Grow Archives - Prayer matters

Grow how?

There’s something peculiar about the English language: The word, grow, doesn’t always refer to a change of state for the better. Take, for example, the phrase, grow tired or weary, from this passage from Isaiah.

Do you not know?
      Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,
      the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,
      and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary
      and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,
      and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
      will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;
      they will run and not grow weary,
      they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31

Praise God, He will not grow tired or weary. And praise God, He is in the business of helping the tired and weary who hope in Him so they might grow strong again.

From the blog
walk, run, soar
Amazing to consider
my help / your protector

Grow to maturity

… speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

(Ephesians 4:15-16)

Prayer of Confession

(inspired by Ephesians 4:1-16)

God of unity and love,
place within each of us
a spirit of hope and community.
Have mercy upon us
when we speak without love
or act without humility.
Cleanse us with the living water of your grace.
Create in us willing hearts
to live in patience and gentleness.
Raise us up to be your children,
growing toward maturity
in faith and love.
Strengthen this church,
that we may be a model
of ministry and unity
for all the world to see.
In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.

~ adapted from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2009. Posted on re:worship

In all seasons – grow

On a frosty morning … (Photo: Irene Bom)

Prayers of the People

For all the blessings of this life,
we give thanks to You, Creator God.
For families, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and strangers,
who nurture us, that the love of God may grow within.
That Your love, your Word, like a seed,
may grow to produce in us, good fruit.

May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

For the leaders of various nations and cities,
that they may lead with strong hearts
and gentle hands and generous spirits,
with compassion and mercy, with wisdom and grace.
May they reflect your will guiding all their actions and decisions.

May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

For those who serve in harm’s way,
those who live in dangerous places,
those who live in areas of war and strife,
those who live in fear,
those who worry about employment, bills, food,
and struggle just to find dignity in life.
May your grace bring peace and safety to all people, one to another.

May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

For those who suffer from any illness or dis-ease—
of mind, body, or spirit.
Restore these, and all those we carry in our hearts, to fullness of health—
health as only you, O God, can bring.
May your mercy shower each of us with healing mercy and love.

May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

For those who are dying, and for those who have died.
Send forth your comforting love.
Give solace to those who mourn.
Console those who grieve.
May your grace surround us
like a mantle upon our heads,
a shawl upon our shoulders,
a hand, to hold our hand.

May your love, be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

Amen

— written by Terri and posted on revgalblogpals.org

From the blog
3 Prayers to the Sacred Trinity
In the school of prayer with Ignatius of Loyola
A Peace Garden