Prayer for Those Who are Bedbound
O Father in Heaven, you are with me
even when I cannot move from my bed.
Help me to look upon my bedbound state
as an opportunity for coming closer to you
and my fellow sufferers.
Let my dreams take flight, and my health improve,
through blessed rest and cherished quiet.
- Maureen Pratt
Prayers
Family Prayer for Grace
God, Goddess, Divine Spirit of all there is, we thank you for this opportunity to gather together in one another's company. We thank you for the light you bring to this family gathering.
Please grant us the vision to see the highest in one another, and grant us the opportunity to continue to be there for each other in good times, as well as not-so-great-times.
Give us strength and fortitude to ride the tides of change, and empower us always to be nurturing and loving with one another. Open our spiritual eyes that we may see one another for who we truly are... and love one other in the same spirit.
May sadness, disappointment and anger be minimal; may happiness, positive thoughts and good experiences together be bountiful. May we always cope, and hope, with each other... with grace.
We thank the Divine for this delicious dinner, prepared with love. May all consumed here tonight fill us with health and well-being. Amen. Dig in!
- Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
God, Goddess, Divine Spirit of all there is, we thank you for this opportunity to gather together in one another's company. We thank you for the light you bring to this family gathering.
Please grant us the vision to see the highest in one another, and grant us the opportunity to continue to be there for each other in good times, as well as not-so-great-times.
Give us strength and fortitude to ride the tides of change, and empower us always to be nurturing and loving with one another. Open our spiritual eyes that we may see one another for who we truly are... and love one other in the same spirit.
May sadness, disappointment and anger be minimal; may happiness, positive thoughts and good experiences together be bountiful. May we always cope, and hope, with each other... with grace.
We thank the Divine for this delicious dinner, prepared with love. May all consumed here tonight fill us with health and well-being. Amen. Dig in!
- Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Prayer for Sweetness
May the wind blow sweetness,
the rivers flow sweetness,
the herbs grow sweetness,
for the People of Truth!
Sweet be the night,
sweet the dawn,
sweet be earth's fragrance,
sweet be our Heaven!
May the tree afford us sweetness,
the sun shine sweetness,
our cows yield sweetness --
milk in plenty!
May the wind blow sweetness,
the rivers flow sweetness,
the herbs grow sweetness,
for the People of Truth!
Sweet be the night,
sweet the dawn,
sweet be earth's fragrance,
sweet be our Heaven!
May the tree afford us sweetness,
the sun shine sweetness,
our cows yield sweetness --
milk in plenty!
To Accept Each Other
Father, I'm praying for myself and all those in my immediate and extended family (name them)...
May we not only love but accept and enjoy each other. May Your love, joy, peace, and patience be at the heart of our relationships with one another, along with Your kindness and goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22–23a)
May we encourage each other, and build one another up in every circumstance. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
May we be willing to love each other as unconditionally as You love us, for such love forgives the wrongs of others and makes up for their many personal faults. In love, help us forgive without holding on to anger, resentment, or disappointment. (1 Peter 4:8; Matthew 18:21–22; Ephesians 4:26)
May we love and accept one another just as we are, not waiting for change or perfection—as in Christ You have accepted us. Help us be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other as You have forgiven us. (Ephesians 1:5–6; 4:32)
Help us not to bring past issues into the present.
In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jim & Kaye Johns
Father, I'm praying for myself and all those in my immediate and extended family (name them)...
May we not only love but accept and enjoy each other. May Your love, joy, peace, and patience be at the heart of our relationships with one another, along with Your kindness and goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22–23a)
May we encourage each other, and build one another up in every circumstance. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
May we be willing to love each other as unconditionally as You love us, for such love forgives the wrongs of others and makes up for their many personal faults. In love, help us forgive without holding on to anger, resentment, or disappointment. (1 Peter 4:8; Matthew 18:21–22; Ephesians 4:26)
May we love and accept one another just as we are, not waiting for change or perfection—as in Christ You have accepted us. Help us be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other as You have forgiven us. (Ephesians 1:5–6; 4:32)
Help us not to bring past issues into the present.
In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jim & Kaye Johns
I would like to great you Salegrah Mubarak with the following prayer of peace.
Prayer for Peace on Earth
Send Thy peace O Lord, which is
perfect and everlasting,
that our souls may radiate peace.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that we
may think, act, and speak harmoniously.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that we
may be contented and thankful for
Thy bountiful gifts.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that amidst
our worldly strife, we may enjoy Thy bliss.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that we
may endure all, tolerate all, in the thought of
Thy grace and mercy.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that our lives
may become a Divine vision and in Thy light,
all darkness may vanish.
Send Thy peace O Lord, our Father and Mother,
that we Thy children on Earth may all
unite in one family.
