Category Archives: Prayer

September 4, 2023 · 12:20 pm

A Prayer for Rivers

A prayer for rivers

For the beauty of rivers,

we thank you, God.

For the diversity of your creation found in and near rivers,

we thank you, God.

For the food for wetlands, forests, and other habitats carried by rivers,

we thank you, God.

For drinking water provided by rivers,

we thank you, God.

For fishing and other livelihoods made possible by rivers,

we thank you, God.

For the support to communities with lower incomes afforded by rivers,

we thank you, God.
For cities built along rivers,

we thank you, God.

For the role rivers play in the transport of people and goods,

we thank you, God.

For cultural and recreational benefits of rivers.

we thank you, God.

For the religious value held by rives,

we thank you, God.

For all who protect rives, and other water,

we thank you, God.

For all who keep and clean the rivers,

we thank you God.

Inspire us to join the protectors and riverkeepers,

we ask in the name of Jesus who was baptized in the River Jordan.

Amen.

inspired by a walk in Louisville Waterfront Park, along the Ohio River, se the playlist for the walk

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August 15, 2023 · 6:58 pm

A prayer inspired by footprints

Like a child’s wet footprint

on sidewalk fades in the sun,

life, at some point, will end.

May this understanding

guide our living so that

we cherish well the people and creatures

with whom we share this

wondrous

glorious

precious

beautiful

life you give us

and love each other

and all your creation well.

In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen.

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July 15, 2023 · 2:52 pm

A prayer for planting trees

Grant us wisdom, God,

grant us vision.

Grant us courage, God,

grant us faith.

Grant us hope, God,

grant us love.

Grant us persistence,

grant us grace.

Grant us all these things

that we may plant shade trees

knowing we will never sit under them ourselves

but that they will provide care to future generations.

We pray in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

inspired by Lamont Colins, founder of the Roots 101 African American Museum in Louisville

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July 13, 2023 · 9:05 pm

A prayer for the Korean Peninsula

Gracious God,

stand with the people of

the Republic of Korea and

the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

as they experience the monsoon season.

Comfort those who mourn the death

of loved ones.

Strengthen those who have had to evacuate

and are not living in other places than their homes.

Guide the work of those who seek to protect crops.

May the efforts to protect people prove fruitful.

May citizens heed warnings and take steps to increase safety.

Protect the people and the wildlife during this time.

We pray in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

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May 5, 2023 · 8:38 am

A prayer to bear one another’s burdens

God who bears the hurt of the world,

we pray for the grace, courage, and wisdom

to bear one another’s burdens,

to sit in silence with your children

who are in pain,

who grieve,

who endure heartbreak beyond our imagining;

to sit in silence

until a place of love is reached.

Amen.

inspired by a sermon preached by Elder Madison McKinney (Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota Oyate and a descendent of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma) for National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People (May 5), a part of the May 1-7 National Week of Action for MMIWG2S

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April 22, 2023 · 12:32 pm

Every day is Earth Day

Perhaps this is late. Today is Earth Day and tomorrow is Earth Day Sunday. Perhaps this should have been sent sooner to allow people who plan worship to make use of the resources that follow the brief prayer. However, if your worship tomorrow does not include a focus on Earth Day, you could use some of these resources in your devotions. And, as my friend Melodee Bottari posted on her Facebook page – “Every day is Earth Day.”

A prayer for Earth Day
Creator God,
we come from the earth,
and we return to the earth.
In between, we live upon the earth.
within the great, wonderful web of life
you have created.
May we live wisely,
caring responsibly and well
for the earth
of which we are a part
upon which we depend
and which you hold in infinite love.
We pray in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

This list of worship resources and action ideas for Earth Day and earth care is adapted from material curated by my friend Bruce Winfrey Gillette for Presbyterians for Earth Care (PEC); joining PEC might be a good Earth Day activity

CREATION CARE IN GLORY TO GOD HYMNAL BY DAVID GAMBRELL

HYMNS BY CAROLYN WINFREY GILLETTE (PERMISSION IS GIVEN FOR FREE USE TO PEC FRIENDS)

THE LORD’S PRAYER LITURGY AND INFORMATION ABOUT CREATION CARE FROM THE PRESBYTERIAN HUNGER PROGRAM (PHP)

EARTH DAT SUNDAY WORSHIP RESOURCES AND MORE(PHP)

TREAD LIGHTLY – EARTH CARE ACTIVITIES TO USE ANY TIME (PHP)

RESPONDINGTO CLIMATE CHANGE FREE CONVERSATION GUIDE (CHRISTIAN CENTURY) 

PRESBYTERIANSFOR EARTH CARE WEBINARS ON MANY TOPICS

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March 26, 2023 · 6:27 pm

A prayer to be still

When words fail,

as words will oft times do,

grant us the wisdom

to be still

and open ourselves to you

O God.

Amen.

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March 18, 2023 · 11:35 am

A prayer about steps

We rejoice with all your beloved children

who took their first steps today;

may their families and friends

love, nurture, and protect them;

may we create a society

in which they are cared for well.

We remember all your beloved children

who took their final steps today;

may they already be received into your nearer presence

where pain is no more and all tears are wiped away;

may those who mourn receive comfort and support

as they walk this shadowed valley.

We pray in the name of your Beloved Child Jesus,

the itinerant preacher who proclaimed and lived your love.

Amen.

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February 5, 2023 · 1:44 pm

A prayer for us all

Remind me, God,

that I am your Beloved Child.

When I fall short,

I am your Beloved Child.

When I go astray,

I am your Beloved Child.
When I make mistakes,

I am your Beloved Child.

When I embarrass myself,

I am your Beloved Child.

When I act with kindness and grace,

I am your Beloved Child.

When I work for justice,

I am your Beloved Child.

When I walk humbly with you,

I am your Beloved Child.

When I am loved and when I love,

I am your Beloved Child.

In all things,

I am your Beloved Child.

In all circumstances,

I am your Beloved Child.

Today, tomorrow, and forever,

remind me, God,

that I am, and always will be,

your Beloved Child.

In Jesus’ name I pray.

Amen.

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January 31, 2023 · 9:13 pm

A prayer inspired by an updating computer

Grant me patience, God,

when my computer

updates and restarts.

Grant me patience, God,

right now!!

Remind me, God,

that like a computer,

I sometimes need to update,

to expand my thinking,

and increase my knowledge

to help me function more effectively.

Remind me, God,

that like a computer,

sometimes I need to turn off,

to rest, to renew,

and to love myself that I might

love you,

love your beloved children,

and love your wondrous creation

more faithfully.

In Jesus’ name I pray.

Amen.

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