PRAYER FOR THE SERMON ON April 11, 2010 "GLORY BE"

Glorious and Magnificent Creator you continue to amaze us with your never ending patience, mercy, and love, not to mention your wondrous deeds. We confess how our attention is drawn to the obvious rather than the more subtle ways in which you touch our lives. We become aware of the intermingling of your spirit with ours in the “AHA” moments of hindsight. We suddenly realize, when all those things we worried about worked out for the better or the best, that your mark has been all over them. Tune us in to your ever presence most gracious God, empowering and energizing our own spirit of care, compassion and service. Give us the voice and will to offer our time and talents often rather than waiting to be asked. Open our eyes to the gifts we have to offer, no matter what we think our limitations may be. Lead us through and with your strength to serve you and serve your church as faithful witnesses of the resurrection. Give us an Easter faith trusting in all things possible through the one who loved us ultimately, even Jesus Christ our savior, redeemer and friend. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
“Now that’s a tough act to follow.” and “So wha’dya do for an encore?” are lines we hear often in a variety of contexts including artistic performances that are really awful. God has done some absolutely fabulous things throughout human history. We sort of focus on the more elaborate demonstrations, like the parting of the Red Sea and the raising of Jairus’ daughter, Lazarus and Jesus from the dead. But God is doing wondrous things in our midst each and everyday and most especially in this our community of faith.

PRAYER FOR Easter Sunday Sermon April 4, 2010 "EVERYTHING ELSE IS HEARSAY"

Gracious and most wonderful God, more than any other day we give you thanks for this day. For 40 days we have, with purpose, pursued the way of discipleship. We have sought to learn and discern your will for us through reading and reflecting on the scriptures. We have challenged ourselves to live doing no harm, doing all the good we can. We have taken part in all of the means of grace at our disposal which keep us in love with you and connected with you and with one another. Since Palm Sunday we have felt as if we were holding our breath in wonder and anticipation. Today we can breathe in the assurance of things hoped for radically revealed in an empty tomb. Indeed this is a day full of mystery, awe and gladness. All at once when at the entrance to the tomb, we like the women are confounded and yet relieved, sorrowful and yet uplifted, excited and yet cautious. Your surprise arrived on the wings of a promise fulfilled and we must decide to believe. In the instant that we take the leap of faith; in the instant we trust that all things are possible with you; we find a spiritual strength, confidence and stamina we never knew possible. Dearest Lord, O how we cherish this day, for today you have made all things new and the sting of death is no more. Amen and Amen!

Palm Sunday March 28, 2010 "RECOGNITION = SIGHT OF THE MIND"

Glorious and most wonderful God we are grateful for your strong, enduring and patient presence in our lives. On this Palm Sunday we are confronted by the duality of our call to rejoice on this triumphant day with the revelers and disciples shouting Hosanna and our awareness of what follows in this most Holy Week. We confess our desire to leap forward in time 7 days. Help us to understand that unless we embrace Christ’s willing sacrifice for each and every one of us, we cannot fully comprehend his love, Your love for us. As we enter this Holy Week help us surrender our secular busyness , our obligations to everyday errands, and deadline in order to make room and time to hear Your story lived and told for us. As we hear Christ’s final words his indelible mark is left upon us and we are changed. Prod us, Lord, to take up the cross of discipleship. Bring us, Lord, into worship. Humble us, Lord, for service. Empower us Lord, for ministry and let us put on Christ as never before. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
Offertory Thought
Palm the tree (Old English) and the palm of the hand have the same ultimate source: Latin palma. The application to the tree is a secondary one, alluding to the shape of the cluster of palm leaves, like the fingers of a hand. So it would seem that the palm tree got its name from the palm of the hand, but from now on when you are waving hello or goodbye to a loved one look up at your hand and be reminded that in your hand you have a truly physical link with Palm Sunday.

