CHAPTER 4: CHURCH (1-108)
Section A: Prayers
From the Church (1-35)
Section B: Notecards
From the Church (36-76)
Section C: Prayers of
the Church (77-108)
IV, Section A: Prayers From the Church (1-35)
For Faith (1)
For Guidance (2-3)
Attendance at a Spiritual Retreat (4-5)
Return from a Spiritual Retreat (6-9)
Thanks for the Kindness of Others (10-11)
Baptism (12)
Commissioning or Ordination (13-16)
Ordination Anniversary (17-19)
For Shepherds of the Church (20-22)
For a Troubled Pastorate (23)
When Church Professionals Leave (24-26)
Pastor’s Retirement (27)
Recognition of a Church Teacher or
Leader (28)
Recognition of a School Teacher (29)
Award Recipient (30)
Church Visitors (31)
New Church Members (32)
Organization of a New Church (33)
New Church Building (34)
Closing of a Church (35)
Section B: Notecards From the Church (36-76 )
To Visitors (36-48)
To New Members (49)
To Absent Members (50-55)
To the Grieving (56-57)
To Those Grieving Broken
Relationships (58-59)
Celebrations (60)
Commendation (61-69)
To Young People (70-73)
To Someone on the Church Prayer
List (74-76)
IV, Section C: Prayers of the Church (77-108)
Praise (77-78)
Thanksgiving (80-84)
Confession (85-87)
Intercession (88-89)
Supplication (90-92)
Dedication (93-97)
Illumination (98-101)
Listening (102-104)
Benediction (105-107)
The Family Prayer (108)
PRAYERS FROM THE CHURCH (1-35)
For Faith (1)
Faithful God,
Through
your Design for life, some are given the ability to “see” your unseen Presence
at work in our lives and in the world. Charge us anew to use this precious gift
on behalf of those who cannot see you and do not believe, that we may be the
hands of Christ upon them as we reach out to touch and to bless.
Your beloved
child, _____, is seeking (revitalization of) your gift of faith. We pray you
will fan the embers of her hopes and help her to leap where she cannot see, to
flourish in love, and to abound in a New Life in Christ. We pray all this (1)
For Guidance (2-3)
Precious Lord,
We
rejoice that your promise is to be with us no matter the way we take. So what have we to fear? We ask the blessing
of your guidance now for our friend, _____, as she struggles with the options
that lay before her. Abide with her as
she seeks clarity and open the doors according to your good will and
mercy. Help her find the still waters of
your grace and bless her with peace all along the way. In Christ we pray. (2)
O Mighty Jesus,
You are the
Carpenter of our life together, teaching us what it means to be a people chosen
to be merciful, a people called to be loving as we seek justice and peace. Chisel our hearts until they resemble your
own. Hammer our wills until they fit the
blueprint of Heaven. Build us up in
humility, self-discipline, and hospitality of heart. We pray especially for our sister, _____, who
earnestly seeks to follow in your ways of love and grace now and forevermore;
through Christ we make our plea. (3)
Attendance at a Spiritual Retreat (4-5 )
O Fountain of Life,
How we thank you for your gift of grace and
for your providential care! We thank you today for _____, for her tender heart
and kind ways. We are grateful for her
wit and wisdom, and for her grace-softened spirit that seeks your guidance and
will for her life. Bless her this
weekend in a special way, as you kindle the fires of her faith. And stir her to deeper trust, wider
compassion, and higher hopes through Jesus our Shepherd. In Christ we pray. (4)
God of the Journey,
We
rejoice that you cause us to blossom and flourish as you woo us toward a life
of hope and peace. We pray your deep blessings upon _____ in a special way at
this time of retreat from the everyday.
Teach her what she must learn, strengthen her faith, deepen her love,
and widen her compassion. And lead her in
the paths of wisdom and courage that she may need to continue to follow the
path of Jesus all her days. In the grace of Christ we pray. (5)
Return from a Spiritual Retreat (6-9)
Great God of All Life,
Your
touch upon us is the kiss of new life.
We pray for _____, your beloved child who rejoices in the touch of your
Spirit’s kiss upon her at the retreat.
Plow the renewed fervor she now feels into the marrow of her days, and
help her to continue to pursue your ways of love and peace. Let the joy of your salvation mark the path
of her journey and the peace of Christ light her way. In Jesus’ name we pray. (6)
Gracious God,
How
grateful we are that you shape and reshape us, making us fit for your Great
Cause of reconciling the world through love! Bless your beloved child, _____,
who rejoices at your regeneration of her faith at the retreat. We pray that the dazzling grace she
experienced there will take root deep within her very being and that the song
of her life may be praise and the story of her life may be grace. In Christ we pray. (7)
O Source of All Goodness,
How
refreshing is the worship and friendship of your people, gathered in retreat
from everyday cares! As your beloved
child, _____, re-enters the everyday, let your Spirit continue to touch her in
profound and life-changing ways. Fill
her with the love of Christ that she might be a radiant beacon of hope to those
around her each day. And may her joy in
Christ overflow in praise and thanksgiving to you all her days. In Jesus’ name we pray. (8)
Creating God,
The earth and its
creatures, the solar systems and the multi-verses, all bear your
fingerprints. Your Infinite Love and
Electrifying Creativity is embedded in each atom and molecule, each body and
form of being. We thank you for times
of retreat when we can catch our breath and recognize the width and breadth of
your amazing power to reach into infinity and to vitalize all that is. Bless now your daughter, _____, revitalized
by her apecial time attending to your Presence.
