Some of the best prayers come from campaigns for the hungry in the world. Here is one from Canada:
For food in a world where many walk in hunger;
For faith in a world where many walk in fear;
For friends in a world where many walk alone;
We give you thanks, O Lord. Amen. (Source: Huron Hunger Fund, Anglican Church of Canada)
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Grace before a Meal
Very often we are called to say grace before a meal and we suddenly become very shy, saying that we don't have one. Here is a simple one.
Thank you, Lord, for the food on the table.
Thank you for the nourishment they provide.
May we use it to nourish our bodies and our souls.
Help us to remember others who are in need.
Help us to remember to take care of our earth which is the source of our food.
Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
Thank you, Lord, for the food on the table.
Thank you for the nourishment they provide.
May we use it to nourish our bodies and our souls.
Help us to remember others who are in need.
Help us to remember to take care of our earth which is the source of our food.
Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
Do, Lord, Remember Me
Here's another Afro American Spiritual our mum used to sing. Athough it may sound sad, it gives a lot of hope to people who sing it.
From United Methodist Hymnal 527
1. Do, Lord, do, Lord, do, Lord, remember me
do, Lord, do, Lord, remember me.
So Lord, do Lord, do,Lord remember me, singinaging...
2. I took Jesus as my Saviour, do, Lord, remember me.
3. When I'm in trouble, do, Lord, remember me.
4. When I am dying, do Lord, remember me.
5. I got a home in gloryland that outshines sun.....
From United Methodist Hymnal 527
1. Do, Lord, do, Lord, do, Lord, remember me
do, Lord, do, Lord, remember me.
So Lord, do Lord, do,Lord remember me, singinaging...
2. I took Jesus as my Saviour, do, Lord, remember me.
3. When I'm in trouble, do, Lord, remember me.
4. When I am dying, do Lord, remember me.
5. I got a home in gloryland that outshines sun.....
Kum Ba Yah (Come by Here)
When we were very young our mother would sing this Afro American spirtual over and over again. It was quite strange that she being a Chinese, she would sing this spiritual as if she was in the cotton fields. she would then tell us stories about the slaves, Abraham Lincoln, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. And of course we enjoyed Uncle Tom's Cabin. We also watched the videos of these titles.
The spiritual somehow just sticks in your head, and it is naturally played over and over again.
1. Kum ba yah, My Lord,
Kum ba yah,
Kum ba yah, My Lord,
Kum ba yah,
Kum ba yah, My Lord,
Kum ba yah,
Oh Lord kum ba yah.
2. Someone's praying, Lord......
3. Someone's crying, Lord....
4. Someone needs you, Lord....
5. Someone's singing, Lord....
6, Let us praise the Lord....
This spiritual must have meant a lot to her. She learned this when she was in her secondary school. She never forgot the lyrics.
(United Methodist Hymnal 494)
The spiritual somehow just sticks in your head, and it is naturally played over and over again.
1. Kum ba yah, My Lord,
Kum ba yah,
Kum ba yah, My Lord,
Kum ba yah,
Kum ba yah, My Lord,
Kum ba yah,
Oh Lord kum ba yah.
2. Someone's praying, Lord......
3. Someone's crying, Lord....
4. Someone needs you, Lord....
5. Someone's singing, Lord....
6, Let us praise the Lord....
This spiritual must have meant a lot to her. She learned this when she was in her secondary school. She never forgot the lyrics.
(United Methodist Hymnal 494)
For Those Who Mourn
How very often we are loss for words when we visit our friends who are grieving . At times when we are asked to say a prayer for them, we are just as lost.
In my search for prayers for the grieving, I found this gem in the Methodist Hymnal (461).
Gracious Lord,
as your Son wept with Mary and Martha at the tomb of Lazrus,
look with compassion onthose who grieve,
Grant them the assurance of your presence now
and faith in your eternal goodness,
that in them may be fulfilled the promise
that those who mourn shall be comforted;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Laurence Hull Stookey, USA. 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House.
In my search for prayers for the grieving, I found this gem in the Methodist Hymnal (461).
Gracious Lord,
as your Son wept with Mary and Martha at the tomb of Lazrus,
look with compassion onthose who grieve,
Grant them the assurance of your presence now
and faith in your eternal goodness,
that in them may be fulfilled the promise
that those who mourn shall be comforted;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Laurence Hull Stookey, USA. 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Prayers for Students
Many children ask their parents to pray for them. But what is the most important that a parent can do for his children is to guide them in their praying life. Teach them simple prayers they can say. And when they are away from home, they will be comforted that they can go to the Lord in a simple way.
Teach them how to pray as you have a few minutes while waiting in a car, a few minutes even when standing in a long queue. You can teach them best of all when you are in the park and drinking in the glorious work of God.
Our mother has always been multi-tasking all her life. And these "prayer-moments", the "holding of hands" and "closing of eyes" have been very very dear moments for us kids.
Prayer for Preparation to Study
Our Heavenly Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth, I pray for inner peace as I open my books and notes.
Be with me, grant me an open mind. Allow me to dedicate my study time to you.
Grant me insight that I might understand everything I study.
Bring me closer to you and let me walk the path of Jesus. so that I am a good disciple. Be with me and guide me Lord I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Prayer before Examination
O wise God, I pray that my mind might be rested, my body energized, and my spirit inspired for the exam I must write.
Grant me peace and assurance so that I might do the best I am able, regardless of what that might be.
Be with my fellow students and may I be a good example to them, offering reassurance and confidence regardless of how I feel.
May I be honest and insightful, and able to give a true record of what I have learned. In the end, may any disappointment be born with grace, and any joy accompanied with humility.
I write this exam with Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer For Peace of Mind
In this time of anxiety, O loving God, grant me peace of mind. Grant me quietness of the heart. Take away my distress and allow me to see clearly what is my mission and discipleship.
I pray especially for my examiners so that they might be wise in their questioning and their marking so that it will allow for a true evaluation of my learning and understanding.
May the memory of my family and friends remind me of their support, regardless of outcome, united with them in the spirit of love.
May I be wise enough to gain enough rest so all might be ready, my thoughts organized, and my life dedicated to serve Thee whatever the cost, through the love of Jesus Christ, my Saviour. Amen.
Prayer in a Time of Anxiety
When I am truly anxious, O God, remind me of my love of Thy Son, Jesus Christ.
