Prayer

We believe in the power of prayer. It is a privilege we have as the People of God to be able to talk with God - and to listen to God.

Prayer can happen anywhere and at any time. God is always there and always listening. There are advantages to selecting times and places to pray which help us to focus and to feel more connected to God.

We pray regularly during our Worship services as well as at other meetings at the church. We have a prayer chain which passes along information to members who wish to pray for members of the community and others in need. We publish a list of persons for whom we are praying in our weekly bulletin as a reminder. If you are in need of prayer please let us know and we will pray for you - and can do so anonymously if you wish.

To the left is a picture of our Memorial Garden at the Church. Some people come and take time to meditate and pray in this space - and you are welcome to as well.

 

 

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our tresspasses, as we forgive those who tresspass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.   Amen.

 

Some prayers from Martin Luther's Small Catechism.

THE MORNING BLESSING

 

In the morning, as soon as you get out of bed, you are to make the sign of the holy cross and say: "God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen."

   Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer. If you wish, you may in addition recite this little prayer as well: 

 "I give thanks to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have protected me through the night from all harm and danger. I ask that you would also protect me today from sin and all evil, so that my life and actions may please you. Into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen."

   After singing a hymn perhaps (for example, one on the Ten Commandments) or whatever else may serve your devotion, you are to go to your work joyfully.

 

 

THE EVENING BLESSING

 

In the evening, when you go to bed, you are to make the sign of the holy cross and say: "God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen."

   Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer. If you wish, you may in addition recite this little prayer as well:

"I give thanks to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have graciously protected me today. I ask you to forgive me all my sins, where I have done wrong, and graciously to protect me tonight. Into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen."

    Then you are to go to sleep quickly and cheerfully.

 

 

TABLE BLESSINGS

 

The children and the members of the household are to come devoutly to the table, fold their hands, and recite:

"The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living creature."

 

Then they are to recite the Lord's Prayer and the following prayer:

"Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us and these your gifts, which we receive from your bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

 

Similarly, after eating they should in the same manner fold their hands and recite devoutly:

"Give thanks to the Lord, for the Lord is good, for God's mercy endures forever. God provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they cry. God is not impressed by the might of a horse, and has no pleasure in the speed of a runner, but finds pleasure in those who fear the Lord, in those who await God's steadfast love." 

 

Then recite the Lord's Prayer and the following prayer:

"We give thanks to you, Lord God our Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord for all your benefits, you who live and reign forever. Amen."  

 

The Apostle's Creed.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell.

On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Amen.

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