Prayer for the Sermon "TO GRACE CONSTRAINED"

Praise to you O, Living God; God of power and might. Blessed are you Lord of mercy, Lord of truth, Lord of grace and light. We focus every thought on thee, in wonder and humility. Confessing in whispers our fear and distress, we pray for faith that counters weakness. As we walk with Jesus through his final days, let us hear with new ears each thing that he says. Let us not be undone if we turn away, for your grace shall renew us day after day. Like the ordinary people who said “Yes” to Jesus, our direction is clear on The Way that completes us. We love in his name and strive to maintain a ministry of true hearts and minds, offering ourselves, our hands, our work, our plans for the blessed tie that binds. Empower your servants most precious Lord to do accomplish wondrous deeds in your name, for the glory, the honor and triumph are yours the One for whom Jesus came. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
The story of the woman with the alabaster flask is found in all four gospels making it a story of considerable significance. In Matthew, the disciples complain and in John, Judas Iscariot speaks out against the misuse of the perfumed ointment to anoint Jesus at the dinner party. He contends that it is worth at least 300 denarii and could have been sold to feed the poor. A day’s pay for many was one denarius. So this ointment is worth 300 days of labor. We might ask that since this woman is anointing Jesus whose labor purchased the ointment in the first place?

Prayer for the Sermon March 7, 2010 "And Just Then"

Glorious God our Savior, Creator and Lord, bless us with your presence. Let us breathe in your presence, your Spirit of holiness, your Spirit of redemption. We entreat you merciful God to pour out comfort upon those who are in pain and your liberating power upon those whose lives are in turmoil. We pray for those who wrestle daily with personal demons that beset them from above and below, behind and in front. You have shown us in the life and lessons of your Son Jesus the Christ that those chained to addictions, trapped in their obsessions, ensnared by depression, or fettered by fear can have new life. Let us speak clearly of your promise to set these captives free. Help us to pray with them and for them, whispering your words of wisdom and assurance. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
John Wesley wrote about the Lord’s Supper being both an obligation and an opportunity. It is one of the 6 means of Grace which he outlines in the General Rules. Wesley said Christians should receive communion as often as they can because the benefits are so great: “the forgiveness of our past sins and the present strengthening and refreshment of our souls.” The means of Grace are important for Christian life and growth precisely because they do something. In 1784 he advised the ordained Elders of the Methodist Episcopal Church “to administer the supper of the Lord on every Lord’s day.”
John Wesley wrote about the Lord’s Supper being both an obligation and an opportunity. It is one of the 6 means of Grace which he outlines in the General Rules. Wesley said Christians should receive communion as often as they can because the benefits are so great: “the forgiveness of our past sins and the present strengthening and refreshment of our souls.” The means of Grace are important for Christian life and growth precisely because they do something. In 1784 he advised the ordained Elders of the Methodist Episcopal Church “to administer the supper of the Lord on every Lord’s day.”

Prayer For the Sermon on February 21, 2010 "THE WORLD IS EVER NEAR"

Blessed Abba hear our prayer. We confess our need to return to you. We confess our desire to reconnect with you and to place you at the center of our thoughts and actions. We realize that we have an opportunity, during this Lenten season, to examine our spiritual core. If we should discover that we have neglected and starved that part of our selves, dearest Lord, give us spiritual nourishment. If we discover that our spiritual core has been injured, please, heal the hurt and help us move to a new level consciousness. If we discover that we are imprisoned by bitterness, anger or resentment, we entreat you most merciful and forgiving God, to break the shackles that bind us and wash us clean. Teach us to be honest with you and with ourselves as we journey toward spiritual maturity. For all of this and more we shall give you thanks and praise as we follow Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.

Offertory Thought
When we look for comfort from the things of this world, we are often soothed by soft things, sweet things, things that dull our senses, activities that physically exhaust the body, release its tensions or relax us into sleep removing us from the stresses, strains and anxieties of the world. Lent is a time of turning to God and discovering the love and comfort that the world cannot and will not provide.