May I realize that You are always with me and that you will not abandon me.
Take away my misplaced anxieties and remind me that other students are also feeling the same tensions. Lord help me in these times of natural distress.
Grant me insight, God of Wisdom, to see the things that have been taught, to understand them in the unfolding story of Thy Creation, and our place within it.
May I derive comfort in your arms and be confident that you are always with me.
Thank you Lord, my Redeemer and Saviour. Amen.
Prayer Before Retiring at Night
God of strength and of comfort, before I sleep I give you thanks for your presence in my life.
I need your constant care and I pray that as I sleep you will be there to watch over me as you have done so in the past years. Grant me calmness and perceptiveness. Reenergize me. And when the new day begins, allow me to be ready to continue to study and be your disciple.
In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Prayer When I Awake
Oh Lord Gord, may my first thoughts be of you and may I dedicate all that I do today to your Wonderful Name in Heaven.
If my task be to study, may I do it without hesitation. If I face an examination, may I meet it with determination and goodwill. If I meet tough social situations, may you guide my words and deeds.
May I always remember that Thou art with me in the person of Thy Son, Jesus Christ.
Grant me wisdom to do my best in all I do this day.
May I use the time you have given me this day wisely. And may whatever I do, I do in yourname, love and care.
In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Teach them how to pray as you have a few minutes while waiting in a car, a few minutes even when standing in a long queue. You can teach them best of all when you are in the park and drinking in the glorious work of God.
Our mother has always been multi-tasking all her life. And these "prayer-moments", the "holding of hands" and "closing of eyes" have been very very dear moments for us kids.
Prayer for Preparation to Study
Our Heavenly Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth, I pray for inner peace as I open my books and notes.
Be with me, grant me an open mind. Allow me to dedicate my study time to you.
Grant me insight that I might understand everything I study.
Bring me closer to you and let me walk the path of Jesus. so that I am a good disciple. Be with me and guide me Lord I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Prayer before Examination
O wise God, I pray that my mind might be rested, my body energized, and my spirit inspired for the exam I must write.
Grant me peace and assurance so that I might do the best I am able, regardless of what that might be.
Be with my fellow students and may I be a good example to them, offering reassurance and confidence regardless of how I feel.
May I be honest and insightful, and able to give a true record of what I have learned. In the end, may any disappointment be born with grace, and any joy accompanied with humility.
I write this exam with Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer For Peace of Mind
In this time of anxiety, O loving God, grant me peace of mind. Grant me quietness of the heart. Take away my distress and allow me to see clearly what is my mission and discipleship.
I pray especially for my examiners so that they might be wise in their questioning and their marking so that it will allow for a true evaluation of my learning and understanding.
May the memory of my family and friends remind me of their support, regardless of outcome, united with them in the spirit of love.
May I be wise enough to gain enough rest so all might be ready, my thoughts organized, and my life dedicated to serve Thee whatever the cost, through the love of Jesus Christ, my Saviour. Amen.
Prayer in a Time of Anxiety
When I am truly anxious, O God, remind me of my love of Thy Son, Jesus Christ.
May I realize that You are always with me and that you will not abandon me.
Take away my misplaced anxieties and remind me that other students are also feeling the same tensions. Lord help me in these times of natural distress.
Grant me insight, God of Wisdom, to see the things that have been taught, to understand them in the unfolding story of Thy Creation, and our place within it.
May I derive comfort in your arms and be confident that you are always with me.
Thank you Lord, my Redeemer and Saviour. Amen.
Prayer Before Retiring at Night
God of strength and of comfort, before I sleep I give you thanks for your presence in my life.
I need your constant care and I pray that as I sleep you will be there to watch over me as you have done so in the past years. Grant me calmness and perceptiveness. Reenergize me. And when the new day begins, allow me to be ready to continue to study and be your disciple.
In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Prayer When I Awake
Oh Lord Gord, may my first thoughts be of you and may I dedicate all that I do today to your Wonderful Name in Heaven.
If my task be to study, may I do it without hesitation. If I face an examination, may I meet it with determination and goodwill. If I meet tough social situations, may you guide my words and deeds.
May I always remember that Thou art with me in the person of Thy Son, Jesus Christ.
Grant me wisdom to do my best in all I do this day.
May I use the time you have given me this day wisely. And may whatever I do, I do in yourname, love and care.
In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Prayer from St. Paul
St. Paul prayed with all his heart and mind. He led us in prayers in his writings. Even in our modern days, what he wrote is still relevant. Please read on and say the prayer.
Father in Heaven, I desire to be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that I might walk worthy of You to please You, and to be fruitful in every thing that I do, increasing in the knowledge of You.
Strengthen me with all might according to Your glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.
I give thanks to You, for You have made me able to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light; You have delivered me from the power of darkness, and have translated me into the kingdom of Your dear Son; In whom I have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of my sins.
Amen
Father in Heaven, I desire to be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that I might walk worthy of You to please You, and to be fruitful in every thing that I do, increasing in the knowledge of You.
Strengthen me with all might according to Your glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.
I give thanks to You, for You have made me able to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light; You have delivered me from the power of darkness, and have translated me into the kingdom of Your dear Son; In whom I have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of my sins.
Amen
Monday, March 10, 2008
Prayers for Fathers
God our Father, in your wisdom and love you made all things. Bless these men, that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen
prayers for fathers
Father's Day Prayer -
Let us praise those fathers who have striven to balance the demands of work, marriage, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice.
Let us praise those fathers who, lacking a good model for a father, have worked to become a good father.
Let us praise those fathers who by their own account were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support.
Let us pray for those fathers who have been wounded by the neglect and hostility of their children.
Let us praise those fathers who, despite divorce, have remained in their children's lives.
Let us praise those fathers whose children are adopted, and whose love and support has offered healing.
Let us praise those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely choose the obligation of fatherhood and earned their step children's love and respect.
Let us praise those fathers who have lost a child to death, and continue to hold the child in their heart.
Let us praise those men who have no children, but cherish the next generation as if they were their own. Let us praise those men who have "fathered" us in their role as mentors and guides. Let us praise those men who are about to become fathers; may they openly delight in their children.
And let us praise those fathers who have died, but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us.
Kirk Loadman---------------------------------------------------------------
Let us praise those fathers who have striven to balance the demands of work, marriage, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice.
Let us praise those fathers who, lacking a good model for a father, have worked to become a good father.