May it be a stepping stone of wisdom and hope for all the days to
come. In the peace of Christ we pray. (9)
Thanks for the Kindness of Others (10-11)
God of Dazzling Grace,
How
clearly we see your Spirit blowing upon and through those saints sent to bless
and encourage the family of faith! It is
with much gratitude we pray now for _____, a saint who has blessed and
encouraged us. We thank you for her
servant leadership and for the goodwill she spreads among us as she joyfully
shares her faith in ways large and small, especially for . . . Bless her as she
has blessed us, we pray in the love, hope, and joy of Jesus. (10)
Light of All Goodness,
We
thank you for our dear friend, _____, whose life reflects the rainbow intensity
of your Spirit’s touch. For the red of her
passion, for the green of her hospitality of heart, for the yellow of her joy,
we give you thanks. For the orange of her creativity, for the violet of her
vitality, and for the blue of the settled peace within her, we bless your name. Continue to bless and keep her now and
always. In Christ we pray. (11)
Baptism (12)
God of Covenant Love,
Through
the waters of baptism, you seal us to Jesus, and with the kiss of your Holy
Spirit upon us you anoint us as one in a beloved community of faith. As (little) ______ has now received the
sacramental grace of waters and anointing, we ask your deep blessings upon her
that she may continue to grow in humility, hospitality of heart, and compassion
for the world and all its peoples. May
she flourish in love, abound in hope, and rejoice in your abiding presence now
and always. In Christ we pray. (12)
Commissioning or Ordination (13-16)
O God of Benediction,
We
bask in the glory of your smile upon this world you create with such precision
and care, and pray you will smile now upon your new servant of the Church,
_____. May she be an instrument of your
laughter, compassion, justice, peace, and integrity through the years of
service she offers to you now.
May she live fully
and be fully open to those you will bring into her life, that her ministry may
be the love of Christ through the bubbling joys and the quick sands of despair,
that the Spirit of your Being will flow in her and through her to all whose
lives she touches. In the laughter and
tears of Jesus we pray. (13)
Eternal God,
You
call us to use our gifts and skills for Heaven’s sake and the sake of this
world you love with such passion. Your
child, _____, has heard your call to the office (ministry) of _____ and she
seeks your blessing at this special time. Make your truth be known through her
words, songs, prayers, and joyful service to the Covenant Community. May wisdom and humility be the hallmarks of
her ministry as she seeks to follow Jesus on the Way of kindness, justice, and
peace. In Christ we pray. (14)
Abiding God,
Thy
hold upon this world is an embrace of passionate love and of steadfast
mercy. Thy plan for each of us in Jesus
Christ is startling in its encompassing embrace. As Thou callest us into the life of faith, we
find it amazing in its goodness and challenging in its power to help us become
the people you intend us to be.
We
pray that Thy will may be sought out and lived through Thy beloved child,
_____, as she once again takes up the cross of servant leadership. May Thy love and mercy upon the world shine
through all the she says and does. Be
Thou her vision, her perseverance, her light and her peace, now and in the
coming years. We pray all this through
Jesus Christ who came to serve the world. (15)
Great God of Dazzling Grace,
We magnify your
name, O Holy One of Israel, for all of the wonders of your steadfast love and
mercy and for the holy mysteries you work within this world and beyond it to
accomplish your good and gracious will throughout the generations.
We thank you for our ancestors in
the faith, for women and men throughout the ages who have witnessed to your
compassionate love in the midst of the darkness of human failure and
weakness.
We are especially
grateful today for your particular servant, _____, called to shepherd your
people, to proclaim your Word and to celebrate the sacraments of Water and
Table. As you shape and renew us through
the sacraments, we ask you will continue to shape and renew her for a
flourishing ministry, so that her love is your love reaching out into your
world. In the name and life of all that
is holy. (16)
Ordination Anniversary (17-19)
Abiding Grace,
How
grateful we are for your steadfast love and mercy that creates, redeems, and
sustains our world and all that is within it.
We are particularly grateful for your beloved child and faithful
servant, _____, who you have guided, encouraged, strengthened, and used to
bless your children through _____ years of ordained ministry. We pray that you will continue to use her
according to your good will and to bless her with all she may need each
day. And may the light, joy, and peace
of Christ be his faithful companion throughout her journey with you. (17)
Great Symphony of the Spheres,
We
kneel in praise and rise in awe at the untold ways your steadfast love shapes,
resurrects, and sustains your Creation and all within its embrace. We are grateful that you awaken all that
lives, giving meaning and purpose for each creature, each life.
Today we lift up
your servant, _____, who finds her meaning and purpose through the office of
_____. Continue to guide, strengthen,
and encourage her as you use her for your good will and merciful
blessings. And as she sings the
faith-song of trust, joy, justice, and peace, tune her heart to sing your
grace, now and always. In Christ we
pray. (18)
I know whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be
added to it, nor anything taken from it; God has done this, so that all should
stand in awe before him. Ecclesiastes
3:14
O Beginning and Ending of All,
You give the human
family a sense of time, that all may come to cherish the gift of the NOW as we
stand in awe before you. In your Providence, you call us to take pleasure
in our moments, hours, days, and years according to your good will as we seek
to serve you.
We thank you now
for your servant, _____, and for her vocation as _____(pastor, minister,
teaching elder). We are grateful for the multiplicity of ways you guide
her as she leads your people with integrity, humility, perseverance, creativity
and joy.
Bless her that she may continue to
work your eternal Good through her offerings of time and energies as a shepherd
to the flock of your own choosing. In
the name of the Good Shepherd we make our prayer. (19)
For Shepherds of the Church (20-22)
Most Gracious God,
For
those who are yoked to Jesus in work and witness, the promise is rest for their
souls. From the unfathomable depths of your grace, we ask you to bless and
sustain your servant leader, _____ as she continues to follow her call with
integrity, humility, and courage. Grant
your Spirit’s breath upon all that she says and does, to the end that your
Reign is proclaimed and your good will is done.
And may she find rest for her soul each day. In Christ we pray. (20)
God of Grace,
We are grateful for our call to dwell under
your canopy of grace through ministry with and for others. May your Holy Spirit abide with your servant,
_____, as she seeks to shepherd and tend your people. Let your goodness fill her heart to
overflowing, that it may spill out upon those whom she leads. Grant her patience in the times of unknowing,
wisdom in the fray, and light for her journey.
May joy be her companion and hope the song she sings. In Christ we pray. (21)
God of All Life,
In
the light of Christ, you lead us on our Hallelujah journeys, and through the
Breath of Holy Spirit, you make us vessels of your goodness as you resurrect
this world each day. We lift before you those who offer the hope-filled good
news of your power to redeem and make new in the place and in this time. We are graced by their love, comforted by
their friendship, encouraged by their faith, touched by their compassion, and
mentored in their faithfulness to the Way of Jesus.
