Lord God, like our predecessors who sought out John the Baptist so long ago, we are seeking you because we are in a wilderness of loneliness, pain and desperation. We see only walls and closed doors when we look for your presence. We feel cut off, isolated and forgotten: unseen in a dark and uncaring world.
Yet, You are our God: the One who calls us out of that darkness, the One who sees and heals our pain, the One who never forgets us, and never looses faith in us. Paul prays that You will sanctify us entirely, keeping our spirit, soul and body sound and blameless for the return of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
And so, we are assured, and are certain – through the witness of the Holy Spirit within us – that this is true. You are faithful, and You are calling to us, even now, calling us out of your love for us, a love that overcomes all the pain, imperfection and injustice in this world, a love that transcends and conquers even death. We are awed and restored through this love that you have so freely given us through the gift of your son, Jesus Christ.
Lord, we bring our prayers to You in faith, certain that nothing is impossible for You, not even the impossibly deep love you have for each of us and for all of humanity.
Hear now our prayers: for those of your Body who are suffering illness, job loss or other challenges, and for those who are grieving any loss, many of whom are known only to you. Grant them healing, comfort and peace. We pray for those who wrestle with addictions, for those caught in the trap of domestic violence, and for those who love and suffer alongside them.
Lord, in this Winter Season, we pray that all who seek warmth and shelter find it. That all who need healing and peace are granted it. That all who hunger for sustenance and companionship are satisfied. May all of us be touched by your grace and power. May all who serve our community and country be kept safe from harm, especially those in the military, and may and their families enjoy Holiday Seasons that are safe, warm and happy.
Finally Lord, we ask that we be granted the courage and grace we need to follow you faithfully, and with integrity. Let our actions bear witness to the words we speak, and our worship and love for you overflow into every corner of our being, bringing light and hope into the lives of all we meet through our love for you and your son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Copyright (c) 2011, Allen Vander Meulen III, all rights reserved. I’m happy to share my writings with you, as long as you are not seeking (or getting) financial benefit for doing so, and as long as proper credit for my authorship is given (via mention of my name on your site, or a link back to this site).
The Here and the Hereafter 