Open Our Minds and Hearts
I pray that we may at all times keep our minds open to new ideas and shun dogma; that we may grow in our understanding of the nature of all living beings and our connectedness with the natural world; that we may become ever more filled with generosity of spirit and true compassion and love for all life...
I pray that we may learn the peace that comes with forgiving and the strength we gain in loving; that we may learn to take nothing for granted in this life; that we may learn to see and understand with our hearts; that we may learn to join in our being.
- Jane Goodall
Prayers
Keep Us From Pettiness
Keep us, O God, from pettiness; let us be large in thought, in word, in deed.
Let us be done with faultfinding and leave off self-seeking.
May we put away all pretenses and meet each other, face to face, without self-pity and without prejudice.
May we never be hasty in judgment and always generous.
Let us take time for all things; make us to grow calm, serene, gentle.
Teach us to put in action our better impulses-straightforward and unafraid.
Grant that we may realize it is the little things of life that create difficulties; that in the big things of life we are as one.
Oh, Lord, let us not forget to be kind.
Amen.
- Mary Stewart, Queen of Scots
****
Prayer for a Safe Pregnancy
This life you have given us
is so tiny, fragile, and vulnerable,
safe in the womb of flesh and hope,
yet subject to danger and death.
O God of love, creator of life,
hear our prayer.
We want this baby so much.
Please grant this child of ours
a full term of nurture,
the joy and mystery of life,
and the blessing of your love.
Grant us the fulfillment of our dreams,
a baby to cherish and protect,
a child to teach and guide,
a blessing to our family.
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
Keep us, O God, from pettiness; let us be large in thought, in word, in deed.
Let us be done with faultfinding and leave off self-seeking.
May we put away all pretenses and meet each other, face to face, without self-pity and without prejudice.
May we never be hasty in judgment and always generous.
Let us take time for all things; make us to grow calm, serene, gentle.
Teach us to put in action our better impulses-straightforward and unafraid.
Grant that we may realize it is the little things of life that create difficulties; that in the big things of life we are as one.
Oh, Lord, let us not forget to be kind.
Amen.
- Mary Stewart, Queen of Scots
****
Prayer for a Safe Pregnancy
This life you have given us
is so tiny, fragile, and vulnerable,
safe in the womb of flesh and hope,
yet subject to danger and death.
O God of love, creator of life,
hear our prayer.
We want this baby so much.
Please grant this child of ours
a full term of nurture,
the joy and mystery of life,
and the blessing of your love.
Grant us the fulfillment of our dreams,
a baby to cherish and protect,
a child to teach and guide,
a blessing to our family.
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
Prayer for Holy Rest
O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world lies hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in thy mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last.
***
Blessing Over Fruit
Blessed art Thou, Lord our God, King of the universe who creates the fruit of the tree.
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam borei pri ha-etz.
O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world lies hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in thy mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last.
***
Blessing Over Fruit
Blessed art Thou, Lord our God, King of the universe who creates the fruit of the tree.
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam borei pri ha-etz.
Prayer for Humility
Incline us O God! to think humbly of ourselves, to be saved only in the examination of our own conduct, to consider our fellow-creatures with kindness, and to judge of all they say and do with the charity which we would desire from them ourselves.
- Jane Austen
***
Psalm of Protection
HaShem is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? HaShem is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When evil-doers came upon me to eat up my flesh, even mine adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell.
Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise up against me, even then will I be confident.
- Psalms 27: 1-3
Incline us O God! to think humbly of ourselves, to be saved only in the examination of our own conduct, to consider our fellow-creatures with kindness, and to judge of all they say and do with the charity which we would desire from them ourselves.
- Jane Austen
***
Psalm of Protection
HaShem is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? HaShem is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When evil-doers came upon me to eat up my flesh, even mine adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell.
Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise up against me, even then will I be confident.
- Psalms 27: 1-3
A Father's Prayer
This is the best dowry of hopes, wishes and prayers I would be able to offer:
May God give you the grace of wit and wisdom to understand that rainbows are only the result of showers, dust, and hope.
May you always have joy in the morning and trust in the evening and may your sorrows be short and without scars.
May your lives have a spirit neither bent by belligerence nor broken by failure; may you simply love each other.
May you share with each other spring flowers, dirty dishes, music, rain, death, mushrooms, a measure of boredom, strawberries, and God.
May that God never make you immune to the wonderful afflictions of real love, making you instead farsighted to each other's faults, tongue-tied to criticism, and short of memory to petty hurts and slights.
May God provide the confidence and serenity that comes only from the assurance of each other's fidelity and the tolerance, as years go by, of wrinkles and gray hairs, short tempers, curlers, and Monday mornings.
May no one steal from you laughter at the top of the stairs or giggles and whispers in a dark room.
May you keep a hunger for each other, the appetite to taste tomorrow, and deep knowledge of and devotion to your past, heritage and families.
May you perpetuate trust, the radiation of vitality, kind answers to sharp questions and sharp humor to unkind attitudes.
May your fights be fierce and short, and may each truce be warm and long and held in each other's arms before the sun comes up.
May you walk with wise men, sing loud songs at late hours, share secrets, have healthy children, and provide smiles for lonesome strangers and prayers for those without hope.
May you never forget small things; smiles, birthdays, holding hands, family, old friends, the neglected, and the simplicity of saying please and thank you.
May you keep a warm, generous, and happy house where love is the insulation and God is present. May your children be friends of God's child, Jesus.
