Opening Prayers/Prayers of Adoration on Stillness
Father, Son, Holy Spirit – our God,
Mysterious, Awe-Inspiring, Wonderful,
One-in-Three/Three-in-One:
You surprise us
not with flashing lights, loud crashing noises,
and constant activity.
You surprise us in stillness and silence, in quiet and peace.
Forgive us for equating motion, volume and activity
with significance, truth and what really counts.
In stillness we come now with our burdens and our worries,
with our commitments and our dreams,
with our hopes and fears
– knowing you alone can do something with them.
You are good and you are strong,
you are compassionate and you are sovereign in all things,
so we trust you.
O God who is greater than the most powerful forces in this world, enable us to be still and know that You are God.
O Lord who answers out of the whirlwind of everyday life, breathe in us Your Holy Spirit to strengthen, comfort, and guide us in the midst of the storm.
O still, small voice, speak to us this hour, that we might become makers of Your peace in our homes, in our communities, in our world. We pray all this in the name of the One who calmed the raging sea. Amen.
Rev. Linda Smallwood, My Redeemer Lives Blog
Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness,
send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do
seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things
look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways
long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy
seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people,
walking in darkness,
yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!”
Richard Herman with excerpts from Henri Nouwen