We thank you
especially today for _____, your good and faithful servant in this place for
_____ years. We pray you will continue to
use her as you lead her ever onward on her Hallelujah Journey. With our spirits joined together as one, we
bless you with our hearts, our minds, and our strength for her life and
witness. Through your holy Presence as
Creator, Christ, and Spirit we pray. (22)
For A Troubled Pastorate (23)
Our Rock and Our Salvation,
When
our feet are in sinking sand, you place us on solid ground. When our way is fraught with hostility and
distrust, you are strong to save. How we thank you for your endless care and tender
mercies.
Bless
now your servant, _____, whose way forward is difficult to see. Bless her and her family and the church
family that they may find your guidance in the process they are undertaking,
and that your justice, peace, and love may prevail. In the light and peace of Christ. (23)
When Church Professionals Leave (24-26)
God of Unswerving Love,
We are grateful
for our call to life as part of the human family. We are grateful as well
for our call to servant-hood to and with others, ever sheltered under your
canopy of grace. We ask that the Spirit of Life that blows upon Creation and
animates the Church will breathe upon your servant, _____, as she journeys to
_____to tend and serve your people (under hospice care/in her new call). May
your goodness fill her to overflowing, to spill out upon all those she tends
and serves. Grant her patience in the times of unknowing, wisdom in the
fray, and light for each day, that joy may be her constant companion and hope the
songs she sings. In Christ we pray. (24)
Holy God,
We
give you our thanks for the ministry of your child, _____, as she leaves her
ministry with _______ Church. We are
grateful for the love, faith, time, and energy that she has invested in your
people as a servant leader. And we thank
you for all of the lives touched by your Spirit and the hopes restored in her
time here. Bless her now as she
continues to seek your good will and guidance.
And let the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus flow out upon her
abundantly always. In Christ we pray. (25)
Precious Lord,
We
are grateful that you are working your good will out through the life and
ministry of your servant, _____. We ask
that she will continue to reflect the light of Jesus in everything that she
says and does all her days. Bless and guide her during this time of transition
and lead her into a future where she may flourish. And may your Spirit fill her
with your peace, in the time ahead. In
Christ we pray. (26)
Pastor’s Retirement (27)
Shepherd of the Generations,
We
are so grateful to you for the guidance and wisdom, the inspiration and growth,
the joy and the hope of those you have chosen to shepherd the flock of this
church. We especially thank you for
_____, the faithful and inspirational shepherd of this congregation for _____
years, and for other church families throughout her _____ years of
ministry.
Gentle her days in
green pastures as she lays down the yoke of leadership and lead her beside the
still waters of peace. Grant her deep
blessings of rest and peace, of fun and exploration of new interests, of
wonderful times with family and friends. And may she hear your voice
proclaiming, “Well done good and faithful servant.” In Christ we pray. (27)
Recognition of a Church Teacher or Leader
(28)
Holy God,
We
bless you for all your servants who help us learn how to rejoice in your works
and to trust your love. We are especially grateful today for _____, a teacher
with great faith and love who brings wisdom through her teaching, happiness
through her hugs (and cookies!), and well-being through her quiet spirit. Bless her with all she may need to continue
to proclaim the good news of Jesus in both word and deed. And grant her your peace. In Christ we pray. (28)
Recognition of a School Teacher (29)
Giver of our Vocation,
We
thank you today for the call you have given to _____, who has been Christ’s
faithful disciple as a public school teacher, dedicating these past _____ years
to the welfare of her students. Continue
to be with her this next academic year as she labors in love to help bring the
light of learning to those in her care.
Give her the wisdom, perseverance, and fortitude that she needs to
inspire and guide all of them, but especially the troubled ones who cry out in
need for love and the ministrations of angel. In the name of the Great Teacher
we pray. (29)
Award Recipient (30)
God of the Ages,
How
grateful we are that in each and every generation you plant fields of grace,
harvest your crops of goodness, and share the bountiful yield with your
world. We are especially thankful today
for your beloved daughter, _____, servant of Christ’s Church and bold pioneer
for this generation.
We
have been blessed in ways beyond our ken through her ministries of _____,
_____, and _____. We celebrate this
award and thank you for her gifts, her humble and gracious ways, her humor and
intellect, her love of family and friends, and her ability to bring light,
order, and energy into the valleys and shadows.
We pray you will continue to bless her, to lead her, and to use her as
she daily follows in the steps of Christ, in whose name we pray. (30)
Church Visitors (31)
God of Grace,
We
are grateful that you bind us together as brothers and sisters in Christ. We thank you that even strangers are friends
in the faith. We are grateful that _____ joined us in our worship on Sunday,
and pray she may find a home here. Open
doors of blessing for her and pour out your Holy Spirit as you steady her in
the steps of faith, hope, and love each day. And we ask that if this is not the
spiritual home she seeks, you will guide her onward to that church family you
have prepared for her. In Jesus we
pray. (31)
New Church Members (32)
Gracious God,
We
are so grateful to you for leading _____, ( _____, and _____) into the arms of
our church family, and for the blessings that come from her presence within
this community of faith. Let your face
shine upon her as she begins this new phase of her journey with us. Deepen the roots of her faith and stretch out
her courage to meet all the storms of life with child-like confidence in your
care. Pour out your grace as together we seek to be your loving children
following in the path of our Lord Jesus.
In Him we pray. (32)
Organization of a New Church (33)
O Light of All Life,
We
offer our utmost thanks and praise for the Spirit’s call that has beckoned the
people who now commit to be the charter congregation of ____ Church in
_____. We are grateful they are
dedicated to serving our Lord Jesus and this world for whom He lived, died, and
rose again. Let your Spirit blow in a mighty way upon those now here at its
birthing. Grant that they may be a
beacon of love and a harbor of hope to all those around them. O, prosper the work of their hands and hearts
for generations to come. In Christ we
pray. (33)
New Church Building (34)
Great Architect of Life,
Your
blueprint for life is etched in the cosmos, written boldly in the skies and
seas, the earth and air, and in the life of Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone of
the Church. We praise your name for the
wonders you perform in every time and age, and especially today do we exalt
your greatness as we open this new building to be a light in the darkness of
this corner of the world. Let it stand
firmly as a witness to your everlasting love and faithful mercy through the
ministries and services that will seek to serve your Kingdom for generations to
come.