May your union bring a smile to the face of the Holy Spirit and may he live in your pots and pans, in your hope and aspirations.
- Author Unknown
Appropriate for many faiths
This is the best dowry of hopes, wishes and prayers I would be able to offer:
May God give you the grace of wit and wisdom to understand that rainbows are only the result of showers, dust, and hope.
May you always have joy in the morning and trust in the evening and may your sorrows be short and without scars.
May your lives have a spirit neither bent by belligerence nor broken by failure; may you simply love each other.
May you share with each other spring flowers, dirty dishes, music, rain, death, mushrooms, a measure of boredom, strawberries, and God.
May that God never make you immune to the wonderful afflictions of real love, making you instead farsighted to each other's faults, tongue-tied to criticism, and short of memory to petty hurts and slights.
May God provide the confidence and serenity that comes only from the assurance of each other's fidelity and the tolerance, as years go by, of wrinkles and gray hairs, short tempers, curlers, and Monday mornings.
May no one steal from you laughter at the top of the stairs or giggles and whispers in a dark room.
May you keep a hunger for each other, the appetite to taste tomorrow, and deep knowledge of and devotion to your past, heritage and families.
May you perpetuate trust, the radiation of vitality, kind answers to sharp questions and sharp humor to unkind attitudes.
May your fights be fierce and short, and may each truce be warm and long and held in each other's arms before the sun comes up.
May you walk with wise men, sing loud songs at late hours, share secrets, have healthy children, and provide smiles for lonesome strangers and prayers for those without hope.
May you never forget small things; smiles, birthdays, holding hands, family, old friends, the neglected, and the simplicity of saying please and thank you.
May you keep a warm, generous, and happy house where love is the insulation and God is present. May your children be friends of God's child, Jesus.
May your union bring a smile to the face of the Holy Spirit and may he live in your pots and pans, in your hope and aspirations.
- Author Unknown
Appropriate for many faiths
Prayer for Those Coping With Breast Cancer
Merciful God, ease the suffering of all those who seek your comfort from the pain of breast cancer -- their own or that of others. Grant us all a firm assurance of your love, a balm that can protect us from the ravages of fear and pain. Bless those around us who provide support, love, and care to our bodies and souls in need. Strengthen our faith. Give us courage to face our fears and know your love and protection will brush aside the suffering of this life for an eternal life in the glorious presence of your love.
- Beliefnet member caringfriend
****
Prayer for a Sick Brother
O Lord, holy Father, creator of the universe, author of its laws, you can bring the dead back to life, and heal those who are sick. We pray for our sick brother that he may feel your hand upon him, renewing his body and refreshing his soul. Show to him the affection in which you hold all your creatures.
- Dimma, a seventh century Irish monk
Merciful God, ease the suffering of all those who seek your comfort from the pain of breast cancer -- their own or that of others. Grant us all a firm assurance of your love, a balm that can protect us from the ravages of fear and pain. Bless those around us who provide support, love, and care to our bodies and souls in need. Strengthen our faith. Give us courage to face our fears and know your love and protection will brush aside the suffering of this life for an eternal life in the glorious presence of your love.
- Beliefnet member caringfriend
****
Prayer for a Sick Brother
O Lord, holy Father, creator of the universe, author of its laws, you can bring the dead back to life, and heal those who are sick. We pray for our sick brother that he may feel your hand upon him, renewing his body and refreshing his soul. Show to him the affection in which you hold all your creatures.
- Dimma, a seventh century Irish monk
Prayer for Peace
If there is to be peace in the world,
There must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations,
There must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities,
There must be peace between neighbors.
If there is to be peace between neighbors,
There must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home,
There must be peace in the heart.
- Lao-Tse
****
Prayer for Forgiveness
Forgive me my sins, O Lord; forgive me the sins of my youth and the sins of mine age, the sins of my soul and the sins of my body, my secret and my whispering sins, the sins I have done to please myself and the sins I have done to please others. Forgive those sins which I know, and the sins which I know not; forgive them, O Lord, forgive them all of Thy great goodness. Amen
If there is to be peace in the world,
There must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations,
There must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities,
There must be peace between neighbors.
If there is to be peace between neighbors,
There must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home,
There must be peace in the heart.
- Lao-Tse
****
Prayer for Forgiveness
Forgive me my sins, O Lord; forgive me the sins of my youth and the sins of mine age, the sins of my soul and the sins of my body, my secret and my whispering sins, the sins I have done to please myself and the sins I have done to please others. Forgive those sins which I know, and the sins which I know not; forgive them, O Lord, forgive them all of Thy great goodness. Amen
To Have Strong Marriages
Father, I'm praying for all those in my immediate and extended family who are married (name them)...
Protect our marriages. May each husband be strong in his faith, yielded to the Lord, loving, kind, and considerate. May they all be men of prayer and students of the Word—in every way the leaders and examples they are meant to be. May they love their wives as they love their own bodies, and may their wives respect and love them. (Matthew 8:5–10; Romans 12:1; John 13:34; Ephesians 4:32; 1 Peter 3:7; Psalm 119:15; Ephesians 5:33)
May each wife be her husband's help and support, the one who makes him complete. Help them all be submissive, strong, God-fearing, generous, and wise. May their husbands have confidence in them as they watch over the household, and may their husbands and children call them blessed. (Genesis 2:18; Ephesians 5:22; Proverbs 31:25, 30b, 20, 26, 27, 28)
May husbands and wives be protected from the evil one, who wants to destroy marriages and disrupt families. Help them to live in the shelter of Your presence, protected under the refuge of Your wings. (John 17:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; John 10:10; Psalm 91:1–4, 14–16)
Keep their marriages free from the influence of the world.
