Tag Archives: overwhelmed

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.

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.

Let the Tears Fall – A prayer of Lament and Release

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Let the Tears Fall

Holy One, you are near and present in all things: highs and lows, joys and sorrows, celebration and suffering.

God, we come to you now in the midst of yet another storm, in a season of grief and loss of loved ones, belongings, and a sense of normalcy. More chaos, more loss, more pain.

Let the tears fall.

For the hurt in our hearts, we ask for healing, God. Hold us in our pain and bring peace to the storm.

What is hurting in your heart that you want God to heal?

The congregation offers their petitions silently or aloud

Let the tears fall.

For the hurt in our community, our families, friends, neighbors, strangers, we ask for healing, God. Surround our homes, neighborhoods, churches, schools, businesses, hospitals, and parks with your love and care.

What is the hurt in your community that you want God to heal?

The congregation offers their petitions silently or aloud

Let the tears fall.

For the hurt in our world from war, oppression, hunger, and injustice, we ask for healing, God. Shine hope in all places where there is despair.

What is the heart in our world that you want God to heal?

The congregation offers their petitions silently or aloud

Let the tears fall.

Lord, you catch them in your hands. In the ocean of our grief and lament, you call out again and again, “Peace, be still.”

We ask for healing in the name of Jesus, who heals all suffering and who taught us to pray, saying:                                

Conclude with The Lord’s Prayer

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I’m grateful for the prayer ministry of Rev. Macon Armistead, my colleague in ministry at Coronado Community United Methodist Church who gave me permission to post his moving prayer. 

This prayer could be used for a healing service or Longest Night service in addition to weekly worship. – Lisa <><

Let the Tears Fall © 2022 Macon Armistead
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.

Speaking Peace in the Face of the Storm

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Quotefancy-806355-3840x2160As I write this, Hurricane Ian is gaining strength and making its way to Florida. I have family and friends in the Tampa Bay area. I serve a congregation located beachside between the Atlantic Ocean and the intercoastal waterway, Coronado Community Church in New Smyrna Beach. We have 10 sister churches in Cuba.

There’s much to warrant true concern. There’s much that is unknown. In the midst of it all, God is near. God’s well of hope, safety, and belonging is deep and it is for you. Love one another, make the best decisions you can, pray and trust God. You are not alone.
Your sister and servant in Christ- Lisa <><

Jesus, we see You calming storms
Storm tossed seas and stormy lives
Extend Your power and grace again,
Upon us and all in need

Speak peace and healing over bodies and spirits
overwhelmed by the crashing waves of circumstance
Jesus, speak peace.

Moment of silence

Speak peace and perspective over minds and hearts
adrift in confusion or drowning in fear
Jesus, speak peace.

Moment of silence

Speak peace and hope over people, families, and communities
swamped by danger and loss
Jesus, speak peace.

Moment of silence

Speak peace and truth over the media.
Inspire them to use their influence
to build hope and goodwill rather than stir up anxiety
Jesus, speak peace.

Moment of silence

Speak peace and protection over first responders –
firefighters, law enforcement, medical personnel,
power workers, government workers, and shelter workers-
as they risk their lives to keep people safe
and help those who are suffering.
Jesus, speak peace.

Moment of silence

Speak peace and belonging over those who are displaced by evacuation –
those in shelters, those stranded on highways,
those in hotels, those far from loved ones.
Keep them safe.
Jesus, speak peace.

Moment of silence

Speak peace and well-being over those who are hunkering down-
the well prepared, the foolish, and the vulnerable,
especially those who are poor or alone.
Jesus, speak peace.

Moment of silence

You are the Prince of Peace.
You are the Resurrection and the Life.
You are strong to save.
Our hope and trust are in You

Offer your own prayers. Conclude with the Lord’s Prayer.

If you are using this prayer in a group setting, one person reads the light print and everyone reads the bold print. 

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Speaking Peace in the Face of the Storm © 2017, updated 2022 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.

Midweek Reflection- The Cup of Our Life

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Inspired by this prayer by Joy Rupp from her wonderful book The Cup of our Life 

Generous God
so many times I’ve come
with my empty cup
a beggar of the heart
devoid of nourishment
depleted of energy

and you have filled

Generous God
so many times I’ve come
afraid of unknowns
full of negatives and no’s
fighting the challenges
closed and resistant to growth

and you have opened

Generous God
so many times I’ve come
a stranger to my spirit
crammed with cultural noise
caught in endless clutter
crowding my inner space

and you have emptied

Generous God
I come to you again
holding out my waiting cup
begging that it first be emptied
of all that blocks the way
then ask for its filling
with love that tastes like you

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Midweek Reflection- The Cup of Our Life © 2020 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia