Prayer Behind the Ambon

This is my favorite prayer in the Divine Liturgy:

"O Lord, who blesses those who bless thee, and sanctifies those who put their trust in thee: save thy people and bless thine inheritance; preserve the fulness of thy Church; sanctify those who love the beauty of thy House; glorify them in recompense by thy divine power, and forsake us not who hope on thee. Give peace to thy world, to thy Churches, to the priests, to all civil authorities, to our Armed Forces, and to all thy people: for every good and perfect gift is from above, cometh down from thee, the Father of Lights; and unto thee we ascribe glory, thanksgiving, and worship: to the Father and to the Son and the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen."

Waiting on Time

I've been sitting here this morning catching up on blog reading that I haven't had time to do in the past weeks when I read this wonderful post by JMom about God and Time. Here are some of her wise words:

"I cannot help but think of Lazarus' sisters frustrated that Jesus didn't arrive in time-- or Jairus, heartbroken that Jesus made it to his home after his daughter was already dead. He is the God of Eternity. He invented time. He is not constrained by it, not does He ever lose track of it."

Oh, this was something I needed to hear! I'm in the midst of praying for something I want so badly, but that frequently seems like it won't happen at all, or, at least, won't happen right this minute, which is when I want it. I need to remember, and remember and remember that God's timing is perfect, and He sees all time as one - not as a straight line as we do, but together as a whole picture. If I keep this image in my head, I know that in God's time, the thing I pray for so desperately has already been worked out, and then my prayer of longing can turn instead to rejoicing. While I know that it may not work out (may not have worked out?) as I imagine, I do know for certain that God has not forgotten, and that He always hears.

Thanks, JMom.

On Not Knowing What to Pray

"Oh Lord, I know not what to ask of thee. Thou alone knowest what are my true needs. Thou lovest me more than I myself know how to love. Help me to see my real needs which are concealed from me. I dare not ask either a cross or consolation. I can only wait on thee. My heart is open to thee. Visit and help me, for thy great mercy's sake. Strike me and heal me, cast me down and raise me up. I worship in silence thy holy will and thine inscrutable ways. I offer myself as a sacrifice to thee. I put all my trust in thee. I have no other desire than to fulfill thy will. Teach me how to pray. Pray thou thyself in me. Amen."

--- Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow

Morning Prayer

"Oh Lord, grant me to meet the coming day in peace. Help me in all things to rely upon thy holy will. In every hour of the day reveal they will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to me throughout the day with firm conviction that thy 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 thee. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering or embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day and all that it shall bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray, pray thou thyself in me. Amen"

--- Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow

Prayer Before Reading Scripture

"Illumine our hearts, O Master who lovest mankind, with the pure light of your divine knowledge. Open the eyes of our mind to the understanding of your Gospel teachings. Implant also in us the fear of your blessed commandments, that trampling down all carnal desires, we may enter upon a spiritual manner of living, both thinking and doing such things as are well-pleasing to you."

A Prayer for the Johnsons and for all Families

"O God, our Father, bind together in Thine all-embracing love every family on earth. Banish anger and bitterness within our homes; nourish forgiveness and peace. Bestow upon parents such wisdom and patience that they may gently exercise the disciplines of love, and call forth from their children their greatest virtue and highest skill. Instill in children such independence and self-respect that they may freely obey their parents and grow in the joys of companionship. Open hearts to hear the truth within the words another one speaks. Open eyes to see the example of virtuous parents; open hearts to complete forgiveness and understanding of all things willed by Thee, O Creator and Sustainer of families."

--- St. Augustine

www.axisofbeebles.blogspot.com

A Prayer for Lent, by Henri Nouwen

"How often have I lived through these weeks without paying much attention to penance, fasting, and prayer? How often have I missed the spiritual fruits of the season without even being aware of it? But how can I ever really celebrate Easter without observing Lent? How can I rejoice fully in your Resurrection when I have avoided participating in your death? Yes, Lord, I have to die — with you, through you, and in you — and thus become ready to recognize you when you appear to me in your Resurrection. There is so much in me that needs to die: false attachments, greed and anger, impatience and stinginess.... I see clearly now how little I have died with you, really gone your way and been faithful to it.O Lord, make this Lenten season different from the other ones. Let me find you again. Amen."

The Power of the Word

Go check out J Wakeham's amazing story about the power of Psalm 23!

Prayer for Light

This used to be on my message board at my old job - I found the scrap of paper in a pile in our study last night:

God of life,
there are days when the burdens we carry
chafe our shoulders and weigh us down;
when the road seems dreary and endless,
the skies grey and threatening;
when our lives have no music in them,
and our hearts are lonely,
and our souls have lost their courage.

Flood the path with light,
run our eyes to where the skies are full of promise;
tune our hearts to brave music;
give us the sense of comradeship with heroes and saints of every age;
and so quicken our spirits that we may be able to encourage the souls of all who journey with us on the road of life,
to Your honor and glory.
Amen.

- St. Augustine