Pastoral Prayer by Jimbo

Pastoral Prayer by Jimbo

Morning PrayerO God, whose Word is truth and whose Love is light, let your truth and light fill this place. Open our minds, that we may come to understand your will and your way. Open our hearts, that we may learn to care more deeply for one another, for our brothers and sisters from other Christian traditions, and for all people everywhere.As Elisha once asked Elijah for a double portion of his spirit, so this day we ask for: a double portion of your grace, so that we know we are forgiven and be able to forgive;a double portion of your wisdom, so that we can find our way through the confusing landscape of the modern world, and guide others as well;a double portion of your peace, so that we can conquer our own anxiety and sow calm in the communities of which we are a part;a double portion of your courage, so that we can confront injustice in ourselves and in our world; a double portion of your persistence, so that we won’t give up and we won’t give in when it comes to reaching out to others; and a double portion of your hospitality, that we may be ready to invite and welcome others into this fellowship devoted to you.(Other concerns/requests)We are so grateful, O God, for your attention and mercy. We marvel that we matter so much to you. You have created a world that both delights and challenges us. You have established a covenant in which we can thrive with the help of your Spirit. You have given us a share in the work that you are doing in the world, and thus given us meaning and purpose beyond that which we can secure for ourselves. You have provided for and protected us, nudged and nurtured us, inspired and enriched us.(Joys)Help us now, as we continue in worship, seeking to draw nearer and nearer to you. Then help us as we depart to show the world the difference an hour can make when that hour is spent praising you and learning more about you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.