Opening Prayer 1/17/10

Offered by Pastor Mary Scheer

Dear Lord, How fortunate we are to be in this place this morning.

We are so thankful to have this time to come before your presence, to offer you both our praise and our prayers for mercy.

We are so humbled having been reminded again this week that life can change at any moment, that we are not in control, that we are fragile and needy, we seek your help.  We give ourselves to you Lord, may our hearts and minds be focused on you.

Amidst the rubble of loss and destruction, grief and fear, may faith prevail, may the prayers of your people and the offerings of the mornings praises accompany your outpouring of mercy and grace.

May the distraught and dismayed be anchored and comforted in the shelter of your presence.

As for us, may we be your agents of hope and help all the while praising you who promises to be with us at all times, close to those who are hurting and a strong tower to those who call out to you, our Father… who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

Amen