May hospitality
and gentleness of heart flow out to all who pass this way. And may justice, peace, and hope be harbored
and encouraged within its walls, to the end that it is a sanctuary where all
may come to know and your Spirit’s blessing and find wisdom and direction for
their journey. In Christ our Firm
Foundation we pray. (34)
Closing of a Church (35)
There is a time for
everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die. . .a
time to search and a time to give up. Ecclesiastes
3:1-2a, 6a
God of the Ages,
In
each generation, you plant your Word, reaping fields of goodness and new life,
and plucking up that which you have planted.
We pray for the members and friends of ______ Church whose time has come
to lay fallow and at rest. We thank you
for the generations that have found your goodness and new life through its
worship and teaching and services of compassion. And we ask you blessing upon those who now
shut its doors and leave the future in your good and faithful keeping. In Christ we pray. (35)
Section B: Notecards from the Church (36-48)
To Visitors (36-48)
Dear _____,
We
were pleased that you came to our service on Sunday and hope that you found
inspiration, hope, and food for your soul as you worshipped with us. Your presence was a blessing to us and we
hope that you will come again whenever you are able.
The
grace and peace of our Lord Jesus be with you. (36)
Dear ______,
We
were delighted that you could serve God with us through our worship on
Sunday. We hope that you will feel free
to participate in any of the ministries, activities, and programs of our church
family, and that you will join us again for worship any time you are able. Our
church calendar (of Sunday School/Bible Study/Circle, etc schedule) is
enclosed.
The
grace and peace of our Lord Jesus be with you. (37)
Dear _____,
Thank
you for worshipping with us on Sunday.
We always feel blessed when brothers- and sisters-in-Christ from far
away are able to share time with us as we offer our praise, thanksgiving,
songs, and love to God. Thank you for
adding your listening heart(s) to ours as we were nurtured by God’s Word and
Spirit. We hope you know that you have a
spiritual home here whenever you are in our area.
May
the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus be upon you. (38)
Dear _____,
Thank
you for worshipping with our church family on Sunday. We always feel blessed to have visitors come
and add their prayers and songs as we praise and thank God together. It is our prayer that you, too, experienced
God’s blessing while in our midst. We
hope you will come again when you are able.
May
the grace and peace of Jesus Christ be yours now and always. (39)
Dear _____ and _____,
Welcome
back to (town or church name). We are
delighted that you once again joined your listening hearts to ours in
worship. It is a joy to be nurtured by
God’s Word and Spirit together. We pray
that you will return whenever you can so that together with your beautiful
family, we might blossom and flourish in the love and mercy of our gracious
God.
May
the grace and peace of Jesus be yours now and always. (40)
Dear _____,
How
good to see you back with us on Sunday!
It is a pleasure to have you among our worshipping community once
again. We look forward to whatever God
has in store for us in the coming months together. May it be a time filled with signs of God’s
goodness, love, mercy, and grace as together we follow in the steps of our Lord
Jesus. May His peace be yours. (41)
Dear _____,
What
a pleasure it was for our church family to welcome your family to our worship
on Sunday. Your presence enhanced our
service and enriched our time together.
It is our prayer that you encountered God in a meaningful way while you
were with us and were blessed through our offering of praise, prayers,
thanksgiving and love. We hope you will
come again when you are able.
The
grace and peace of Jesus Christ be with you. (42)
Dear _____,
Grace
to you and peace from Jesus Christ, our Bread of Life. We were so pleased that you chose to worship
with our church family this past Sunday.
This loaf of homemade bread is our way of thanking you for joining your
praise, prayers, and joyful songs with ours.
May it be an aromatic and delicious reminder of God’s nurturing love.
Please feel free to join us in any
or all of our services, gatherings, and ministries. God bless you. (43)
Dear _____,
We
are always grateful when God sends us visitors to join us in our worship, but
Sunday was a special cause of thanksgiving to have you and your folks with
us. We want you to know how very welcome
you are here. It is our prayer that you
will return soon.
If there is anyway
that we can be of service, please don’t hesitate to call on us. Enclosed is a _____(card/refrigerator magnet)
with our phone number, email, website, and office hours. May the peace of
Christ be yours each day. (44)
Dear _____,
How
good it is whenever we can gather together as God’s children to let our hearts
and spirits soar in thanksgiving and praise!
Your presence in our worship was a gift to us, and we consider ourselves
blessed by your joy, your songs, and your beautiful smile.
We
hope that you will come again whenever you are able. May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus be
with you. (45)
Dear _____,
The
congregation of _____ Church was so pleased that you were able to join us in
our service of worship on Sunday. We
hope that your time visiting in our area will be blessed with good times, good
health, and the knowledge of the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus with you
each and every day. Please come back and
see us again whenever you are able. May
God’s blessings be upon you. (46)
Dear _____ and _____,
It
was truly a blessing for our church family to have had you among our
worshipping community while you were visiting our city these past (two
months). We pray that God’s tender
mercies will keep you safe and well until we meet again. In the meantime, we hope you will remember us
in your prayers, as we will you. May God
grant you all that you need as you follow in the steps of Jesus. We remain your bothers and sisters in
Christ’s love. (47)
Dear _____,
We
feel that our worship is enhanced and enriched by your presence, prayers, and
listening heart. We are very pleased
that you have become a part of the church family as a regular visitor and we
would love you to consider joining this congregation as a member. We are praying for God’s guidance for you in
this matter. But whether you feel called
to take the “spiritual plunge” by joining us or decide to continue with us as a
visitor, please know that we are blessed to have you with us. Grace and peace in Christ. (48)
To New Members (49)
Dear ____ Family,
The
grace and peace of our Lord Jesus be yours now and always. What a wonderful blessing it was for our
congregation to be able to celebrate your joining of the church (and _____’s
baptism) on Sunday! We are so very pleased
that God has led you to discover what it means to be a child of God and a
follower of Jesus within our community.
We are looking forward to our life together in Christ in the coming
years. In His love, (49)
To Absent Members (50-55)
Dear _____,
The
grace and peace of our Lord Jesus be with you. We
have missed seeing you at church lately.