- Hazrat Inayat Khan
Prayer for Peace on Earth
Send Thy peace O Lord, which is
perfect and everlasting,
that our souls may radiate peace.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that we
may think, act, and speak harmoniously.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that we
may be contented and thankful for
Thy bountiful gifts.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that amidst
our worldly strife, we may enjoy Thy bliss.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that we
may endure all, tolerate all, in the thought of
Thy grace and mercy.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that our lives
may become a Divine vision and in Thy light,
all darkness may vanish.
Send Thy peace O Lord, our Father and Mother,
that we Thy children on Earth may all
unite in one family.
- Hazrat Inayat Khan
Prayer for Hearing God's Word
Father, I'm praying for (name one or more) and others in my circle of family and friends who need Christ...
You are the God who gives life to the spiritually dead. (Romans 4:17b)
I thank You that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But Scripture asks, How can these I'm praying for call on Jesus if they have not believed in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they've not heard about Him? And how can they hear without someone bringing the truth to them? And how can they hear unless that person is sent? (Romans 10:13–15a)
I ask You to send someone into each of their lives, someone with the message of life, the Word of Christ—for Your Word does not return empty; it accomplishes what You desire and achieves the purpose for which it is sent. (Romans 10:17; Isaiah 55:11)
May they hear the words of Christ, for His words are spirit and they are life. May the words that they hear not be stolen from their hearts. ( John 6:63; Luke 8:12)
Send someone they can respect to bring them the truth. In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jim & Kaye Johns
Father, I'm praying for (name one or more) and others in my circle of family and friends who need Christ...
You are the God who gives life to the spiritually dead. (Romans 4:17b)
I thank You that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But Scripture asks, How can these I'm praying for call on Jesus if they have not believed in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they've not heard about Him? And how can they hear without someone bringing the truth to them? And how can they hear unless that person is sent? (Romans 10:13–15a)
I ask You to send someone into each of their lives, someone with the message of life, the Word of Christ—for Your Word does not return empty; it accomplishes what You desire and achieves the purpose for which it is sent. (Romans 10:17; Isaiah 55:11)
May they hear the words of Christ, for His words are spirit and they are life. May the words that they hear not be stolen from their hearts. ( John 6:63; Luke 8:12)
Send someone they can respect to bring them the truth. In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jim & Kaye Johns
Prayer for Those Who Are Depressed
Heavenly Father,
When it seems that we are actually, finally at our wits' end... and we've seen the end of all that we can do, that is when you are at your nearest, your most miraculous, your best. Sometimes, the road we trudge seems destined to be dusty and desolate forever. And yet, just around the corner, just over the next hill, we see new life, we see hope. I pray for this hope for those who [are depressed].
May you bring them what they need, that they may once again be dancing on this earth.
Amen.
Heavenly Father,
When it seems that we are actually, finally at our wits' end... and we've seen the end of all that we can do, that is when you are at your nearest, your most miraculous, your best. Sometimes, the road we trudge seems destined to be dusty and desolate forever. And yet, just around the corner, just over the next hill, we see new life, we see hope. I pray for this hope for those who [are depressed].
May you bring them what they need, that they may once again be dancing on this earth.
Amen.
Christmas Prayer
Loving Father,
Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
- Robert Louis Stevenson
Loving Father,
Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
- Robert Louis Stevenson
Prayer for the New Year
Oh Thou, who art ever the same, grant us so to pass through the coming year with faithful hearts, that we may be able in all things to please Thy loving eyes. Amen.
- Mozarabic, 700 A.D.
To Learn and Use God's Word
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.
- Jim & Kaye Johns
Oh Thou, who art ever the same, grant us so to pass through the coming year with faithful hearts, that we may be able in all things to please Thy loving eyes. Amen.
- Mozarabic, 700 A.D.
To Learn and Use God's Word
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.
- Jim & Kaye Johns
Prayer for the New Year
Grant me the strength from day to day
To bear what burdens come my way.
Grant me throughout this bright New Year
More to endure and less to fear.
Help me live that I may be
From spite and petty malice free.
Let me not bitterly complain
When cherished hopes of mine prove vain,
Or spoil with deeds of hate and rage
Some fair tomorrow's spotless page.
Lord, as the days shall come and go
In courage let me stronger grow.
...
Lord, as the New Year dawns today
Help me to put my faults away.
Let me be big in little things;
Grant me the joy which friendship brings.
Keep me from selfishness and spite;
Let me be wise in what is right.
A happy New Year! Grant that I
May bring no tear to any eye.
When this New Year in time shall end
Let it be said I've played the friend,
Have lived and loved and labored here,
And made of it a happy year.
- Edgar A. Guest
Grant me the strength from day to day
To bear what burdens come my way.
Grant me throughout this bright New Year
More to endure and less to fear.
Help me live that I may be
From spite and petty malice free.
