Please see my fb page www,facebook.com/pastoremilyprayers . Thank you - and keep praying!

Holy In-Between Saturday

Gracious Lord and Only Saviour, this is the day of in-between.  Yesterday, Good Friday, we remembered how You bled and died for us, and tomorrow we will celebrate anew Your resurrection from the dead.  But today, Saturday, is the time of stillness and, perhaps a time to remember the grave.  Ah, Holy Jesus, how piercing to my soul to remember that without Your lying in the grave it would have been all that was left for us.  You truly died.  You were buried, wrapped in the spices of myrrh and aloes, sealed within the tomb.  I know that tomb could not hold you - and that because of that it cannot hold me either. How can I ever express what that means to me, O Loving and Merciful God?  How can my heart do anything other than soar with praises to You?  And yet I am filled with sorrow when I think of those who continue to pass You by.  I grieve to think on those who continue to hurl insults and demand Your crucifixion, still trying to blot You out, denying that You have any right to be here - You who created the heavens and the earth.  Why do so many still choose ultimate death over life, my Lord?  Forgive me if it be because of anything I say or that I do, or don't say or don't do.  Let me show forth Your life, Your light, Your love with all of my being!  May I - even I - be privileged to manifest Your goodness into Your world, that none may find themselves eternally in the tomb of Saturday death, but be joined with You, Father Son Spirit, in eternal resurrection life!  Alleluia!  Amen!  

Your Valentine

Father God it is so cold outside.  How easy it is to take the warmth and shelter of my home for granted.  I can go make a steaming hot drink.  I can sip on simmering soup.  Even if I need to save pennies and turn the thermostat down, I can wrap up in a blanket and encourage the dog to lay across on my lap. Forgive me when I take these precious things for granted.  Forgive me when I take what I have and forget to share with those who are in need.  Warm my heart with Your love, O Lord Jesus, that I may warm the hearts of others with kindness and compassion passed on in Your Holy Name and for Your Love's sake.  Especially this Valentine's weekend, when the lonely are feeling cold, when those without someone to share their shelter are feeling empty, enable me to spread Your warmth.  Help me, O Holy Spirit, to care as You care - without counting the cost, without looking for anything in return.  Thank You that we are all Your Valentines, dear God.  May I keep You close in the warmth of my heart always and forever - Amen.

Ashes to ashes

Good and Gracious Father-God, it is so hard to look our own mortality in the face.  Our culture encourages us to turn aside and ignore it, even to try to run from it and always strive to look and feel younger.  And yet today, on Ash Wednesday, You whisper to us to, "Remember, O mortal, that you are dust; and to dust you shall return." (Genesis 3:19)  Help me to remember, dear Lord, what it is You have done for  me.  Help me to look death in the face and be able to shout with Paul, that we have victory even over death through Your death and resurrection!  Lord, I believe, but I beg that You would help my unbelief because, like the child that I am, I get scared... and want to run away... and not think on these things.  Help me to believe in the depths of my soul that You died so that I may have eternal life and never die.  Hold tight to my hand, dear Jesus, with Your nail-scarred hand, that I may walk even through the valley of the shadow of death itself and fear no evil because You're with me.  You are my Light, my Life, my Salvation and on You, You alone - not this vapid culture! - I depend.  All praise to You, Father Son Spirit, now and forever and ever and ever, Amen!

God's Voice

It's a new and beautiful day, Father God!  There is a slight breeze and the sun is warming the earth and drying the mud.  In the distance there is birdsong, but I have to stop and listen for it or it melts away unnoticed.  Is that how I am with Your voice, Lord?  You are here, You are speaking to the whole world, but we don't seem to notice.  Forgive me for my indifference to You and unblock my ears to Your voice.  I know that what You have to say is much more important than anything on the television, my computer or phone.  Forgive me for listening to the voices of the world far, far more than I listen to Your voice, dear Holy Spirit.  You are right here, in the stillness of this day and in the pages of Your Word.  Don't let me turn away.  Whisper to my heart, my mind, my soul.  Draw me ever closer, I pray.  Thank You for for Your voice, blessed Triune God.  Amen