Please know this congregation feels the loss of your love, prayers,
faith, and listening heart(s) when you are not there. We will be calling to schedule a visit with
you in the near future just so we can “catch up” and in the meantime, if there
is some way that we can be of help to you, please don’t hesitate to call. Most sincerely, (50)
Dear _____,
We
just wanted to take a moment to tell you how blessed we are as a church family
whenever you come to worship. A quick
handshake as you’re leaving seems just that—too quick. So consider this note a “longer handshake” to
let you know that we are truly grateful for your presence among us. We thank God for joining us together in
Christ as one family here at First Church. We hope to see you again soon. May
the grace and peace of Jesus Christ be with you. (51)
Dear _____ Family,
We want to convey to each of you
how pleased we are whenever you are able to come to worship. We have missed you recently. When you’re not with us, there is a “(family
name)-shaped” hole in our church family.
If something has occurred that we might be of help with, please call on
us. If you all have just been too busy
to come, then we will call on you and talk about it! Know that you are missed and we hope to see
you soon. God’s blessings on you, (52)
Dear _____,
What
a joy it was to see your wonderful face(s) in worship again on Sunday! It lifted our spirits to see you back among
us; you have been missed. Please know
how much your presence, prayers, and songs add to our offering to God each
week. You are an important part of our
church family and we will rejoice greatly when you are able to back with us on
a regular basis. May God’s blessings be upon you in abundance. (53)
Dear _____ and _____,
We
thank God for the love and faith-lift we experience when we think of you. Even in such hard and sorrowful times, we see
the light of Christ shining in you and your wonderful family, and we are
blessed. May God’s healing Spirit
continue to be upon you in a mighty way until you both are able to come back
and join us in all of our services, programs, and ministries. With much love, (54)
Dear _____,
Several
people have commented that you are among “the missing” because a constant state
of “busy-ness” is taking its toll. But
we want you to remember that we need you in worship because our fire dims and the
praise of our gathered community is diminished without you. So, this is a
“heads up!” We will be calling on you
soon to see how we can help you return to regular worship with our community of
saints. In the meantime, dear Saint,
know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
With love, (55)
To the Grieving (56-57)
Dear _____,
At
this first (anniversary of _____’s death/Christmas) without _____, please know
that we are holding you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. We pray God’s grace will continue to comfort
your heart and give peace to your spirit.
And may the profound grace of Christ, the deep love of God the Father,
and the abiding companionship of the Holy Spirit be yours, now and always. In Christ’s love, (56)
Dear _____,
We
were saddened to hear of your _____’s death.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We think of all of the wonderful
characteristics of your dear one, and we thank God for her that was love,
goodness, and joy. And we pray that God
will comfort you in your loss and bless you with the Spirit’s consolation and
strength as you continue to follow in the light and peace of Christ. In His Love, (57)
To Those Grieving Broken Relationships (58)
Dear _____,
We
want to remind you that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you make your
way through the grief of _____(the divorce).
Although we can’t possible imagine all that you are going through, we do
know very well that God is with you and will see you through it all, not just
somehow, but with grace sufficient for all your needs. May God bless you
greatly at this time, and may you find the profound and healing peace of Christ
within your heart and mind each day. In
Christ’s love, (58)
Celebration (60)
Dear _____,
We
know that you are making plans to celebrate _____. . .and we wish to add our
prayers of love and joy to the party mix.
We will be thinking about you and holding you in our prayers during the
actual time of (ceremony/ritual/gala, etc.).
May it be a special time of memories shared, bonds of friendship
strengthened, and gratitude to God for the blessings you receive from this
special event. In the hope for a great
report, we are yours in Christ’s love. (60)
Commendations (61-69)
Dear _____,
We
are so pleased to tell you of the high commendation of _____(the Session/Board)
and the congregation for your good work in/at/for____ . . .
We
are most grateful to you for all that you do to serve God and this church
family with such grace, enthusiasm, and joy.
May the Lord continue to prosper the work of your hands and heart. In Christ’s love, (61)
Dear _____,
We
were thrilled with your gift of _____(money, time, energy, cookies, etc. that
made our _____ such a success. Many
folks have commented on your helpfulness, your cheerfulness, and your ability
to _____. . . Please know that we are blessed by all that you do to serve the
Lord with gladness, and that we thank God for your presence with us. With deep gratitude, (62)
Dear _____,
Our
community ministries are prospering in works of compassion and righteousness,
in no small part because the God of glory hears our prayers and responds with
your help. We thank God for you and for
all the ways that you share the light of God’s glory and unfailing love through
your ministry of _____ to _____.
May Jesus our Righteousness,
continue to pave your way. With many
thanks, (63)
Dear _____,
Blessings
abound in and through this church family, and one of the reasons is because
folks like you—loaded with talent and enthusiasm—are eager to offer their gifts
to the glory of God for the uplifting of the people. We’re so grateful for your presence with us
and for the beautiful (music/banners/leadership, etc.) that you contributed so
graciously (last week). Thank you, thank
you. Grace and peace. (64)
Dear _____,
It’s
(finally!) time for you to start accepting our accolades for your extraordinary
work in making our _____(new church family picture directory) a reality. On behalf of _____ and the entire
congregation, I offer you our deepest thanks.
We appreciate the “sweat equity” you have given to the project. Such an investment always heaps up blessings
far beyond our ability to measure them.
Thank you, thank you! In Christ’s
service, (65)
Dear _____ and _____,
Our
(Bible Study/Home Group/Shepherd’s Meal, etc.) last night was as warm and
gracious as your lovely home. God’s
abundant goodness was tangible in our time together through our meal,
fellowship, and the spiritual feeding we received in our Bible study. We are most grateful to you both for the
blessing of your home, hospitality, faith, and joy! Many thanks and much love, (66)
Dear _____,
We
have once again been recipients of your wonderful culinary skills. Our _____ (Fellowship Luncheon/Family Night
Supper/Women’s Tea) was a great success in no small part because of the _____
that you provided for us. It helped make
for a fabulous time of feasting and church family togetherness. How blessed we are to have you in our
midst! Many thanks with prayers for grace
and peace to you and your family, (67)
Dear _____,
We
were certainly blessed as a church family by your leadership in worship on
Sunday. Your (reading of the Scripture
stories/Psalter/offering of the prayers) was expressed very well and easily
heard. God was indeed praised through
our worship, and your contribution was very valuable in making that happen. On
behalf of the entire congregation, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for your
service. In Christ’s love, (68)
Dear _____,
How
kind of you to fete (our church office) with the beautiful gift of flowers! They are brightening up the days of all the
staff and lift our hearts each time we see their cheery faces and smell their
delightful fragrance. We are most
grateful for your thoughtful gift and for all the ways you contribute to the
hospitality that the church staff offers to those who come through our
doors. Good job! (69)
To Young People (70-)
Dear _____,
You are _____ years old today! Happy, happy birthday! Your friends are praying for you on your
special day. We pray that God will bless
you BIG TIME in the coming year to help you grow strong in body, mind, and
spirit. May you know God’s comfort when
you are afraid, God’s wisdom when you have choices to make, and God’s joy when
you help others. Just remember, God is
crazy about you! Much love, (70)
Dear _____,
Happy
birthday a little late! I’m sorry we
missed your special day. I’m writing to
let you know that your friends are (church family is) praying for you and
asking God to bless you REAL GOOD! We
pray you will keep on growing strong and healthy in body, true and wise in
mind, and kind and loving in spirit. We
love you! (71)
Dear _____,
Your
parents have told us of the excellent progress you are making in school. Your church family is very proud of you for
your academic accomplishments and honors.
