2004 ELMC Prayer of the Month Archives

December 2004

During its 2003 annual meeting, the Ecumenical Youth Ministries Staff Team, during one of its morning devotions, mediated on and prayed prayers based on lines from familiar Christmas carols. Some selected meditations from that meeting serve as our collective prayers for December 2004. We ask that you also be in prayer for:

The Ecumenical Youth Ministries Staff Team meeting, December 4-8, 2004; Orlando, FL
Audrey Miller, former ELMC colleague and administrative board member, who was ordained on Sunday, November 21st
Douglas Fenton, Ecumenical Young Adult Ministries Team member, and his family at the recent passing of his father
All those who are infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS (World AIDS Day--December 1st)
PEACE ON EARTH, GOODWILL TOWARD ALL OF CREATION

...keep all the dear children in thy tender care...

Mother-Father God,

We come to you this day as those who care deeply for your children. We ask that you strengthen us in our ministries, set before us the path to your salvation, and keep all the dear children in thy tender care.

...O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy...

Great Physician,

Bring comfort to those in pain this season. As I watch the joy and expectation of my children this season, may I remember that joy comes from you and through you.

...O rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing...

Loving God,

Be with all of those affected by the war in Iraq--both Iraqis and Americans, that in this Advent season, they may have moments of peace, peace that enables them to rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing.

...radiant beams from thy holy face...

Gracious God,

So much in our world seems chaotic. War is ever-present, violence is epidemic, and so many seem to grope in hopelessness and confusion. God, when it seems like the bleakness is too much and that darkness will overtake us, please remind us of the words of the prophet, "Those who walked in darkness have seen a great light." Remind us to rise and shine for the Light has come. Help us to see the radiant beams in the face of the blessed holy child. In the name of that child, Jesus, the Light of the world, we pray.

AMEN

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The EYMST's purpose is to resource denominational staff working in youth ministry. The EYMST gathers in December for a time of continuing education and networking, a time apart to renew their spirit and energy for working with youth throughout the year in retreats, mission camps, and youth gatherings.

November 2004

We thank Ms. Miriam "Mim" Campbell, Associate Director for Christian Education, Children and Family Ministries for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Chair of the NCCCUSA Committee on Family Ministries and Human Sexuality, for this poetic and timely prayer.

The Committee on Family Ministries and Human Sexuality's purpose is to undertake cooperative study, research and advocacy to develop programs and resources that assist congregations in: the life-long nurturing task of families across generations; strengthening marriage and other committed relationships; supporting and educating parents; fostering healthy and responsible sexuality through the life cycle; supporting families in a time of many cultural changes; and addressing problems affecting families.

CFMHS produces an annual family electronic resource that services families around an annual theme. http://www.ncccusa.org/nmu/mce/family2004.html

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Dear Lord of All Time and Place,

We gather in twos or threes and many times more - to accomplish the tasks we have been called to do. We gather at tables and counters, sanctuaries and election sites, to share in good faith and intent. Many topics of joy, challenge and uncertainty prompt our thoughts and opinions. We encounter friendship and community, common vision and shared accomplishment; and, we sometimes share personal and professional uncertainty about the outcomes, credibility and our investment.

Touch our hearts and lives with the refreshing assurance of your power and presence in these times. Humble us with the power of your undeniable activity throughout history. Inspire our love and acceptance of each other, pace our plans and measure our words. Bring peace to our homes, communities, nations, denominational ministries and businesses in the marketplace.

Tend to agendas of the NCCCUSA General Assembly in St. Louis, the joint meeting of the Committee on Family Ministries and Human Sexuality and the Committee on Justice for Children and their Families in Daytona Beach and the fall meeting of the Ecumenical Young Adult Ministries Team in Toronto. Nurture faith in community and clarity of task and vision.

And, in this month of November, inspire an attitude of gratitude around and about every task we do and every occasion we gather, knowing that you’ve gone long before us and will endure long after as you grace our ways and days.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

October 2004

We are grateful to Ms. Peggy Dunn, Editor, Seminary Education, AAMR Religion and Disability Newsletter and representative of the Society of Friends to the Committee on Disabilities, for this month's powerful prayer.