Let me not bitterly complain
When cherished hopes of mine prove vain,
Or spoil with deeds of hate and rage
Some fair tomorrow's spotless page.
Lord, as the days shall come and go
In courage let me stronger grow.
...
Lord, as the New Year dawns today
Help me to put my faults away.
Let me be big in little things;
Grant me the joy which friendship brings.
Keep me from selfishness and spite;
Let me be wise in what is right.
A happy New Year! Grant that I
May bring no tear to any eye.
When this New Year in time shall end
Let it be said I've played the friend,
Have lived and loved and labored here,
And made of it a happy year.
- Edgar A. Guest
The Future Is Full of Promise
The future is full of promise, Holy Mystery,
if only because we discern your forces of evolution at work everywhere.
Every opening daffodil, every growing child,
every glimmer of human enlightenment, every bodily process of healing -- tells us the future is not fearsome but is full of promise.
Your face is hidden, your name unknown:
still we turn to you in faith and confidence.
Creating Spirit, we hear your comforting voice
in the steady music of the unfolding of creation.
We give thanks to exist,
and to be the joy of your heart.
Amen.
- William Cleary
****
Prayer for Epiphany
Dear Jesus, as You led the Three Kings to You by the light of a star, please draw us ever closer to You by the light of Faith. Help us to desire You as ardently as they did. Give us the grace to overcome all the obstacles that keep us far from You. May we, like them, have something to give You when we appear before You. Amen
The future is full of promise, Holy Mystery,
if only because we discern your forces of evolution at work everywhere.
Every opening daffodil, every growing child,
every glimmer of human enlightenment, every bodily process of healing -- tells us the future is not fearsome but is full of promise.
Your face is hidden, your name unknown:
still we turn to you in faith and confidence.
Creating Spirit, we hear your comforting voice
in the steady music of the unfolding of creation.
We give thanks to exist,
and to be the joy of your heart.
Amen.
- William Cleary
****
Prayer for Epiphany
Dear Jesus, as You led the Three Kings to You by the light of a star, please draw us ever closer to You by the light of Faith. Help us to desire You as ardently as they did. Give us the grace to overcome all the obstacles that keep us far from You. May we, like them, have something to give You when we appear before You. Amen
Prayer for Our Enemies
We pray to you, O God,
the lover of all,
for those whom we have named our enemies.
Deliver us from the hardness of heart
that keeps us locked in confrontation.
Deliver us from the hatred
that binds us in old ways.
Grant unto all people the blessing of your love.
And grant unto us
such transformation of our lives
that we may make peace with our enemies,
and that together we might make this world
a safer place for all.
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
We pray to you, O God,
the lover of all,
for those whom we have named our enemies.
Deliver us from the hardness of heart
that keeps us locked in confrontation.
Deliver us from the hatred
that binds us in old ways.
Grant unto all people the blessing of your love.
And grant unto us
such transformation of our lives
that we may make peace with our enemies,
and that together we might make this world
a safer place for all.
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
Prayer for a Better World
O God, the source of creation, ever-present in the changes of this world, be present with your people who cry to you for help. Empower us with vision and strength to enable the peoples of this earth to acquire the skills and resources necessary to a growing world. Enable those from countries with plenty to share their lives, funds, and resources with those in need. Embolden those with vision to proclaim new ways of creating communities of responsibility. Engage us in learning from one another and in valuing the unique gifts that you have given to the people of every land. Bless your people, O God, who cry to you. Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
***
Transforming the Past
Dear Goddess, help me, lovely Lady,
To put love where there is hatred
To put hope and faith where there is doubt
To put joy where there is discord
Please help me to heal my pain
Help me learn the spirit of forgiveness
Grant me your divine wisdom
So that I can love and be loved again.
I ask this in the Lady's name, so be it!
- Sirona Knight
O God, the source of creation, ever-present in the changes of this world, be present with your people who cry to you for help. Empower us with vision and strength to enable the peoples of this earth to acquire the skills and resources necessary to a growing world. Enable those from countries with plenty to share their lives, funds, and resources with those in need. Embolden those with vision to proclaim new ways of creating communities of responsibility. Engage us in learning from one another and in valuing the unique gifts that you have given to the people of every land. Bless your people, O God, who cry to you. Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
***
Transforming the Past
Dear Goddess, help me, lovely Lady,
To put love where there is hatred
To put hope and faith where there is doubt
To put joy where there is discord
Please help me to heal my pain
Help me learn the spirit of forgiveness
Grant me your divine wisdom
So that I can love and be loved again.
I ask this in the Lady's name, so be it!
- Sirona Knight
Prayer for the Military Wife
Dear God, I am proud to be wed to one who defends freedom and peace. My challenges are many and I pray for your love and guidance to meet them. Special to me are the symbols representing my religion, country, community, and home. I pray for the wisdom and grace to be true to their meanings. You are the symbol of my religious beliefs and the source of my strength. Because my life is full of change, I cherish the solid and constant spiritual foundation that you provide. Help me Lord, to be an example of your teachings. My national flag represents freedom. Let me never forget, or take for granted, the hope it shows to the world. Bless those who have made sacrifices for freedom.
