Pastor Jason’s Prayer - July 25th

Almighty God,

We thank you for the opportunity we have to come together in fellowship in You. We thank you for this place of refuge and for this church family, whom you’ve gathered by the Holy Spirit, to receive your gifts this morning. To receive forgiveness and new life in the person and work of Jesus Christ. 

Lord,

Whether we are filled with small doubts or, at times, utter hopelessness, cause us to hold fast in hope to Christ and His promises, that sure and steadfast anchor of our souls. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope in Christ, for the Lord promises, and He is faithful.

Where we are restless and anxious tuned in on ourselves instead of outward in love, speak your peace into us, and over us. Cling to us with your words: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” 

In the midst of the busyness of our lives, prompt us to pause, to be still, to hear the voice of our Savior, to savor the gift of joy we receive in reconciliation with God on account of Christ Jesus.

In a world that is constantly rushing, have us know that your love is patient. Reach out your long arm of grace. A grace that is love that seeks us out when we have nothing to give in return.

A grace that loves us so much, that you took on flesh and entered creation as one of us, that you might save us.

Rest us in the Good News of the peace, hope, and unbounded joy and love we have in Christ.

All this we pray in Jesus’ Name,

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - July 18th

God of this day and of all days,

In a world which has so much to say and not much time for listening, you have drawn us here this morning to be still and to hear your voice. 

In a world that seems soaked in hate, but thirsty for love, pour out your word of love. Bind up the wounded and brokenhearted. In a world that seems heavy with anger, but light on forgiveness, pour out your word of forgiveness.

Bless and fortify, and send the peacekeepers. Speak through your church for the forgiveness and benefit and building up of all those whom, by your word, you created, made and formed.

Lord,

In a world that seems long on worry and fear, but short on hope, have us pause to reflect that you carry and deliver hope in the most unlikely ways and into the most undignified places. Turn us to hope in Christ. 

Hope in the creator of the universe, who entered into His creation not in glory, but in the filth of a stable. Hope in the King of kings, who came to us not in the purple robes of earthly royalty, but cloaked in the fragility of flesh. Hope in the God who does not remain far away, but who’s divine footprints marked the dusty roads of His creation.

Hope in the author of love, who knows pain and wipes away our tears. Hope in the fount of joy, who knows grief and comforts the sorrowful. Hope in the friend of sinners, who sees sin yet loves the sinner so much that He took our sins as His own on the cross. Hope in the Word made flesh, who by His speaking, forgives, enlivens, and restores everyone who hears and believes.

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - June 27th

Almighty, merciful, and saving God,

Grant us comfort in you. Grant us the comfort that whatever the age, and whatever our troubles, you have put your name on us. Your children are in your hands, the one true creating, redeeming, and sanctifying God. Grant us comfort in you and in the solid fact we are yours, held fast by your long arm of grace.  

Lord,

In a world that constantly drives and shapes us to seek satisfaction for our souls in everything and everywhere but you, turn us to you. By your Word, turn us to the cross so that by faith we might see and know that you are faithful even when we are unfaithful. Turn us to you in hope and faith in your promise that you know your plans for us, and they are good. Hope and faith in your promise that you are with us always, to the end of this age and into the kingdom to come. Hope and faith in your promise that your resurrection life is invading right here and right now this morning through your Word, and that soon you will make all things new.

In the midst of our struggles, our successes, our new adventures, be the Christ for us. Continue be the lamp unto our feet, and the light unto our path. Cause us to find peace in our unity in You, in one body, one Spirit, one hope, one faith, one light, one baptism, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came to be and through whom we exist.

Rest us in the good news that today and everyday you are working to refresh, to reconcile, and to restore your children and your creation.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray.

AMEN.

Pastor Jason’s Prayer - June 13th

Almighty God,

In your graciousness, and by your Holy Spirit, you bless us with this time and place of sanctuary and rest in your son Jesus Christ. We thank you for the miracle of this church family, each and every one of us whom you’ve gathered by your Holy Spirit to receive your gifts this morning. Turn our hearts from entitlement to gratitude. Gratitude for the person and work of Jesus Christ, through whom, by his mercy and grace, we receive forgiveness, renewal, restoration, and reconciliation with you and with each other.

Lord,

By your word all things were created, each in its allotted space and time. You breathed life into us through your Spirit, and in the movement and sound of the wind we are reminded of your Spirit's continual presence. The whole of creation declares your glory, Lord. A symphony of sound and color surrounds us. Prompt us to pause in our busy day to day routines, to just be still, with our eyes and ears attuned to the work and blessings of your creative hand. 

King Jesus,

Where we are exhausted by the demands and obligations and struggles of this world, be our sabbath, our rest. Where we feel beat down or sputtering or empty, invade with your fulfilled promise that a bruised reed you will not break, a faintly burning wick you will not quench, and a hungry heart you fill with the bread of life. Where we are parched for joy, remind us that we are soaked in living water. Remind us that by your wounds we are healed, adopted into your perfect Sonship, never to be forsaken.

In the name of the living God, Jesus Christ, we pray,

AMEN.