In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jim & Kaye Johns
Father, I'm praying for all those in my immediate and extended family who are married (name them)...
Protect our marriages. May each husband be strong in his faith, yielded to the Lord, loving, kind, and considerate. May they all be men of prayer and students of the Word—in every way the leaders and examples they are meant to be. May they love their wives as they love their own bodies, and may their wives respect and love them. (Matthew 8:5–10; Romans 12:1; John 13:34; Ephesians 4:32; 1 Peter 3:7; Psalm 119:15; Ephesians 5:33)
May each wife be her husband's help and support, the one who makes him complete. Help them all be submissive, strong, God-fearing, generous, and wise. May their husbands have confidence in them as they watch over the household, and may their husbands and children call them blessed. (Genesis 2:18; Ephesians 5:22; Proverbs 31:25, 30b, 20, 26, 27, 28)
May husbands and wives be protected from the evil one, who wants to destroy marriages and disrupt families. Help them to live in the shelter of Your presence, protected under the refuge of Your wings. (John 17:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; John 10:10; Psalm 91:1–4, 14–16)
Keep their marriages free from the influence of the world.
In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jim & Kaye Johns
Thank You for My Life
Dear God, thank you for my life on this earth, however challenging or not.
Thank you for giving me free will to love and be loved, to make my own decisions, to learn from my mistakes, to laugh when I am happy, to cry when I am sad.
Thank you for my family, my friends, my pets, my colleagues, and for every other living creature I meet along my journey.
Thank you for giving me strength to overcome adversity, to do what's right for the benefit of the greater good, to rise above negativity.
Thank you for giving me hope for an end to world suffering, pain, and war, for a beginning of a world filled with light and everlasting love.
- Debbie Gisonni
Dear God, thank you for my life on this earth, however challenging or not.
Thank you for giving me free will to love and be loved, to make my own decisions, to learn from my mistakes, to laugh when I am happy, to cry when I am sad.
Thank you for my family, my friends, my pets, my colleagues, and for every other living creature I meet along my journey.
Thank you for giving me strength to overcome adversity, to do what's right for the benefit of the greater good, to rise above negativity.
Thank you for giving me hope for an end to world suffering, pain, and war, for a beginning of a world filled with light and everlasting love.
- Debbie Gisonni
Prayer for Renewal
Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
- Psalms 51: 9-12
***
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
So far I've done all right.
I haven't gossipped,
haven't lost my temper,
haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or overindulgent.
I'm really glad about that.
But in a few minutes, God,
I'm going to get out of bed.
And from then on,
I'm going to need a lot more help.
- Author Unknown
Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
- Psalms 51: 9-12
***
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
So far I've done all right.
I haven't gossipped,
haven't lost my temper,
haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or overindulgent.
I'm really glad about that.
But in a few minutes, God,
I'm going to get out of bed.
And from then on,
I'm going to need a lot more help.
- Author Unknown
Prayer for Rescue, Recovery, Rebuilding
O gracious God, we will never understand the sorrows of the world, but by your grace we will not turn away from them. Renew and sustain in us the spirit of love that crosses miles. Cheer and encourage those who labor to help the injured, the homeless, the hungry and those in despair. Bless and soften the hearts of those who would take advantage of tragedy for their own profit, that they may come to know where true joy is to be found. Unite us in prayer with all those who look for help, and use us to come speedily to them with the things that they need. We ask these things in your own most holy Name. Amen.
- Barbara Crafton, Episcopal priest
***
Thank You for This Earth
O God,
We thank you for this earth, our home; for the wide sky and the blessed sun, for the ocean and streams, for the towering hills and the whispering wind, for the trees and green grass.
We thank you for our senses by which we hear the songs of birds, and see the splendor of fields of golden wheat, and taste autumn's fruit, rejoice in the feel of snow, and smell the breath of spring flowers.
Grant us a heart opened wide to all this beauty; and save us from being so blind that we pass unseeing when even the common thornbush is aflame with your glory.
For each new dawn is filled with infinite possibilities for new beginnings and new discoveries. Life is constantly changing and renewing itself. In this new day of new beginnings with God, all things are possible. We are restored and renewed in a joyous awakening to the wonder that our lives are and, yet, can be.
Amen.
O gracious God, we will never understand the sorrows of the world, but by your grace we will not turn away from them. Renew and sustain in us the spirit of love that crosses miles. Cheer and encourage those who labor to help the injured, the homeless, the hungry and those in despair. Bless and soften the hearts of those who would take advantage of tragedy for their own profit, that they may come to know where true joy is to be found. Unite us in prayer with all those who look for help, and use us to come speedily to them with the things that they need. We ask these things in your own most holy Name. Amen.
- Barbara Crafton, Episcopal priest
***
Thank You for This Earth
O God,
We thank you for this earth, our home; for the wide sky and the blessed sun, for the ocean and streams, for the towering hills and the whispering wind, for the trees and green grass.
We thank you for our senses by which we hear the songs of birds, and see the splendor of fields of golden wheat, and taste autumn's fruit, rejoice in the feel of snow, and smell the breath of spring flowers.
Grant us a heart opened wide to all this beauty; and save us from being so blind that we pass unseeing when even the common thornbush is aflame with your glory.
For each new dawn is filled with infinite possibilities for new beginnings and new discoveries. Life is constantly changing and renewing itself. In this new day of new beginnings with God, all things are possible. We are restored and renewed in a joyous awakening to the wonder that our lives are and, yet, can be.