Let us praise those fathers who by their own account were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support.
Let us pray for those fathers who have been wounded by the neglect and hostility of their children.
Let us praise those fathers who, despite divorce, have remained in their children's lives.
Let us praise those fathers whose children are adopted, and whose love and support has offered healing.
Let us praise those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely choose the obligation of fatherhood and earned their step children's love and respect.
Let us praise those fathers who have lost a child to death, and continue to hold the child in their heart.
Let us praise those men who have no children, but cherish the next generation as if they were their own. Let us praise those men who have "fathered" us in their role as mentors and guides. Let us praise those men who are about to become fathers; may they openly delight in their children.
And let us praise those fathers who have died, but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us.
Kirk Loadman---------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Pray for our enemies
When I was younger I felt that I had many enemies. These thoughts tormented me and made me crawl away from social life. When I was a young teacher I too felt that many of my students wanted to get away from their teachers and other adults, treating us like enemies. So I started to try to read more about "enemies" . Many of our enemies are imaginary. some are real of course. Some we do not know we have made because of our own doing. There are other reasons why we have enemies, or why we are enemies of others. We need to resolve our problems through God's blessings and grace.
But it is important to pray for our enemies. It may take a long time for our prayers to be answered!!
Prayer:
God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies.
We thank you for this important guideline.
Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge.
And may your Divine Grace help us all to stand reconciled before you. We know it may take time. So grant us the patience to wait upon your Will. And in the meantime help us develop a compassionate heart and an objective mind.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
But it is important to pray for our enemies. It may take a long time for our prayers to be answered!!
Prayer:
God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies.
We thank you for this important guideline.
Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge.
And may your Divine Grace help us all to stand reconciled before you. We know it may take time. So grant us the patience to wait upon your Will. And in the meantime help us develop a compassionate heart and an objective mind.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Family
How often do we pray for other Christian families? How often do we pray for our own family to grow in love and wisdom? And how often do we open up our homes to welcome the lonely ones?
As we say this prayer, let us remember all those families in need, especially in need of God's love and mercy.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who looks after our fellow Christian families, big or small.
We ask you to continue to bless the homes of Christian families. Do not allow bitterness,desire for selfish glory and arrogance in their hearts.
Lord, continue to fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, and godliness.
Put husbands and wives in warm relationships as they have made their marriage vows in your sight. Bless their thoughts , deeds and words.
Help the Christian parents to look after their children in Godly ways. Help their children to grow to love you more and more each day.
Help them to guide their children to love each other and to be kind to others also. Help the children to respect their parents and grandparents.
Bless all the Christian families on earth that we may evermore be kindly one to another; And may they open their homes to reach out to the lonely people who need your help and mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
As we say this prayer, let us remember all those families in need, especially in need of God's love and mercy.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who looks after our fellow Christian families, big or small.
We ask you to continue to bless the homes of Christian families. Do not allow bitterness,desire for selfish glory and arrogance in their hearts.
Lord, continue to fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, and godliness.
Put husbands and wives in warm relationships as they have made their marriage vows in your sight. Bless their thoughts , deeds and words.
Help the Christian parents to look after their children in Godly ways. Help their children to grow to love you more and more each day.
Help them to guide their children to love each other and to be kind to others also. Help the children to respect their parents and grandparents.
Bless all the Christian families on earth that we may evermore be kindly one to another; And may they open their homes to reach out to the lonely people who need your help and mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
A Simple Morning Prayer
How often our children come to us because they cannot start their day. They have fears and they are not confident to go into the world to face their "devils".
If only I had known then what I know now, how much easier it would have been. My children would have calming effects from the Lord after they prayed, they would have the confidence that the hands of God were with them and they needed not fear. They could have lifted their face until the hills!!!
But God knows and He wipes away many tears in our lives. Here goes a good morning prayer to share with you.
"Dear Lord, I give you my hands to do Your work;
I give You my feet to go Your way;
I give You my eyes to see as You see;
I give You my tongue to speak Your words;
I give You my mind that You may think in me;
I give You my spirit that You may pray in me.
Above all, I give You my heart that You may love in me - love the Father and love all humankind.
I give You my whole self, Lord, that You may grow in me, so that it is You who lives, works and prays in me. Amen."
If only I had known then what I know now, how much easier it would have been. My children would have calming effects from the Lord after they prayed, they would have the confidence that the hands of God were with them and they needed not fear. They could have lifted their face until the hills!!!
But God knows and He wipes away many tears in our lives. Here goes a good morning prayer to share with you.
"Dear Lord, I give you my hands to do Your work;
I give You my feet to go Your way;
I give You my eyes to see as You see;
I give You my tongue to speak Your words;
I give You my mind that You may think in me;
I give You my spirit that You may pray in me.
Above all, I give You my heart that You may love in me - love the Father and love all humankind.
I give You my whole self, Lord, that You may grow in me, so that it is You who lives, works and prays in me. Amen."
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Catholic Prayer to St, Thomas More
While Methodists and other Protestants do not pray to Saints, the Catholics have a special prayer to St. Thomas More who was designated the Patron Saint of Lawyers. I have found it a very interesting prayer and I am putting it here to share with my lawyer friends and others who are interested. There are many points to ponder on.
A Prayer for Lawyers
This prayer invokes St. Thomas More as the patron saint of lawyers, asking him to pray to God for the grace to rise to the highest standards of that profession. It also makes reference, in the final verse, to St. Thomas More’s status as the patron saint of large families, and it would be appropriate for a non-lawyer to pray that verse as a separate prayer.
Prayer to Saint Thomas More
Thomas More, counselor of law and statesman of integrity, merry martyr and most human of saints:
Pray that, for the glory of God and in the pursuit of His justice, I may be trustworthy with confidences, keen in study, accurate in analysis, correct in conclusion, able in argument, loyal to clients, honest with all, courteous to adversaries, ever attentive to conscience. Sit with me at my desk and listen with me to my clients' tales. Read with me in my library and stand always beside me so that today I shall not, to win a point, lose my soul.
Pray that my family may find in me what yours found in you: friendship and courage, cheerfulness and charity, diligence in duties, counsel in adversity, patience in pain—their good servant, and God's first. Amen.
