Everything here represents my own opinion and not the opinion of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection or the United Methodist Church.

Sunday, January 07, 2007

07-01-07 Pastoral Prayer

This was the first weekend in which I was a part of the worship services in the main sanctuary. This is the prayer which I used in the service.

Pastoral Prayer

We lift our minds to the Maker of the mountains we cannot climb. We lift our hearts to the Calmer of the oceans raging wild. We lift our hands to the Healer of the hurt we hold inside.1

O God, “in you we live and move and have our being.”2 But we have questions and are searching for answers. We confess that we try to live one way but instead act in a different way. We bring those things and our questions to you now as we enter into a time of silent prayer and confession.


(silent prayer and confession)


Receive our prayers, O God. Forgive us. Teach us to live as we ought to live.

We thank you for the blessings of this day. For being able to gather and consider our doubts, questions and the way that science intersects with you and the way you work in the world.

Give us strength to work in and take care of all of your creation. Bring peace to each of the countries in this world. Show us how to care for and love those people in need around the world that we do not know and will never meet. Send your blessing on those people whom we do recognize in our daily lives who work around us in sometimes thankless jobs. Jobs that allow us to be warm, well fed and provided for. Direct us in ways to be a blessing to them.

Empower us to live as your people sent to change the world. Help us to bring about and live in your kingdom about which we now pray in the prayer which was taught to us by Jesus Christ.


1 Adapted from I Will Lift My Eyes by Bebo Norman and Jason Ingram. © 2006 Appstreet Music (ASCAP) / New Spring (ASCAP). All rights for the world on behalf of Appstreet Music (ASCAP) administered by New Spring (ASCAP). / Peertunes, Ltd./GrangeHill Music/J Ingram (SESAC)

2 Acts 17:28 (TNIV)