Amen.
God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.
-"God Bless America,"
Irving Berlin
Prayer for a Child's Birthday
With thanksgiving and love that you have been given to be a part of our heart and of our family, we celebrate this day of your birth, beautiful child, delightful spirit.
May you have a year full of joy and may your prodigious talents, like arrows, find their true mark through a long life in this world.
- Daphne Rose Kingma
****
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.
-"God Bless America,"
Irving Berlin
Prayer for a Child's Birthday
With thanksgiving and love that you have been given to be a part of our heart and of our family, we celebrate this day of your birth, beautiful child, delightful spirit.
May you have a year full of joy and may your prodigious talents, like arrows, find their true mark through a long life in this world.
- Daphne Rose Kingma
****
Prayer for the Human Family
Mother and Father of the world,
we pray for the whole human family.
Many nations are torn by war.
Grant them peace
and healing of their divisions.
Many communities are filled with crime.
Grant them deliverance from fear
and the hope of renewal.
Many families are divided by hate.
Grant them unity
and the blessing of love.
Many children are abandoned and afraid.
Grant them someone who loves them
and the promise of a future.
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
***
Grant Us Your Peace
O Lord, my God,
grant us your peace; already, indeed, you have made us rich in all things!
Give us that peace of being at rest,
that sabbath peace,
the peace which knows no end.
- St. Augustine
Mother and Father of the world,
we pray for the whole human family.
Many nations are torn by war.
Grant them peace
and healing of their divisions.
Many communities are filled with crime.
Grant them deliverance from fear
and the hope of renewal.
Many families are divided by hate.
Grant them unity
and the blessing of love.
Many children are abandoned and afraid.
Grant them someone who loves them
and the promise of a future.
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
***
Grant Us Your Peace
O Lord, my God,
grant us your peace; already, indeed, you have made us rich in all things!
Give us that peace of being at rest,
that sabbath peace,
the peace which knows no end.
- St. Augustine
Salutation to the Dawn
Look to this day!
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course
Lie all the verities and realities of your existence:
The bliss of growth;
The glory of action;
The splendor of achievement;
For yesterday is but a dream,
And tomorrow is only a vision;
But today, well lived, makes every yesterday
a dream of happiness,
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
- Attributed to Kalidasa
***
Prayer for Hurricane Season
O God, Master of this passing world, hear the humble voices of your children. The Sea of Galilee obeyed your order and returned to its former quietude; you are still the Master of land and sea. We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control. The Gulf, like a provoked and angry giant, can awake from its seeming lethargy, overstep its conventional boundaries, invade our land and spread chaos and disaster. During this hurricane season, we turn to You, O loving Father. Spare us from past tragedies whose memories are still so vivid and whose wounds seem to refuse to heal with the passing of time. O Virgin, Star of the Sea, Our Beloved Mother, we ask you to plead with your Son in our behalf, so that spared from the calamities common to this area and animated with a true spirit of gratitude, we will walk in the footsteps of your Divine Son to reach the heavenly Jerusalem where a storm-less eternity awaits us. Amen.
Originally dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Audrey in 1957.
Look to this day!
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course
Lie all the verities and realities of your existence:
The bliss of growth;
The glory of action;
The splendor of achievement;
For yesterday is but a dream,
And tomorrow is only a vision;
But today, well lived, makes every yesterday
a dream of happiness,
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
- Attributed to Kalidasa
***
Prayer for Hurricane Season
O God, Master of this passing world, hear the humble voices of your children. The Sea of Galilee obeyed your order and returned to its former quietude; you are still the Master of land and sea. We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control. The Gulf, like a provoked and angry giant, can awake from its seeming lethargy, overstep its conventional boundaries, invade our land and spread chaos and disaster. During this hurricane season, we turn to You, O loving Father. Spare us from past tragedies whose memories are still so vivid and whose wounds seem to refuse to heal with the passing of time. O Virgin, Star of the Sea, Our Beloved Mother, we ask you to plead with your Son in our behalf, so that spared from the calamities common to this area and animated with a true spirit of gratitude, we will walk in the footsteps of your Divine Son to reach the heavenly Jerusalem where a storm-less eternity awaits us. Amen.
Originally dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Audrey in 1957.
Prayer of Repentance
Merciful God,
we have sinned
in what we have thought and said,
in the wrong we have done
and in the good we have not done.
We have sinned in ignorance:
we have sinned in weakness:
we have sinned through our own deliberate fault.
We are truly sorry.
We repent and turn to you.
Forgive us, for our Saviour Christ's sake,
and renew our lives to the glory of your name.
***
Keep My Mind Focused on Good Health
O Lord, I find it hard to remember what it was like
to be healthy.
Help me keep my mind focused on good health
and strength.
Let me be positive about the course of treatment
I am undergoing.
And let me always have faith, great faith,
in your presence in my life
and your glory in my health.
- Maureen Pratt
Merciful God,
we have sinned
in what we have thought and said,
in the wrong we have done
and in the good we have not done.
We have sinned in ignorance:
we have sinned in weakness:
we have sinned through our own deliberate fault.
We are truly sorry.
We repent and turn to you.
Forgive us, for our Saviour Christ's sake,
and renew our lives to the glory of your name.
***
Keep My Mind Focused on Good Health
O Lord, I find it hard to remember what it was like
to be healthy.
Help me keep my mind focused on good health
and strength.
Let me be positive about the course of treatment
I am undergoing.