A Prayer for Lawyers
This prayer invokes St. Thomas More as the patron saint of lawyers, asking him to pray to God for the grace to rise to the highest standards of that profession. It also makes reference, in the final verse, to St. Thomas More’s status as the patron saint of large families, and it would be appropriate for a non-lawyer to pray that verse as a separate prayer.
Prayer to Saint Thomas More
Thomas More, counselor of law and statesman of integrity, merry martyr and most human of saints:
Pray that, for the glory of God and in the pursuit of His justice, I may be trustworthy with confidences, keen in study, accurate in analysis, correct in conclusion, able in argument, loyal to clients, honest with all, courteous to adversaries, ever attentive to conscience. Sit with me at my desk and listen with me to my clients' tales. Read with me in my library and stand always beside me so that today I shall not, to win a point, lose my soul.
Pray that my family may find in me what yours found in you: friendship and courage, cheerfulness and charity, diligence in duties, counsel in adversity, patience in pain—their good servant, and God's first. Amen.
Prayer for our Parliamentarians
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You in the mighty name of Jesus, thanking You and praising You for our young nation.
I thank You for the plan You gave to elected leaders to govern our nation and for the division of powers so that our destiny does not rest in the hands of one person.
In praying for those in authority, I therefore lift up our Parliament You. I pray that by Your Holy Power, our legislative bodies would make laws that are just.
Father, I ask You to give the elected Parliamentarians wisdom to make decisions that would strengthen and prosper our nation. I pray that they would make right decisions concerning the politics, the social welfare, and the economics of our multi racial country.
Amen.
I pray that they will be motivated by Your Hand and not their own personal concerns. Amen.
I thank You for the plan You gave to elected leaders to govern our nation and for the division of powers so that our destiny does not rest in the hands of one person.
In praying for those in authority, I therefore lift up our Parliament You. I pray that by Your Holy Power, our legislative bodies would make laws that are just.
Father, I ask You to give the elected Parliamentarians wisdom to make decisions that would strengthen and prosper our nation. I pray that they would make right decisions concerning the politics, the social welfare, and the economics of our multi racial country.
Amen.
I pray that they will be motivated by Your Hand and not their own personal concerns. Amen.
Prayer in time of loss and grief
Dear Lord, Please help me in this time of loss and overwhelming grief. I don't understand why my life is filled with this pain and heartache. But I turn my eyes to you as I seek to find the strength to trust in your faithfulness. I will wait on you and not despair; I will quietly wait for your salvation. My heart is crushed, but I know that you will not abandon me forever. Please show me your compassion, Lord. Help me through the pain so that I will hope in you again. I believe this promise in your Word to send me fresh mercy each day. Though I can't see past today, I trust your great love will never fail me. Amen
Christian Prayer of Devotion
Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,
For all the benefits thou hast won for me,
For all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother,
May I know thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
And follow thee more nearly:
For ever and ever.
--St. Richard Chichester (1197-1253)
For all the benefits thou hast won for me,
For all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother,
May I know thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
And follow thee more nearly:
For ever and ever.
--St. Richard Chichester (1197-1253)
The Universal Prayer
Lord, I believe in you -- increase my faith.
I trust in you -- strengthen my trust.
I love you -- let me love you more and more.
I am sorry for my sins -- deepen my sorrow.
I worship you as my first beginning, I long for you as my last end, I praise you as my constant helper, and call on you as my loving protector.
Guide me by your wisdom, correct me with your justice, comfort me with your mercy, protect me with your power.
I offer you, Lord, my thoughts -- to be fixed on you;
my words -- to have you for their theme;
my actions - to reflect my love for you;
my sufferings -- to be endured for your greater glory.
I want to do what you ask of me -- in the way you ask, for as long as you ask, because you ask it.
Lord, enlighten my understanding, strengthen my will, purify my heart, and make me holy.
Help me to repent of my past sins and to resist temptation in the future.
Help me rise above my human weaknesses and to grow stronger as a Christian.
Let me love you, my Lord and my God, and see myself as I really am -- a pilgrim in this world, a Christian called to respect and to love all whose lives I touch, those in authority over me or those under my authority, my friends and my enemies.
Help me to conquer anger with gentleness, greed with generosity, apathy by fervor.
Help me to forget myself and reach out to others.
Make me prudent in planning, courageous in taking risks. Make me patient in suffering, unassuming in prosperity.
Keep me, Lord, attentive at prayer, temperate in food and drink, diligent in my work, firm in my good intentions.
Let my conscience be clear, my conduct without fault, my speech blameless, and my life well-ordered.
Teach me to realize that this world is passing, that my true future is the happiness of heaven, that life on earth is short, and the life to come eternal.
Help me prepare for death with a proper fear of judgment, and a greater trust in your goodness.
Lead me safely through death to the endless joy of heaven.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen
(prayer attributed to Clement XI)
I trust in you -- strengthen my trust.
I love you -- let me love you more and more.
I am sorry for my sins -- deepen my sorrow.
I worship you as my first beginning, I long for you as my last end, I praise you as my constant helper, and call on you as my loving protector.
Guide me by your wisdom, correct me with your justice, comfort me with your mercy, protect me with your power.
I offer you, Lord, my thoughts -- to be fixed on you;
my words -- to have you for their theme;
my actions - to reflect my love for you;
my sufferings -- to be endured for your greater glory.
I want to do what you ask of me -- in the way you ask, for as long as you ask, because you ask it.
Lord, enlighten my understanding, strengthen my will, purify my heart, and make me holy.
Help me to repent of my past sins and to resist temptation in the future.
Help me rise above my human weaknesses and to grow stronger as a Christian.
Let me love you, my Lord and my God, and see myself as I really am -- a pilgrim in this world, a Christian called to respect and to love all whose lives I touch, those in authority over me or those under my authority, my friends and my enemies.
Help me to conquer anger with gentleness, greed with generosity, apathy by fervor.
Help me to forget myself and reach out to others.
Make me prudent in planning, courageous in taking risks. Make me patient in suffering, unassuming in prosperity.
Keep me, Lord, attentive at prayer, temperate in food and drink, diligent in my work, firm in my good intentions.
Let my conscience be clear, my conduct without fault, my speech blameless, and my life well-ordered.
Teach me to realize that this world is passing, that my true future is the happiness of heaven, that life on earth is short, and the life to come eternal.
Help me prepare for death with a proper fear of judgment, and a greater trust in your goodness.
