We are using prayers from the Rev. Ernest Campbell’s collection “Where Cross the Crowded Ways” each week in our Lenten Devotions.
Each week, the prayer for the next Wednesday will appear in the preceding E-pistle; it will also be posted on the church’s Facebook page on Monday or Tuesday before each Wednesday…
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We will use this prayer by the Rev. Ernest Campbell for our Lenten Devotion on Wednesday, April 1 at 7:15 pm in the church’s zoom room. Please join us.
1
O God, the author of life, the end toward which the whole creation moves, and yet, still the one we can address as Father, hear us as we praise and magnify your name.
We fancy ourselves a self-made people; we are in fact contingent, dependent, and derived.
We fancy ourselves a reasonable people; we are in fact beset with blind spots, and all too often conscript our mind to the service of our prejudices.
We fancy ourselves free; we are in fact in bondage to our flesh and to material possessions that we chase with much abandon.
We fancy ourselves fully alive; we are in fact but dimly aware of the heights and depth, the breadth and length, the wonder and miracle of life, there for our exploring.
We fancy ourselves decent and religious; we are in fact continually falling short of our potential and prone to use our faith to justify a selfish use of life.
That you should love us, when we find it hard to love ourselves;
That you should believe in us, after we have blown so many chances;
That you should welcome us, when we can bring so little.
It is more than we can understand.
But we can accept your love, bless you for your grace, and voice our thanks to you; which now we do together. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
2
O God, who desires justice on the earth, hear us as we pray for all who work to right wrong and to champion the cause of the oppressed. Especially do we pray for those within this community who weary in the struggle and are tempted to step down.
We acknowledge, Lord, a preference for quick and easy answers. We like our instant coffee, instant credit, instant news, and inwardly we pine for instant resolution of all the ills that plague our world. Hold to their high purpose those who would be faithful to the vision despite the pressure of apathy and antagonism. Renew the strength of those who work long and sleep little day after day, prodding this nation to become to all its citizens what it has been to some.
O God, help us to learn from you, who are never in a hurry, yet never late. Bless us with your poise, your persistence and your peace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
3
Hear us, gracious Creator, as we pray for this church and its mission, its ministers, its people. Bless us individually and together with an immediate experience of your presence and power, to the end that the fire within hearts may vitalize our worship and energize our service.
For the sick, we ask your healing touch;
For the lonely, your companionship;
For the weak, your strength;
For the undecided, your wisdom;
For the bereaved, your comfort.
Melt our indifference toward each other; help us to see your face in our neighbor’s countenance; and to love her in you, and for you.
We pray in faith and with thanksgiving through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
