Daily Prayer€¦ · for sun and rain, for seed-time and harvest; for your bounty supplying all our...

Daily Prayer

29DailyPrayer 10/24/07, 10:30 AM905

GSPN�7PJDFT�6OJUFE �5IF�)ZNO�BOE�8PSTIJQ�#PPL�PG�5IF�6OJUFE�$IVSDI�PG�$BOBEB �5IF�6OJUFE�$IVSDI�1VCMJTIJOH�)PVTF ��6TFE�XJUI�QFSNJTTJPO�

906 DAILY PRAYER

Services of Daily PrayerAn Introduction

All believers share the urge to place the beginning and the ending of theday in God’s hands. From earliest times, Christ’s victory over death hasbeen symbolized by the dawning of a new day and the lighting of lamps atthe close of day.

When we gather in community, we express longing for fellowship withGod in what is often called ‘devotions’. The following services for varioustimes of day have been prepared with this common practice in mind. Theymay be used by individuals or groups, in the home or the church, withinmeetings or informal gatherings, and adapted to suit the local context.

The common elements of weekday worship are song, scripture, silence,and prayer. The focus of the service is praise of God and prayer for thewhole world. Symbols of our faith—a cross, a Bible, a candle—are helpfulbut not essential, and are always secondary to the symbol of the Christiancommunity gathered for prayer. The sense of community is heightenedwhen worshippers stand or sit in a circle. Leadership may be offered fromwithin the circle or from a lectern. It is intended that the services be led byone or more lay persons.

Songs, hymns, responses, and the Lord’s Prayer may all be sung, with orwithout accompaniment. Singing together is a powerful expression of faith.

One or more passages of scripture may be read. The scripture chosenshould encourage praise and prayer.

Silence for the purpose of meditation and reflection is recommendedfollowing a reading from scripture. A commentary or brief meditation maybe offered, but is not essential. In response to a reading, a hymn or verse ofa hymn may also be sung, the people remaining seated.

Prayer may be offered in the personal words of the leader or read fromamong the prayers provided. Within the prayers of thanksgiving and inter-cession, worshippers are invited to name particular people or events. Ma-terial in square brackets may be included as appropriate. Careful explana-tion, perhaps prior to the service, will help worshippers enter more fullyinto the prayers.

When Daily Prayer for Late Afternoon or Evening begins with Thanks-giving for Light, the Opening Sentences, Prayer, and Evening Hymn areomitted.

As we offer praise and prayers by day or at dusk, may we find afresh thepower of the resurrection in our common life in Christ.

29DailyPrayer 10/24/07, 10:30 AM906

DAILY PRAYER 907

Daily Prayerfor Morning or Mid-Day Devotions

Opening Sentences

All occasionsO God, open my lips,

and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. (Psalm 51)

In the morningI pray to you, O God;

you hear my voicein the morning;

at sunrise I offer my prayerand wait for your answer.

(Psalm 5)

PrayerMorningLet us pray:

Holy God,you call us together

to reflect on your Word,and our life in your world.

Be with us nowas we sing and pray together,

that we may hear your voiceand understand your way.

This we pray through Jesus, the Christ. Amen.

Hymn and/or PsalmA hymn, if included, will be chosen to suit the time of day or occasion. A psalm forthe morning (one of psalms 51, 63, 67, or 95) or another is always appropriate.

At mid-dayThose who wait for Godshall renew their strength,

they shall mount upwith wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary,they shall walk and not faint.

(Isaiah 40)

Mid-dayLet us pray:

Sustaining God,in the midst of our day,

and embraced by your world,we call upon your wisdom;

we draw upon your strength;we rely upon your grace.

Help us to continue faithfully in your way,by the power of the Holy Spiritand in the name of Jesus. Amen.

29DailyPrayer 10/24/07, 10:30 AM907

908 DAILY PRAYER

ScriptureAt the end of the reading, the reader may say:

Hear what the Spirit or The word of God.is saying to the church. Thanks be to God.

Thanks be to God.

Silent reflectionSilence may be followed by a variety of responses, such as action, music, or words.

A Scripture Song (see pages 900, 901) may be sung.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and IntercessionOne of the following prayers (A or B) or another may be offered. At various pointsduring the prayers, a sung response may be used (see 948–954).

A

Thanksgiving

Generous and loving God,we thank you for your blessings without number.We bless you for the beauty of creation:

for day and night, for summer and winter;for sun and rain, for seed-time and harvest;for your bounty supplying all our needs.

