Opening Prayers/Prayers of Adoration on Courage
Opening Prayer for Reformation Sunday
Heavenly Father, thank you for a spiritual home
For the legacy of those who have gone before us and welcomed us
Lord Jesus, thank you for your church
For the legacy of your word and witness across the world
Holy Spirit, thank you for renewing your church in every age
Unify us and renew us
We long to be true to you and your ways
Reform us now
Make us courageous and steadfast and persevering
in sharing your grace and Good News
in living your merciful, transforming love
in the building of your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven
Inspire us and defend us and send us out again, Holy One
For the honor and glory of your name alone, Amen
Reformation Day is celebrated annually on October 31. Some congregations choose to acknowledge this day on the Sunday closest to October 31.
Opening Prayer for Reformation Sunday © 2017 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia, www.revlisad.com
Listen and Act
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
Listen and Act © 2022 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia, www.revlisad.com
O Christ, who by the thorns pressed upon your head has replaced the thorns from the sorrows of this world, and given us a crown of joy and peace: Make us so bold as never to fear suffering, nor to suffer without cheerfulness in your service; to the glory of your holy name.
Daily Prayer, Language adapted for Modern Worship by Stuart Strachan Jr.
Come in Weakness; find strength.
Come in sickness; find healing.
Come in chains; find freedom.
Come in confusion; find peace.
Come in sorrow; find joy.
Come in doubt; find faith.
Come in despair; find courage.
Come unready
Come alone;
Find Christ
Heavenly Father,
On our own we know that we are weak and timid: but your promises,
Coming to us from Christ, give us strength and courage.
He has named the devil, put him in his place and exposed the final weakness of evil.
He has said, ‘Yes, there is truth; there is grace; there is goodness.’
He has made us see where we stand, and what we must do,
and we are surprised at the quiet strength within,
which gives us the courage that does not fail.
We give you thanks, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
More Contemporary Prayers: Prayers on Fifty-Two Themes, ed. Caryl Mickelm, Eerdmans.