of One who both creates, sustains
who goes before, in justice reigns.

Who makes the lion and the lamb
the farthest star, the smallest hand
dominions, rulers, and their pow’rs
the steadfast mount, the fleeting hours?

Who made the ore for blood-soaked nails?
Who made the thorns and whipping tails?
Who made the sun that would not shine
and made the tree on which Christ died?

Who makes the waters of our birth?
Who makes the dust where we return?
Who makes the way for us to die
and rise to everlasting life?

Bless Christ through whom all things are made.
Join seen and unseen in their praise
of One who both creates, sustains
who goes before, in justice reigns.

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Prayer for Earth Day © 2012 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
Bless Christ Through Whom All Things Are Made © 2000, 2009 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
You are welcome to use these works in a worship setting with proper attribution. Please leave a comment for information and permission to publish this work in any form.