We bless you for protecting us in our weakness,and renewing our strength of spirit;for guiding us as we resist evil,and calling us to your truth, and to your service.

We praise you for sending Jesus to be among us:for his life on earth, his sufferings and death,for his resurrection to new life, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Grant, O God, that our hearts may grow in thankfulnessfor these and all your gifts of grace,

so that as the people of new life, we may proclaim your praise;[in Jesus’ name. Amen.]

29DailyPrayer 10/24/07, 10:30 AM908

DAILY PRAYER 909

Intercessions

Each portion of the prayer may conclude:Gracious God, hear our prayer;

and in your love, answer.

Compassionate God,hear us as we pray:for your church and its varied ministries . . .for the work of justice and the healing of creation . . .for the care of strangers, neighbours, family, friends . . .for those isolated by sickness, sorrow, violence, fear . . .for those broken by the world . . .for those who face death . . .

Generous and compassionate God,in your loving purpose, answer our prayers and fulfil our hopes;

and in all things for which we pray,give us grace and wisdom to accept your will,

for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.

or BThanksgiving

Bountiful God, we lift our voices in prayers of praise,for you have raised us to new life in Jesus Christ,and your blessings to us and to your worldcome in generous measure.

In our hearts and with our voices, we name before youthat for which we give thanks:

Specific events and people may be named.

Intercessions



Merciful God, you are close to all in need,and by our prayers we draw close to you.

Claiming your love in Christ Jesus for the whole world,we dare to pray for others.

29DailyPrayer 10/24/07, 10:30 AM909

910 DAILY PRAYER

Committing ourselves to care in his name for those around us,we bring our prayers and concerns for friend and stranger:

Prayers for people and events, both near and far, may be offered.

Gracious God, hear our prayer,And in your love, answer.

Bountiful and merciful God,accept the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do your will;Êthrough Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

With Jesus,we pray together, saying:

Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come,your will be done

on earth as in heaven.Give us today our daily breadForgive us our sins, as we forgive

those who sin against us.Save us from the time of trial,

and deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours,now and forever. Amen.

A hymn may be sung

BlessingMay we continue to grow in the graceand knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Amen.Bless God’s name.

Thanks be to God.

or The God of peace be with us.Amen.

Bless the name of God.Thanks be to God.

As children turn to a motherwho watches over them,let us turn to God, saying:

Our Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread;and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive thosewho trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,and the power, and the glory,

for ever and ever. Amen.

29DailyPrayer 10/24/07, 10:30 AM910

DAILY PRAYER 911

Daily PrayerFor Late Afternoon or Evening Devotions

The service begins with either Thanksgiving for Light or Opening Sentences

Thanksgiving for LightAfter all have gathered, a candle is lit inthe midst of the community.

Light and peace in Jesus Christ!Thanks be to God.

or

Jesus Christ,you are the light of the world,

light shining in deepest night,which cannot overcome it.

Stay with us now, for it is evening;the day is almost over.

Let us pray:

We give you thanks and praise,O God of endless light,through our Saviour, Jesus Christ.In him your light

shines in our heartsand reveals the lightthat never fades.

As daylight comes to an endand darkness begins to fall,

we thank you for the light of daycreated for our work and pleasure,and bless you for the giftof this evening light.

All praise to you, O God,through Jesus Christ, in whom

all glory and honour is yours,with the Holy Spirit,in the holy churchnow and forever. Amen.

Opening SentencesOur help is in the name of God,

who made heaven and earth.

Let us give thanksto our sovereign God

who is worthy of allthanksgiving and praise.

PrayerLet us pray:

Loving God,in whose mercy we find our peace,in whose presence we find our place,in whose world we find our calling:grant us grace to hear

and accept your Word,that we may be faithful followersof your will and your way all our days.In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

or

Let us pray:

O God, our Guide and Companion,you have brought us

through this dayto a time of reflection and rest.Calm our souls,and refresh us with your peace.In Christ, draw us closer

to one anotherin the bonds of his love.We pray in the power of the Spirit.Amen.

29DailyPrayer 10/24/07, 10:30 AM911

912 DAILY PRAYER

Hymn to Christ the LightSee numbers 434 and 435.

HymnA hymn, if included, will be chosen tosuit the time of day or the occasion.

PsalmA psalm for evening (one of Psalms 23, 51, 63, 141) or another is always

appropriate.

