Depending on God – in Prayer

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, October 1, 2015

Depending on God – in Prayer

October the first. A new month, a clean calendar page—and another method of praying in this Year of Everyday Prayers. That’s me praying every day, just to be crystal clear.

And now, for something completely different. I am turning to The Oxford Book of Prayer, edited by George Appleton. I’ve chosen to pray this month with the section entitled “Prayers of Christians: Personal and Occasional.” These are prayers covering almost 2000 years, prayers from all over the world.

These prayers are also arranged in the framework of the Lord’s Prayer, from Matthew 6:9b-13. Focused on “Our Father,” today’s prayer is about dependence. (Prayer 137, page 53) [1]

Martin Luther wrote this prayer of dependence. I was so struck with the opening: “Behold, Lord. An empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it.” Good God!—such honesty. Such a straight-forward way of asking You to fill him with whatever You had for him, today. (Or, on the day that he prayed this prayer.)

Lord, do I have that same honesty? Honest enough to be up front with You? You know me so much better than I can possibly know myself. But can I be honest enough to bring you myself? As flawed and broken as I am, and ask You to fill me? But, that’s not all. Martin calls himself “an empty vessel.” I think he had the idea that he wanted to be used by You. (And not in a bad, manipulative way, either.) Rather, used like a trusty tool, or a favorite baking dish. Something useful, greatly appreciated, and even well loved.

Dear Lord, with Martin I ask You to fill me, an empty vessel.. Fill me with the love You radiate to others. Fill me with the kindness You display. Fill me with the caring You show in abundance. Fill me with the willingness to serve. Dear Lord, gracious God, fill me with all that You wish to give me. And, lastly, with Martin I pray that You strengthen my faith and trust in You. Amen.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

[1] The Oxford Book of Prayer, edited by George Appleton. (New York: Oxford University Press, reissued 2009), 53.

There’s a Sweet Spirit in This Place

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, July 11, 2015

There’s a Sweet Spirit in This Place

Holy Spirit. Heavenly Dove. Third member of the Trinity. So mysterious, yet so needful. You are a presence, a comforter, a helper to me. Coming alongside of me, helping me even when I am not sure You are there. I mean, here. I mean to say, with me.

These verses from this chapter of Praying the New Testament as Psalms intrigue me. They surprise me. Not because of the content backing up these modern verses, which I’ve known so well for decades. But, because of the format.

I was taken aback when I considered this to be such a moving psalm. (Yes, it is a modern adaptation, it is a psalm!) However, I’ve always seen these as more intellectual statements, printed in the New Testament. (And, sometimes, the transition to another format is quite a shake to the systems.)

Here’s a verse I felt was incredibly moving, adapted from the Gospel of Luke: “Send me to proclaim release to the captives,/recovery of sight to the blind,/and to let the oppressed go free.”[1] I know when Jesus read these words in the Hebrew Scriptures, He knew exactly how and when He was going to fulfill those words. I do not. However, as I read them in this different format, Luke’s words were packed with new meaning for me. Fresh import. I mean,

Sweet Holy Spirit, You seem to be the quiet one, the restful one. I know there is so much going on under Your mysterious surface. Holy Spirit, help me to act in a courageous way, in keeping with You and Your purposes. Lead me in a powerful way, ready to follow Your will and Your ways. I pray these words in Jesus’ risen name, amen.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 100.

Could I Pray the Way Jesus Prayed?

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, July 3, 2015

Could I Pray the Way Jesus Prayed?

While Jesus was here on earth, He was in close contact with God His Father. Close contact! I mean, Jesus loved to pray, to stay in regular touch with God. It’s something quiet and affirming. Something for all of us to observe, and to connect with.

That was almost two millennia ago. However, the premise is still the same. Jesus shows his faith and goodness to everyone. Those who may listen, may keep ears open.

I know I have a lot of “be kind” shots. Also, “I’m trying to keep my Facebook status loving and generous. Just like Jesus.

For example, Jesus understood about His audience. Plus, we can always turn to the chapter on prayer from the Faith (bountiful numbers!) in Praying the New Testament as Psalms. One verse of the new psalm touches me double-as-much. As touched and impressed by God, “I ask that you teach me to pray, just as Jesus taught the disciples./ May ‘Abba, Father’ always be my prayer, prayer in faith—expectant.” [1]

Dear God, how anxious is that? I know You want to show the kind of God You are. Prayer is definitely that way! But, help me to show others Your love and care, through prayer. Thank You, thanks a whole lot!

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

[1] Praying the New Testament as Psalms, Desmond O’Donnell, OMI, and Maureen Mohen, RSM, (United States of America: ACTA Publications, 2002.), 38.

Day #5 – Supporting Fairtrade? With Money and with Prayer!

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, February 23, 2015

Indian nativity- source SERRV shops

Day #5 – Supporting Fairtrade? With Money and with Prayer!

I am all for supporting Fairtrade. I often buy coffee, chocolate and tea, and the occasional pair of earrings, from a Fairtrade store in my local community. Except—I don’t live in the U.K. So, I won’t be able to participate directly in Fairtrade Fortnight as advertised.

I live in a suburb of Chicago, just to the north of the city. In a town called Evanston, on the shores of Lake Michigan. Even though I was born and bred in Chicago (on the northwest side, if anyone was wondering), I’ve lived in Evanston for more than twenty years.

Evanston is a unique town. Part university town—because of Northwestern University, part posh North Shore upscale suburb, part eclectic/artsy/bohemian enclave. Rich in diversity, the south part of Evanston has interesting, one-of-a-kind shops, like the shop that stocks entirely Fairtrade items. Ten Thousand Villages.

I couldn’t go into that shop today. I had a luncheon appointment further south in Chicago, and I didn’t get a chance to stop in and pick up some more coffee as I came back home, in the afternoon. However, I am letting everyone know about this wonderful shop! Fairtrade does, indeed, have the power to transform lives—of the artisans, their families, even their whole village or town. So useful, needed and empowering!

The thing about buying Fairtrade, it does cost more money. I know a number of people in my area on fixed incomes, and it’s difficult for them to actively purchase Fairtrade objects or food. However, we all can support and encourage shops that sell Fairtrade products. And, I can pray for the good people who made the items I bought over the past year.

Dear God, thank You for these beautiful, useful or even tasty items that I have been able to buy from Ten Thousand Villages in Evanston, as well as The Silk Road in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. God, I pray for the creators of these products. I ask that You give them continued good health, good ideas, and God’s blessings on their friends and families. Thank You, God.

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And read #40acts sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .