Praying for Possibilities: Prayers for the Church

Transcription

1 Praying for Possibilities: Prayers for the Church 1/1/2014 Living Saviour Lutheran Church

2 Opening: We pray in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe. You made the whole earth for your glory; all creation praises you. We lift our voices to join the songs of heaven and earth, of things seen and unseen. You have made all time and places. You have made us your people, and have blessed us with a church community, a family of God and a place of belonging. We give you thanks, O God, and ask you to hear our prayers. Almighty God, you have built your church upon the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone. Grant that the people of this congregation may be joined together as a holy temple, a place where you dwell. Send your Holy Spirit upon us that guided by your word and strengthened by your sacraments, we may plan and do things that will be for the good of your church and the glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

3 Parking Lot: The Lord watch over your going out and your coming in, from this time forth forevermore. Psalm O God, watch over all who enter and exit here; give safe travel to all as well as your peace and love. We pray that you bring to Living Saviour those who need to hear your words of life, to know your care through our hands, and all who are seeking and unsure, help us show who you are and how much you love. In your Son's name we pray. Amen Playground/Grounds: Praise the Lord from the earth you sea monsters and all deeps, wild beasts and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds, young men and maidens, old and young together. Psalm 148, 7, Blessed are you O Lord our God, creator of all that lives. We give you thanks for this place that you have set aside to be your church in this part of Charlotte. We ask you to bless those who care for this land, tending and nurturing it, and bless us who use this ground. May those who come to this place know you are Lord of all; use us and what you have provided to do your will, working for peace, justice and mercy. Bless the children who play here with health and salvation. Hear our prayer.

4 Entry: Welcome one another, therefore just as Christ has welcomed you for the glory of God. Romans 15.7 Bless those who come through these doors. O God may those who are visiting know your presence and love. May those who are members know your peace, love, and your call. May those who are here on business find this to be a place of integrity. May we who are here regularly share the hospitality of this place with those who visit; and may all know you and your salvation. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen Sanctuary: I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord! Psalm 122:1 O God, you set apart this place as the main place of our worship. Receive our worship, our prayers, our praise, our music, and our words to your glory. May all who enter this place be renewed through this worship, Give our pastor your own words, give our choir and musicians nimble voice and fingers, give all who help lead worship, peace and joy in their serving. May all who come to this place know your own forgiveness and renewal through the meal of the body and blood of your Son. Help us be your body in this community, a presence of peace and hope. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

5 Sacristy: While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread and after blessing it he broke it and gave it to them, and said, Take, this is my body. Then he took a cup and after giving thanks he gave it to them and all of them drank from it. He said to them, this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Mark Lord God who gave us his own Son, Jesus, as our redeemer, Lord, and Savior, bless the hands that prepare the sacraments of the table and font. Use the elements of bread and wine and water to grow your kingdom, renew your people, and gather all to yourself. Bless this church and its ministry of serving. Lord, hear our prayer. Kitchen and Fellowship Hall The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, and you give them their food in due season. You open wide your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Psalm Blessed are you Creator of heaven and earth for you give us food and drink to sustain our lives and make our hearts glad. Make us grateful for all your gifts, open our hearts to welcome each other, and bless our fellowship and the food prepared in this place. Bless those who prepare food to feed the hungry, and make us all aware of those who are without. Hear our prayer.

6 Fellowship Hall: Bless this room, those who enter here. Grant them nourishment from the friendships, the food, the times of learning and all activity that goes on here. May you be glorified in the activities of this place. Hear our prayer. Offices: For the business of this church, we pray. Give those who work here wisdom, knowledge, and discernment for the tasks they do. May they find joy in their work, and a sense of your presence with all they do. Hear our prayer. Conference Room: How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise. Psalm , 4 Almighty God you have given your Holy Spirit to the church to lead us into all truth. Bless those who use this room with your grace, wisdom, and presence. May this room be a blessing to all who gather here, and may the work, the prayers, the activities all be part of your kingdom's coming. Keep all who meet here steadfast in faith and united in your love. Hear our prayer.