ScriptureAt the end of the reading, the reader may say:

Hear what the Spirit or The word of God.is saying to the church. Thanks be to God.

Thanks be to God.

Silence may be followed by a variety of responses, such as action, music, or words.

A Scripture Song (see pages 898, 899, or 878) may be sung.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and IntercessionOne of the following prayers (A or B) or another may be offered. At various pointsduring the prayers, a sung response may be used (see 948–954).

AThanksgiving

Gracious and loving God,we thank you for the blessings of life.We bless you for the wonders of the world:

for heights of mountains and breadth of prairie,for diversity of peoples and intimacy of families,for the goodness of all you have made.

We bless you for the gift of Jesus Christ, who lived and died, and lives again wherever justice is known, wherever love is found.

We bless you for your life among usforgiving sins, renewing spirits,and refreshing us in the fellowship of your table.

29DailyPrayer 10/24/07, 10:30 AM912

DAILY PRAYER 913

Grant, O God, that in the quietness of the eveningand in the hush of the night,

our hearts may be filled with thankfulnessfor these and all your blessings; [in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.]

Intercessions



Mighty and tender God,hear us as we pray,

for you bring release to the captives and rest to the weary,and you know the way of suffering in Jesus Christ our Saviour.

We pray:for the church throughout the world in its life and ministries . . .for the nations as they strive for peace and justice . . .for all who suffer: the sick, the sorrowful, the lonely, the oppressed . . .for peaceful relationships among friends, among strangers . . .

Tender and mighty God, in your loving purposeanswer our prayers and fulfil our hopes.

In all things for which we pray,give us the grace and wisdom to accept your will,

for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.

or B

Thanksgiving

We give you our praise and thanks, O Holy God,for all the gifts of love we have received from you,and for your light revealed in Jesus Christ.

We bless you for the wonders of creation,the delights of human companionshipand the assurances of faith.

Especially today we thank you for . . .

Specific events and people may be named.

29DailyPrayer 10/24/07, 10:30 AM913

914 DAILY PRAYER

Intercessions



We lift up our concerns for others, O God of compassion.In Jesus Christ, your saving love scattered the power of death

and your eternal light shines in the darkness.With confidence, we remember before you the suffering of humanity

and the brokenness of the world.Especially today we pray for . . .

Specific prayers for people and events, near and far, may be named.

Holy and compassionate God,accept the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do your will;

through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

With Jesus,we pray together saying:

Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come,your will be done

on earth as in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our sins, as we forgive

those who sin against us.Save us from the time of trial,

and deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours,now and forever. Amen.

As children turn to a motherwho watches over them,let us turn to God, saying:

Our Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread;and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive thosewho trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,and the power, and the glory,

for ever and ever. Amen.

29DailyPrayer 10/24/07, 10:30 AM914

DAILY PRAYER 915

A hymn may be sung

BlessingMay the peace of God,which surpasses all understanding,guard our hearts and minds

in Christ Jesus. Amen.

or May the grace of Jesus Christ,the love of God,and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all,this night and always. Amen.

29DailyPrayer 10/24/07, 10:30 AM915

Affirmations of Faith,Creeds, The Lord’s Prayer,

Additional Prayers

30Affirmations 10/29/07, 10:07 AM917

GSPN�7PJDFT�6OJUFE �5IF�)ZNO�BOE�8PSTIJQ�#PPL�PG�5IF�6OJUFE�$IVSDI�PG�$BOBEB �5IF�6OJUFE�$IVSDI�1VCMJTIJOH�)PVTF ��6TFE�XJUI�QFSNJTTJPO�

918 AFFIRMATIONS OF FAITH, CREEDS, THE LORD’S PRAYER, ADDITIONAL PRAYERS

THE APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty,creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,born of the Virgin Mary,suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died, and was buried;he descended to the dead.On the third day he rose again;he ascended into heaven,he is seated at the right hand of the Father,and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body,and the life everlasting. Amen. English Language Liturgical Consultation, 1988

A NEW CREEDWe are not alone,

we live in God’s world.We believe in God:

who has created and is creating,who has come in Jesus,

the Word made flesh,to reconcile and make new,

who works in us and othersby the Spirit.

We trust in God.We are called to be the Church:

to celebrate God’s presence,to live with respect in Creation,to love and serve others,to seek justice and resist evil,to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,

our judge and our hope.In life, in death, in life beyond death,

God is with us.We are not alone.