Lead me safely through death to the endless joy of heaven.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen
(prayer attributed to Clement XI)
Prayer for Humble Reliance Upon God
Lord, if you withdraw your hand, there is no grace. If you cease to guide us, we have no wisdom. If you no longer defend us, we have no courage. If you do not strengthen us, our chastity is vulnerable. If you do not keep a holy watch over us, our watchfulness cannot protect us. By ourselves we sink, we perish; when you are with us, we are uplifted, we live. We are shaky, you make us firm. We are lukewarm, you inflame us. Amen.
Thomas a Kempis
Pointer: Throughout our earthly days, we have to count on God to help us . There is no doubt about that. Keep your heart for the Lord. He will not fail you.
Thomas a Kempis
Pointer: Throughout our earthly days, we have to count on God to help us . There is no doubt about that. Keep your heart for the Lord. He will not fail you.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Maya Angelou is a mother, a poet, an author,an outspoken women's leader,a well respected educationist. By all accounts, she is well loved by Americans and many outside the USA. In fact Bill Clinton rates her amongst his top friends. Personally, I have a secret to share with you....during the hard and mean days....she helped me laugh....and I am alright with God again. thank you Maya....We need God every day....not just the hard and mean days. All her writings are worth reading, as they are relevant to Asians too.
Father, Mother, God,
Thank you for your presence
during the hard and mean days.
For then we have you to lean upon.
Thank you for your presence
during the bright and sunny days,
for then we can share that which we have
with those who have less.
And thank you for your presence
during the Holy Days,
for then we are able to celebrate you and our families and our friends.
For those who have no voice,
we ask you to speak.
For those who feel unworthy,
we ask you to pour your love out in waterfalls of tenderness.
For those who live in pain,
we ask you to bathe them in the river of your healing.
For those who are lonely,
we ask you to keep them company.
For those who are depressed,
we ask you to shower upon them the light of hope.
Dear Creator, You, the borderless sea of substance,
we ask you to give to all the world that which we need most—Peace.
prayer - maya angelou
Father, Mother, God,
Thank you for your presence
during the hard and mean days.
For then we have you to lean upon.
Thank you for your presence
during the bright and sunny days,
for then we can share that which we have
with those who have less.
And thank you for your presence
during the Holy Days,
for then we are able to celebrate you and our families and our friends.
For those who have no voice,
we ask you to speak.
For those who feel unworthy,
we ask you to pour your love out in waterfalls of tenderness.
For those who live in pain,
we ask you to bathe them in the river of your healing.
For those who are lonely,
we ask you to keep them company.
For those who are depressed,
we ask you to shower upon them the light of hope.
Dear Creator, You, the borderless sea of substance,
we ask you to give to all the world that which we need most—Peace.
prayer - maya angelou
90%
Prayer is 90% of the iceberg that's underwater, even though you can't see, it's holding the rest afloat!
A Prayer for Every Day
This is another day, O Lord.
I do not know what it will bring, but make me ready,
O Lord,for whatever it may be.
If I am to live, help me do it passionately.
If I am to listen, help me do it respectfully.
If I am to talk, help me do it eloquently.
If I am to wait, help me do it patiently.
If I am to sit still, help me do it calmly
If I am to crawl, help me do it confidently.
If I am to stand, help me do it bravely.
If I am to walk, help me do it gracefully.
If I am to run, help me do it powerfully.
If I am to die, help me do it peacefully.
Please make these words more than words,
Dear Lord, through the presence of your spirit in me, and with me, this day and always.
In your precious name,
AMEN.
I do not know what it will bring, but make me ready,
O Lord,for whatever it may be.
If I am to live, help me do it passionately.
If I am to listen, help me do it respectfully.
If I am to talk, help me do it eloquently.
If I am to wait, help me do it patiently.
If I am to sit still, help me do it calmly
If I am to crawl, help me do it confidently.
If I am to stand, help me do it bravely.
If I am to walk, help me do it gracefully.
If I am to run, help me do it powerfully.
If I am to die, help me do it peacefully.
Please make these words more than words,
Dear Lord, through the presence of your spirit in me, and with me, this day and always.
In your precious name,
AMEN.
A Simple Prayer
Here I am, Lord!
I thank you and praise you
For all your wonderful blessings!
I will delight in everything you have given me.
I put my trust in you.
You are always at my side,
and today I will have everything I need.
Forgive me for the times I have disappointed you.
Guide me and teach me.
Fill me with your power,
So that in everything I do
I will be a delight to you!
Amen!
I thank you and praise you
For all your wonderful blessings!
I will delight in everything you have given me.
I put my trust in you.
You are always at my side,
and today I will have everything I need.
Forgive me for the times I have disappointed you.
Guide me and teach me.
Fill me with your power,
So that in everything I do
I will be a delight to you!
Amen!
Sioux Prayer
We may sometimes reflect on prayers by ancient people. How much wisdom they had!!
Sioux Prayer
Grandfather, Great Spirit, you have always been
and before you nothing has been.There is noone to pray to but you.The star nations all over the heavens azre yoursand yours are the grasses of the earth.You are older than all need,older than pain and prayer.Grandfather, Great Spirit over all the world,the faces of living ones are alike.With tenderness they have come up out of the ground.Look upon your children, with children in their arms,that they may face the windsand walk the good road in the day of quiet.Grandfather, Great Spirit, fill us with the light.Give us the strength to understandand the eyes to see.Teach us to walk the soft earthas relatives to all that live.
Read this prayer in a very quiet place, preferably outdoors, looking up at the evening sky, where the wind can touch your face.
Sioux Prayer
Grandfather, Great Spirit, you have always been
and before you nothing has been.There is noone to pray to but you.The star nations all over the heavens azre yoursand yours are the grasses of the earth.You are older than all need,older than pain and prayer.Grandfather, Great Spirit over all the world,the faces of living ones are alike.With tenderness they have come up out of the ground.Look upon your children, with children in their arms,that they may face the windsand walk the good road in the day of quiet.Grandfather, Great Spirit, fill us with the light.Give us the strength to understandand the eyes to see.Teach us to walk the soft earthas relatives to all that live.
Read this prayer in a very quiet place, preferably outdoors, looking up at the evening sky, where the wind can touch your face.
Prayer for Seeking God in Nature
We are toooooooooooooooooo busy and we never have time to feel the wind on our face, or even wait for a moment to hear the bird song in our back yard. We have to brush our teeth and rush off to work!! Children in tow!!
