Post Number 200--A Simple Prayer

     As some of you have been following my blog from the beginning, you know i occasionally post prayers I write.  This prayer is for the Family Worship Service, which happens monthly.  The service is geared to families with young children--five years and younger.  With such an energetic, curious group of little ones, the prayer needs to be short, simple and sincere.  

The theme of tomorrow's service is, "Starting the New Year with God."

______________________________

Response:        Help us, Lord,

                                                To listen to you.

Loving God, Our Father, this is January; the start of a new year.  We know You love us, because each day you give us a fresh start.   Thank you that your mercy never runs out.  You created us to love you and each other.  Loving means listening.  We want to hear you.

Response:        Help us, Lord,

                                                To listen to you.

Thank you Lord, for giving us two ears, which makes it easier to hear.   The Bible says Your voice is still and small.  Teach us to take time every day to be quiet and listen.  As we read the Bible, our eyes see, but our mind and heart hear Your message.  Show us how to share it with others.

Response:        Help us, Lord,

                                                To listen to you.

Problems are everywhere in the world.  Like Syria, Turkey, Jakarta, and Burkina Faso.  People are hungry, sick and have to live with anger, fear, and war.  But we are here and we don’t know how to help people in faraway places.  Yet, we want to help.  Give us ideas for things we can do to make a difference for them.  We know you listen to our prayers; teach us  to discern Your Answers.

Response:        Help us, Lord,

                                                To listen to you.

Jesus, bless the Cleaver family as they finish their training and begin their new work in Ukraine.  Bless our friends and family.  Thank you for letting us share their lives.  Help them to listen to Your voice too.

Response:        Help us, Lord,

                                                To listen to you.

Father, be with those who are sick, lonely and alone.  Please help the sick to heal.  Help the lonely to find friends.  Show us how to reach out to them with your gentleness and kindness.  As we look ahead to this year, we want to grow in our faith, especially in knowing Your voice. 

Response:        Help us, Lord,

                                                To listen to you.

We pray like Jesus taught us:

ALL:  Our Father in heaven,  hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, Now and forever. Amen.