The Glen Waverley Uniting Church PSALTER|
Size: 23227
Comment:
|
Size: 23266
Comment:
|
| Deletions are marked like this. | Additions are marked like this. |
| Line 22: | Line 22: |
| Lord, we sometimes get carried away with the excitement of the game. We set Brownlow Medal winners up upon a pedestal that may expose their feet of clay. We adulate our gold medal winners, and forget about those who also trained hard without reward. We envy those with more material possessions, and overlook our own gifts from you. Help us, and them, to see and acknowledge achievements even where they are otherwise ignored. Help us to see the value in every person, as Christ did. "But if you treat one person as being more important than another, you are sinning. You are guilty of breaking God's law." | Lord, we sometimes get carried away with the excitement of the game. We set Brownlow Medal winners up upon a pedestal that may expose their feet of clay. We adulate our gold medal winners, and forget about those who also trained hard without reward. We envy those with more material possessions, and overlook our own gifts from you. Help us, and them, to see and acknowledge achievements even where they are otherwise ignored. Help us to see the value in every person, and for us to help them to their best, as Christ did. "But if you treat one person as being more important than another, you are sinning. You are guilty of breaking God's law." |
09 Sep 2012
On Friday night, I went to the 1st Qualifying Final, the first footy final of 2012 (Go Hawks!) We all know the rush of adrenalin that goes with a great game, and the excitement of a final stays with us for a long time. One of the themes for the finals is "This is Greatness", but I was left wondering that football greatness is not quite the same attribute that we as Christians might aspire to.
So I offer this prayer of the people as a prayer of greatness, greatness as Christ might have seen it. The readings today reflect something of how Christ might have defined this notion of greatness, so let us explore greatness for the common man.
Let us pray ...
Lord, the crowd goes wild when the full forward flies high to take a screamer. Not all of us can take screamers, but let our actions in everyday life be our high-fliers. May our everyday responses to those around inspire the "wow" factor, and give others the feeling that in the care, concern, and compassion that they see, they have encountered greatness. "For as much as you have done it to the least of these, you have done it to me".
This is greatness.
Lord, the life of a football coach is one of highs and lows. Highs on the wins, highs on the "come-from-behind" turn arounds, highs on the success of the club. But there are also the lows, lows on the losses, lows on poor umpiring, lows on the failures of the club, and ultimately, lows on being sacked as coach. Our own leaders, across all spectrums, be they political, business, intellectual or spiritual also know those same highs and lows. Give them the strength to weather the lows and the wisdom to ride the highs, that they can govern and lead with vision and compassion for all. "Faith that does nothing is worth nothing".
This is greatness.
Lord, we sometimes get carried away with the excitement of the game. We set Brownlow Medal winners up upon a pedestal that may expose their feet of clay. We adulate our gold medal winners, and forget about those who also trained hard without reward. We envy those with more material possessions, and overlook our own gifts from you. Help us, and them, to see and acknowledge achievements even where they are otherwise ignored. Help us to see the value in every person, and for us to help them to their best, as Christ did. "But if you treat one person as being more important than another, you are sinning. You are guilty of breaking God's law."
This is greatness.
Lord, all of us get subbed off at some time in the game of our lives. Whether it be for injury or transgression, whether it be deliberate or accidental, help us rebuild our game fitness and once again prepare to take our parts in the team. Where we are team players, help us to lend a hand to those individuals who need our team support. We mention the following players in our church, whome we commend to your rehabilitation: (read list) "Jesus does everything well. He makes the deaf hear! And those who can't talk he makes able to speak."
This is greatness.
We pray these prayers in the hope of greatness as Jesus himself gave us hope in the prayer he taught us: "Our Father, ..."
01 Jul 2012
(Reused from 1 Nov 2009)
"I wouldn't be dead for quids!" ... Have you ever heard someone say this? What did they mean? Those of you who were fans of the Goon Show will recall Eccles' innocent exclamation: "It's good to be alive!" I bet Jairus' daughter said that (or at least the Aramaic equivalent) when Jesus restored her to life. My neighbour said to me when I told him about my travel plans: "John, you have to do it - You are a long time in a box."
These are some of the sayings that people make when reflecting upon the gift of life. And they are all the more profound for being secular sayings. Christians have an additional take on the gift of life - it is a measure of God's love and the promise He has made to us through His Son. But with this gift comes responsibility. Let us reflect on these responsibilities in our prayers of the people today.
Let us pray:
Lord, first and foremost, we thank you for the gift of life, and the wonderful promise you have made about how life itself might be ever more fulfilling. So it is with especial compassion that we bring these prayers before you.