But Bliss Carman shows us how. Here is a poem by him, and a prayer follows.
Vestigia
I took a day to search for God,
and found him not.
But as I trod by rocky ledge,
through woods untamed,
just where one scarlet lily flamed,
I saw His footprint in the sod.
Then
Suddenly, all unaware,
far off in the deep shadows,
where a solitary Hermit Thrush
sang through the holy twilight hush
I heard His voice upon the air.
And even as I marvelled how
God gives us Heaven here and now
in a stir of wind that hardly shook
the Poplar leaves beside the brook
His hand was light upon my brow.
At last with evening as I turned homeward,
and thought what I had learned
and all that there was still to probe
I caught the glory of His robe
where the last fires of sunset burned.
Back to the world with quickening start
I looked and longed for any part
in making saving beauty be
and from that kindling ecstasy
I knew God dwelt within my heart.
Bliss Carman
Extra info-bits:
Bliss Carman, a Canadian, wrote this poem in the summer of 1919, following a long walk through the woods and hills of the Catskill Mountains in New York State. The first stanza describes Carman’s search and subsequent discovery of God in nature. Every day we have opportunity to make the same discovery as Carman. We will find God in nature if we keep our eyes open. When we are outside this summer sitting in our yards or visiting distant places, let us seek God in flower petals, fuzzy caterpillars, rocks, and rainbows. I am confident that if we seek God we will not be disappointed.
Prayer :
Dear God, like Bliss Carman, may we confidently state that we have searched and seen your footprint in the sod, heard your voice upon the air, and caught the glory of your robe. Amen.
But Bliss Carman shows us how. Here is a poem by him, and a prayer follows.
Vestigia
I took a day to search for God,
and found him not.
But as I trod by rocky ledge,
through woods untamed,
just where one scarlet lily flamed,
I saw His footprint in the sod.
Then
Suddenly, all unaware,
far off in the deep shadows,
where a solitary Hermit Thrush
sang through the holy twilight hush
I heard His voice upon the air.
And even as I marvelled how
God gives us Heaven here and now
in a stir of wind that hardly shook
the Poplar leaves beside the brook
His hand was light upon my brow.
At last with evening as I turned homeward,
and thought what I had learned
and all that there was still to probe
I caught the glory of His robe
where the last fires of sunset burned.
Back to the world with quickening start
I looked and longed for any part
in making saving beauty be
and from that kindling ecstasy
I knew God dwelt within my heart.
Bliss Carman
Extra info-bits:
Bliss Carman, a Canadian, wrote this poem in the summer of 1919, following a long walk through the woods and hills of the Catskill Mountains in New York State. The first stanza describes Carman’s search and subsequent discovery of God in nature. Every day we have opportunity to make the same discovery as Carman. We will find God in nature if we keep our eyes open. When we are outside this summer sitting in our yards or visiting distant places, let us seek God in flower petals, fuzzy caterpillars, rocks, and rainbows. I am confident that if we seek God we will not be disappointed.
Prayer :
Dear God, like Bliss Carman, may we confidently state that we have searched and seen your footprint in the sod, heard your voice upon the air, and caught the glory of your robe. Amen.
Prayer for Seeking God in Nature
We, in our busyness, often do not spend enough time with NATURE, to feel the wind on our face, to touch the warmth of the soil God has provided us. We seldom even have a minute to enjoy a bird song, right in front of our home. We are just tooooooooooooo busy.
Search for God amongst the trees I was told once. Indeed I did!!
Vestigia
I took a day to search for God,
and found him not.
But as I trod by rocky ledge,
through woods untamed,
just where one scarlet lily flamed,
I saw His footprint in the sod.
Then Suddenly,
all unaware,
far off in the deep shadows,
where a solitary Hermit Thrush
sang through the holy twilight hush
I heard His voice upon the air.
And even as I marvelled
how God gives us Heaven here
and now in a stir of wind that hardly shook
the Poplar leaves beside the brook
His hand was light upon my brow.
At last with evening as I turned homeward,
and thought what I had learned
and all that there was still to probe
I caught the glory of His robe
where the last fires of sunset burned.
Back to the world with quickening start
I looked and longed for any part
in making saving beauty be
and from that kindling ecstasy
I knew God dwelt within my heart.
Bliss Carman
Note: Bliss Carman, a Canadian, wrote this poem in the summer of 1919, following a long walk through the woods and hills of the Catskill Mountains in New York State. The first stanza describes Carman’s search and subsequent discovery of God in nature. Every day we have opportunity to make the same discovery as Carman. We will find God in nature if we keep our eyes open. When we are outside this summer sitting in our yards or visiting distant places, let us seek God in flower petals, fuzzy caterpillars, rocks, and rainbows. I am confident that if we seek God we will not be disappointed.
Prayer:
Dear God, like Bliss Carman, may we confidently state that we have searched and seen your footprint in the sod, heard your voice upon the air, and caught the glory of your robe. Amen.
Search for God amongst the trees I was told once. Indeed I did!!
Vestigia
I took a day to search for God,
and found him not.
But as I trod by rocky ledge,
through woods untamed,
just where one scarlet lily flamed,
I saw His footprint in the sod.
Then Suddenly,
all unaware,
far off in the deep shadows,
where a solitary Hermit Thrush
sang through the holy twilight hush
I heard His voice upon the air.
And even as I marvelled
how God gives us Heaven here
and now in a stir of wind that hardly shook
the Poplar leaves beside the brook
His hand was light upon my brow.
At last with evening as I turned homeward,
and thought what I had learned
and all that there was still to probe
I caught the glory of His robe
where the last fires of sunset burned.
Back to the world with quickening start
I looked and longed for any part
in making saving beauty be
and from that kindling ecstasy
I knew God dwelt within my heart.
Bliss Carman
Note: Bliss Carman, a Canadian, wrote this poem in the summer of 1919, following a long walk through the woods and hills of the Catskill Mountains in New York State. The first stanza describes Carman’s search and subsequent discovery of God in nature. Every day we have opportunity to make the same discovery as Carman. We will find God in nature if we keep our eyes open. When we are outside this summer sitting in our yards or visiting distant places, let us seek God in flower petals, fuzzy caterpillars, rocks, and rainbows. I am confident that if we seek God we will not be disappointed.