But even more importantly, we are so very proud of you for who you are
as a young (woman/man) of kindness, integrity, and courage. May God continue to lead you in the paths of
Christ where peace, joy, and hope may always be found. Much love, (72)
Dear _____,
We
saw your _____(picture in the paper, school play, baseball game) and want you
to know how proud your church family is of your special gifts. It is wonderful that you . . . We rejoice
that God has given you these talents and is helping you to use them to bless
the whole community with _____ (fun, enjoyment, knowledge, etc.). We are very proud of you! With love, (73)
On the Church Prayer List (74-)
Dear _____,
Your
_____(cousin, mother, sister, friend), _____, has told us of your struggles and
burdens. We want you to know that many
prayer warriors in our congregation are interceding for you, seeking God’s
healing touch upon you and your entire family.
Although we cannot say what God’s answer may be to your prayer concerns,
we can state with utmost confidence that God loves you and will shower you with
saving grace, day by day. In Christ’s
love, (74)
Dear _____,
Your
(sister) has requested that our prayer list include you as you (serve out your
prison time/await the mending of your injuries from your accident). Since we are connected through the bonds of
her love, we feel that you are not a stranger to us, but a new friend. We shall
stay in touch with you to remind you of just how much you are loved and cared
for by our good and gracious Lord and by the congregation of _____ Church. In Christ’s love, (75)
Dear ____,
Yay God! We are all agog at the
news that the adoption process is finished and that you are now mother to _____
______ ______ (full name). We rejoice at her advent into your heart and
home. We know that a single mother bears
an extra load of care and so we will continue to keep you on our prayer list
for God to grant you all you and ____ may need to thrive in love, good health,
and joy. A family is born! Hallelujah! (76)
Section C: Prayers of the Church (77-108)
Praise (77-79)
Great God of All That Is,
You call us into
life and give us all that we need to prosper and flourish: the sun shines, the rain falls, the good
earth yields crops and foods for our nourishment. You give us bodies in which we live and move
and find meaning and purpose each day.
You bless us with family to love us and to love, with community to
support us and to support, and with a faith to recognize that your abiding
presence and faithful love is the Source of our being and the End of our
journey.
We render unto you
our deepest praise and highest songs of joy for the life you offer us with such
amazing grace. Through Jesus Christ our
Rabbi, Friend, and Shepherd we pray. (77)
God of All Life,
We praise you for
the opportunities of being a part of your Great Design of Life where your
passion for all you create finds voice as we lift our hearts in songs of
adoration and joy. We bless you with
bodies that can enjoy the beauty and bounty of the earth and we fling wide the
portals of our hearts to allow your grace to permeate and soften us.
And we extol you,
O Power of the Cosmos, that we are bound to you and to one another with ties
that can be broken neither by life nor death, in this world or the next. Pour out your Spirit in overflowing radiance
upon each woman, man, girl, boy, family, and friend who bows before you now
that this may be a time of renewal and awakening within the heart of this
gathering today. In your holy love we pray. (78)
Almighty God, Our Faithful Father,
Our Loving Mother,
Our
hearts and spirits join the psalmist in offering Thee praise: Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is
within me, bless God’s holy name. We
bless Thy name and we rejoice that our hearts are robed with the benefits of
Thy grace. We praise your mighty acts as you forgive all our iniquities, heal
all our diseases, rescue us from the Pit, crown us with steadfast love and
mercy, and fill our lives with good things so that our joy and integrity may
soar like eagles. Our souls exult Thee
for Thy immeasurable blessings of abundant grace now and forevermore. Through Jesus Christ our Brother we pray. (79)
Thanksgiving (80-84)
Creating Power,
We thank you for this astounding
gift of life you offer us each day. We are grateful for the faith
you give us to recognize that both the blessings and the challenges of our days
are your gift to us. And we praise you now and always for the caress of
your Breath upon us to comfort us and the light of your love to guide us. All
honor and glory to you, world without end. (80)
Loving God, Monarch of life,
We lift our hearts
to you and bless your name for all that you are and for all that you give us
with such extravagant grace. We thank
you today that you do not hand life to us on a platter, for you have not
designed life to be perfect but for our lives to be completed in you. We thank you that you faithfully give us
what we need each day: faith, love, hope, patience, courage, endurance,
forgiveness, and joy. We count ourselves
rich and praise your name, because you give us yourself, and it is enough. Through Jesus Christ we pray. (81)
O Holy One,
With overflowing hearts we thank
you for all the magnificent gifts of grace you bestow upon us throughout our
days. Especially this day do we offer up
our gratitude for the community gathered here, that now join hearts and minds
and voices together through worship, sacrament, and fellowship. We are grateful for these holy gifts that
bless us time and time again. As we find blessing through them, we ask that you
might use us as a vessel of blessing to others, so that they too might find
great cause to thank you with radiant hope.
In your Cause of Compassion we pray. (82)
Gracious and Holy One,
We thank you that
you are our pastor, our shepherd, our fountain of gladness. We bless and thank you that in your sustain
grace you nurture us with all that we need to live abundantly each day. We are
grateful for the countless ways you guide us through difficulties and sorrows,
restoring our souls, over and over again.