We pray for those who struggle to see your promise through sickness ... disability ... bereavement ... poverty ... war ... We pray particularly for those who are made refugees through no fault of their own, and we think at this time of refugees from Afghanistan ... Sri Lanka ... the Sudan ... Iraq and Iran. Help us to extend compassion to them, in the same way that Jesus did to the downtrodden of his own time, that they may all see and feel your saving grace.
We pray for the leaders of the world, that they may rejoice in the gift of life - not selfishly for their own ends, but generously, that all under their authority may share in the glorious gift of life. We pray particularly for the leaders of our church - the Ministerial Team - the Lay Leaders - the Presbytery, Synod and Assembly - that they may make decisions wisely and in the life-sharing interests of all who hold to Your promise of life.
We pray for the everyday man and woman - that they do not become consumed by the love of money, but may come to see a wider, sharing, engaged community that looks after the life-needs of all within it. May our actions within the community - on the roads, on the footpaths, in shops, or wherever we come into contact with our fellow beings - show love and generosity as a reflection of these attributes perfected in you.
Finally, Lord, we pray for ourselves. Help each one of us to see that we are part, not of the "me-generation", but of a caring and sharing "us-generation". This is often hard for us - but we take heart from the life of Jesus, who through his own human-ness, showed us that such a life is possible. We pray especially for members of our church community we now name before you. (read list.)
Indeed, in the life and name of Jesus, we are emboldened to make these our prayers today, and are encouraged in the prayer that Jesus himself taught us: Our father in heaven, ...
Amen.
26 May 2012
Yesterday I attended a Presbytery meeting at which Darrell Guder gave an inspirational talk on what it is to be a missional church in the 21st century. Prof Guder is the Henry Winters Luce Professor of Missional and Ecumenical Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. These prayers are inspired by Darrell's thoughts. And there is no truth in the rumor that at the end of Prof Guder's talk, Ineke was heard to exclaim "How Gouda is that!"
Let us pray:
In the last week we have experienced the wind and rain sent by God, and here today the wind and fire of the Holy Spirit. (Wave streamers.)
We pray that peoples everywhere may see the cleansing wind of your power and might. We who have seen the love of God made man in Jesus Christ and are called to be disciples, grant that our witness to the people whom we meet shall give evidence to that love. May love spread to one another, as it spread from Jesus to the early disciples, and the early church.
We praise you for the actions of the disciples in establishing your church, a church that saw itself called and sent out in mission for the world. May the spirit of that early leadership light upon us, that like Paul, we can go forth to build witnessing communities in Christ.
We rejoice in the one-anotherness of the Gospel message. May our one-anotherness make us worthy witnesses to that Gospel, and give hope to the down-trodden, the sick and ill, the homeless and stateless peoples of the world. Give us the courage of those early disciples to speak out against the injustice, exploitation, arrogance and insensitivity that we see around us.
In a fellowship of one-anotherness, we remember our Uniting Church brothers and sisters in the Coatesville congregation, and the churches of Springvale, St Kilda (Chapel Street) and UC Mission. We also offer prayers for those worshipping you in the Monash City Church of Christ with their minister Rev. Peter Broadbent. We commend especially initiatives within their church, including the encouragement of running the ALPHA series for the first time, the leadership shown through those presenting the material, and the steady building of small groups. Be with Pastor Peter as he prepares for long service leave.
Lead us to the generosity of the early saints in sharing what we have. Help us to sow generously the seeds of Christ, not so that we can pull out weeds, or count outcomes for ourselves, but to leave the harvest to Christ.
We name before you people that believe in Christ's community here today, and commend them to your care: (read list)
These are the prayers of your witnessing community in Glen Waverley. Breathe on us your fire to help us to be worthy witnesses.
Jesus, put the holy wind up us to become witnesses in your world.
Amen.
29 Apr 2012
Some of may be unaware of the sudden passing of Peter Barr during the week. In our prayers, we will remember Alison and her family on this sad occasion, and give glory to God for the life and work of Peter
Our Prayers of the People today are based upon Psalm 23, and are drawn from an on-line prayer by Ormonde Plater.
The response, when I say "Glory and praise to you" is "O Living God".
Gathered in the care of the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep, let us pray to God who knows our every need.
For the holy churches in every place, and for the unity of all.
Glory and praise to you – O Living God.
For this our church and all who gather in the name of the risen Christ.
Glory and praise to you – O Living God.
For our ministry team of Rosemary, Greg, Belinda, Alison and Alanee.
Glory and praise to you – O Living God.
For our Synod and Alistair McCrae our moderator, for our Presbytery and Ian Ferguson our Presbytery chair, and for all who minister in Christ.
Glory and praise to you – O Living God.
For the world and its leaders, our nation and its people.
Glory and praise to you – O Living God.