Prayer For The Sermon on February 14, 2010 "TRANSFIGURATION"

Glorious God, wondrous Creator, we give you thanks and praise on this day of LOVE as we remember how you have ever loved us. You have made and kept covenant with us over and over again at last revealing the extent of your love in the person and sacrifice of Jesus the Christ. We humbly acknowledge that we, indeed, have a part in keeping any covenant relationship strong, vital and alive. If we have been lax or distracted in our commitment please forgive us. As we enter into the season of Lent this coming week, help us to focus on the covenants we have made with you, with our partners and our congregation. We will nourish our commitment partaking of the sacraments and build up its strength through prayerful exercises. We will serve one another and prepare to be the spiritual leaders you have called us to be. May our faces reflect your light within us shining forth the true radiance of your love and grace. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

Prayer for the Sermon January 31, 2010 "TERRIFIC BOUNTY"

Loving God, our Creator and Sustainer, we open our hearts to your leading. When we take time to think about it we become acutely aware of missed opportunities to minister to others in your name. We confess a desire to work within our comfort zone, skittish about stepping outside or beyond it. Help us, dear Savior, to understand that the open hearts, open minds and open doors we proclaim, work two ways. They invite new people to come in and participate in the ministries of the church and dare us to go outside and minister to our community beyond these walls. Reveal to us those who are longing to hear the good news for their lives. Empower us to speak as witnesses to your power and grace. And finally, O Lord, let us also be transformed and inspired by sharing our stories with friends and with strangers. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

OFFERTORY THOUGHT
Have you ever felt you had more than enough, more than you needed, plenty, a plethora, an abundance, a bounty, ample amounts, a lot, lots, loads, heaps, masses, stacks, of anything? Most people would say this describes their debt not their bank account. Interestingly enough, an abundance of anything, even God’s grace, can be as frightening as a dearth, perhaps because it is human nature to think there are strings attached.

Prayer for the Sermon January 24, 2010 'HURLING INSULTS"

God of Grace and Mercy we have come here to give you thanks and praise and to find our way in the complex world. We have been searching for peace in our souls, inspiration in our work and courage in our witness to the Christ in our lives. We confess that we are often fearful nervous witnesses often feeling inadequate in our attempts to talk about the work and words of your son Jesus Christ. We feel self-conscious trying to tell others about our faith, or praying out loud in the company of others. If the truth were told, we would probably say that we are really more worried about embarrassing you, than embarrassing ourselves. Help each of us today to trust in your awesome ever-presence, listening intently for the whispers of your most Holy Spirit. Lord, our confidence is in you. We have faith that you will fill us with your good thoughts. You will provide us with the means to speak rightly, faithfully, and graciously, always doing honor to your name. Amen.

OFFERTORY THOUGHT
I heard a story the other day about one of the United Methodist Relief Workers who was trapped in the collapsed hotel in Haiti. Aware that both of his legs were broken and that his 3 friends were nearby also injured trapped in the wreckage, he began to sing: “I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.” When we have nothing left but the breath within us, not even our legs, we have God. We always have God, in this case lying right next to us. Let us give thanks.

Prayer for the Sermon December 27, 2009 "BETTERING AS WE GO"

Wondrous and Loving God, we give you thanks for this morning and the opportunity to refresh and renew our spirits here. We believe that you are always at work giving new life to the earth, and to humankind with the dawning of each new day. We confess that there are times when we have failed to see the light dawning; cautious and unsure we have demurred, hesitating to follow your lead, fearing you would take us where we could not go. Let us, in this new year, move forward with confidence, unafraid, trusting that you are with us in each step we take. Dear Lord, make us as wise as serpents and as trusting as lambs able to hear your call and discern your will for us. We can and will fulfill your commandment to love in the name of our savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

OFFERTORY THOUGHT FOR THE NEW YEAR 2010
So the new year will begin this coming Friday at 12:01 all over the world, and as God has promised each morning will bring with it a new day, with new opportunities and new challenges. I encourage you to carry the words of John Wesley with you everywhere: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can “ trusting that God is good all the time.

Prayer for December 20, 2009

Glorious God we are awed and lifted up by the glorious and familiar tunes and carols we sing in the Advent -Christmas season. Truly we give you thanks for the inspiration which quickened the pen of those with the gift to write and arrange notes so to warm our hearts and soothe our scattered spirits. We give you thanks, Dearest Lord, for those who heard your grace notes ringing in their heads and released them into the wide world for all who have ears to hear and all who would, to sing. Grant that we may hear your voice speaking to us through the music, drawing us ever closer. Surround us with the light of your Christ, the truth of the Wonderful Counselor, the calm of the Prince of Peace, the wisdom of the Lord of Lords, the triumph of the King of Kings in whose name we pray. Amen.