And let me always have faith, great faith,
in your presence in my life
and your glory in my health.
- Maureen Pratt
Traditional Blessing and Healing Chant
Just as the soft rains fill the streams,
pour into the rivers, and join together in the oceans,
so may the power of every moment of your goodness
flow forth to awaken and heal all beings--
those here now, those gone before, those yet to come.
By the power of every moment of your goodness,
may your heart's wishes be soon fulfilled
as completely shining as the bright full moon,
as magically as by a wish-fulfilling gem.
By the power of every moment of your goodness,
may all dangers be averted and all disease be gone.
May no obstacle come across your way.
May you enjoy fulfillment and long life.
For all in whose heart dwells respect,
who follow the wisdom and compassion, of the Way,
may your life prosper in the four blessings
of old age, beauty, happiness and strength.
***
Prayer for Those Addicted to Drugs
Most loving God,
we ask your blessing upon all
who suffer from addiction.
Strengthen them to reach out for help.
Enable them to take the first step to recovery.
Bless them with the persistence to persevere
in the fight to be free.
Give courage and hope to their families,
drawing them close together
in the power of your love,
which alone can transform our living.
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
Just as the soft rains fill the streams,
pour into the rivers, and join together in the oceans,
so may the power of every moment of your goodness
flow forth to awaken and heal all beings--
those here now, those gone before, those yet to come.
By the power of every moment of your goodness,
may your heart's wishes be soon fulfilled
as completely shining as the bright full moon,
as magically as by a wish-fulfilling gem.
By the power of every moment of your goodness,
may all dangers be averted and all disease be gone.
May no obstacle come across your way.
May you enjoy fulfillment and long life.
For all in whose heart dwells respect,
who follow the wisdom and compassion, of the Way,
may your life prosper in the four blessings
of old age, beauty, happiness and strength.
***
Prayer for Those Addicted to Drugs
Most loving God,
we ask your blessing upon all
who suffer from addiction.
Strengthen them to reach out for help.
Enable them to take the first step to recovery.
Bless them with the persistence to persevere
in the fight to be free.
Give courage and hope to their families,
drawing them close together
in the power of your love,
which alone can transform our living.
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
In Gratitude for the Labors of Others
A hundred times a day I remind myself
that my inner and outer life depends
on the labors of other men,
living and dead,
and that I must exert myself in order
to give in the measure as I have received
and am still receiving.
- Albert Einstein
***
May All Be Filled With Joy and Peace
May all be filled with joy and peace.
May all beings everywhere,
The strong and the weak,
The great and the small,
The meek and the powerful,
The short and the long,
The subtle and the gross:
May all beings everywhere,
Both seen and unseen,
Dwelling far off or nearby,
Being, or waiting to become:
May all be filled with lasting joy.
Let no one deceive another,
Let no one anywhere despise another,
Let no one out of anger or resentment
Wish suffering to anyone at all.
Just as a mother with her own life
Protects her child, her only child, from hurt,
So within yourself let grow
A boundless love for all creatures.
Let your love flow outward through the whole universe
To its full height, depth, and broad extent,
Then, as you stand or walk,
Sit or lie down,
As long as you are awake,
Strive for this with a onepointed mind:
Your life will bring heaven to earth.
- Translated by Stephen H. Ruppenthal
A hundred times a day I remind myself
that my inner and outer life depends
on the labors of other men,
living and dead,
and that I must exert myself in order
to give in the measure as I have received
and am still receiving.
- Albert Einstein
***
May All Be Filled With Joy and Peace
May all be filled with joy and peace.
May all beings everywhere,
The strong and the weak,
The great and the small,
The meek and the powerful,
The short and the long,
The subtle and the gross:
May all beings everywhere,
Both seen and unseen,
Dwelling far off or nearby,
Being, or waiting to become:
May all be filled with lasting joy.
Let no one deceive another,
Let no one anywhere despise another,
Let no one out of anger or resentment
Wish suffering to anyone at all.
Just as a mother with her own life
Protects her child, her only child, from hurt,
So within yourself let grow
A boundless love for all creatures.
Let your love flow outward through the whole universe
To its full height, depth, and broad extent,
Then, as you stand or walk,
Sit or lie down,
As long as you are awake,
Strive for this with a onepointed mind:
Your life will bring heaven to earth.
- Translated by Stephen H. Ruppenthal
Prayer for Forgiveness
Today, Creator, grant me the courage and the will to forgive the people I love the most. Help me to forgive every injustice I feel in my mind, and to love other people unconditionally. I know the only way to heal all the pain in my heart is through forgiveness.
Today, Creator, strengthen my will to forgive anyone who has hurt me, even if I believe the offense is unforgivable. I know that forgiveness is an act of self-love. Help me to love myself so much that I forgive every offense. Let me choose forgiveness because I don’t want to suffer every time I remember the offense.
Today, Creator, help me to heal all the guilt in my heart by accepting the forgiveness of everyone I have hurt in my life. Help me to sincerely recognize the mistakes I have made out of ignorance, and give me the wisdom and determination to refrain from making the same mistakes. I know that love and forgiveness will transform every relationship in the most positive way.
Thank you, Creator, for giving me the capacity to love and forgive. Today I open my heart to love and forgiveness, so that I can share my love without fear. Today I will enjoy a reunion with the people I love most. Amen.
- don Miguel Ruiz
Today, Creator, grant me the courage and the will to forgive the people I love the most. Help me to forgive every injustice I feel in my mind, and to love other people unconditionally. I know the only way to heal all the pain in my heart is through forgiveness.