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Committee on Disabilities

Purpose: recognizing that persons with disabilities bring unique gifts to the life and ministry of the church, the committee seeks wholeness in Christ's church by promoting the full inclusion, participation, and contribution of all persons. The committee has produced a new resource: http://www.ncccusa.org/elmc/disabilitiesmanual.html

As you pray this month, we ask that you lift up the following meetings and concerns to God:

October 5-7: Pacific Asian American/Canadian Christian Education (PAACCE) biannual meeting; Charlotte, NC

October 7: Joint PAACCE and Committee on Black Congregational Ministries (CBCM) meeting; Charlotte, NC

October 7-9: CBCM annual meeting and Christian Education Forum; Charlotte, NC

October 20-22: Committee on Continuing Education with Church Educators (CECE) annual meeting; Charlotte, NC

* United Church of Christ staff as they await to hear about staff reductions

* Patrice, her daughter, and family on the occasion of her daughter's wedding, October 16th

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God of the graces, we thank you for opportunities to gather in gratitude and service: to be renewed by the company of each other, to be inspired by creative and faithful work which brings your Good News to all people, especially those most interesting persons with different, and dis-, abilities.

Guide us who are led by you to assist individuals with particular challenges on their path through this world and to You.

Open our hearts that we may continue in a spirit of mutual gift giving and receiving to learn from those unique persons with whose presence you have graced us.

May we all experience your Shalom, in the weaving of unity, peace, hope and justice made new in each time and place, infused with your Spirit.

May all persons in all places live in the experience and protection of this weaving.

Amen.

September 2004

We thank The Rev. Kirsty DePree of the Reformed Church in America and member of the Committee on Continuing Education with Church Educators, for this month's beautiful prayer.

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Why do Christians need to pray?

Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness God requires of us. And also because God gives his grace and Holy Spirit only to those who pray continually and groan inwardly asking God for these gifts and thanking him for them. (Heidelberg Catechism, Q and A 116.)

Brothers and sisters, separated by miles, but joined together by the Holy Spirit, let us pray:

Gracious God, Life giver, Giver of all good gifts,

We praise your holy name. We praise and adore you for the myriad of ways that you continue to work in our lives. We praise you for challenging us to seek a world where justice dwells and love rules. We praise you for calling your people to meet the needs of our changing world. As the season from summer to fall changes, we are reminded that you are an unchanging God, but it is your desire to continue to change us; to mold and shape us, to teach us to have faith like a child. Lord, be our teacher!

Lord teach us to praise! We praise you for awe, wonder and excitement as new programs and plans are introduced in our denominations and individual churches this fall. We praise you for laughter that comes from children being reunited with their friends at church and in school. We praise you for parents, teachers, caregivers, church educators and pastors who stir within children an imaginative spirit and a desire to learn and grow in your love. We adore you for the love that overflows in our homes, communities and churches because of the power of your Word that continues to change and transform us to be the very presence of you in this world. We praise you for accepting our weaknesses and giving us the strength to continue to bring forth your kingdom. We praise you for uniting us as brothers and sisters, who are separated by miles and distance, and yet we can educate, evangelize, equip and empower others for the sake of the gospel through the support and encouragement of the NCCCUSA.

Lord, teach us to confess. As we prepare for the fall, we are reminded of the way that you work in our world. This is the time of the year, that we are inundated with programming, planning and tasks that require time and energy, and we know that none of this matters unless we do it for you honor and glory. Forgive us Lord, when we allow the value of programs to overshadow the depth of relationships. We confess that our lives have become reflections of the world around us; they have become clouded with concerns about school, money, health care, getting organized for the fall, and the lack of time that we have to focus on you. Let our lives be a reflection of you; let our lives overflow with love, peace, justice, solitude, silence, clarity, and depth. Lord, we confess that we have allowed our own opinions and judgments regarding political issues to get in the way of seeking your guidance and direction. Lord, we pray for the divisiveness of our nation; help us to acknowledge the beauty of being diverse and yet united in the one common goal of glorifying you. Help us as a world and as a country to acknowledge that it is you alone that is in charge. Give us the spiritual wisdom that we need as a nation to help us discern where we are going. Lord, we confess that we are sinful by nature, judgmental in our minds and actions, and that we often are more concerned with our own needs, before trying to help accomplish the needs you have for the world.

Lord, teach us to be a people that are thankful. Lord, we are thankful that in teaching us, you change us. We are in a time of change; help us to see that change is good when it leads to bringing forth your kingdom. In the spirit of change, help us to be teachable and ever mindful of your ways. Teach us Lord, to trust in you for guidance and direction. September is a time for us to be reminded of the power of teaching. Continue to be our teacher as we deliberate in our committees, continue to be our teacher as we seek to advocate for one another, continue to be our teacher as we seek by word and deed to offer a sense of peace and hope to our broken world. Continue to be our teacher as we acknowledge how thankful we are of the ways that you work in our world. We thank you for the Church- the world wide church. We thank you for your Spirit that lives and breathes within our very being and then is shared as we pray, love and worship together.

