International Presbytery of the Church of Scotland
This prayer sheet is inspired by the September 2017 theme of the month: Refuge.
The psalmist says,
“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful, because I come to you for safety. In the shadow of your wings I find protection until the raging storms are over.”
(Psalm 57:1, GNT)
These prayers are a response to God’s gracious invitation to us to seek shelter “under his wings” and to bring others to safety.
For personal use or to share.
This prayer sheet is a response to these words by Christian theologian and author, Frederick Buechner (pronounced BEEK-ner):
“Go where your best prayers take you.”
The words appear in Buechner’s book, Telling Secrets – A Memoir, about his encounters with God’s presence in both the scary and sad as well as in the joyful moments of his life.
See the Spirituality and Practice website for a lengthy excerpt from the book showing the words in context.
This prayer sheet is inspired by the July 2017 theme of the month: Water.
The prayers reference different aspects of water we find in the Bible, to help us connect with the giver of this gift that is so vital to our health and well-being, and to pray for those who thirst.
For personal use or to share.
I’ve been compiling prayer sheets for some years now. It’s my way of “preparing the way for the Lord” (Isaiah 40:3) when asked to lead a prayer meeting. The prayer sheet serves as a framework, with prayers and responses to share, as well as room for silence, personal concerns and spontaneous prayer.
I’ve repurposed some of the prayer sheets to share via the blog, with more in the pipeline. I’m also keen to compile prayer sheets to complement the theme of the month.
Prayer sheet blog posts include all the individual components, as well as a link to a pdf version in a handy format you can print out for personal use or to share.
My friend, Margriet, has a whole collection of prayer sheets that I’ve compiled over the years. She often has one tucked in her diary to refer to when she needs a moment for contemplation in her busy life. She says: “I draw strength from the prayers and readings so I can better help others.” For my part, I’m grateful that the prayer sheets continue to bear fruit.
1. Annotate the prayer sheet to personalize it, adding related verses, prayers and prayer requests.
2. Use the prayer sheet as a book mark, or keep a copy in your journal/diary, so you can refer to it when you have a moment for reflection.
3. Take a few copies with you on holiday to use as an aid to contemplation while out in nature or other quiet spot. On your own or with family/travel companions.
4. Take copies of a prayer sheet on an appropriate theme with you when you visit someone who might appreciate a time of prayer and reflection together. Possibly leave a copy with them.
5. Use a prayer sheet as a devotional with your Bible Study group or in family worship.
Theme: Sharing in Jesus’ ministry
Theme: Do not lose heart
Theme: God makes all things new
Theme: Ever sustaining
See the Index for a complete list.
If you have ideas or stories related to the use of prayer sheets, please share them in the comments.
This prayer sheet is inspired by these words from Psalm 55:22:
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.”
For personal use or to share.
This prayer sheet brings together prayers on the theme of God’s power to transform lives and circumstances and his ultimate purpose and promise to make all things new.
This prayer sheet brings together prayers on the theme of not giving up, keeping the faith despite opposition and reasons for discouragement. It also includes two of my songs, “Do not lose heart” and “Christ is in our midst”.
This prayer sheet brings together prayers on the theme of following Jesus, sharing in his ministry to the world.