Please grant us your continued blessings, increased strength and infinite guidance, as we live to your honor and glory. Amen.
- Unknown
Dear God, I am proud to be wed to one who defends freedom and peace. My challenges are many and I pray for your love and guidance to meet them. Special to me are the symbols representing my religion, country, community, and home. I pray for the wisdom and grace to be true to their meanings. You are the symbol of my religious beliefs and the source of my strength. Because my life is full of change, I cherish the solid and constant spiritual foundation that you provide. Help me Lord, to be an example of your teachings. My national flag represents freedom. Let me never forget, or take for granted, the hope it shows to the world. Bless those who have made sacrifices for freedom.
Please grant us your continued blessings, increased strength and infinite guidance, as we live to your honor and glory. Amen.
- Unknown
Make Me Brave for Life
God, make me brave for life: oh, braver than this.
Let me straighten after pain, as a tree straightens after the rain,
Shining and lovely again.
God, make me brave for life; much braver than this.
As the blown grass lifts, let me rise
From sorrow with quiet eyes,
Knowing Thy way is wise.
God, make me brave, life brings
Such blinding things.
Help me to keep my sight;
Help me to see aright
That out of dark comes light.
- Author Unknown
God, make me brave for life: oh, braver than this.
Let me straighten after pain, as a tree straightens after the rain,
Shining and lovely again.
God, make me brave for life; much braver than this.
As the blown grass lifts, let me rise
From sorrow with quiet eyes,
Knowing Thy way is wise.
God, make me brave, life brings
Such blinding things.
Help me to keep my sight;
Help me to see aright
That out of dark comes light.
- Author Unknown
For Those Coping With Divorce
Lord, be with this family as they transition into two separate households. Let your eternal light radiate throughout both homes, that this child may know your lovingkindness, as manifested by her parents, who love her, Lord. Let both this husband and wife grow strong in your love and live their lives according to Your will and not their own... I also pray for all children of divorce, that they have both their parents in their lives, and never doubt for one second that they are loved and cherished, and precious in Your sight. Thy will be done Lord, Amen.
- Beliefnet member rbt_austin
***
Let Me See Release From My Addiction
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.
- Maureen Pratt
Lord, be with this family as they transition into two separate households. Let your eternal light radiate throughout both homes, that this child may know your lovingkindness, as manifested by her parents, who love her, Lord. Let both this husband and wife grow strong in your love and live their lives according to Your will and not their own... I also pray for all children of divorce, that they have both their parents in their lives, and never doubt for one second that they are loved and cherished, and precious in Your sight. Thy will be done Lord, Amen.
- Beliefnet member rbt_austin
***
Let Me See Release From My Addiction
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.
- Maureen Pratt
To Listen With Heart
Father, I'm praying for (name one or more) and others in my circle of family and friends who need You to lead them through the decisions they're making...
Help them to live in dependence on You, as dependent sheep in the flock of their shepherd, willing to follow You and not be led astray. Help them to keep their eyes on Jesus, to listen for Him, to hear and recognize His voice. (Psalm 77:20; Isaiah 53:6; Hebrews 12:2a; John 10:3–4)
May they listen with their hearts and hear You say, "This is the way, walk in it." Guide them in Your truth; teach, counsel, and watch over them. When it seems like they're walking in the darkness and have no light, help them trust in You and Your name, confident that You'll lead them along paths they haven't seen before. (Isaiah 30:21; Psalm 25:5a; 32:8; Isaiah 50:10b; 42:16)
Lead and guide them for the sake of Your name. May they know their lives are in Your hands. Direct their steps and clear the way for them. (Psalm 31:3, 14–15a; Proverbs 20:24a; Psalm 18:36)
May the Spirit of truth lead them and teach them all things. Guide them in the way of wisdom and lead them according to Your will. ( John 14:16-17; Romans 8:14; John 16:13; 1 John 2:27; Proverbs 4:11)
Keep them from wrong choices. In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jim & Kaye Johns
****
Prayer for Protection
The Light of God surrounds me;
The Love of God enfolds me;
The Power of God protects me;
The Presence of God watches over me;
Wherever I am, God is,
And all is well.
- James Dillet Freeman
Father, I'm praying for (name one or more) and others in my circle of family and friends who need You to lead them through the decisions they're making...