Lord, teach us to give every concern to you in supplication. (As members of the committee, I encourage you to e-mail one another of the many ways we can pray for each other) Today, I pray for all the committees that will be gathering in September. Give them safety in their travels; give them energy and excitement to get their work done; flood them with a sense of comraderie and cooperation as they seek to discern your will. We lift up especially, the NCCCUSA program staff; we ask that your Holy Spirit enliven their retreat at Stony Point. We also ask that you be with the administrative boards, the planning teams, the committees on both disabilities and education as they gather to discern your will for the work they hope to accomplish. Lord, I pray especially for the NCCCUSA, continue to guide, direct and empower them as they seek your wisdom is bringing unity and celebrating diversity as they seek to bring forth the kingdom.

Lord, you are our teacher. Continue to teach us to pray, to praise you, to adore you, to lift the needs of others before you. Help us to groan inwardly as we seek your guidance and the power of your Spirit. Help us to realize the magnitude of your grace and then to teach others what it means to live into it and to share it. Inspire us to be the very presence of you in this world. As the children and teachers are going back to school with energy and excitement, fill us with that same exuberance, wonder and awe as we continue to further your kingdom.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Amen

August 2004

Good and gracious God, we thank you for the opportunities that summer often brings. We thank you for long, warm days, for Sabbath moments when we rest and reflect, for picnics, beaches, vacations, and reunions. We thank you for the warmth of your love-stronger and brighter than the summer sun. This season reminds us that we ought to take time to be still and know that You are God.

Again, we pause to bring to you our joys and thanksgiving:

J.L.'s new grandson, Matthew

R.H. and M.L.'s reelection to another 4-year term by their communion, AMEZ

J. de J. has survived the first real test of his new knee: the UCC National Youth event in Knoxville with 3,800 participants

P's daughter, K., is getting married October 16

B.T.'s birthday on August 20

Likewise, we pause to bring to you our concerns and petitions:

R.S. of the Episcopal Church USA, who has faithfully served on the Committee on Public Education and Literacy, as she leaves her position at the Episcopal Center to serve in another ministry venue

For the Church World Service employees who lost their positions as a result of downsizing-please be their provision and guide.

For those who were adversely affected by Hurricane Charley and all who are victims of natural disasters

For the countless lives affected by war, genocide, and acts of violence-please give them peace-be their peace.

For ELMC as it continues to strive to be an antiracist body

For the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA as it engages in the long and difficult process of strategic planning.

Forgiving God, we desire your forgiveness for all the times and for all the ways we have failed to be the prophets you have called us to be or to act like the children you have made us to be. We thank you for the new mercies you provide us daily.

With gratitude for the privilege of prayer, we offer these joys, concerns, confessions, and petitions, in the name of the Master Teacher, Jesus the Christ, AMEN

July 2004

This is what the Lord GOD showed me--a basket of summer fruit. (Amos 8:1)

Gracious God, it is summertime; but, for so many of your children, the living is anything but easy. Like the prophet Amos, fruits of summer lie before them; but this summer seems to yield only the fruit of contempt and contention. Like the days of a Southern July, the air is thick with the heat of political and ecclesiastical debates. Lines of demarcation have been drawn, labels and brands of “liberal," “moderate” and “conservative” have been attached and ideological camps have been established. Many who find themselves imprisoned at the margins of society and even of communities of faith, cry out to You in frustration, “How long, O God?” Likewise, those who are tired of the loss of life and the injustices perpetrated during this time of war offer up the echoes of the prophets, “Let justice roll!”

Lord, lest this be solely a lament, even amidst our anxieties and pain, we acknowledge your goodness and faithfulness. We are thankful that like the morning sun, which wakes us each day, you greet us with our daily supply of new mercies. We celebrate the callings, which you have placed on our lives and marvel at the ways you sustain and equip us.