For all those in danger and need, the sick and the suffering, the strayed and the lost.
Glory and praise to you – O Living God.
For those who walk in death's dark valley.
Glory and praise to you – O Living God.
For ourselves, our families, and those we love.
Glory and praise to you – O Living God.
Remembering all the saints who have dwelt in the house of the Lord, let us offer ourselves to the living God, through Christ.
Glory and praise to you – O Living God.
We remember too those in our congregation we specifically name before you: (read names)
Glory and praise to you – O Living God.
Blessed are you, O Lord, who soothes our head with oil and fills our cup with wine. Hear the prayers we offer for every need, and revive us with your Holy Spirit: through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we pray this prayer, and the prayer he himself gave us:
Our Father in Heaven ...
(John Hurst)
18 Mar 2012
In our prayers of the people today, I am using some words of Martin Luther King (1967):
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Let us pray.
Lord, we pray for the world:
- in the presidential palaces,
- in the governments,
- in the military,
- in the diplomatic services,
- in the trade delegations,
- in the religious governance ...
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Lord, we pray for the nation:
- in parliament,
- in government departments,
- in the board rooms,
- in the offices,
- in the manufacturing and retail trades,
- in the workshops,
- in the churches ...
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Lord, we pray for our everyday lives:
- on the roads,
- on the footpaths,
- in the workplace,
- in our church,
- around the family,
- at home ...
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Lord, we pray for ourselves:
- in our health,
- in our hearts,
- in our minds,
- in our spiritual inner being ...
we also pray for the health, hearts, minds and inner spirits of the following people we name and don't name: (read names)
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
We ask this in the name of Christ, Amen.
(John Hurst)
19 Feb 2012
We've had some good images, metaphors, for our story today. Mountain tops, dazzling clothes, shining lights. But we know that life isn't always like that. I have a story that starts with the subterranean, not the superterranean!
Start with story about caving and squeezing through tight spaces - getting stuck even! What do you do? Don't Panic! Barb's story - hope even when your battery is failing!
In our lives we often find ourselves in such thin spaces, and we can use those times to draw closer to God.
Let us pray:
When the walls of Our world close in, widen our minds to see new hope, Lord
We pray for the leaders of our world, that they may govern in hope for all mankind. Turn them away from violence Lord, as Jesus taught us to do. Grant that they may approach their differences in wisdom, rather than aggression.
When the walls of our communities close in, widen our minds to see new opportunities of service, Lord
We pray for grace in our daily lives, Lord, that when the thin spaces of money, work, families, and church life are upon us, we may still respond with kindness, compassion and patience.
When the walls of our circumstances close in, widen our minds to see new opportunities of hope, Lord
We pray for steadfast faith in the hour of distress, Lord. When hope seems forlorn, whether in times of adversity, ill health, or bereavement, be always at our side.
We pray that we, as witnesses to you, may be at the side of the following people in our congregation:
- (read names)
Lastly, in recognition that your grace flows to us through the teachings of your son, we pray the prayer that he himself left for us:
- (Lord's Prayer)
(John Hurst)
22 Jan 2012
In our prayers today, let us use the events of the world to reflect upon our own lives, our own prayers, and our own calling. After each litany, I will say the words Thou knowest Lord, the secrets of our hearts; shut not thy merciful ears unto our prayers, followed by a short silence. Please use that silence to reflect upon the secrets of your hearts.
Let us pray:
We pray for the world, its people, its life, its resources. We seek to be careful stewards of this world, looking to create a sustainable environment, free from wars, pestilence and famine.
We pray particularly at this time for those affected by disasters such as the sinking of the Costa Concordia. Let us keep in mind that we should not be quick to judge the captain of that vessel, for we all make mistakes of some kind.
Thou knowest Lord, the secrets of our hearts; shut not thy merciful ears unto our prayers.
We pray for our leaders, church, state and workplace. Give them wisdom in their discernment, that freedom, justice and equality for all may prevail.
We pray particularly at this time for our federal politicians. Let us keep in mind that their task is not an easy one, as they juggle with competing interests - for we all fall short of the perfect integrity that You showed us through Your Son.
Thou knowest Lord, the secrets of our hearts; shut not thy merciful ears unto our prayers.
We pray for our nation as it celebrates its birthday. Just as Jesus' birthday brings new hope, we ask that our national day might bring new hope and vision for this country.
We pray particularly at this time for the people of Australia. Let us celebrate our ancestry and culture, recognizing that we are all travellers in this land of ours. We acknowledge that there are many travellers with many stories - just because they are different from us and our stories, let us not forsake them.
Thou knowest Lord, the secrets of our hearts; shut not thy merciful ears unto our prayers.