Thanks be to God. The United Church of Canada, General Council 1968, alt.

30Affirmations 10/29/07, 10:07 AM918

LE SYMBOLE DES APÔTRES

Je crois en Dieu, le Père tout-puissant,créateur du ciel et de la terre.

Je crois en Jésus Christ, son Fils unique, notre Seigneur,qui a été conçu du Saint-Esprit,est né de la vierge Marie,a souffert sous Ponce Pilate,a été crucifié, est mort, et a été enseveli,est descendu aux enfers,le troisième jour est ressuscité des morts,est monté aux cieux,est assis à la droite de Dieu le Père tout-puissantd’où il viendra juger les vivants et les morts.

Je crois en l’Esprit Saintà la sainte Église catholique,* à la communion des saints,à la rémission des péchés, à la résurrection de la chair,et à la vie éternelle. Amen.

* ou universelle

CONFESSION DE FOI DE L’ÉGLISE UNIE DU CANADANous ne sommes pas seuls,

nous vivons dans le monde que Dieu a créé.Nous croyons en Dieu

qui a créé et qui continue à créer,qui est venu en Jésus, Parole faite chair,pour réconcilier et renouveler,qui travaille en nous et parmi nous par son Esprit.

Nous avons confiance en lui.Nous sommes appelés à constituer l’Église:

pour célébrer la présence de Dieu,pour vivre avec respect dans la création,pour aimer et servir les autres,pour rechercher la justice et résister au mal,pour proclamer Jésus, crucifié et ressuscité,

notre juge et notre espérance.Dans la vie, dans la mort,

et dans la vie au-delà de la mort,Dieu est avec nous.

Nous ne sommes pas seuls.Grâces soient rendues à Dieu. French translation by Consistoire Laurentien

CREEDS 919

30Affirmations 10/29/07, 10:07 AM919


THE NICENE CREEDWe believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,maker of heaven and earth,of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,the only Son of God,eternally begotten of the Father,God from God, Light from Light,true God from true God,begotten, not made,of one Being with the Father;through him all things were made.For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Maryand became truly human.For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;he suffered death and was buried.On the third day he rose againin accordance with the Scriptures;he ascended into heavenand is seated at the right hand of the Father.He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,who proceeds from the Father [and the Son],who with the Father and the Son

is worshipped and glorified,who has spoken through the prophets.We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.English Language Liturgical Consultation, 1988

30Affirmations 10/29/07, 10:07 AM920

THE LORD’S PRAYEROur Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,thy kingdom come,thy will be done,on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory

forever and ever. Amen.THE LORD’S PRAYER (Ecumenical Version)

Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name,your kingdom come,your will be done,on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.Save us from the time of trial

and deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours

now and for ever. Amen. English Language Liturgical Consultation, 1988

THE LORD’S PRAYER 921

NOTRE PÈRE (Version Ecuménique)Notre Père qui es aux cieux,

que ton nom soit sanctifié,que ton règne vienne,que ta volonté soit faite

sur la terre comme au ciel.Donne-nous aujourd’hui notre pain de ce jour.Pardonne-nous nos offenses

comme nous pardonnons aussi à ceux qui nous ont offensés.Et ne nous soumets pas à la tentation,

mais délivre-nous du mal.Car c’est à toi qu’appartiennent le règne, la puissance et la gloire,

pour* les siècles des siècles. Amen.* ou aux siècles des siècles. French translation by Consistoire Laurentien

30Affirmations 10/29/07, 10:07 AM921


Cree translation by Ethnic Ministry Council, The United Church of Canada

The Lord’s Prayer

A New Creed

30Affirmations 10/29/07, 10:07 AM922

Japanese translation by Ethnic Ministry Council, The United Church of Canada

The Lord’s Prayer

A New Creed

OTHER TRANSLATIONS 923

30Affirmations 10/29/07, 10:07 AM923


Korean translation by Ethnic Ministry Council, The United Church of Canada

A New Creed

The Lord’s Prayer

30Affirmations 10/29/07, 10:07 AM924

Taiwanese translation by Ethnic Ministry Council, The United Church of Canada


A New Creed

The Lord’s Prayer

30Affirmations 10/29/07, 10:07 AM925


Chinese translation by Ethnic Ministry Council, The United Church of Canada

The Lord’s Prayer

A New Creed

30Affirmations 10/29/07, 10:07 AM926

AMA NAMIN

Ama namin, sumasalangit Ka;

Sambahin ang pangalan Mo;

Dumating and kaharian Mo;

Gawin ang kalooban Mo, kung paano sa langit,gayon din naman sa lupa.