As we think of our ELMC colleagues and the family of NCCCUSA communions, we lift up the following to You:

· A.K. of the Korean Presbyterian Church in America as she cares for her daughter, who has been diagnosed with PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder)

· L.M., ELMC Administrative Assistant, in the recent loss of a cousin

· The Presbyterian Church (USA) as it now seeks to be faithful to decisions made at its 216^th General Assembly (June 26-July 3, Richmond, VA) and as it prepares for the Presbyterian Youth Triennium (July 20-25, Purdue University)

· The African Methodist Episcopal Church as it now seeks to be faithful to decisions made at its 47^th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference (June 30-July 7, Indianapolis, IN) --The Rev. Dr. Daryl Ingram, the newly elected Executive Secretary for the Department of Christian Education, and his predecessor, The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Hill, as he retires and moves to his next phase of ministry

· The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church General Conference (July 28-Aug 4, Greensboro, NC) and our ELMC colleagues, Raymon Hunt and Mary Love, who seek re-election to their respective ministries

· The Joint Meeting of the North American Interfaith Network (NAIN) and the National Association of Ecumenical and Interreligious Staff (NAEIS), July 24-27, New York, NY

For the days ahead, please lay before us the fruit of your Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. With this abundance, we shall be filled and nourished for the journey ahead. We offer our concerns and thanksgiving to You in the name of our blessed redeemer and friend, Jesus, AMEN.

June 2004

Greetings of Pentecost to you and yours. We thank The Reverend Nancy Ferguson, Project Manager and Editor for New Earth Resources and member of the Committee on Outdoor Ministries, for this month's beautiful prayer.

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God, of the stars and moon and sun, of the great mountains and tiniest flower, of the newborn and the aging wise ones, hear all the prayers of our hearts.

We give you thanks for all the blessings of your hand, especially for this season of summer, for long, lazy days of vacation, for fruits and vegetables fresh from the vine, for cold drinks on hot days, and for the splendor of the storm as it sweeps across the sky.

We confess our arrogance that leads us to think our way is the only one, our entitlement that keeps us from sharing what we have, our shortsightedness that keeps us from protecting and preserving your creation, and for our pride that shatters relationships with our neighbors near and far; and, we ask for your forgiveness.

Pour out your grace, love, and wisdom on all the ministries of the church. Particularly, we pray for camp staffs - directors and counselors - as they share your good news with campers during the coming months, for congregations opening their doors for VBS, and for the committees of ELMC which meet this month:

Committee on Justice for Children and their Families meeting-June 14-15, Washington, DC
Consultation on Curriculum Research and Theory, June 20-22, St. Louis, MO

In this world torn apart by hatred, injustice and cruelty, make us peacemakers who shun silence and dare to speak out boldly. Give us a vision of your shalom and fill us with such a generous measure of your Holy Spirit that we may work with all earnestness to make it a reality.

In the strong name of Jesus who is our Christ,
AMEN

May 2004

We thank The Reverend Mary Jane Pierce Norton, Vice Chair of the Education and Leadership Ministries Commission, for this month's beautiful prayer. The Reverend Pierce Norton works with the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church and serves on the Committee on Family Ministries and Human Sexuality.

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Gracious God: In the midst of a beautiful spring, we often have to remind ourselves to stop. Look around. Notice the beauty that surrounds us, and remember the wonder of your creation. We see the earth renewing itself. We watch with wonder as trees that once looked lifeless now sport the lacy look of new green. We marvel at the flowers that paint the world in a rainbow of colors. And even in the midst of this we forget to stop and say with those through the ages: O God our God how marvelous are your works in all the earth!

We come to you with joys on our minds and in our hearts. We think of all those who at this time are graduating - from kindergarten; from grade school; from high school; from college; from graduate school. We give thanks for the accomplishments of each of these graduates and rejoice with them. We give thanks for homes where love is present and where individuals are nurtured in faith. We particularly are reminded that as many celebrate National Family Week, they will be doing so studying and considering the theme, "Peacemaking Begins at Home." Help this be more than a slogan, but a way of living and loving together in our households.

We are reminded that there is sorrow in the world. War continues cutting a deadly path. AIDS continues as a disease unchecked. The sorrows would be too great to bear if we did not know you stand with us and cry with us as we seek to live through fear and grief. We pray particularly for C.A., one of our brothers in the American Baptist Church, whose daughter is suffering from Hepatitis C.

