Prayers and Sacred Readings:

"Prayers for Help"

Father, a needy one before Thee stands, I am [s]he.
(Omaha)

Dear God, there are really only two prayers I can make:  Help and Thanks. Please guide and embrace me in your love.
(Chaplain Resident)

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to
     obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy,
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of 
     men,
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need
     of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things 
I got nothing that I asked for—but everything
     I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were
     answered.
I am, among all [people], most richly blessed.
(American Confederate Soldier)

Let nothing disturb you;
nothing frighten you.
All things
are passing.
God never changes.
Patience
obtains all things.Nothing is wanting to him who possesses God.
God alone suffices.
(St. Teresa’s Bookmark)

Deep within our being where truth and peace yearn to reign over chaos and confusion ... We seek you.   Amidst the daily activities that keep us so busy ... We seek you.

Among the people who come into our lives--our loved ones, our friends, our companions, even our enemies ... We seek you.

When we feel empty, distraught, frustrated, and lost; when we wonder in what direction we are to go ... We seek you.

When fear rises up in us and we do not believe in our ability to express your love ... Help us to trust in you.  When we doubt your presence in the difficult aspects of our days ... Help us to trust in you.

When we question the way you move in our lives ... Help us to trust in you. When emptiness, loneliness, sorrow and other struggles cause us to forget your love for us ... Help us to trust in you.
(adapted from J. Rupp, by J. Bunch)

Dear Holy One, sometimes it is hard for us to remember to thank you, especially when we are worried and troubled.  Sometimes we need to complain or question you before we feel free to love you.  O God, our lives can be so difficult.  Some of our days have been filled with heartache, loss, confusion, sickness, and even death.  Sometimes, God, you have seemed far off and impossible to understand.  What we know is that our hurts have stretched and deepened us.  And we know that you suffer alongside and with us.  Help us to recognize and find comfort in your presence, for you never abandon us.  Help us to trust your goodness and your grace for you are our refuge and our strength.  Help us to find peace by resting in your boundless love.  Amen.

Holy Breath of Life, there are moments when we feel like the dry bones filling Ezekiel’s valley.  When those times come upon us, help us to trust in you, to believe in your dance of life in us, for you can take the dry bones of our lives and enliven them in a way we have never dreamed possible.  Bless our dry and dusty spirits with your deep and stirring love.  Renew our dreams.  Fill us with enthusiasm for life.  May we always look to you as our source of Life.  Amen.

Our Strength in Troubled Times, we keep watch for You.  For You are our stronghold, the Holy One who loves us faithfully.  We will sing aloud of your steadfast love.  For You are our refuge in our days of distress.  We give thanks to the One who leads us through the wilderness experiences of our lives.  For your patient and faithful presence never abandons us.
(Adapted from Joyce Rupp, by J. Bunch)

When our world seems bleak, when we walk with sadness ... Spirit of Love, strengthen us with your presence.

When anxiety takes over our spirit, when restlessness governs us ... Spirit of Serenity, deepen in us the energy of your peace.

In times when fear threatens to drown our trust in you, and we are tempted to doubt all the ways we have known you ... Spirit of Steadfastness, renew our trust in your love and presence.

As we walk on the edges of life and death, as we struggle with inner and outer changes ... Spirit of Wisdom, move us with the energy of your divine guidance.
(Adapted from Joyce Rupp, by J. Bunch)