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A Prayer for Sunday (Karl Barth)

May 13, 2012 in Prayers with 3 Comments

Karl Barth’s birthday was earlier this week (May 10, 1886), so this week’s prayer comes from him:

Lord our God, we praise you and thank you that you, in your dear Son, in mercy beyond understanding, would humble yourself so much for our sakes, in order that in him we may be so highly exalted for your sake. We praise you and thank you for his mighty decision regarding your people Israel and the pagan nations from which you called our ancestors. We praise you and thank you for all of your gracious election and calling, that you are also the God of the rejected and the uncalled, and that you never cease to deal with each one of us in a fatherly and righteous manner. Let us never tire of recognizing you and praying to you in all of these mysteries, that we may in faith lay hold of your Word, through which you magnify your honor and give us, with eternal blessing, peace and joy, even in this life. We pray for your church here and in all nations, for the sleeping church, that it may awaken; for the persecuted church, that it may continually rejoice and be assured of what it has in you; and for the confessing church, that it may live not for its own sake, but for your glory.

We pray for the rulers and the authorities all over the world: for the good ones, that you may preserve them; and for the bad ones, that you may either turn their hearts or put an end to their power, all according to your will; and for everyone, that you may advise them that they are and must remain your servants.

We pray that all tyranny and disorder may be fended off, and that all oppressed nations and people may be granted justice.

We pray for the poor, the sick, the prisoners, the helpless, and the troubled, for all who suffer – perhaps from something only you know – that you yourself may comfort them with the hope of your kingdom. Amen’.

A Prayer for Sunday (Athanasius’ Dying Prayer)

April 29, 2012 in Prayers with 0 Comments

This week we will commemorate the passing of St. Athanasius (May 2, 373), the famous bishop of Alexandria and champion of trinitarian theology. I haven’t confirmed this for myself yet, but I’ve heard that this is the prayer Athanasius prayed at the end of his life as witnessed by one of his deacons. Whether it is or not, it’s a great prayer. Enjoy.

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St. Athanasius’ Dying Prayer

Thou art Jesus, the Son of the Father, Yea, Amen.

Thou art He who commandeth the Cherubim and the Seraphim, Yea, Amen.

Thou hast existed with the Father in truth always, Yea. Amen.

Thou rulest the Angels, Yea, Amen.

Thou art the power of the Heavens, Yea, Amen.

Thou art the crown of the Martyrs, Yea, Amen.

Thou art the deep counsel of the Saints, Yea, Amen.

Thou art He in whom the deep counsel of the Father is hidden, Yea, Amen.

Thou art the mouth of the Prophets, Yea, Amen.

Thou art the tongue of the Angels, Yea, Amen.

Thou art Jesus my Life, Yea, Amen.

Thou art Jesus the object and boast of the world, Yea, Amen.

A Prayer for Sunday (Anselm of Canterbury)

April 22, 2012 in Church History, Prayers with 0 Comments

Yesterday was the anniversary of the death of St. Anselm of Canterbury (April 21, 1109). Born in Italy, Anselm served as a monk in northern France for more than thirty years before becoming the Archbishop of Canterbury. Anselm is best known as one of the great theological minds of the Middle Ages, but he as also actively involved in church reform and the investiture controversy.

So in honor of Anselm’s life and ministry, this week’s prayer comes from him.

O my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You,
where and how to find You.
.
You are my God and You are my all and I have never seen You.
You have made me and remade me,
You have bestowed on me all the good things I possess,
Still I do not know You.
.
I have not yet done that for which I was made.
Teach me to seek You.
I have not yet done that for which I was made.
Teach me to seek You.
I cannot seek You unless You teach me
or find You unless You show Yourself to me.
.
Let me seek You in my desire,
let me desire You in my seeking.
Let me find You by loving You,
let me love You when I find You.
Amen

A Prayer for Sunday (Melancthon)

April 15, 2012 in Prayers with 2 Comments

In a few days, we will reach the anniversary of Philipp Melancthon’s death (April 19, 1560). Melancthon was a German reformer who worked alongside Martin Luther and is often referred to as the first systematic theologian of the reformation. Melancthon’s influence on Luther and the German reformation is unquestionable. With that, here is one of Melancthon’s prayers for this Sunday. It’s a bit long, but well worth reading.

O Almighty, Eternal God of Truth, . . . I confess and I am deeply sorry that I am sinful and have so often sinned against Thee. I implore Thee to forgive me all my sins, be gracious unto me, and justify me for thy beloved Son’s sake, whom thou didst decree to be our Redeemer. With thy Holy Spirit purify my heart and guide my soul that I may truly know, adore, and be obedient unto Thee, O God of Truth, Eternal Father, Son and Holy Ghost . . .

Almighty, eternal, everliving God of Truth, Maker of heaven and earth, and Creator of men, together with thy eternal beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who was crucified for us and raised for death, and with thy Holy Spirit, everliving, pure and true: O God of wisdom and goodness, mercy and justice: O Savior bountiful, righteous, and faithful, through whom life and light are given: Thou hast said, “I do not desire the death of a sinner, but that he be converted and live,” and “Call on me in time of trouble, and I will deliver you :” To Thee do I confess myself a miserable sinner, burdened with many iniquities, for I have greatly sinned against thy holy commands, and I am heartily sorry that I have offended thee. For the sake of they dear Son, have mercy on me, forgive me all my sins, and make me righteous through Jesus Christ, my Lord, thy Son, thy eternal Image and Word, whom though didst send into the world to be for the world a Sacrifice, Mediator, Redeemer, Deliverer and Savior, according to they wondrous wisdom and mercy which is past our understanding. Sanctify me with thy holy, living Spirit of purity and truth that through thy Spirit I may truly know thee as the only God, the omnipotent Creator of heaven and earth and men, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; that I may know thy Holy Spirit of truth and purity, my living Comforter; that I may firmly believe in thee, obey thee, give thanks to thee, reverently fear and call upon thee, and come at last in joy to behold thy face and worship thee forever. In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed. Deliver me through thy righteousness. Turn me, O Lord, unto righteousness and eternal life. Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of Truth!