Prayer for Sermon December 13, 2009 "REJOICE GREATLY OF DAUGHTER ZION"

Ever loving and Gracious God gathered here with our brothers and sisters of like hearts and spirits of one accord, we are grateful for music that brightens our thoughts and reminds us that a brighter day is promised. You are the God of all things, bright, beautiful and new. You are the God who is ever surprising humanity with deeds of wonder, love and grace. Help us to tune in to your ever-presence. You have promised to clothe us with joy. The songs of scripture assure us that even though weeping may linger through the night, joy comes with the morning; joy past grieving, joy beyond sorrow, joy that turns our mourning into dancing. Help us to rejoice now, trusting always in your promises kept. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SUNDAY OFFERTORY THOUGHT REVIEW BIG TICKET ITEMS AT NEIMAN MARCUS
Neiman Marcus’ 2009 big ticket items for your Christmas list include: The Icon A5 sport aircraft, a his and hers gift for $250,000; it includes pilot license training; the customized battery powered Cupcake Car is $25,000; you can trade quips with John Lithgow or Christopher Buckley by purchasing the Algonquin Round Table Experience for $200,000. There are gifts for under $100 such as the NM snow globe ($85) and jeweled lollipops ($50). I know some of you will be crushed to learn that the special edition Jaguar XJL sedan ($150,000) has already sold out.

CORRECTION OF THE VIDEO SCRIPTURE BELOW: SERMON IS PREACHED ON
ZEPHANIAH 3:14-20

Prayer to Accompany Sermon October 11, 2009 "Little Children"

This being National Children's Day I drew on all of the prayers I remembered from my childhood and a new one, perhaps it is from your childhood. I changed the "I's" to "We's."

“Thank you God for this lovely day. What can we contribute to it. We will try to make it for others and ourselves, a better day than yesterday. Thank you God for the world so sweet. Thank you God for the food we eat. Thank you God for the birds that sing. Thank you God for everything. For health and strength and daily food, we give you thanks, O Lord. The Lord is Good to me, and so I thank the Lord, for giving me the things I need, the sun the rain and the apple seed; the Lord is good to me. Now before we run out to play, let us not forget to pray. Dear God who kept us through the night, and waked us with the morning light, help us to love you even more than we have ever loved before. In all we do in work or play, be with us Lord from day to day.” Amen.

Prayer To Accompany Sermon October 4, 2009 "Thou Mine Inheritance"

Dearest Lord our beloved, Abba, be gracious to us this day and invite us to dance in the company of your Holy threesome. We come before you praising your name, offering our thanks for unfailing, never flagging devotion to and your patience with our feeble efforts to be more than creatures who live by instinct. Forgive us when we are arrogant, proud, or picky. Forgive us when we react to the barbs of those who goad and annoy. Forgive us when we allow ourselves to be drained of compassion leaving us little to care for those truly in need. Restrain our desire for adulation, our need for the world’s approval or affirmation. We admit we find comfort in the more predictable things of life, perhaps believing that if we keep our present course nothing new will be expected of us. Remind us, most wise and wonderful One, that you are always doing something new and with each new day we are given a chance to get onboard and join you in the glorious adventure of today. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

Prayer to Accompany the Sermon August 9, 2009 "STRAINING THE QUALITY OF MERCY"

Most Merciful and Loving God, always grateful for the privilege we have of worshipping in this sanctuary, today we humbly beg your pardon for those occasions when we have allowed our pride to get in the way of our better judgment. In this complex world we hope to live by solid principles, knowing the difference between right and wrong, our conclusions tempered by mercy. We pray not to be ensnared by legal absolutes and single mindedness, but to see matters from all sides. Help us gracious God to open our hearts and to think always with the mind of Christ. Remind us that we are called, as Christ’s followers, to walk in the shoes of our brothers and sisters, if not to experience, at least, to comprehend the weight that rests upon their shoulders. When it falls upon us to determine the guilt or innocence of anyone, in matters of the law, infuse our thoughts and deliberations with the better sense which only your most Holy Spirit can offer. in the name of the Christ we pray.