Today, Creator, strengthen my will to forgive anyone who has hurt me, even if I believe the offense is unforgivable. I know that forgiveness is an act of self-love. Help me to love myself so much that I forgive every offense. Let me choose forgiveness because I don’t want to suffer every time I remember the offense.
Today, Creator, help me to heal all the guilt in my heart by accepting the forgiveness of everyone I have hurt in my life. Help me to sincerely recognize the mistakes I have made out of ignorance, and give me the wisdom and determination to refrain from making the same mistakes. I know that love and forgiveness will transform every relationship in the most positive way.
Thank you, Creator, for giving me the capacity to love and forgive. Today I open my heart to love and forgiveness, so that I can share my love without fear. Today I will enjoy a reunion with the people I love most. Amen.
- don Miguel Ruiz
Glory Be to Thee
Glory be to Thee, O God! Thou art the God Who hath existed before all things, Who will exist after all things and will last beyond all things. Thou art the God Who knoweth all things, and is supreme over all things. Thou art the God Who dealeth mercifully with all things, Who judgeth between all things and Whose vision embraceth all things. Thou art God my Lord, Thou art aware of my position, Thou dost witness my inner and outer being.
Grant Thy forgiveness unto me and unto the believers who responded to Thy Call. Be Thou my sufficing helper against the mischief of whosoever may desire to inflict sorrow upon me or wish me ill. Verily Thou art the Lord of all created things. Thou dost suffice everyone, while no one can be self-sufficient without Thee.
- The Bab
***
I Am a Point of Light
I am a point of light within a greater Light.
I am a strand of loving energy within the stream of Love divine.
I am a point of sacrificial fire focused within the fiery Will of God.
And thus I stand.
I am a way by which men may achieve.
I am a source of strength, enabling them to stand.
I am a beam of light, shining upon their way.
And thus I stand.
And standing thus, revolve.
And tread this way the ways of men,
And know the ways of God.
And thus I stand.
New Age
Glory be to Thee, O God! Thou art the God Who hath existed before all things, Who will exist after all things and will last beyond all things. Thou art the God Who knoweth all things, and is supreme over all things. Thou art the God Who dealeth mercifully with all things, Who judgeth between all things and Whose vision embraceth all things. Thou art God my Lord, Thou art aware of my position, Thou dost witness my inner and outer being.
Grant Thy forgiveness unto me and unto the believers who responded to Thy Call. Be Thou my sufficing helper against the mischief of whosoever may desire to inflict sorrow upon me or wish me ill. Verily Thou art the Lord of all created things. Thou dost suffice everyone, while no one can be self-sufficient without Thee.
- The Bab
***
I Am a Point of Light
I am a point of light within a greater Light.
I am a strand of loving energy within the stream of Love divine.
I am a point of sacrificial fire focused within the fiery Will of God.
And thus I stand.
I am a way by which men may achieve.
I am a source of strength, enabling them to stand.
I am a beam of light, shining upon their way.
And thus I stand.
And standing thus, revolve.
And tread this way the ways of men,
And know the ways of God.
And thus I stand.
New Age
-
From_Alamut
- Posts: 666
- Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:22 am
Re: Prayers
PRAYER
"Dear Mowla Bapa"
We thank you for all things small and big and ask
you please to forgive us our sings. Ameen
Make our faith as strong as the mountains and our
love as high as the sky. Ameen
Day and night bring us closer to your light and be
with us forever and ever. Ameen
"Dear Mowla Bapa"
We thank you for all things small and big and ask
you please to forgive us our sings. Ameen
Make our faith as strong as the mountains and our
love as high as the sky. Ameen
Day and night bring us closer to your light and be
with us forever and ever. Ameen
Prepare Them Spiritually
Father, I'm praying for these (name them) who are serving in ministries or are on mission for You...
There are many involved in every ministry and mission—some who go and some who serve locally. There are often those behind the scenes who help with planning, financial support, and prayer, as I'm praying now. We're all part of their service, directly or indirectly, and I'm sure none of us feels worthy to be used in such a way. Yet this is one of the good works You've prepared for us to do, and we're grateful. (Ephesians 2:10)
Help us to live worthy of such a calling; keep our hearts prepared for the amazing things You plan to do. Give us pure hearts, sensitive to sin and willing to confess everything You bring to mind, knowing You are quick to forgive. Forgive us when we sin without being aware, and keep us from sinning willfully. Help us not to let any sin rule over us. (Ephesians 4:1; Joshua 3:5; Psalm 51:10; 1 John 1:9; Psalm 19:12–13a; Romans 6:11)
Protect our time with You. Don't let busyness keep us from prayer or being in the Word daily. Help us to live according to Your Word and not neglect it. (Matthew 6:6; John 17:17; Psalm 119:9, 16)
In Jesus' name, amen.
Father, I'm praying for these (name them) who are serving in ministries or are on mission for You...
There are many involved in every ministry and mission—some who go and some who serve locally. There are often those behind the scenes who help with planning, financial support, and prayer, as I'm praying now. We're all part of their service, directly or indirectly, and I'm sure none of us feels worthy to be used in such a way. Yet this is one of the good works You've prepared for us to do, and we're grateful. (Ephesians 2:10)
Help us to live worthy of such a calling; keep our hearts prepared for the amazing things You plan to do. Give us pure hearts, sensitive to sin and willing to confess everything You bring to mind, knowing You are quick to forgive. Forgive us when we sin without being aware, and keep us from sinning willfully. Help us not to let any sin rule over us. (Ephesians 4:1; Joshua 3:5; Psalm 51:10; 1 John 1:9; Psalm 19:12–13a; Romans 6:11)
Protect our time with You. Don't let busyness keep us from prayer or being in the Word daily. Help us to live according to Your Word and not neglect it. (Matthew 6:6; John 17:17; Psalm 119:9, 16)
In Jesus' name, amen.