The Sacredness of the Everyday

Father, Son, Spirit, wonderful and mysterious God of us all, we profess that You are indeed mysterious to us.  You are so beyond what or who we can image You to be that we are lost in wonder and made speechless in awe.  There are no words which can truly describe the fullness of Your nature... and yet... You urge us to see You through everyday images like Father, Shepherd, Bridegroom - even as Friend!  Forgive us when we don't recognise You with us the everyday times of our lives.  Forgive us when we think You can't be interested in or bothered with the commonality of our daily existence.  You bless us with every day! May we give You the glory and praise in the midst of the normal, everyday times, each and every day.  For each moment is sacred.  Each second is created as a gift from You, FatherSonSpirit, mysterious and awesome God of the everyday.  Amen!

In perspective

Heavenly Father, You are the One I should turn to first, not as a last resort. Thank You for calling me to Your side and inviting me to sit with You.  You help me to keep things in perspective, especially when the world seems to be flying off in terrible directions.  It can be such a scary place and I am so blessed to be able to crawl up into Your lap and listen to Your heart beat, reminding me of the strength of Your love.  Forgive me when I am cynical.  Forgive me when I doubt You or Your intentions.  Forgive me when I lose touch with Your overwhelming care and compassion, Your protection and encouragement.  Thank You, blessed Son, for holding onto me through whatever darkens my life.  I am washed in Your comfort and indescribable goodness, O Holy Spirit.  May Your praise be always on my lips and in my heart - forever and ever and ever, may I hear the angles sing!  Amen. 

Walking in preparation

Heavenly Father, Emmanuel, how thankful I am that You are with us. It is so easy to get lost in the crowds of Christmas. When we don't hold tight to Your hand we can be lured away by the false glitter of consumerism instead of the true gold of the Magi. We can be pulled away by the busyness of occupation instead of leaving it all to give top priority to seeking You with the shepherds. We can be diverted by the popularity of parties instead of the quiet ponderings of Mary and Godly dreams of Joseph. Help us to hold You close and to walk with You through these days of preparation. Help us to celebrate Your birth, O God-with-us, now and forever - Amen.

Surrounding love

Loving and Merciful Father-God, even when it's raining it's a beautiful day with You.  Thank You for being behind the clouds and the showers of my life, ready to bless me with the light and warmth of Your Son.  Throughout this day, keep me mindful of Your presence.  When the night begins to fall, keep my thoughts on Your protection.  When it deepens into the darkness, keep me wrapped in Your peace.  Where there is pain to endure, grant relief and comfort.  Where there are decisions to be made, make the way clear and fill thoughts with tranquility. Thank You that You surround me with Your never-ending love. Even when I cannot feel it, You are with me.  Glory, dominion and power are unto the Father Son Spirit, forever and ever - Amen.

Eyes of a child

O Father-God, give me the eyes of a child.   Help me to see anew the wonders of Your creation and the love with which You long to fill it.  This day, this night, in all that surrounds me, enable me to see You, my Christ, my Saviour, my All. When the evil of the world attempts to shut You out and throw us into darkness, break through O Glorious Light and illuminate the reality of goodness and mercy.  Forgive me when I am despondent and allow circumstances to dictate my joy, rather than opening myself to the glories of Your grace and ever-present comfort.  You are my peace, O Christ.  You are the very breath I breathe, O Spirit.  Give me the eyes of a child, that I may see You each hour, each moment, for all eternity, dear Heavenly Father of All.  May I, by Your grace, hear the angels sing.  Amen. 

