Prayers
Prayers for the conflict in Libya as it continues to worsen.
Prayers for Japan as they struggle with trying to control the nuclear reactors.
Prayers for our pastors and churches during this time of pastoral leadership change.
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In my Lenten reading, I ran across a prayer by Augustine.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Breathe in me,
O Holy Spirit,
that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me,
O Holy Spirit,
that my work, too may be holy.
Draw my heart,
O Holy Spirit,
that I love only what is holy.
Strengthen me,
O Holy Spirit,
to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then,
O Holy Spirit,
that I may always be holy.
– Augustine of Hippo
Centered around the Holy Spirit, the first lines all point to what the Holy Spirit does.
Breathe in me
Act in me
Draw my heart
Strengthen me
Guard me
The final line of each stanza helps us understand our response.
that my thoughts may all be holy.
that my work too may be holy.
that I love only what is holy.
to defend all that is holy.
that I may always be holy.
In the center of it all is God’s Holy Spirit.
This is what I pray for you and I today.
May The Holy Spirit…
…breathe in you, act in you, draw your heart, strengthen you, guard you.
So that,
All your thoughts, may all be holy.
All your work too may be holy.
That you love only what is holy.
That you defend all that is holy.
That you and I may always be holy.
This Sunday morning…
I will be praying that you and I will always be holy throgh the work, grace and power of God’s Holy Spirit.