Prayer:
Dear God, like Bliss Carman, may we confidently state that we have searched and seen your footprint in the sod, heard your voice upon the air, and caught the glory of your robe. Amen.
John Wesley's Prayers
Methodists are very much influenced by John Wesley in philosophy,"word, thought and deed".
Here is his Covenant Prayer for you. I have also included some important "info-bits".
Covenant Prayer by John Wesley
I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt; Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low by thee. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal. And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.
John Wesley's Rule for Christian Living
Do All the Good You Can,
By All the Means You Can,
In All the Ways You Can,
In All the Places You Can,
At all the Times You Can,
To All the People You Can,
As Long as Ever YOU CAN!
Scriptural Christianity
Here I am: I and my bible I will not, I dare not, vary from this book, Either in great things or small. I have no power to dispense with one jot or tittle Of what is contained therein. I am determined to be a bible christian, Not almost, but altogether. Who will meet me on this ground? Join me on this, or not at all.
John Wesley
Here is his Covenant Prayer for you. I have also included some important "info-bits".
Covenant Prayer by John Wesley
I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt; Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low by thee. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal. And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.
John Wesley's Rule for Christian Living
Do All the Good You Can,
By All the Means You Can,
In All the Ways You Can,
In All the Places You Can,
At all the Times You Can,
To All the People You Can,
As Long as Ever YOU CAN!
Scriptural Christianity
Here I am: I and my bible I will not, I dare not, vary from this book, Either in great things or small. I have no power to dispense with one jot or tittle Of what is contained therein. I am determined to be a bible christian, Not almost, but altogether. Who will meet me on this ground? Join me on this, or not at all.
John Wesley
A Prayer by Martin Luther King Jr.
Yes, Jesus,I want to be on your right sideor your left side,not for any selfish reason.I want to be on your right or your best side,not in terms of some political kingdom or ambition,but I just want to be therein love and in justice and in truthand in commitment to others,so we can make of this old world a new world. Amen.
Martin Luther King Jr.: A Documentary...Montgomery to Memphis, ed. by Flip Schulke (New York and London: W.W. Norton & Co., 1976)
Martin Luther King Jr.: A Documentary...Montgomery to Memphis, ed. by Flip Schulke (New York and London: W.W. Norton & Co., 1976)
For the Diversity of Races and Cultures
O God,you created all people in your image.
We thank you for the astonishing varietyof races and cultures in this world.
Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of friendship,and show us your presence in those who differ most from us,until our knowledge of your love is made perfectin our love for all your children;through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lutheran Book of Worship: Minister's Desk Edition, (Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1978)
We thank you for the astonishing varietyof races and cultures in this world.
Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of friendship,and show us your presence in those who differ most from us,until our knowledge of your love is made perfectin our love for all your children;through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lutheran Book of Worship: Minister's Desk Edition, (Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1978)
Prayer for Racial Harmony
God and Father of all,in your love you made all the nations of the world to be a family,and your Son taught us to love one another.Yet our world is riven apartwith prejudice, arrogance, and pride.Help the different races to love and understand one another better.
Increase among us sympathy,tolerance, and goodwill,that we may learn to appreciate the giftsthat other races bring to us,and to see in all people our brothers and sisters for whom Christ died.Save us from jealousy, hatred, and fear,and help us to live togetheras members of one family at home in the world,sons and daughters of one Father who live in the liberty of the children of God;through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Book of Common Order of the Church of Scotland
Increase among us sympathy,tolerance, and goodwill,that we may learn to appreciate the giftsthat other races bring to us,and to see in all people our brothers and sisters for whom Christ died.Save us from jealousy, hatred, and fear,and help us to live togetheras members of one family at home in the world,sons and daughters of one Father who live in the liberty of the children of God;through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Book of Common Order of the Church of Scotland
Prayer Leaders in the Community
God of all life,you call us to live in communityand teach us to care for one anotherafter the patternof Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.We pray for those whose position and authorityaffect the lives of others.Inspire them with a visionof the community as it might be,where love of neighborand concern for one anotherdrive out discontent and strife, anxiety and fear.Help us all to work togetherwith one heart and will,with sympathy and understanding,to serve the common good,to minister to people in trouble and despair,and to multiply true happiness among us;through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Book of Common Order of the Church of Scotland (Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press, 1994)
Book of Common Order of the Church of Scotland (Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press, 1994)
Prayer for Peace
The world prayer for peace comes from the Vancouver Assembly of the World Council of Churches :
For peace in your country
For the victims of violence everywhere
For those struggling for peace and justice
For churches in conflict situations For a world without war and violence
Lead me from death to life,
from falsehood to truth,
Lead me from despair to hope,from fear to trust.
Lead me from hate to love, from war to peace, Let peace fill our beings, our world and our universe. Amen.
This decade ,2000-2010, has been named as the decade to overcome violence.
Pointers for Prayer : Many people pause for a moment at 12 noon to pray the prayer for peace wherever they are at that time. Why not join them? Alternatively, you could incorporate this prayer as part of your daily prayers.
The Serenity Prayer
I was very blessed to be sent to the Methodist School Sibu for my education. It was in the school where I learned a great deal of Christian philosophy, met many Christian teachers and read many Christian books. I totally believe that if Christian teachers are readers themselves, they will bring up a whole generation of readers.
Usually this prayer is attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr . However, some link it with Friedrich Oetinger, an 18th century theologian, whilst others attribute the serenity prayer to the Roman philosopher Boethius, living in the early part of the sixth century.
This prayer can be found in small cards and placed in wallets for easy reference.
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.
Amen.
Pointers for Prayer : The ability to accept things that we may not like, courage and wisdom are three qualities that build our character. Pray for these three qualities, that God would grow them within you, and pray specifically about any particular situations where you need the wisdom to seek whether you should accept or change your approach to it.The serenity prayer expresses the truth that life can be a struggle, and seeks God's help with this, one day at a time. Many of the psalms also offer great prayers for the reality of facing lifes challenges.
Usually this prayer is attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr . However, some link it with Friedrich Oetinger, an 18th century theologian, whilst others attribute the serenity prayer to the Roman philosopher Boethius, living in the early part of the sixth century.
This prayer can be found in small cards and placed in wallets for easy reference.
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.
Amen.