7 For Don's office: Lord of all, you have gifted Don with a deep love for you and the church, and we give thanks that you have called him to lead this church through the music and singing, and blessed him with the talents and gifts needed to do this. We ask your blessing on him as he directs and guides the choirs of your church. Renew him, lead him, and bless him in his vocation. Hear our prayer. For Shea's office: Lord our God we give you thanks that you gift and call people with a variety of skills and talents. We ask your blessings on Shea as he leads our youth, planning activities, devotions, and a variety of learnings. Give him wisdom, discernment, and knowledge as he works to expand your kingdom through the interactions with youth and families. Renew him each week, and provide what he needs to do his work most effectively. Hear our prayer. For Pastor's office: Lord God, bless the pastor, give her strength, wisdom, gentleness, kindness, and your words as she counsels, leads, plans, preaches, teaches, and does all the tasks you call her to do on your behalf and as your shepherd. Renew her each week through the sacraments, prayer, and study. Hear our prayer.

8 Adult Sunday School Room: God of all we give you thanks for those who seek you through learning, and ask you to bless those students and teachers who use this classroom. We pray that they will continue to grow as disciples following your Son. Grow the adult ministry of this congregation to your glory and for your sake. Hear our prayer. Youth Room: You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and fix them as an emblem on your forehead. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. 20 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, 21 so that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land that the LORD swore to your ancestors to give them, as long as the heavens are above the earth. Deuteronomy 11:18-21 God of all good gifts, your Son gathered children into his arms and blessed them. Help us understand our youth as they grow in years and knowledge of your world. Give us compassion as we teach them, working to help them know you, and follow you as your disciples. As they seek Truth, knowledge, wisdom, give their parents, grandparents, teachers, and leaders patience, love, mercy, and forgiveness. Help us appreciate these young

9 people and their ideals, values, and passions. Bless the youth, the teachers, and leaders who use this room. May our youth know they are valued and vital to the life of Living Saviour, expand those who come to know you, love you, and be loved by you through this room and those who use it. Hear our prayer. Room in the Inn (Seasonal, December to March) Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. Matthew 25:40 Lord God who calls us to care for the least, the lost, the poor, the hungry, and the homeless, we seek your blessing on these rooms that are used for our homeless neighbors each Sunday night. Bless them with peace and rest while under our roof, bless them with food for their hunger and comfort for any sorrows. Bless as well those who will feed them, talk with them, and set up and take down. Bless all who come in contact with our neighbors here at Living Saviour, and helps us share hospitality and kindness. Continue to prosper the work of our Room in the Inn program. Hear our prayer. Prayer Room: Hear my prayer, O God; do not hide yourself from my petition. Listen to me and answer me... Psalm a Lord our God, we ask your blessing on this room which is used for many things, but most of all it is used as a

10 refuge for prayer. Bless and guide those who come seeking you though prayer with others and alone. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. Preschool (all year round) Lord God, you have graciously gifted us with a preschool program that is flourishing, nurturing, and an asset to our church and our community. We give you thanks. We also ask your blessings on all the teachers and students. May they all know your care, your love, and the peace that comes from living in your kingdom. Keep the children safe, give the director wisdom, and provide energy for all the teachers. Continue to use this school as a means of reaching into the world with your love. Hear our prayer. Kids Sunday School Classroom: Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray. Proverbs 22.6 You O God, tend us like a shepherd, and ask us to tenderly care for those you bring to this church. Bless the children who come to Living Saviour for Sunday worship and learning. As we tend, teach, and nurture them, bless them and give the teachers gracious love, calm strength, and patient wisdom as they teach the children to love your word, your Son, and to be your disciples. Hear our prayer.

11 Choir Room: Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands; lift up your voice, rejoice and sing. Sing to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the voice of song. With trumpets and the sound of the horn shout with joy before the king, the Lord. Psalm O God, our God, bless those who offer their voices as a means of worship leadership, praise, and thanksgiving. Give peace and joy in the singing, renew them when tired, and knit them together as a group. Give those who lead them your wisdom, a heart for you, and the joy of serving. In your name we pray. Amen. Nursery: But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Mark O God, like a mother, like a father, you tend your children with care. With awe and thanksgiving we praise you for these little ones who are part of your family. and ask you bless them in their faith, in their growth, in their health. Bless their families with wisdom and love. Give their caregivers peace, knowledge, wisdom, patience, and above all love as they care for all who come here. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

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