Precious Day

Loving Father-God, this day is precious.  Whatever is held within its hours is a gift beyond measure!  Your blessings flow out upon us, regardless of the circumstances that surround us.  Hold those who sorrow and fill them with Your comfort.  Uplift those who are despondent and give them the glow of hope. Strengthen those with decisions to be made and enable them to hear Your guidance.  Where there is disease and injury, bring Your healing of wholeness. Where there is anger, pour out Your peace.  Where relationships are broken, speak Your mending.  Wrap the lonely in Your arms.  Where dreams are faltering, instill Your true vision. Where there is hunger and thirst, cold and lack of shelter, a lack of justice or compassion, please show us how to share, O Holy Spirit.  May we be Your hands, Your voice, Your love.   Forgive us, merciful Saviour, for wanting our own way and our continuing reluctance to follow You in deed as well as in word.  There is so much possibility in each day.  Don't let us waste it.  Don't let us regret it.  Don't let us use it for anything we'd be ashamed to share with You.  May we indeed count our blessings - and remember that You are the greatest blessing of all!  May each day be full of Thanks-giving!  Alleluia! Amen!  

Comfort

Dear Heavenly Father, it's so sad when what we love divides us.  Give us hearts that are true to You and courage to be faithful, even when it would be easier and more comfortable to remain silent or to slip into the background via compromise or even - heaven forbid! - to deny You.  You have warned us again and again that the world wouldn't love us and that there would be persecution and trial if we love You and keep Your commandments.  Forgive us for not believing You.  I don't want to be a fair-weather Christian, Lord, but it's hard to be a follower when so many turn away.  Help me to love with Your love; to love even when it hurts, even when loving You divides me from others.  Lord, in Your mercy, heal all broken hearts, mend relationships that are torn, renew a right spirit within Your people.  And comfort us, Lord.  Comfort Your people and hold us within Your nail-scarred hands.  Not because we deserve it, but because You are our only hope and salvation, the One on whom we depend.  Amen.

In the time of War and Tumults

O Almighty God, King of all kings, and Governor of all things, whose power no creature is able to resist, to whom it belongs justly to punish sinners, and to be merciful to them that truly repent:  Save and deliver us, we humbly beseech Thee, from the hands of our enemies; abate their pride, assuage their malice, and confound their devices; that we, being armed with Thy defence, may be preserved evermore from all perils, to glorify Thee, who art the only giver of all victory; through the merits of Thy only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen  (Book of Common Prayer, 1662)

Waiting on God

Creator of the universe, Breath of life, Salvation of the world, on this new day it is so easy to want to leap into action.  I am not always a patient person, Lord. Waiting for You is not something that comes easily to me, as You know.  I chomp at the bit and forget that You alone know the big picture of what results - or doesn't result - from the actions I take.   Grant me the humility to confess that You alone know not only what should be done, but when.  Enable me to wait for You.  Help me to listen for Your voice and direction within prayer and as I spend time with You in Your Holy Word of Scripture.  Don't let my own voice drown out Yours.  Give me a heart that cares passionately about justice but understands that it must be on Your terms.  I am not called to act alone, but always within Your will.  O Master, grant me patience to wait on You before leaping into action, so that I do not leap off the cliff I cannot yet see! Father Son Spirit, protect me from myself I ask, for Your love's sake.  Amen 

Glorious Gray

Good morning, Father-God!   Even when skies are gray and the air is heavy, muggy with humidity, this is still the day which You have made and call us to rejoice and be glad within!  How easy it is to forget to start my day with You, The One who has brought it into being.  Forgive me when I dash into my day; thinking only of what I need to do for me.  Intent on being my own enabler I brush You aside and concentrate on what I really believe is most important - me, myself, I... and maybe my family.  But without You it is all completely without meaning.  Without You I'm not capable of anything of eternal value; it will all pass away.  But with You everything sparkles with the newness of creation!  With You even the dullest and grayest of days is lit with the radiance of forever and ever!  This is eternity - You are eternity - and the wonder of it wraps me in awe of You.  With thanksgiving and praise I lift my heart to You this gray, muggy morning, and ask that You would bless it unto me; not for my glory, but for Your glory, Father Son Spirit, now, within this moment of forever - Amen!

