Prayer for Advent

by Jill Duffield 

What are you waiting for, Alpha and Omega? Are you waiting for us to recognize our need for you? We are desperate for your inbreaking. 

What are you waiting for, Most High God? Are you waiting for us to plead for relief from the chaos we have created? We cry out on behalf of a groaning creation to deliver us from evil.

What are you waiting for, God of our ancestors? Are you waiting for us to give thanks for your inexplicable unwillingness to give up on us? We praise you for your relentless love for the world and for your steadfast care of us.

What are you waiting for, Triune God? Are you waiting for us to better reflect the Savior we prepare to welcome and worship? We admit our shortcomings and ask for your help trusting the Spirit will intercede for us.

We are waiting, Gracious God, for your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, full of grace and truth, to join our human family, take on our human frailty, bind up our wounds, make us whole and save us.

We know we do not wait or work in vain because you, God of all that is seen and unseen, keep your word, stay true to your character and promise to never abandon us. Confident as your children, we wait in peace, eager to bear witness to your love incarnate, Emmanuel, God with us now and always. Amen.

Prayer for wisdom and peace as the coronavirus spreads

God of all that is seen and unseen, our anxiety rises as the invisible coronavirus spreads. We worry about the impact of this illness on healthcare workers, older adults, those already physically fragile, the vulnerable among us and people whose livelihoods are tied to the regular movement of people and commerce. We recognize in this moment how inextricably connected we are to one another and we hope that this unmistakable realization will shape all our actions in ways that foster the common good, increase compassion and expand communal care.

As people is positions of leadership in religious communities, educational institutions, hospitals, government and local communities face difficult choices about how to address the complex challenges this virus brings, grant them wisdom and courage. Knowing that we are flawed and that our knowledge is incomplete, make us humble in our judgment, patient with one another, and gracious toward those tasked with the burden of making hard decisions in the days ahead.

Bring healing to the sick, strength to the caregivers, comfort to those who mourn, peace to those in quarantine and mercy to all of your beloved creation. Amen.

Prayer for central Tennessee

Lord, as the damage is assessed and the recovery begins, we pray for those affected by the tornadoes that hit central Tennessee.

In an instant, the lives of many were forever altered and people are in grief, shock and disbelief. Comfort those who mourn and bind up the broken hearted. Give wisdom to leaders as they do the hard work of rebuilding not just structures but communities. Strengthen those on the frontlines providing healthcare, restoring power, removing debris and tending to the basic needs of those displaced by these horrific storms. In the days and weeks and months ahead, grant rest to the weary, peace to the anxious and hope to the discouraged.

May your love and light break through the chaos and destruction, bringing healing, relief and mercy. Make of us, your people, bearers of your compassion to your beloved children in Tennessee and all around the world. Amen.

Lenten devotions by Outlook editor Jill Duffield

The liturgical season of Lent invites us to refocus on God as we prayerfully examine our priorities, actions, thoughts and expectations. Often, we give something up for Lent as a way of reminding us daily of Jesus' sacrifice. We might also take on additional spiritual practices or acts of service so as to follow Jesus more closely. These devotions invite you to both let go and hold on. Each week offers you the opportunity to let go of that which distracts from discerning God's presence and instead hold on to that which God promises. Download the PDF, print as many as you need and insert them into your weekly worship bulletin. Written by Outlook editor Jill Duffield, each week includes a reflection, daily Scripture readings, suggestions for living out the Bible reading and a short prayer for each day. Five weeks of devotions and bonus prayers for Holy Week are available for immediate download. Learn more and order here. Hymns for Lent, Holy Week and Easter  Beloved Presbyterian hymn writer, Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, has composed hymns for Year A set to well-loved hymn melodies.  Hymns for each Sunday of Lent and for Holy Week and Easter use the lectionary Scriptures to enhance your worship. Learn more, read lyrics and order here.

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Prayer for China and all impacted by COVID-19

Lord, in your mercy you healed those suffering in body, mind or spirit. We cry out to you now on behalf of those infected by the coronavirus. Heal the sick, and bind up the broken-hearted who grieve those felled by this illness.

As both infection and fear spread, we ask for courage and protection for healthcare workers risking their own well-being for the sake of others. We pray wisdom for government officials and those in decision-making positions. May they rightly discern what needs to be done to treat those already infected and prevent others from falling sick.

We know there are those in quarantine, afraid they might be exposed to illness, wondering when they will return to their normal lives, anxious about what might happen next. Comfort them with your peace that passes understanding and grant them patience during this liminal and frightening season.

Lord of all, we are intimately connected to one another no matter where we reside on the earth, and so we plead for healing, good healthcare, relief and wholeness for our siblings in China and in all the places where this virus has made its appearance. May our collective care, effort, resources and love bring an end to this epidemic. Amen.