Ibigay Mo sa amin ang aming kakanin sa araw-araw.

Ipatawad Mo sa amin ang aming mga kasalanan, gayanaman namin na nagpatawad sa mga nagkasala sa amin.

At huwag Mo kaming ipahintulot sa tukso, kundiiligtas mo kami sa lahat ng masama;

Sapagka’t Iyo ang kaharian, ang kapangyarihan;at ang kaluwalhatian, magpakailanman. AMEN.

KREDO NG PINAGKAISANG IGLESIA SA CANADATayo ay hindi nag-iisa, nabubuhay tayo sa daigdig ng Dios.Sumasampalataya tayo sa Dios:

na lumalang at lumalalang,na naparito sa pamamagitan ni Hesus, ang Salita

na naging laman, upang makipagkasundoat gawing bago,

na gumagawa sa atin at sa lahat sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu.Tumitiwala tayo sa Dios.Tayo ay tinawag upang maging Iglesia:

upang ipagdiwang ang pakikisama ng Dios,upang mabuhay na pinahahalagahan ang Nilalang,upang ibigin at paglingkuran ang kapwa,upang hanapin ang katarungan at bakahin ang kasamaan,upang ipahayag si Hesus, na napako sa krus at nabuhay na

maguli, ating hukom at ating pag-asa.Sa kabuhayan, sa kamatayan, sa kabuhayan sa kabila ng kamatayan,

ang Dios ay kasama natin.Tayo ay hindi nag-iisa.Magpasalamat tayo sa Dios.

A New Creed

Philipino translation by Ethnic Ministry Council, The United Church of Canada

The Lord’s Prayer


30Affirmations 10/29/07, 10:07 AM927


Additional Prayers

Prayers of Confession

AHoly and gracious God,gathered as your people responding to your call,we confess

the self that is not aware of sinning;the heart that is too hardened to repent;the pride that dares not admit it is wrong;the righteousness that knows no fault;the callousness that has ceased to care;the blindness that can see nothing but its own will.

God, in your healing love, forgive us;through our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

30Affirmations 10/29/07, 10:07 AM928

Prayers of Thanksgiving

ALet us give thanks, always and for everything,saying, “We thank you, God.”

For the beauty and wonder of creation,we thank you, God.

For all that is gracious in the lives of all your people,Êrevealing the image of Christ,

we thank you, God.For food and shelter, for families and friends,

we thank you, God.For minds to think and hearts to love,

we thank you, God.For the strength to work, for delight in play,for the energy to live, and time to seek your way,

we thank you, God.For those who are courageous in conflict, patient in suffering,Êand faithful in adversity,

we thank you, God.For all who pursue justice, truth, and peace,

we thank you, God.[Today, we give thanks especially for . . .;for these signs of your love,

we thank you, God.]For all the saints who have reflected the light of Christ,

we thank you, God.These and all our prayers, spoken and unspoken,we offer to you through Jesus,your Gift and our Salvation. Amen.

ADDITIONAL PRAYERS 929

30Affirmations 10/29/07, 10:07 AM929


BPraise and thanks to you, O God,

for all you have done for us.We thank you for the splendour of the whole creation,

for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life,and for the mystery of love.

We thank you for the blessing of family and friends,and for loving carewhich surrounds us on every side.

We thank you for the delight we findin finishing well our daily tasks,and for helping us find comfort in you,even in failure or distress.

Above all, we thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ;for the truth of his word and the example of his life;for his faithfulness, his dying, his rising to life again,by which we, too, are raised to life anew.

Grant us the gift of your Spirit,that we may know Christ, and make him known;and through him, at all times and in all places,may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.

CGod of the heavens and the earth,with joy we praise you,we thank you, we honour you.

Because you have made us like yourself,made us to be creative in your world,we praise you.

Because you have freed us through Jesusfreed us to be people of light and love,we thank you.

Because your Spirit is present with us,present to guide and renew,we honour you.

God of the heavens and the earth,with joy we praise you,we thank you, we honour you for ever. Amen.

30Affirmations 10/29/07, 10:07 AM930

Daily Prayer€¦ · for sun and rain, for seed-time and harvest; for your bounty supplying all our...

Documents

Transcript of Daily Prayer€¦ · for sun and rain, for seed-time and harvest; for your bounty supplying all our...