Help them to live in dependence on You, as dependent sheep in the flock of their shepherd, willing to follow You and not be led astray. Help them to keep their eyes on Jesus, to listen for Him, to hear and recognize His voice. (Psalm 77:20; Isaiah 53:6; Hebrews 12:2a; John 10:3–4)
May they listen with their hearts and hear You say, "This is the way, walk in it." Guide them in Your truth; teach, counsel, and watch over them. When it seems like they're walking in the darkness and have no light, help them trust in You and Your name, confident that You'll lead them along paths they haven't seen before. (Isaiah 30:21; Psalm 25:5a; 32:8; Isaiah 50:10b; 42:16)
Lead and guide them for the sake of Your name. May they know their lives are in Your hands. Direct their steps and clear the way for them. (Psalm 31:3, 14–15a; Proverbs 20:24a; Psalm 18:36)
May the Spirit of truth lead them and teach them all things. Guide them in the way of wisdom and lead them according to Your will. ( John 14:16-17; Romans 8:14; John 16:13; 1 John 2:27; Proverbs 4:11)
Keep them from wrong choices. In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jim & Kaye Johns
****
Prayer for Protection
The Light of God surrounds me;
The Love of God enfolds me;
The Power of God protects me;
The Presence of God watches over me;
Wherever I am, God is,
And all is well.
- James Dillet Freeman
Prayer for Morning
O God! I awaken, go to sleep, live and die by You and to You is the final gathering. I have awakened and the morning has come with the Dominion belonging to the God. All praise is due to God, there is no partner with Him, there is none worthy of worship besides Him, and to Him is the final gathering.
- Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
***
Prayer for Children's Values
God help us to weave a tapestry of love and not hate in our children, a spirit of tolerance and caring, a dedication to freedom for all and not just some. God help us to sow seeds of peace and justice in our children's hearts today.
- Marian Wright Edelman
O God! I awaken, go to sleep, live and die by You and to You is the final gathering. I have awakened and the morning has come with the Dominion belonging to the God. All praise is due to God, there is no partner with Him, there is none worthy of worship besides Him, and to Him is the final gathering.
- Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
***
Prayer for Children's Values
God help us to weave a tapestry of love and not hate in our children, a spirit of tolerance and caring, a dedication to freedom for all and not just some. God help us to sow seeds of peace and justice in our children's hearts today.
- Marian Wright Edelman
Guide Us to Our Truest Selves
Boundless Sea of Love and Energy, our God,
may all your dreams for us come true:
your motherly imaginings, and your fatherly hopes,
your creative purposes everywhere in nature.
Guide us to our truest selves, co-creators of this environment.
Make us worthy inheritors
of the astonishing evolutionary reality in which we live.
May it be so.
- William Cleary
***
A Tu B'Shvat Prayer for Creation
Source of Creation and Life of the Universe, we gather together on Tu B'Shvat, as Jews of conscience, with a deep spiritual bond to your natural wonders, to affirm and preserve creation.
We are grateful for creation in all its majesty: the ever-flowing waters, the azure blue skies, the complex life of Earth's forests, the myriad of life forms--amoebae and falcon, black footed ferret and wild turkey, human being and soaring eagle.
The life of all creatures and our own lives are One, profoundly dependent upon each other.
We call our ancient scroll of wisdom, the Torah, an "eytz chaim," a tree of life, for it, like the Earth's great forests, sustains us. Torah teaches us that creation, in its great diversity, is harmoniously interconnected. Like the trees, we too need strong and deep roots for nourishment. The uplifted branches of trees point to our future. God let us be strong, as strong as ancient trees. The Psalmist was right when he said, "like a tree planted by the waters, we shall not be moved."
We are grateful for the life we are lent. We pledge to lift up our voices both in praise of You and in defense of Your Creation.
- Rabbi Warren G. Stone
Boundless Sea of Love and Energy, our God,
may all your dreams for us come true:
your motherly imaginings, and your fatherly hopes,
your creative purposes everywhere in nature.
Guide us to our truest selves, co-creators of this environment.
Make us worthy inheritors
of the astonishing evolutionary reality in which we live.
May it be so.
- William Cleary
***
A Tu B'Shvat Prayer for Creation
Source of Creation and Life of the Universe, we gather together on Tu B'Shvat, as Jews of conscience, with a deep spiritual bond to your natural wonders, to affirm and preserve creation.
We are grateful for creation in all its majesty: the ever-flowing waters, the azure blue skies, the complex life of Earth's forests, the myriad of life forms--amoebae and falcon, black footed ferret and wild turkey, human being and soaring eagle.
The life of all creatures and our own lives are One, profoundly dependent upon each other.
We call our ancient scroll of wisdom, the Torah, an "eytz chaim," a tree of life, for it, like the Earth's great forests, sustains us. Torah teaches us that creation, in its great diversity, is harmoniously interconnected. Like the trees, we too need strong and deep roots for nourishment. The uplifted branches of trees point to our future. God let us be strong, as strong as ancient trees. The Psalmist was right when he said, "like a tree planted by the waters, we shall not be moved."