We thank you for the comfort of your Word, it’s light that grasps us,
and it’s power to transform us. We bless
you for the goodness and mercy that follows us each day as we seek to follow
our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. (83)
God of Patient Love,
With hearts
joyfully lifted in gratitude, we thank you for the blessing it is to know that
you have faith in us. Though we often
bumble around, ignorant of your will for us, you abide with us still. Though we often hesitate or run away in fear
even knowing your will, you never lose hope that this is the day we will say
“yes” to your “YES!” to us. Thank you
for trusting that we can be your ambassadors of grace, peace, and hope to your
waiting world. In Jesus’ name and for
your sake. (84)
Confession (85-87)
Holy Trinity of Love,
We
come before you confessing our brokenness and sin. We do not love every human being as our
sister and brother, and fail to see even a glimpse of your face in them. We forget to treat one another with openness,
hospitality, warmth, and respect. We do
not want to listen to one another’s concerns, and are slow to accept and prize
our differences of culture, religion, ideology, and nationality. Help us, of
God of Mutuality, and lead us to seek peace and harmony in your name through
less judgment and more understanding. We
pray in the spirit of your unity, in the precious name of Jesus. (85)
Good and Loving Teacher,
We
are in sore need today. We confess we
are often too slow to learn and too stubborn to try to follow the Jesus Way of
forgiveness and resurrection. Forgive us we pray, and hear the prayers of our
hearts and minds, as in these moments of silence, we open our sins to the
searing light of your judgment and forgiveness. . .In the name of Jesus Christ
who sets us free for new life today. (86)
O Holy Touch of Forgiveness,
Again and again,
you bless us with your Spirit’s compassionate, gentle touch, to rescue us when
we fall, to lead us toward repentance and hope, and to heal our diseases or
spirit and mind. And so, we pray the
power of your forgiving healing hand upon us gathered here today as we confess
to you in this moment of silence. . .
We pray through Jesus Christ our
Lord. (87)
Intercession (88-89 )
God of Compassion,
You watch over those who wake or
watch or weep. You give your angels
charge over those who sleep. You tend
the sick, you bring rest to the weary, you give courage to the fearful, you
soothe the suffering, and you embrace the dying. We pray you will bring peace
into your world so wracked with conflict, corruption, and greed, especially in
(specific situations, wars). . . And we
ask you will bring comfort and hope to all those who those in need of your
healing balm, and especially those we now name in our hearts. . . We pray
through Jesus Christ our Lord. (88)
O Refuge of the World,
Because we cannot love Thee apart
from loving our sisters and brothers, we offer these prayers of intercession on
their behalf (pick from list of the
following):
for those who lack
the basic necessities of life: love and touch, food, shelter,
health, jobs,
safety, and hope. . .
for those who
suffer the ravages of natural disasters and human made ones. .
for those who
languish and suffer with physical, spiritual, social, emotional,
or mental illness.
. .
for those who are
victims of ignorance, superstition, or greed. . .
for those in the
grip of affluenza, who ignore your call to intentional
simplicity while
suffocating in the frenzied quest for more . . .
for those whose
lives are bruised and battered by social prejudice, racism, injustice,
partisan politics,
war and bloodshed. . .
for those who seek
interfaith dialogue and understanding. . .
for the
generations who will inherit the world we help to shape today. . .
for women
throughout the world who too often bear the brunt of violence and
ignorance on their
bodies and souls. . .
for police
officers and officers of the law and courts, for firefighters and those who
risk they lives
each day to secure public safety and peace. . .
for social
workers, physicians, therapists, and others who daily work for the healing
of the ill and the afflicted. . .
for our President
and staff, for our senators and congressional leaders, for leaders of
all nations, and of our community who daily
seek the public welfare. . .
for those in the
grip of loneliness, depression, addictions, or thoughts of suicide. . .
for families of
every configuration, and for parents and guardians and those who
work to give every
child a healthy place to live and thrive.
. .
for families torn
apart by addictions, and by diseases that ravage bodies, minds, and
souls . . .
for the dying, the
grieving, and those with no hope and no help. . .
for the families
of those who are ill, suffering, or dying. . .
for the Church of
Jesus Christ in every place and time, that we might be loving
neighbors and
friends to your to those you send our way.
for those who
grieve the death of a relationship or . . .
for those in
slavery, for refugees and victims of war hate, discord, and violence. .
for those in any
kind of distress, for the confused, and for those who have lost their
way. . .
for all who work
for healing, justice, and peace. . .
and for
children—all children everywhere—those discarded and discounted as well
as those loved and
cherished—those abused and maligned well as those raised with kindness and
respect—those starving as well as those well-nourished.
for the earth you
have given us as our home, for its skies and winds, it waters
and soils, its
environment and all who work for its health and sustainability. .
for those who are
homeless, without clothes, food, clean water or family. . .
for the victims of
war and violence, for addicts, for prisoners, and for those who
suffer from hatred or neglect. . .
for those in our
church family who are sick, in hospitals, in treatment centers, in
nursing homes, and
in hospice care. . .
for those who work
and volunteer in those centers of healing. . .
for those who bear
afflictions as outcasts that they might find themselves loved for
who they are as your beloved children. . .
Hear us now as we
offer you our silent pleas for help and hope . . .
Touch them all
with your healing hands and show us how to bring relief and comfort. Through
Christ your Crown of Mercy we pray (89)
Supplication (90-92)
Whispering Hope,
Because we cannot love Thee until
we first learn to love ourselves with compassion and mercy, we ask Thy abiding
Spirit to sweep upon us anew that we may hear with strength, depth, and clarity
the good news of our creation as Thy beloved children. Grip us anew in Thy light, that we may we
see Thee more clearly, and love Thee more dearly that our lives may proclaim
the joy and peace of Thy amazing grace to our families, neighbors, and enemies
through all that we think, say, and do.