In particular this month we pray for those involved in the following meetings. For travel mercies for those attending the meetings. For the actions of those meetings. For the communions represented at those meetings:

Committee on Family Ministries and Human Sexuality Executive Committee Meeting

May 9-13, 2004 - Cooperative Publication Association Meeting

May 9-13, 2004 - National Workshop on Christian Unity in Omaha, Nebraska

May 17-18, 2004 - NCC Executive Board

May 27, 2004 - Seasons of Peace interfaith worship in Washington, D.C., with similar services being held in at least 10 other cities.

May 26-31, 2004 - Come to the Feast - the Young Adult Gathering sponsored by the Ecumenical Young Adult Ministries Team in Tampa, Florida

On our hearts as well are those on staff with the Presbyterian Church (USA) where staff reductions will be announced on May 3. We pray for those who will be losing their jobs and those who will be staying. This is never an easy experience. Please surround this staff with your love and care.

We also remember May 17 as the anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education. May we take time this month to ponder that action and to examine where we still need to be as a nation.

With these concerns and joys before us, we humbly pray, rejoicing that you claim us as sons and daughters and that we have a mission of bringing that knowledge to all so that their lives can be filled with this joy as well. AMEN

April 2004

We thank The Rev. Tammy Wiens, Associate for Curriculum Development and General Assignments Editor for the Presbyterian Church (USA) Congregational Ministries Publishing Unit and member of the Committee on the Uniformed Series (CUS), for April's rich prayer. This prayer was offered by Tammy at the recent CUS meeting in Jacksonville, FL. In our renewed quest toward racial reconciliation and dismantling racism, the reading and the prayer are especially meaningful.

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Before you pray, read Romans 8:1-16 and then pray the following words:

Spirit of the Living God,

Give us a strong sense of adoption into God's family and increase our love for our brothers and sisters with whom we share an inheritance.

Raise our awareness of the freedom you offer us through Christ. We confess that at times we are listening to the clamor of the world and get bogged down in un-freedom. We long for the peace and wholeness your Spirit gives. In your great mercy, prepare our hearts to receive you. AMEN

As we pray, please note the following concerns:

ELMC colleagues Karen G and Richard C, and staff of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

ELMC meetings:

April 5: ELMC Administrative Board Meeting; Louisville, KY

April 19-22: Program Committee on Education for Mission; Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Other meetings:

April 4-18: An Adventure in Solidarity: National Council of Churches Study Seminar to Brazil

April 27-May 7: United Methodist Church General Conference; Pittsburgh, PA

April 29-30: Professional Church Leadership; Chicago, IL

Easter Blessings to you and yours.

March 2004

We thank The Rev. Marvin W. Cropsey, an editor for the United Methodist Publishing House and Chair of the Committee on Uniform Series, for this beautiful and timely prayer for the month. The Committee on Uniform Series is 132 years old and believed to be one of the oldest ecumenical working groups. Its purpose is to develop an ongoing course of study and specific annual plans for reading and studying the Bible. The primary product of CUS is the Guide for Lesson Development and the accompanying Home Daily Bible Readings. These products are used to develop congregational curriculum resources for both denominational and independent publishers.

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Oh, ancient God, and new, we come to you just now. Attend to us, we plead. Accept our gift of adoration, though as we are so much less than you, we might doubt you could value such a gift from us. Still, your constant unconditional love is why we adore you.

We come as your willing servants, those who have made you our lives. We love that you have given us our ministries. We love our ministries. We love those for and to whom we minister. Accept our humble gratitude.

We give you thanks for all your responses to our needs. Thank you for the time we are given. Thank you for our offices, books, computers, dictionaries, and lights that make our work possible. Thank you for all those people who work beside us every day. Thank you for our ability to arise from bed each morning and to work all day long. Thank you for the talents you give us and the knowledge of how to use them.

We thank you again and again for your written word. We cannot imagine how to live without it, for, indeed, we cannot. Thank you for the members of CUS, the writers, editors, Bible students. Thank you for the Bible studies produced in a multitude of houses, in many languages, for millions of persons who want to know your Book and more about you.

Of course, we have concerns. We remember our colleague and friend, Richard Choe, who has had major surgery and is now recovering. We remember that we took war to Iraq one year ago and pray for peace and continuing recovery of that people. We remember that millions of people live in poverty, and we pray that all persons will receive sufficient to their need. We also lift up to you March meetings of the Committee on Uniform Series, Pacific Asian American/Canadian Christian Education, and Committee on Public Education and Literacy.

Great Creator, we confess our sins as we promise to meditate day and night on you during this time of Lent, even as we know our minds will wander. Forgive us our faults and weaknesses and sins. Our focus will be on our Savior, Jesus Christ. We remain your people. Amen.