Prayer for Those In Despair
Send your life-giving Spirit
upon those who despair of living,
O generous and loving God.
If it is your will,
let them find rest from their labors
that they may have peace.
If there is a call they have not heard,
open their eyes and ears to know it
that they may find the joy of abundant life.
Grant them your blessing this day
and every day.
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
****
Prayer for Happiness
And may the sovereign Good be ours!
According as one desires bliss may one receive bliss
Through Thy most far-seeing Spirit, O Lord,
The wonders of the Good Mind which Thou wilt give as righteousness,
With the joy of long life all the days!
- Zarathushtra
Send your life-giving Spirit
upon those who despair of living,
O generous and loving God.
If it is your will,
let them find rest from their labors
that they may have peace.
If there is a call they have not heard,
open their eyes and ears to know it
that they may find the joy of abundant life.
Grant them your blessing this day
and every day.
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
****
Prayer for Happiness
And may the sovereign Good be ours!
According as one desires bliss may one receive bliss
Through Thy most far-seeing Spirit, O Lord,
The wonders of the Good Mind which Thou wilt give as righteousness,
With the joy of long life all the days!
- Zarathushtra
Oh God, You Are Peace
Oh God,
You are peace.
From you comes peace,
To you returns peace.
Revive us with a salutation of peace,
And lead us to your abode of peace.
- Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
***
Thank You for My Voice
Today, I thank God for the gift of my voice. Let my vocal gifts be a living illustration of God's generosity. Let all who hear it, hear the voice of the Father. May my words, sung, spoken, or whispered be those of the divine spirit working through me. Thank you, Lord for making me an instrument of your will.
- Beliefnet member Soulvisitor
Oh God,
You are peace.
From you comes peace,
To you returns peace.
Revive us with a salutation of peace,
And lead us to your abode of peace.
- Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
***
Thank You for My Voice
Today, I thank God for the gift of my voice. Let my vocal gifts be a living illustration of God's generosity. Let all who hear it, hear the voice of the Father. May my words, sung, spoken, or whispered be those of the divine spirit working through me. Thank you, Lord for making me an instrument of your will.
- Beliefnet member Soulvisitor
To Be Willing to Forgive
Father, I pray for (name one or more) and others in my circle of family and friends to take their need to forgive seriously...
Unforgiveness is a sin that affects many lives, and the hurts they've suffered seem to justify it by worldly standards. But I ask that You help these I'm praying for to rise above the principles of the world and to live as Jesus taught, loving their enemies—those who hurt them—and forgiving unconditionally from their hearts. (Matthew 5:44; 18:21–35)
Help them be willing to forgive those who have sinned against them so they may ask You to forgive them as they have forgiven others. If they hold anything against anyone, help them to forgive—just as in Christ You have forgiven them. May every hurt that grieves them be forgiven. (Matthew 6:12; Mark 11:25; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13)
When forgiveness is impossible in their own strength, may they be willing to receive Your strength to forgive—for through Christ they have strength for anything. (Philippians 4:13)
Help them see that forgiveness is not an emotion—they don't have to feel like forgiving—but an act of will, made possible by the power of the Spirit who lives within them. (Ephesians 3:16)
In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jim & Kaye Johns
***
Prayer for Lughnasadh
Now is the time of the First Harvest,
when the bounties of nature give of themselves so that we may survive.
O God of the ripening fields,
Lord of the Grain,
grant me the understanding of sacrifice as You prepare to deliver Yourself under the sickle of the Goddess and journey to the lands of eternal summer.
O Goddess of the Dark Moon,
teach me the secrets of rebirth as the Sun loses its strength and the nights grow cold.
- Scott Cunningham
Father, I pray for (name one or more) and others in my circle of family and friends to take their need to forgive seriously...
Unforgiveness is a sin that affects many lives, and the hurts they've suffered seem to justify it by worldly standards. But I ask that You help these I'm praying for to rise above the principles of the world and to live as Jesus taught, loving their enemies—those who hurt them—and forgiving unconditionally from their hearts. (Matthew 5:44; 18:21–35)
Help them be willing to forgive those who have sinned against them so they may ask You to forgive them as they have forgiven others. If they hold anything against anyone, help them to forgive—just as in Christ You have forgiven them. May every hurt that grieves them be forgiven. (Matthew 6:12; Mark 11:25; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13)
When forgiveness is impossible in their own strength, may they be willing to receive Your strength to forgive—for through Christ they have strength for anything. (Philippians 4:13)
Help them see that forgiveness is not an emotion—they don't have to feel like forgiving—but an act of will, made possible by the power of the Spirit who lives within them. (Ephesians 3:16)
In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jim & Kaye Johns
***
Prayer for Lughnasadh
Now is the time of the First Harvest,
when the bounties of nature give of themselves so that we may survive.
O God of the ripening fields,
Lord of the Grain,
grant me the understanding of sacrifice as You prepare to deliver Yourself under the sickle of the Goddess and journey to the lands of eternal summer.
O Goddess of the Dark Moon,
teach me the secrets of rebirth as the Sun loses its strength and the nights grow cold.