Pointers for Prayer : The ability to accept things that we may not like, courage and wisdom are three qualities that build our character. Pray for these three qualities, that God would grow them within you, and pray specifically about any particular situations where you need the wisdom to seek whether you should accept or change your approach to it.The serenity prayer expresses the truth that life can be a struggle, and seeks God's help with this, one day at a time. Many of the psalms also offer great prayers for the reality of facing lifes challenges.
Prayers for Children
How often are we shy in saying prayers for children, in front of our children and other people's children? We are just so self conscious and perhaps even paralysed with fear. So we allow the moment to pass. And ask the children to pray themselves. That is alright because God answers prayers, especially prayers.
However we have a duty to carry out. We need to pray for our children, unceasingly.
Below are some prayers for children.
However, you might like to mix these with encouraging children to pray themselves - since they may feel less self-conscious than adults when praying aloud. This also enables them to pray for what they want to pray, rather than reciting a list of prayers. Some books of childrens' prayers use complex language, and some even rhyme! Children's prayers need to be simple.
Here is a simple guide:
Step one: Thank the Lord
Step two : Ask for forgiveness.
Step three: Ask for help and bless others.
Samples:
Dear God,We are sorry for doing wrong things. Please forgive us. Help us to forgive those who are unkind to us. Amen.
Father God, As I turn off the light, please be with me. Help me to get to sleep, and please give me good dreams. Amen.
Lord Jesus, Thank you for my friends, and for the games and fun that we share. Please help me to be a good friend to them. Amen.
Father God,Thank you for my family : and not only for those I live with, but grandparents, uncles, aunties and cousins. Please be with them today. Amen.
Lord, Help me to notice people who need my help. Children who are alone without friends, My parents or teachers, when they need a hand. Amen.
Lord Jesus,I know that I am your special child, and that you love me. Other children don't know you. Please may they come to know your love. I particularly pray for _____ and _____. Amen.
God, you are great. You made the world and it's good. Thank you for making it so beautiful, and we are sorry that we have spoiled it. Amen.
Dear Jesus,Please help me at school. Sometimes I find it hard, and it's at those times I specially need your help. I know you are with us always. Amen.
Dear Jesus: Please help me. At school I face many bullies every day. Help to be brave and let me know you are with me. Amen.
Dear Jesus: Thank you for my father and mother, brothers and sisters. Help us all to love you more and more each day. Amen.
However we have a duty to carry out. We need to pray for our children, unceasingly.
Below are some prayers for children.
However, you might like to mix these with encouraging children to pray themselves - since they may feel less self-conscious than adults when praying aloud. This also enables them to pray for what they want to pray, rather than reciting a list of prayers. Some books of childrens' prayers use complex language, and some even rhyme! Children's prayers need to be simple.
Here is a simple guide:
Step one: Thank the Lord
Step two : Ask for forgiveness.
Step three: Ask for help and bless others.
Samples:
Dear God,We are sorry for doing wrong things. Please forgive us. Help us to forgive those who are unkind to us. Amen.
Father God, As I turn off the light, please be with me. Help me to get to sleep, and please give me good dreams. Amen.
Lord Jesus, Thank you for my friends, and for the games and fun that we share. Please help me to be a good friend to them. Amen.
Father God,Thank you for my family : and not only for those I live with, but grandparents, uncles, aunties and cousins. Please be with them today. Amen.
Lord, Help me to notice people who need my help. Children who are alone without friends, My parents or teachers, when they need a hand. Amen.
Lord Jesus,I know that I am your special child, and that you love me. Other children don't know you. Please may they come to know your love. I particularly pray for _____ and _____. Amen.
God, you are great. You made the world and it's good. Thank you for making it so beautiful, and we are sorry that we have spoiled it. Amen.
Dear Jesus,Please help me at school. Sometimes I find it hard, and it's at those times I specially need your help. I know you are with us always. Amen.
Dear Jesus: Please help me. At school I face many bullies every day. Help to be brave and let me know you are with me. Amen.
Dear Jesus: Thank you for my father and mother, brothers and sisters. Help us all to love you more and more each day. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer
The Lord's Prayer is the model of prayer that Jesus taught us, as recorded in the gospels of Matthew and Luke (.) It is presented here in traditional and modern language:
Our Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be thy name.Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heavenGive us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. for ever and ever. Amen
Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name.Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heavenGive us today our daily bread.Forgive us our sins,as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours. Now and for ever. Amen
The Lords prayer, or the "our Father prayer" is prayed daily by thousands of Christians, and can be seen both as a model for prayer, and as to be repeated as part of our daily prayer.It starts by addressing God as our Father in heaven, that although His name is honoured, and above all other names, we are His children. As such, we occupy a place of privilege, and He wants us to spend time in prayer with Him. The Lords prayer then moves on to pray that God's Kingdom, or rule, will become the norm on earth, replacing human rules and governments, which too often are driven by greed and power. Only then do we turn to our own needs, and ask our Father for our basic human needs to be satisfied, and that He would forgive the wrong things that we have done. We ask for God's guidance and protection as we journey through life. Finally we turn back to God, and acknowledge His supremacy and position as the Almighty ruler.
Pointers for Prayer : Pray the Lords Prayer through, and then take one of the phrases. Spend a few moments reflecting on that phrase, for example, imagining what it means for God's Kingdom to come, or how we forgive those who sin against us. Then use these thoughts for further prayer, finally coming back to pray through the Lord's Prayer again.
Prayer of St Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
St. Francis was born at Assisi in 1182. After a care free youth, he turned his back on inherited wealth and committed himself to God. Like many early saints, he lived a very simple life of poverty, and in so doing, gained a reputation of being the friend of animals. He established the rule of St Francis, which exists today as the Order of St. Francis, or the Franciscans. He died in 1226, aged 44.
The prayer has many of the biblical truths of what it means to be a Christian - to seek to give, and in so doing, receive blessings; that the Lord's Prayer asks God to forgive us as we forgive, and that the goal of eternal life can only result from us putting to death our old sinful lives.
Pointers for Prayer : Sometimes Christians are called to turn the world upside down. To bring the exact opposite of what we find in our world.
St. Francis' prayer is a bold one, asking for strength to give of ourselves to meet the needs of others. He recognises that it "is in giving that we receive", that as we give of ourselves, we receive the peace and blessing of our risen Lord Jesus. We cannot earn eternal life, but that we are pardoned from the sins that block our claim on it. Think about the situations that you are involved in that require peace, consolation, hope, light and joy. Then, if you're bold enough, pray the prayer!
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