February 2004

We thank ELMC Administrative Board Member, The Reverend Courtney Richards, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), for this month’s beautiful prayer. Courtney serves as the Co-Moderator for the Ecumenical Young Adult Ministries Team. Through the ecumenical sharing of ideas, resources, concerns, and programming, the EYAMT seeks to equip young adults for leadership in vital faith communities, and in turn to transform those communities through young adult involvement. With a mission of enriching young adult ministry, the EYAMT is a unique group that includes both denominational staff and young adult constituents. This group will sponsor Come to the Feast 4, a biennial, ecumenical young adult leadership development event, May 26-31, 2004, Tampa, Florida.

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Ever-present God, you have created us and we are yours.

We are grateful for the gifts of ministry, which bind us together. As men and women, as clergy and laity, across time and ability, in dissent and in reconciliation, you call us to step outside ourselves and to stand at the cross, our eyes to you and our hands toward each other.

Knowing that as one rejoices, all rejoice together, and when one is in sorrow, all sorrow together, we humble ourselves in prayer …

For the extensive and life-giving ministries of committees:

- Committee on Continuing Education with Church Educators (Feb 9)
- Ecumenical Young Adult Ministries (Feb 12 – 15)

For the challenge and celebration that inspires our commissions:

- Justice & Advocacy Commission (Feb 2 – 4)
- Interfaith Commission (Feb 5 – 7)
- NCC Executive Board (Feb 23 – 24)

For the concerns of those within our communions:

- Karen B., UCCan (Chair: Committee on Disabilities)-as she is now in the hospital, fighting a serious infection.

- Rosemary G., SDA (Member: Committee on Disabilities) – as her mother undergoes surgery for recently diagnosed colon cancer, and for Rosemary who will be with her mother during and following the surgery.

- Rosalie N-M., ABC (former contract staff, Committee on Disabilities)-as she is at home concentrating on getting back her strength after a lengthy illness. She is getting better and better each day.

- June B., UCC (Member: Ecumenical Young Adult Ministries Team; Ecumenical Youth Ministries Staff Team; Committee on Outdoor Ministries) – as June’s mother completes radiation treatments and June takes family leave to be with her mother in support during treatments.

Create in us. Redeem our hearts. Sustain our minds. Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, you are all things in all times, all light amid dark, all peace among strife, all surety after doubt. Break us open and pour us out, even as your own Son was broken open and poured out, life among death, for all. Forever. Amen.

January 2004

Thanks to Michael Gibson, Friends General Conference, for this beautiful prayer.

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God of creation, master of incomprehensible vastness and minuscule detail, we are in awe of you. You are beyond us in darkness and within us in light, steadfast in love and surprising in freshness, fearsome in majesty and comforting in intimacy. You are God in power, God in vulnerability, God in life, God in death, God in time, God beyond time. There is nowhere we can go where you are not already there loving, creating, healing, illumining. We praise you. We glorify you. We worship you.

Eternal Word, when you fashioned the primordial mass in the beginning, your breath sweeping over the waters, you demonstrated your divine discernment separating things out--the heavens and the earth, light and dark, dry land and water. All your work was good, is good, and the very air we breathe is a testament to your holy discernment.

As we stand at the beginning of this new quadrennium, facing an unknown future, we ask you to guide us in our corporate discernment, that our actions may reflect not our various wills, but your perfect will. Help us as we separate out our history as an organization; the gifts you have given each one for the health of the whole; our expectations, hopes and prayers; our limited time, energy and resources; our rational minds and our wills; our personalities; our quirks and shortcomings; our memories and our forgetting; our strengths and vulnerabilities; all our listening and our speaking; the subtle promptings of your Spirit in our hearts; and the love of Christ which makes us one. Touch each of these, we pray, with your amazing grace.

As your breath swept over the waters in the beginning, breathe on us today. Let your wind blow over us as we worship and conduct business, as we eat and sleep and find refreshment. Teach us how to listen to your Word, so that we may honor you in all we do. Teach us in our hearts your way of justice and truth, of love and holy integrity, that in our planning we might hallow your name.

Thank you for bringing us to this point in our history. Thank you for your guidance in the past and in the present. Thank you for each person here and for the gifts you have given each one. Thank you for your continued guidance and care in the days to come.

All this we pray in the name of Christ, our common Lord, the Word made flesh, who taught us to pray saying, "Our Father…. AMEN"