- Scott Cunningham
Prayer for the Beginning of the Day
O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace, help me in all things to rely upon your holy will. In every hour of the day reveal your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to throughout the day with peace of soul and with firm conviction that your will governs all. In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by you. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray. And you, yourself, pray in me. Amen.
- St. Philaret of Moscow
O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace, help me in all things to rely upon your holy will. In every hour of the day reveal your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to throughout the day with peace of soul and with firm conviction that your will governs all. In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by you. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray. And you, yourself, pray in me. Amen.
- St. Philaret of Moscow
Invocation to the Dawn
Look to this day, for it is Life, the very life of Life;
In its brief course lie all the verities and realities of your existence...
the bliss of Growth, the glory of Action, the splendour of Beauty.
For Yesterday is but a dream,
and Tomorrow only a vision;
But Today well lived makes Yesterday a dream of Happiness
and Tomorrow a vision of Hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day.
Such is the salutation to the Dawn.
- Kálidása
****
Prayer for Tisha B'av
Thou, O HaShem, art enthroned for ever, Thy throne is from generation to generation.
Wherefore dost Thou forget us for ever, and forsake us so long time?
Turn Thou us unto Thee, O HaShem, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.
Thou canst not have utterly rejected us, and be exceeding wroth against us!
- Lamentations 5: 19-22
Look to this day, for it is Life, the very life of Life;
In its brief course lie all the verities and realities of your existence...
the bliss of Growth, the glory of Action, the splendour of Beauty.
For Yesterday is but a dream,
and Tomorrow only a vision;
But Today well lived makes Yesterday a dream of Happiness
and Tomorrow a vision of Hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day.
Such is the salutation to the Dawn.
- Kálidása
****
Prayer for Tisha B'av
Thou, O HaShem, art enthroned for ever, Thy throne is from generation to generation.
Wherefore dost Thou forget us for ever, and forsake us so long time?
Turn Thou us unto Thee, O HaShem, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.
Thou canst not have utterly rejected us, and be exceeding wroth against us!
- Lamentations 5: 19-22
Prayer for Those Who Mourn
Bless those who mourn, eternal God,
with the comfort of your love
that they may face each new day with hope
and the certainty that nothing can destroy
the good that has been given. May their memories become joyful,
their days enriched with friendship,
and their lives encircled by your love.
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
****
Prayer for Disappointment
Father, I pray for (name one or more) and others in my circle of family and friends who are struggling with challenges...
When they're disappointed that You haven't answered their prayers or haven't seemed to make any move to change things yet, forgive their impatience. Help them to live like the prophets of old, who were patient even when they had to suffer, and who didn't quit though they must have felt like it sometimes. Help these I'm praying for not to quit either.(James 5:10–11a)
Help them to trust You and believe that You care, that You haven't forgotten them—and You won't! When trouble comes their way, when they're facing tests and challenges, help them be willing to thank You in all circumstances, difficult as that is.(Nahum 1:7a; Isaiah 49:15b; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 5:20)
Help them to love You with all their hearts, souls, and minds, for You cause all things to work together for our good when we love You and are called according to Your purpose. Help them realize that somehow You're fitting them into Your plans. Help their love for You to be as steadfast and unchanging as Your love for them.(Matthew 22:37; Romans 8:28, 38–39)
May they never question Your love, knowing it was settled once and forever at the cross. (1 John 4:10)
In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jim & Kaye Johns
Bless those who mourn, eternal God,
with the comfort of your love
that they may face each new day with hope
and the certainty that nothing can destroy
the good that has been given. May their memories become joyful,
their days enriched with friendship,
and their lives encircled by your love.
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
****
Prayer for Disappointment
Father, I pray for (name one or more) and others in my circle of family and friends who are struggling with challenges...
When they're disappointed that You haven't answered their prayers or haven't seemed to make any move to change things yet, forgive their impatience. Help them to live like the prophets of old, who were patient even when they had to suffer, and who didn't quit though they must have felt like it sometimes. Help these I'm praying for not to quit either.(James 5:10–11a)
Help them to trust You and believe that You care, that You haven't forgotten them—and You won't! When trouble comes their way, when they're facing tests and challenges, help them be willing to thank You in all circumstances, difficult as that is.(Nahum 1:7a; Isaiah 49:15b; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 5:20)
Help them to love You with all their hearts, souls, and minds, for You cause all things to work together for our good when we love You and are called according to Your purpose. Help them realize that somehow You're fitting them into Your plans. Help their love for You to be as steadfast and unchanging as Your love for them.(Matthew 22:37; Romans 8:28, 38–39)
May they never question Your love, knowing it was settled once and forever at the cross. (1 John 4:10)
In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jim & Kaye Johns
A Prayer for Children Going to School
A new school year, a new beginning. Whether our children are just starting kindergarten, entering high school, or leaving the nest for college, our hearts and hopes go with them. We invite you to bless your child with this beautiful prayer as he or she goes out to face the world.
Start Prayer Now.
http://www.beliefnet.com/gallery/Backto ... ?pgIndex=1
Adapted from "Prayers of Our Hearts," by Vienna Cobb Anderson.
A new school year, a new beginning. Whether our children are just starting kindergarten, entering high school, or leaving the nest for college, our hearts and hopes go with them. We invite you to bless your child with this beautiful prayer as he or she goes out to face the world.
Start Prayer Now.
http://www.beliefnet.com/gallery/Backto ... ?pgIndex=1
Adapted from "Prayers of Our Hearts," by Vienna Cobb Anderson.