In Jesus Christ we pray. (90)
Compassionate Light,
You know how
greatly we need your saving grace this day, how hungry we are for your
mercy. For with the world, we also know
the slings and arrows of lives gone awry, of grief and sorrows too deep for
words, of hopes turned to ashes. Bless us now, we pray, and touch the deepest
parts of our souls, that we may be made whole again. In the embrace of your Spirit’s healing
breath we pray. (91)
God of Unity Everlasting,
We seek your
vision, your wisdom, your Spirit’s power to become the people you would have us
to be. May the presence of your Breath
of Life transform us into a congregation that is eager to serve you, both
within our church family and in the community around us. Give us the heart and
mind of Jesus and make us ambassadors of your love, your justice, your
compassion, and your hope. We pray
through Jesus the Christ of your saving grace. (92)
Dedication (93-97)
Strength of the Meek,
We come before you, dedicating all
that we have to you. We offer our
strengths and abilities as well as our human brokenness and frailties, for we
know that these too are all part of your Grand Design for Life. We offer our gifts of money, time, and talents
for your use to meet the needs of this community and those who suffer. In faith
and hope, we yield our wills to yours, that you might keep your gentle yoke
around our wandering hearts. Guide us
toward compassion, steer us in wisdom, and provoke us to service as we follow
with joy the path you call us to walk.
We pray in the name of Jesus and in the light and peace of Christ. (93)
God of the Generations,
Throughout the
ages, you have poured out your abundance upon all life, offering a wealth of
goodness for all people. We are grateful
for our generation’s portion of your bounty, and treasure the faith to know
that we give to you what is your own.
Since all we have is a trust from you, we ask that you will help us to
be good stewards of these gifts, and dedicate them in service to your good will
and purpose of your Sovereign Rule.
Through Christ we pray. (94)
O Way of Truth and Life,
Have Thine own
way, Lord, have Thine own way as we seek to become people of overflowing
goodwill and mercy for the sake of Thy Kin’dom.
Help us be the springboard of hope for the despairing, the assurance of
hope for the doubting, and the army of hope for those torn asunder. We give
Thee but Thine own as we pray in the name of Jesus who is the Hope of this
world and the world to come. (95)
O Gracious God,
We know that all of life is in your
hands, and trusting us to be your hands and heart in this place and time, you
call us to join hands together in the vital work of reconciliation and
peace. May the gifts we offer to you
today work in your good will to help give freedom to the oppressed, consolation
to the sorrowing, and the hand of friendship to the forgotten. In Jesus’ name we dedicate ourselves anew
this day. (96)
Source of all Hope,
We dedicate our lives in helping to
bring your goodwill and mercy to fruition in a hurting world. Help us to be a light of hope to the forlorn,
a sweetness of joy to the soured, a model of courage to the frightened, and a
breeze of gentleness to the violent. In
Christ we pray. (97)
Illumination (98-101)
O God our Wisdom and Light,
Through the Lamp
of your Word our spiritual senses are energized, so that the eyes that are
blind may see, the ears that are deaf may hear, and the hearts that are stony
may beat again to the rhythm of your grace.
Settle us now to attend to your Teaching, that we may find the fullness
of eternal life with you this day.
Through Christ we pray. (98)
Heavenly Voice,
You cry out in the
clamor of our days and the wilderness of our nights. As we gather to attend to
the Sacred Story, silence in us any voice but your own. Quiet our spirits and tune our hearts that we
may heed what you have to say to us.
Through the welcoming peace of Jesus we pray. (99)
Light of the Ages,
Thy Teaching is a
lamp of courage, a beacon of wisdom to show us the path of right living. Pry open the eyes of our hearts as we attend
to Thy Word this morning, that we may see your world through the lens of Thy
compassionate love. In Christ we pray. (100)
O Word of All Words,
May we find the fullness of life
within the human words of your eternal Word this day. Clear our bleary eyes, refresh our dulled
ears, and enliven our weary souls, that we might be your faithful people. In Christ we pray. (101)
Listening (102-104)
O Stronghold of Love,
We still our busy
minds, full of petitions and worries, and in the silence of this moment we wait
upon you to speak to us in the still small inner voice we have come to know as
yours (time of silence) . . .Through Jesus Christ we pray. (102)
O Ever Listening God,
We remember the
stories of Jesus and how he cautioned us not to pray long prayers in public
places. And so, in obedience to him and
in reverence to you, we pray by listening to the holy, regenerating silence of
your presence with us at this time and place (time of silence). . .Through the
Breath of Stirring Hope we pray. (103)
God of the still small voice, we
quiet our bodies, we open our spirits, and bid our minds be silent, that we may
hear your personal, intimate Word to us this day (time of silence). . .through
Jesus Christ, the Eternal Word we pray.
(104)
Benediction (105-107)
May each day
continue to bear witness to the miracles God weaves from the tangled threads of
our human life together into a tapestry of gratitude and joy. In the name of the Weaver of Life, Creator,
Christ, and Spirit. (105)
May the Way of
Jesus lead in the light of your days and the Hope of Heaven shine in the
darkness of your nights. May you come to
know God as you are known, and come to see others as God sees you. May the sacred texts write your agendas, and
the Holy Spirit help you to bring them to life until we gather together
again. In the name of the Creator, the
Redeemer, and the Sustainer of us all.
Amen. (106)
May the tongues
that have sung the praise and thanksgiving to our Loving God in worship, speak
truth in love in grateful living this week.
May the hands that have held the sacred elements at Table, hold sacred
the hands of all with whom we share our bread. And may the feet that are washed
in baptismal waters, bring welcome messages of good news and comfort to friend
and enemy alike. So go swiftly now to
bear gospel love in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. (107)
The Family Prayer (108)
Our Father . . .Abba-Daddy, Mommy- Love generating new life within
all that is
Who art in heaven . . .embracing us in your precious, holy
presence,
Hallowed be Thy name. . .your BEING and authority uniquely exist
Thy Kingdom come . . .that justice, kindness, and humility may
flourish
Thy will be done . . .according to your Good Plan
on earth as it is in heaven . . .so that our lives with you are
full of grace and truth.
Give us this day our daily bread . . .Nurture our hungering
spirits; feed all in need,
And forgive us our debts . . .and restore our integrity,
as we forgive our debtors . . .that we may be transparent vessels
of your grace.
And lead us not into temptation . . .Do not let us teeter toward
evil doings
But deliver us from evil . . .nor succumb to the lure of
self-righteous judgment.
For Thine is the Kingdom . . .For your good will is the beginning
and ending of life,
And the Power . . .bringing challenges and blessings for each on
the journey
And the Glory forever . . .as galaxies of praise abound beyond time
and space.
Amen . . .Hallelujah! Hallelujah! May it be so. (108)
No comments:
Post a Comment