We are grateful for the life we are lent. We pledge to lift up our voices both in praise of You and in defense of Your Creation.
- Rabbi Warren G. Stone
Prayer for Courage During Illness
O Lord, even as I suffer from my illness,
I believe in your might.
Even as I am besieged by armies of pain,
I seek refuge in you.
Help me to feel your presence even more firmly
in my life.
Give me courage to face anything, to endure everything
--with you by my side.
- Maureen Pratt
***
Prayer for a Child's Confirmation
Creator Spirit, strengthen this child with your gifts of grace, to love and serve as a disciple of Christ. Grant that s/he may grow into the fullness of the stature of Christ. Fill her/him with the joy of your presence. Increase in her/him the fruit of your Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of love, patience and gentleness, the spirit of wonder and true holiness.
- Beliefnet member Resonance
O Lord, even as I suffer from my illness,
I believe in your might.
Even as I am besieged by armies of pain,
I seek refuge in you.
Help me to feel your presence even more firmly
in my life.
Give me courage to face anything, to endure everything
--with you by my side.
- Maureen Pratt
***
Prayer for a Child's Confirmation
Creator Spirit, strengthen this child with your gifts of grace, to love and serve as a disciple of Christ. Grant that s/he may grow into the fullness of the stature of Christ. Fill her/him with the joy of your presence. Increase in her/him the fruit of your Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of love, patience and gentleness, the spirit of wonder and true holiness.
- Beliefnet member Resonance
Prayer for Peace
Heal my wounded heart.
Grant me the courage to change my heart.
Let Peace live in my heart.
Fill me with compassion for those suffering in war.
Help me care for those in war.
Help me bring Peace to those in war.
Help me stop wars.
Help soldiers stop wars.
Help leaders stop wars.
Fill me with Peace and Justice.
Help me to work for Peace with Justice.
Let there be Peace with Justice among all peoples.
Heal my wounded heart.
Grant me the courage to change my heart.
Let Peace live in my heart.
Fill me with compassion for those suffering in war.
Help me care for those in war.
Help me bring Peace to those in war.
Help me stop wars.
Help soldiers stop wars.
Help leaders stop wars.
Fill me with Peace and Justice.
Help me to work for Peace with Justice.
Let there be Peace with Justice among all peoples.
To Feel Connected
Father, I'm praying for (name one or more) and others in my circle of family and friends who are lonely...
Help them to reach out, to put themselves in a position to find friends who can become closer than brothers. When they're lonely, don't let them withdraw but help them be willing to meet with others whenever they can, especially in churches. Help them become others-centered, genuinely serving and caring for others. (Proverbs 18:24b; Hebrews 10:25; Galatians 5:13b)
When they are physically distanced from family and friends, help them stay connected over the miles however they can, so they'll each know how the other is. (Ephesians 6:22)
More than anything, help them live in a close, personal relationship with You, knowing You better and loving You more everyday. May they come near You, for if they do, You've promised You'll come near them. Teach them what it means to live in Your love, searching for You with all their hearts, for You've promised they'll find You. (1 John 1:3; James 4:8a; John 15:9; Jeremiah 29:13)
Help them to know You not only as their Lord and God but as their brother and friend. (Jeremiah 9:24a; John 10:14; 20:28; Romans 8:29b; John 15:15)
In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jim & Kaye Johns
***
For the Lonely and Depressed
God bless all who are battling those inner demons of depression, loneliness, unworthiness, and hopelessness. Shine Your warm Heavenly Light down upon all of us, Lord, who are looking for our soul mates. Guide us to find peace, happiness, and contentment in our lives and within ourselves.
Amen.
- Beliefnet member shellim26
Father, I'm praying for (name one or more) and others in my circle of family and friends who are lonely...
Help them to reach out, to put themselves in a position to find friends who can become closer than brothers. When they're lonely, don't let them withdraw but help them be willing to meet with others whenever they can, especially in churches. Help them become others-centered, genuinely serving and caring for others. (Proverbs 18:24b; Hebrews 10:25; Galatians 5:13b)
When they are physically distanced from family and friends, help them stay connected over the miles however they can, so they'll each know how the other is. (Ephesians 6:22)
More than anything, help them live in a close, personal relationship with You, knowing You better and loving You more everyday. May they come near You, for if they do, You've promised You'll come near them. Teach them what it means to live in Your love, searching for You with all their hearts, for You've promised they'll find You. (1 John 1:3; James 4:8a; John 15:9; Jeremiah 29:13)
Help them to know You not only as their Lord and God but as their brother and friend. (Jeremiah 9:24a; John 10:14; 20:28; Romans 8:29b; John 15:15)
In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jim & Kaye Johns
***
For the Lonely and Depressed
God bless all who are battling those inner demons of depression, loneliness, unworthiness, and hopelessness. Shine Your warm Heavenly Light down upon all of us, Lord, who are looking for our soul mates. Guide us to find peace, happiness, and contentment in our lives and within ourselves.