Prayer to Accompany Sermon August 2, 2009 "SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED"

Glorious and Ever Loving God, today we give thanks for friends and for friendships that have left an indelible mark upon our hearts, often standing the test of time and distance. We are grateful for the wise counsel of friends who endeavor to hold us close through thick and thin, through life’s ups and downs, through gain and loss. When they are gone from our site, having taken that journey of forever, we can’t help feeling as if the rug has been pulled out from under us, or we have been brought up short. We suddenly find ourselves pondering what life beyond this life is like. They have run the life race in which no one wants to be the first to cross the finish line, yet, we believe, gracious God, that when they cross that finish line they have won . In our imaginings we wonder what that eternal winner’s circle looks like. “Guide we O thou great Jehovah, pilgrims through this barren land. We are weak, but thou art mighty; hold us with thy powerful hand. Bread of heaven, bread of heaven feed us till we want no more; feed us till we want no more.” In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

Prayer to Accompany the Sermon July 26, 2009: "The First Boy Scout"

Our most wondrous and amazing Abba, gathering here in the company of our family of faith we are relieved, delighted to utter words of praise and prayers of thanksgiving. Too rarely we speak beyond Sunday about your wondrous deeds and your abiding patience and love. All too often we sputter words of frustration, anxiety, and dread on Monday until we get warmed up for the week ahead. We make our promise this morning that we will tune our hearts and minds to your everyday presence with us. We will rise to greet each and every new day not begrudging the morning or regretting the night. We will treasure and savor the minutes gifted to us. With your help, Lord, God, we will find all of the ways to take pleasure in our work, learn to value the efforts of others, and engage in living this life fully, responsibly, authentically and graciously. Truly, our hope, our joy and our peace are in you; forgive us when we forget, in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen

Congregational Prayer for Sunday July 19, 2009

Gracious and Ever living God, we are humbled in your presence, awed by your countless deeds of love and rescue and your willingness to keep working with humankind for the sake of the whole world. We confess that we are not always conscientious in living out the promise we made to you when we first proclaimed our faith. Yes, we obey laws and follow rules, but we pray to be a bit more liberal in exercising compassion, demonstrating fairness and honoring our commitments to one another. Let us not be conservative with the gifts you have given to each of us, but let us lavish them upon each other and upon all whom we meet. Let us not be paralyzed by pride, hobbled by arrogance, or isolated by timidity. Lead us far from superior notions of ourselves, and save us from obsessing over the trivial. As our mothers once admonished us to be sure and wash behind our ears, we pray, dearest Lord, that you will reach into our hearts and cleanse us thoroughly from the inside out. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen

Prayer to Accompany Sermon July 5, 2009 "TWO DAUGHTERS"

Gracious God, this weekend we remember the decision our fore parents made to declare their independence from those who governed them from far away. We are mindful that in the struggle to be a free and independent nation, like any newborn child we had to develop, learn, and mature. We confess that even though we are much older now, we have not always acted wisely, or more grown-up. We certainly do not have all of the answers to the problems that confront us and the mistakes we make today have far reaching effects throughout the world. Each time we have gotten too big for our britches we have been humbled, made aware of our need for and dependence on your wise counsel. We pray, O God, that you will help us to proceed with caution when we are incensed, to hold our tongues when silence better serves the cause of humanity and to always be willing to lend a hand in spite of our own burdens. As the author of change, Loving Lord, let our continuing reformation be in response to your leading. Focus our thoughts, our actions and our attention on your will, your vision and your mission for us. In the name of the Christ we pray.

Prayer for Sunday June 28, 2009 to Accompany Sermon "Wrestlemania-Gerasa"

Blessed Lord, Most Wonderful Creator, we are assured of your presence as you are in our every breath. As we roar and rage about the glitches, the crashes, the fumbles and stumbles, the woes and troubles that work their way into our daily lives let this be the sound of our confession. As we growl and grouse, or mutter and moan our resentments toward those who disappoint us, hear our prayer for those who let us down, family, friends, even strangers we have helped who keep messing up their lives; who can’t seem to kick start their self-supporting motivation engine. Dampen our spirit of impatience levied against the uncooperative, or the less than competent, or the seemingly clueless. Teach us the ways of encouragement. Let the voices of wisdom and good conscience rule our tongues. Keep us mindful that the quick fix is not always the best answer to solving a long standing problem. Teach us how to wait. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.