Environmental Stewardship and Serenity Congregational Prayer

[I gave this prayer today (July 7th, 2013), following a sermon on Matthew 6:25-34. I draw on imagery from the text, as well as reference to the Lord's Prayer (which actually occurs earlier in Matthew 6), and quote the first half of the Serenity Prayer, written by Reinhold Niebuhr (in Italics, and changed to first person plural to reflect that this is a prayer on behalf of the people)].

Lord, Our Provider,

When we see the works of your hands,

The lilies of the field and the birds of the air

we see your providence in action

we are reminded of your generosity

Thank you for the world you have created

for the abundance and yet fragile environment

that you have placed us in

and entrusted to our care

help us to be good stewards of everything you have given us,

faithful with the little as with the lot;

working for your will,

on earth as it is in heaven

Grant us the Serenity

to accept the things we cannot change;

courage to change the things we can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Amen

Dueteronomy 6 Congregational Prayer

This congregational prayer based loosely on Deuteronomy 6 and heavily on Hymnal: A Worship Book #739, was given June 23, 2013. That Sunday I also helped in a baby dedication, but didn't write anything for it.

Loving God,
Make your word be on our hearts
and your commandments forever in our minds
that we will love you with everything we are
and help us to know that this is only possible
because you first loved us.

Help us to trust you as we lift up in our prayers,
the ones spoken here: For ___________________________
We also prayer for the concerns of our hearts,
 the prayers we pray inside of us,
trusting that you hear them as well.

Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit
that we may perfectly love you
and magnify your holy name
In Jesus' name we pray,
Amen.