Amen.
- Beliefnet member shellim26
Prayer to Overcome Sin
O everlasting God, let the light of Thine eternity now fall upon my passing days.
O holy God, let the light of thy perfect righteousness fall upon my sinful ways.
O most merciful God, let the light of Thy love pierce to the most secret corners of my heart and overcome the darkness of sin within me.
- John Baillie
***
Prayer for Pardon
O! Goddess earth, I bow to thee, who is clothed by all the oceans and whose area of breasts are the mountains, who is the consort of Lord Visnu. Please pardon me for touching you with my feet.
Hindu
source: Puspânjali, published by Chinmaya Mission
O everlasting God, let the light of Thine eternity now fall upon my passing days.
O holy God, let the light of thy perfect righteousness fall upon my sinful ways.
O most merciful God, let the light of Thy love pierce to the most secret corners of my heart and overcome the darkness of sin within me.
- John Baillie
***
Prayer for Pardon
O! Goddess earth, I bow to thee, who is clothed by all the oceans and whose area of breasts are the mountains, who is the consort of Lord Visnu. Please pardon me for touching you with my feet.
Hindu
source: Puspânjali, published by Chinmaya Mission
Prayer for Abandoned Children
Mother, God of all,
hear our prayer
for your children
whose mothers
have abandoned them.
Their pain is unimaginable.
Trust has been broken.
Fear and suspicion
govern their inner being.
Grant unto them
that peace
which you alone can give,
the sure and certain knowledge
that your trust is unfailing,
and your love
that makes us all whole.
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
***
Love Is...
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
- Corinthians 13:4-7
Mother, God of all,
hear our prayer
for your children
whose mothers
have abandoned them.
Their pain is unimaginable.
Trust has been broken.
Fear and suspicion
govern their inner being.
Grant unto them
that peace
which you alone can give,
the sure and certain knowledge
that your trust is unfailing,
and your love
that makes us all whole.
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
***
Love Is...
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
- Corinthians 13:4-7
Comfort the Grieving
Father, I pray for (name one or more) and others in my circle of family and friends who are grieving...
They're hurting for many reasons, and I ask You to help them through this season of loss. I reach out to You, the Father of compassion and the Source of every comfort, asking You to touch them with Your unfailing love and kindness. Be their God who comforts them as they're going through their struggles, and bring them through the tough things ahead. Come alongside them in their pain, and strengthen them so they'll one day be able to help others who face the same struggles. (2 Corinthians 1:3–4; Psalm 33:22; 1 Samuel 20:14a)
You're close to people whose hearts are breaking, those who are discouraged and have given up hope. May You who see their troubles and grief respond when they cry out. (Psalm 34:18; 10:14a, 17)
When they're hurting, help them find their joy in You, for it's Your joy that will be their strength. Help them to trust You as their God of hope. Fill them with Your joy, peace, and hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Help them experience the love, joy, and peace that are the results of His life in them, no matter what they're going through. (Nehemiah 8:10b; Romans 15:13; Galatians 5:22)
May they sense Your presence in this hour of need. In Jesus' name, Amen.
- Jim & Kaye Johns
Father, I pray for (name one or more) and others in my circle of family and friends who are grieving...
They're hurting for many reasons, and I ask You to help them through this season of loss. I reach out to You, the Father of compassion and the Source of every comfort, asking You to touch them with Your unfailing love and kindness. Be their God who comforts them as they're going through their struggles, and bring them through the tough things ahead. Come alongside them in their pain, and strengthen them so they'll one day be able to help others who face the same struggles. (2 Corinthians 1:3–4; Psalm 33:22; 1 Samuel 20:14a)
You're close to people whose hearts are breaking, those who are discouraged and have given up hope. May You who see their troubles and grief respond when they cry out. (Psalm 34:18; 10:14a, 17)
When they're hurting, help them find their joy in You, for it's Your joy that will be their strength. Help them to trust You as their God of hope. Fill them with Your joy, peace, and hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Help them experience the love, joy, and peace that are the results of His life in them, no matter what they're going through. (Nehemiah 8:10b; Romans 15:13; Galatians 5:22)
May they sense Your presence in this hour of need. In Jesus' name, Amen.
- Jim & Kaye Johns
Teach Me to Pray
My Lord, I know not what I ought to ask of Thee.
Thou and Thou alone knowest my needs.
Thou lovest me more than I am able to love Thee.
O Father, grant unto me, Thy servant, all which I cannot ask.
For a cross I dare not ask, nor for consolation;
I dare only to stand in Thy presence.
My heart is open to Thee.
Thou seest my needs of which I myself am unaware.
Behold and lift me up!
In Thy presence I stand,
awed and silenced by Thy will and Thy judgments,
into which my mind cannot penetrate.