Mercifully preserve and rule our churches, our country, our schools. Give the blessings of peace and order. Direct and protect our leaders and those in authority; gather unto thyself and forever keep a Christian Church in this land. Purify and united us with thy Holy Spirit that we may be one in thee, truly knowing and calling upon thee through thy Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, who tasted death on the cross for us and rose again.

Almighty, eternal Son of God, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, though who art the eternal Word and Image of the father, our Mediator and Redeemer, who died for us and rose again, with all my heart I give thee thanks, for thou didst take upon thyself the nature of a man and became my Deliverer, didst suffer physical pain, didst die and arise again. And now though art pleading for me. I beseech thee, look graciously upon me and have mercy, for I am alone and in need. I beseech thee, look graciously upon me and have mercy, for I am alone and in need. Through thy Holy Spirit increase in me the light of faith, help me to overcome my weakness; guide, protect and make me pure. In thee do I put my trust, O Lord; let me never be ashamed.

Almighty, Holy Spirit of truth and purity, our living Comforter, enlighten me, direct me, and sanctify me. Strengthen the faith in my soul and heart, and grant me a sincere trust. Sustain and guide me that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, that I may see the will of the Lord, that I may forever be in God’s holy temple, and with a joyous heart give thanks unto him, and in the assembly of his eternal church honor an praise him forever. Amen.

A Prayer for Easter

April 8, 2012 in Prayers with 1 Comment

Great was the joy of Israel’s sons
when Egypt died upon the shore,
Far greater the joy
when the Redeemer’s foe lay crushed in the dust.
Jesus strides forth as the victor,
conqueror of death, hell, and all opposing might;
He bursts the bands of death,
tramples the powers of darkness down,
and lives for ever.
He, my gracious surety,
apprehended for payment of my debt,
comes forth from the prison house of the grave
free, and triumphant over sin, Satan, and death.
Continue Reading…

A Prayer for Sunday (John Donne)

March 25, 2012 in Prayers with 2 Comments

This week marks the anniversary of John Donne’s death (March 31, 1631). Donne was an English poet and priest well-known for his eloquent sermons and deeply theological poetry, though he was also a lawyer and served for a time as a member of parliament. He is best known for his lines “for whom the bell tolls” and “no man is an island.”

Here is one of his prayers for your Sunday reflection. (You can read another of his prayers here.)

Batter my heart, three-personed God, for You
As yet but knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend;
That I may rise and stand, o’er throw me; and bend
Your force to break, blow, burn, and make me new.
I, like an usurped town, to another due,
Labor to admit You, but oh, to no end;
Reason, Your viceroy in me, me should defend,
But is captive, and proves weak or untrue.
Yet dearly I love You, and would be loved fain,
But am betrothed unto Your enemy;
Divorce me, untie or break that knot again,
Take me to You, imprison me, for I
Except You enthrall me, never shall be free,
Nor ever chaste, except You ravish me.

Saturday Morning Fun…How to Feed the Homeless

March 24, 2012 in Prayers with 2 Comments

I did a few prank calls when I was a kid, but they were never this helpful.

HT 22 Words

A Prayer for Sunday (St. Patrick)

March 18, 2012 in Prayers with 1 Comment

I’m sure no one is surprised to see that today’s prayer comes from St. Patrick. Enjoy

I bind unto myself today
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.

I bind this day to me for ever.
By power of faith, Christ’s incarnation;
His baptism in the Jordan river;
His death on Cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spicèd tomb;
His riding up the heavenly way;
His coming at the day of doom;*
I bind unto myself today.

I bind unto myself the power
Of the great love of the cherubim;
The sweet ‘well done’ in judgment hour,
The service of the seraphim,
Confessors’ faith, Apostles’ word,
The Patriarchs’ prayers, the Prophets’ scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord,
And purity of virgin souls.

Continue Reading…

A Prayer for Sunday (Thomas Aquinas)

March 4, 2012 in Church History, Prayers with 3 Comments

In just a few days, we will mark the anniversary of the death of Thomas Aquinas (March 7, 1274), one of the great theologians of the medieval church, indeed of any era. To commemorate his passing, here’s a prayer from him:

O Lord my God, help me to be
obedient without reserve,
poor without servility,
chaste without compromise,
humble without pretense,
joyful without depravity,
serious without affectation,
active without frivolty,
submissive without bitterness,
truthful without duplicity,
fruitful in good works without presumption,
quick to revive my neighbor without haughtiness,
and quick to edify others by word and example without simulation.

Continue Reading…

A Prayer for Sunday (George Herbert)

February 26, 2012 in Prayers with 1 Comment

George Herbert was a Welsh born poet and priest who spent much of his life as rector of a small parish in souther England. He is best known for his powerful and creative poems reflecting on all manner of theological issues. If you’ve ever gotten the impression that theology can only be done by writing stiff and formal theological treatises, Herbert is the best cure. And, since the anniversary of Herbert’s death is this week (March 1), I thought it appropriate to post one of his poems on prayer as our Prayer for Sunday.

Continue Reading…

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