Daily Prayer #11

12/14/2017

Opening Prayer

Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.
-Prayer of St. Augustine (354-430)

(silent reflection)

Prayer of the Bible

Lord what is the kind of fast do You desire from us? To break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, and cancel debts. Lord what are You interested in seeing us do? To share our food with the hungry, invite the homeless poor into our homes, and put clothes on the shivering poorly dressed and naked, and to be available to our own families. Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The God of glory will secure your passage. Then when you pray, God will answer. You'll call out for help and He will say, 'Here I am.
-Adapted from Isaiah 58:6-9

(Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God)

Confession of Sin

Search me thoroughly, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
-Psalm 139

(Time of silence for confession of sin)

The Words of Jesus

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
-Matthew 6:16-18

(Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus)

Prayer for Ourselves and Others

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
-I Thessalonians 5:17-18

(Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others)

Closing Prayer

Keep me, O Lord, while I tarry on this earth, in a serious seeking after Thee, and in an affectionate walking with Thee, every day of my life; that when Thou comest, I may be found not hiding my talent, nor serving the flesh, nor yet asleep with my lamp unfurnished, but waiting and longing for our Lord, our glorious King, forever and ever. Amen
-Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

Go, sent by the Father into the world to love & serve in the name of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit

photo 1 taken in: Rome, Italy
photo 2 taken in: Bamberg, Germany

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