Prayers from Sunday

 

Prayers

Gift-Giving God, continue to direct the decisions of those who surround us on this ship and who have become members in our small town called Insignia.  We are grateful for the gifts of Captain Kurilic, General Manager Lacroix, Cruise Director Carr, Executive chef Santoro, and Executive Concierge Fernandez.  We are grateful for the tireless service and smiles from our hostess and hostess Carolyn and Paul and from the 400 people from 52 countries who pamper us passengers.  (pause) Bless each person who dons a mask and whose eyes speak for the entire face.  Lord, in your mercy…

Silence.

Generous Jesus, we are still vibrating with the celebration of your birth and are beyond relieved that you love us enough to dwell in our midst—despite our human sinfulness.  Continue to forgive us when we DAILY forget about you.  Open our hearts to the needs of others before we consider our own. Thank you for the gift of family.  We ask that your hope and joy will dwell with those family members and friends who are not on this ship but whom we hold tenderly in our hearts.  Guard them and protect them until we meet them again.  LIYM… 

Silence.

Life-giving Holy Spirit, our world is submerged in the immediate effects of a pandemic.  Each day we hear of those who are sick or have died as a consequence of this swift-moving disease.  Some are alone…But they are not alone because we know that you are there.  We know that YOU hold each hand and YOU touch each forehead with your love and grace…just as you have loved, held and touched each of our loved ones who have life-changing diagnoses or who have died.  Give your strength to those who are caregivers, who protect and serve, and who staff hospitals and risk their own lives.  LIYM…

Silence.

Creator God, your world is filled with surprises and delights.  Open our eyes to see your fingerprints on your creation so that we may be open-mouthed at the depth of this ocean we traverse, that we may giggle along with the joyful dolphins who accompany us, that we may clap in excitement as we view your sunrises and sunsets.  Creator of the universe, empower us to be silent vigils of your beauty and co-workers in stopping the spread of pollution and neglect.  LIYM…

Silence.

Resurrected Jesus, you embody the gift of forgiveness and second chances.  Look into each of our hearts…shine your light of peace into our heart-places where our anger and rage reside.  Shine your light of love into our heart-places where we judge others too quickly.  Shine your light of hope into our world’s heart so that we may listen to the stories of the cultures and the alleyways and so that your peace through us may become their peace to pass on.  LIYM…

Silence.

Ever-present Holy Spirit, where we are vulnerable, protect us.  Where we are joyful, dance with us.  Where we are hopeless, inspire us.  Where there is scarcity, help us to roll up our sleeves and pitch in.  Where there is peace, bless it.  (pause)  For these and all unspoken needs that remain, we seek your guidance and your love.  AMEN.

Comments

  1. JudyJanuary 22, 2022 at 9:50 AM

    You may be retired, Pastor Jen, but the Holy Spirit still moves on your every breath. We are blessed to listen.

    ReplyDelete

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