Prayers

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I Am Afraid of Death

Maureen Pratt

O Lord, I am human and I am afraid of death.
Help me calm my soul and heart
and prepare my spirit for moving from this life
into the glorious eternity that you have promised,
into the heaven where I will dwell with you forever!

 

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Firefighter's Prayer

Author Unknown

When I am called to duty, God,
wherever flames may rage,
give me strength to save a life,
whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child
before it is too late,
or save an older person from
the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert,
and hear the weakest shout,
quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling,
to give the best in me,
to guard my friend and neighbor,
and protect his property.
And if according to Your will
I must answer death's call,
bless with your protecting hand,
my family one and all.

 

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To Learn and Use God's Word

Jim & Kaye Johns

Father, I'm praying that (name one or more) and others in my circle of family and friends will desire to memorize Scripture...

Help them meditate on Your Word. Use it to transform and renew their minds, to show them the old they need to put off in their lives and the new truths and ways of life to put on. Help them to see and respect the Bible for the living and active Word i is, able to penetrate hearts and judge a person's thoughts and attitudes. (Psalm 119:78b; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:22-24; Hebrews 4:12)

May they find the discipline to learn Your Word and live by it— and may it keep their lives pure. Help them to live according to Your principles, holding Your Word in their hearts so they won't give in to temptation and sin against You. May they remember and apply Scriptures to their lives, for Your Word will set them free to say no to every temptation. (Psalm 119:9, 11, 112; John 8:32)

Help them to know and learn to use the Scriptures as effectively as Jesus did—to defeat Satan by quoting Scripture when he tries to tempt them. Help them be ready, learning verses that will bring victory over the temptations they face and lifting them in prayer like a sword! (Job 22:22; Proverbs 3:1; Matthew 4:1–11; Psalm 119:16; Ephesians 6:17–18)

Teach them to depend on Your Word.

In Jesus' name, amen.

 

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Let Me See Release From My Addiction

Maureen Pratt

O Lord, with each new day, help me to be strong and continue to trust you.
Bring into my eyes and heart
an honesty that sees my true situation
and finds support in your goodness and guidance.
Let me see release from my addiction
and a renewed joy in living from this day forward.

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Prayer of Thanks to God

George Washington

Almighty God, and most merciful father, who didst command the children of Israel to offer a daily sacrifice to thee, that thereby they might glorify and praise thee for thy protection both night and day, receive, O Lord, my morning sacrifice which I now offer up to thee; I yield thee humble and hearty thanks that thou has preserved me from the danger of the night past, and brought me to the light of the day, and the comforts thereof, a day which is consecrated to thine own service and for thine own honor.

 

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Teach Us to Love

Rev. Henry Alford (1810-1871)

O God, perfect us in love, that we may conquer all selfishness and hatred of others; fill our hearts with Thy joy, and shed abroad in them Thy peace which passeth understanding; that so those murmurings and disputings to which we are too prone may be overcome. Make us long-suffering and gentle, and thus subdue our hastiness and angry tempers, and grant that we may bring forth the blessed fruits of the Spirit, to Thy praise and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Interfaith Prayer for Peace

Anonymous

O God, you are the source of life and peace.
Praised be your name forever.
We know it is you who turns our minds to thoughts of peace.
Hear our prayer in this time of crisis.
Your power changes hearts.

Muslims, Christians, and Jews remember, and profoundly affirm,
that they are followers of the one God,
Children of Abraham, brothers and sisters;
enemies begin to speak to one another;
those who were estranged join hands in friendship;
nations seek the way of peace together.

Strengthen our resolve to give witness to these
truths by the way we live.
Give to us:
Understanding that puts an end to strife;
Mercy that quenches hatred, and
Forgiveness that overcomes vengeance.
Empower all people to live in your law of love
Amen.

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To Always Pray

Jim & Kaye Johns

Father, I'm praying for myself and others (name one or more) in my circle of family and friends to grow in our prayer lives...

May we be people of prayer, asking not only for our daily needs to be met but praying for others. May we ask, seek, and knock with right motives, living lives of obedience that are pleasing to You so we may receive whatever we ask. (Matthew 6:11; 1 Samuel 12:23; Matthew 7:7–8; James 4:2–3; 1 John 3:21–22)

May our prayers be set before You like incense as we pray without ceasing, praying always without giving up—boldly and with persistence. Help us come before Your throne of grace with confidence and be able to pray as Elijah prayed—fervently, effectively. May we be watchmen on the wall, standing our ground in prayer. (Psalm 141:2a; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Luke 18:1–5; 11:5–8; Hebrews 4:16; James 5:16b; Ezekiel 33:7; Ephesians 6:10–18)

Help us pray in faith, believing we have received what we've asked because we've prayed according to Your will. May our faith be so strong it amazes You! (Mark 11:22–24; 1 John 5:14–15; Matthew 8:5–13)

Help us to grow strong in prayer. In Jesus' name, amen.

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Prayer for Peaceful Sleep

Archbishop Laud (1573-1645)

Lord God,
send peaceful sleep
to refresh our tired bodies.
May your help always renew us
and keep us strong in your service.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our souls and bodies, beseeching you to keep us this night under your protection and strengthen us for our service on the morrow, for Christ's sake.
Amen.