To Thee I offer myself as a sacrifice.
No other desire is mine but to fulfill Thy will.
Teach me how to pray.
Do Thyself pray within me.
Amen.
- St. Philaret of Moscow
***
With Every Breath
With every breath I take today,
I vow to be awake;
And every step I take,
I vow to take with a grateful heart--
So I may see with eyes of love
into the hearts of all I meet,
To ease their burden when I can
And touch them with a smile of peace.
Buddhist
My Lord, I know not what I ought to ask of Thee.
Thou and Thou alone knowest my needs.
Thou lovest me more than I am able to love Thee.
O Father, grant unto me, Thy servant, all which I cannot ask.
For a cross I dare not ask, nor for consolation;
I dare only to stand in Thy presence.
My heart is open to Thee.
Thou seest my needs of which I myself am unaware.
Behold and lift me up!
In Thy presence I stand,
awed and silenced by Thy will and Thy judgments,
into which my mind cannot penetrate.
To Thee I offer myself as a sacrifice.
No other desire is mine but to fulfill Thy will.
Teach me how to pray.
Do Thyself pray within me.
Amen.
- St. Philaret of Moscow
***
With Every Breath
With every breath I take today,
I vow to be awake;
And every step I take,
I vow to take with a grateful heart--
So I may see with eyes of love
into the hearts of all I meet,
To ease their burden when I can
And touch them with a smile of peace.
Buddhist
Entering Into the Gate of Heaven
Bring us, O Lord God, at our last awakening,
into the house and gate of heaven,
to enter into that gate, and dwell in that house where there shall be
no darkness nor dazzling, but one equal light;
no noise nor silence, but one equal music;
no fears nor hopes, but one equal possession;
no ends nor beginnings, but one equal eternity;
in the habitation of thy glory and dominion,
world without end. Amen.
- John Donne
Bring us, O Lord God, at our last awakening,
into the house and gate of heaven,
to enter into that gate, and dwell in that house where there shall be
no darkness nor dazzling, but one equal light;
no noise nor silence, but one equal music;
no fears nor hopes, but one equal possession;
no ends nor beginnings, but one equal eternity;
in the habitation of thy glory and dominion,
world without end. Amen.
- John Donne
Prayer for Difficult Times
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
I have sworn, and have confirmed it, to observe Thy righteous ordinances.
I am afflicted very much; quicken me, O HaShem, according unto Thy word.
Accept, I beseech Thee, the freewill-offerings of my mouth, O HaShem, and teach me Thine ordinances.
My soul is continually in my hand; yet have I not forgotten Thy law.
The wicked have laid a snare for me; yet went I not astray from Thy precepts.
Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever; for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
I have inclined my heart to perform Thy statutes, for ever, at every step.
- Psalms 119: 105-112
***
In Gratitude to Mother Earth
For the golden corn and the apple on the tree,
For the golden butter and the honey from the bees,
For the fruits and nuts and berries we gather on our way,
We praise the loving Mother Earth and thank Her everyday.
- Beliefnet member loumom
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
I have sworn, and have confirmed it, to observe Thy righteous ordinances.
I am afflicted very much; quicken me, O HaShem, according unto Thy word.
Accept, I beseech Thee, the freewill-offerings of my mouth, O HaShem, and teach me Thine ordinances.
My soul is continually in my hand; yet have I not forgotten Thy law.
The wicked have laid a snare for me; yet went I not astray from Thy precepts.
Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever; for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
I have inclined my heart to perform Thy statutes, for ever, at every step.
- Psalms 119: 105-112
***
In Gratitude to Mother Earth
For the golden corn and the apple on the tree,
For the golden butter and the honey from the bees,
For the fruits and nuts and berries we gather on our way,
We praise the loving Mother Earth and thank Her everyday.
- Beliefnet member loumom
Prayer for Children
Blessed God, you have created life to begin with childhood, a time of innocence, laughter, and exploration. Bless, we beseech you, the children of this world. Grant unto them the nurture they need for strong physical growth, keen minds, balanced emotions, and a holy spiritual life. Send unto them teachers to inspire an inquiring and discerning heart, to enable curiosity toward their surroundings, and a knowledge of this global village. Bless them with love, hope, and vision, and keep them ever in your unfailing compassion and protection. Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
***
Blessed God, you have created life to begin with childhood, a time of innocence, laughter, and exploration. Bless, we beseech you, the children of this world. Grant unto them the nurture they need for strong physical growth, keen minds, balanced emotions, and a holy spiritual life. Send unto them teachers to inspire an inquiring and discerning heart, to enable curiosity toward their surroundings, and a knowledge of this global village. Bless them with love, hope, and vision, and keep them ever in your unfailing compassion and protection. Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
***
Help Us Remember
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.
- 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.
- Author Unknown