We pray for our community, our friends and our family. Immersed in our daily lives, we need to see the face of God in those whom we meet. Lift up our hearts to offer a smile, a kindly wave, a thoughtful gesture to both known and unknown faces.
We pray particularly for those in our prayer book, whom we name before you: (read names)
Thou knowest Lord, the secrets of our hearts; shut not thy merciful ears unto our prayers.
Let us say together the Lord's Prayer: "Our Father in heaven, ..."
Thou knowest Lord, the secrets of our hearts; shut not thy merciful ears unto our prayers.
And the people said: "Amen".
(John Hurst)
9 Oct 2011
The theme for today is "Spiritually Inspired Living". In our Prayers of the People then, let us ask the Holy Spirit to assist us on our spiritual journey. In John 14:15-17 we read "If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of Truth ..."
When I say "Holy Spirit, Comfort us in our prayers", your response is "Spirit of Truth, abide with us". (repeat)
Let us pray:
For men and women, that each may learn from each. Where there are differences in thinking, we pray that we can accept and understand those differences. Where there are differences in action, we pray that our actions may complement each other and not lead to estrangement. Where there are differences in spirituality, we pray that each may lead to our common love of God, abiding in us.
Holy Spirit, Comfort us in our prayers: (response) "Spirit of Truth, abide with us"
For young and old, that the spirit of enthusiasm of the young may blend with the spirit of wisdom in the old, enriching all our lives.
Holy Spirit, Comfort us in our prayers: (response) "Spirit of Truth, abide with us"
For the rich and the poor, that the rich may share their wealth of earthly needs with the poor, who in turn can share their richness of spirit with the yearning of the rich.
Holy Spirit, Comfort us in our prayers: (response) "Spirit of Truth, abide with us"
For the powerful and the powerless, that the powerful may act for the good of all, and the powerless may inherit the earth.
Holy Spirit, Comfort us in our prayers: (response) "Spirit of Truth, abide with us"
For the churched and unchurched, that those who hold dearly to Christ may act in compassion and understanding for all, while those outside the Christian faith may act in respect for the spirituality of the whole human race. We also pray for our Christian friends in the Good Shepherd Catholic church, under the leadership of Father Kaz Trawicki.
Holy Spirit, Comfort us in our prayers: (response) "Spirit of Truth, abide with us"
For the healthy and the sick, that the healthy may tend to the needs of the sick, We pray especially for people in our congregation whom we name before You: (read prayer list). We pray also in silence for those not named except in our hearts, and for those whom we cannot name. (observe a short silence)
Holy Spirit, Comfort us in our prayers: (response) "Spirit of Truth, abide with us"
And let us pray the prayer that Jesus taught us: "Our Father in Heaven, ..."
(John Hurst)
<<Anchor(01Nov2009)>
01 Nov 2009
"It's good to be alive!" ... "I wouldn't be dead for quids!" ... "You'll have to carry me off in a box!"
These are some of the sayings that people make when reflecting upon the gift of life. And they are all the more profound for being secular sayings. Christians have an additional take on the gift of life - it is a measure of God's love and the promise He has made to us through His Son.
Let us pray:
Lord, first and foremost, we thank you for the gift of life, and the wonderful promise you have made about how life itself might be ever more fulfilling. So it is with especially compassion that we bring these prayers before you.
We pray for those who struggle to see your promise through sickness ... disability ... bereavement ... poverty ... war ... We pray particularly for those who are made refugees through no fault of their own, and we think at this time of refugees from Afghanistan ... Sri Lanka ... the Sudan ... Iraq and Iran. Help us to extend compassion to them, in the same way that Jesus did to the downtrodden of his own time, that they may all see and feel your saving grace.
We pray for the leaders of the world, that they may rejoice in the gift of life - not selfishly for their own ends, but generously, that all under their authority may share in the glorious gift of life. We pray particularly for the leaders of our church - the Ministerial Team - the Lay Leaders - the Presbytery, Synod and Assembly - that they may make decisions wisely and in the life-sharing interests of all who hold to Your promise of life.
We pray for the everyday man and woman - that they do not become consumed by the love of money, but may come to see a wider, sharing, engaged community that looks after the life-needs of all within it. May our actions within the community - on the roads, on the footpaths, in shops, or wherever we come into contact with our fellow beings - show love and generosity as a reflection of these attributes perfected in you.
Finally, Lord, we pray for ourselves. Help each one of us to see that we are part, not of the "me-generation", but of a caring and sharing "us-generation". This is often hard for us - but we take heart from the life of Jesus, who through his own human-ness, showed us that such a life is possible.
Indeed, in the life and name of Jesus, we are emboldened to make these our prayers today, and are encouraged in the prayer that Jesus himself taught us: Our father in heaven, ...
Amen.