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Prayer of Thanksgiving

Rev. Lynn James

We gather today, Lord of abundant life, as grateful children. Delighted and humbled by our bounty, we celebrate gifts of food and shelter, of colors that dance at dawn and dusk; we relish the scent of cooking foods, of burning leaves and summer's wet grass, of snowflake, of animal fur. We marvel at the intricacy of spiders' webs and fish bones, newborn babies and lines etched on faces of grandparents come for a visit today. All gifts from Your hand. When our meal is completed, leftovers stashed, and naps taken, we will leave replete, energized, and eager to go generously into the world and share our good fortune.

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Help Us Remember

Author Unknown

Heavenly Father,
Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.

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To Live Holy Lives

Jim & Kaye Johns

Father, I'm praying for (name one or more) and others in my circle of family and friends to have the self-control they need in every area of life...

Strengthen their hearts so they will be holy and blameless in Your presence when Christ comes. Help them make every effort to be good and knowledgeable, self-controlled and godly, relying on the Spirit's power within them. (1 Thessalonians 3:13; 2 Peter 1:5–7; Ephesians 3:16)

May they imitate the Lord Jesus Christ in all they are and everything they do, and may the way they live match what they say they believe. May they make every effort to live clean and holy lives, devoting themselves to You, to prayer, and to doing good. (1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Corinthians 4:17; Hebrews 12:14a; Leviticus 27:28; Jeremiah 30:21; Colossians 4:2; Titus 3:8b)

May they desire more than anything else to follow You, setting their hearts and souls on seeking You. Help them move from strength to strength, faith to faith, and glory to glory. May their love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else. (Psalm 84:5; 1 Chronicles 22:19; Psalm 84:7; Romans 1:17; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 3:12)

In Jesus' name, amen.

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Prayer Before an Operation

Anonymous

Strengthen your servant ____, O God, to do what he/she has to do and bear what he/she has to bear; that, accepting your healing gifts through the skill of surgeons and nurses, he/she may be restored to usefulness in your world with a thankful heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Blessing for Many Occasions

Numbers 6:24-26

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

 

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With Our Captain God

Bede

O God that art the only hope of the world,
The only refuge for unhappy men,
Abiding in the faithfulness of heaven,
Give me strong succour in this testing place.
O King, protect thy man from utter ruin
Lest the weak faith surrender to the tyrant,
Facing innumerable blows alone.
Remember as I am dust, and wind, and shadow,
And life as fleeting as the flower of grass.
But may the eternal mercy which hath shone
From time of old
Rescue thy servant from the jaws of the lion.
Thou who didst come from on high in the cloak of flesh,
Strike down the dragon with that two-edged sword,
Whereby our mortal flesh can war with the winds
And beat down strongholds, with our Captain God.

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Prayer for Peace

Isaiah 26:3; 30:15

O God, you will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on you; for in returning and rest we shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be our strength.

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The Canticle of the Creatures

St. Francis of Assisi

Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord,
All praise is Yours, all glory, honor and blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong;
no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.

We praise You, Lord, for all Your creatures,
especially for Brother Sun,
who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor,
of You Most High, he bears your likeness.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Moon and the stars,
in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.

We praise You, Lord, for Brothers Wind and Air,
fair and stormy, all weather's moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Water,
so useful, humble, precious and pure.

We praise You, Lord, for Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night.
He is beautiful, playful, robust, and strong.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Earth,
who sustains us
with her fruits, colored flowers, and herbs.

We praise You, Lord, for those who pardon,
for love of You bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace,
by You Most High, they will be crowned.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in their sins!
Blessed are those that She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm.

We praise and bless You, Lord, and give You thanks,
and serve You in all humility.

 

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I Cannot Do This Alone

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

O God, early in the morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray
And to concentrate my thoughts on you:
I cannot do this alone.
In me there is darkness,
But with you there is light;
I am lonely, but you do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help;
I am restless, but with you there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand your ways,
But you know the way for me…
Restore me to liberty,
And enable me to live now
That I may answer before you and before me.
Lord, whatever this day may bring,
Your name be praised.

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Give Us, O Lord, a Steadfast Heart

Thomas Aquinas

Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/Prayers/Catholic/Comfort/Give-Us-O-Lord-A-Steadfast-Heart.aspx#dEofvwsuXHlhgSQ0.99

Give Us, O Lord, a Steadfast Heart

Thomas Aquinas

Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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Lord's Prayer for the Military Wife

Unknown?

Lord, Grant me the greatness of heart to see,
the difference in duty and his love for me.
Give me the understanding to know,
That when duty calls he must go.
Give me a task to do each day,
to fill the time when he is away,
And Lord, when duty is in the field,
Please protect him and be his shield.

 

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In Time of Need

Anonymous

Heavenly Father,
in my present need,
help me to believe
that you are aware of my anxiety
and will do what is best for me.
Give me the strength to trust you
and put the present and future in your hands.
Grant this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 

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Prayer for Travelers

Anonymous

O Almighty and merciful God, who has commissioned your angels to guide and protect us, may they be our companions from our setting out until our return. Clothe us with their invisible protection; keep from us all danger of collision, of fire, of explosion, of falling; and finally, having preserved us from all evil, and especially from sin, guide us to our heavenly home. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 

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Prayer for Advent

Anonymous

Oh, come, Oh, come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

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Prayer of Praise at Sundown

Anonymous

O gracious light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!

Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praised, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of Life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.

 

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Prayer for Discernment

Christina G. Rossetti (1830-1895)

Make us of quick and tender conscience, O Lord; that understanding we may obey every word of Thine, and discerning may follow every suggestion of Thine indwelling Spirit. Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.