Autumn

Father-God, we lift our praise to You!
Creator of all the seasons, Giver of each moment,
          what a glorious day this is with which You are blessing us!
The crisp, clean air surrounding us, the dome of perfect, azure sky over us,
         who cannot see Your hand within it all?
You paint each leaf with colours no pigment we can create can match!
Your morning dew touches each blade of grass with diamonds beyond compare!
O Lord, help me not to race past such beauty unseeing.
Open my eyes to the wonder,
        Open my nose to each aroma,
                Open my lips to praise You forever for the autumn
And each season of my life,
                                               Forever!  Amen!

Hush

Loving, merciful, mighty Father God,  the evening is hushed.  The supper is cleared, the dogs have settled and are gently snoring, the television is off and no traffic is passing.  How seldom we have precious times that are hushed; when we can simply be with You and thank You for all that has made up this day.  You have brought us to this place, through all the times of our lives, and You have never let us go.  This moment is a moment shared with the Creator of All that is, seen and unseen.  The very moment I am in Your holy presence and wrapped in Your love, dear Jesus.  I am Your beloved child.  What words can express the indescribable joy and the lava of comfort that flows over me with such knowledge?  There are no words.  There is need be no words.  The evening is hushed and I am with my Father, Son, Spirit.  It is a time of holy hush...  I whisper alleluia... Amen... 

When it's hard to pray

Loving Father God, when it's hard to pray is when we perhaps need most to pray.  Sometimes the words just won't come; things are too deep, to painful, too raw, or we're simply too tired to think straight.  Hold us, dear Jesus.  And as You pray for us, Sweet Lord, enable us to pray with You.  Lift our eyes from our selves and focus us on You.  May our vision see beyond whatever is keeping us from coming to You and give us the courage to open our hearts, our emotions, our thoughts, that we may know we are cherished, forgiven, restored. When it's hard to pray, blessed Father, it's often hard to believe we are loved.  Hug us within Your arms of mercy and surround us with Your comfort, O Holy Spirit. For You alone are our Peace and You alone are the One who shows us undeserved, unrestrained, bountiful goodness and - yes - undying love.  When it's hard to pray, lift our hearts into Your glory, that we may love You with even a fraction of the love You have for us, and reach out into the darkness of others' lives with the light of that Good News - We are loved, forever and ever and ever, Amen!

These humble prayers

Gracious and Almighty, Merciful and Omnipotent, You alone are God!  Within the midst of this day I stop and remember just Who You Are, and that I am loved by the Creator, Saviour and Sustainer of the entire universe.  How great Thou art, indeed - and how blessed I am!  As I enjoy this day I remember those who are in pain.  I lift up into Your arms of healing those who battle illness and disease. I place into Your care the ones who have suffered accident or injury. I bring to You those who are grieving in the dark valley of bereavement.  I pray for those who walk with terrible memories that haunt their thoughts.  I raise to You the people who struggle with plaguing doubts and nagging uncertainties.  I am blessed to be able to bring before You these folk and I am thankful for the ability to do so.  Take these humble prayers and use them for Your glory; use them to build up Your Kingdom; use them to spread the Good News of Your Loving Salvation to all who so desperately need You.  I need You, Lord, every moment of every day.  What blessings fill my way as I walk with You, through the worst the world can bring to the best of which my soul sings.  Glory hallelujah!  The God of all, the Ruler of everything, the Only One reigns forever and ever, and I am His and He is mine!  How incredibly awesome - Amen.

Lord's Day Eve

Our Heavenly Father, it is the eve of the special day we set aside to worship You.  You are so worthy of our praise, deserving of more thanks than we can ever give You, above and beyond any honour we can bestow.  Forgive us all the many times this week that we have disappointed You with our sins and hurt others with our failings.  Wash us clean and give us a new attitude; a way of living that acknowledges You as the One who is not just Number One, but the only one deserving our prime attention.  If only we would put You above and beyond everything, then all else in our lives would fall into its proper place! How amazingly You love us!  As the moon shines down upon us tonight, shine down Your love, Lord Jesus.  Give us new hearts that glow with Your love on all those around us.  Keep us safe within Your care this night and, if it be Your will, bring us fresh and joyful to worship You tomorrow!  In the name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit now and forever -Amen.