Deus Misereatur

("To the Unknown Land," Edmund Blair Leighton) It hit me this morning (for varied and personal reasons). This prayer came about as a result, and I will be leading our church in this prayer this Sunday evening. I hope you might find it beneficial. LORD God, to whom even the darkness is not dark; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. Who formed our inward parts; knitted us together in our mother's womb. We praise you, for we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; our soul knows it very well (Psalm 139.12-14). We remember those of our children and grandchildren who are still being formed by your skillful hands in their mother’s wombs… Smile on their gestation, and may they each come forth always trusting in you and your goodness. But we also remember before you those who never saw the light of day, as well as those who quickly passed away…Thank you for the little moment their mamas and daddies had with them. Tha...

All-knowing God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God; you have taught us in Proverbs that if we seek wisdom like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then we will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For you give wisdom; from your mouth come knowledge and understanding; you store up sound wisdom for the upright; you are a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of your saints. (Proverbs 2.4-8). In this regard we pray for, and with, these who are seeking wisdom: For those making career decisions; we pray that you would guide them to places and circumstances that will be truly good for them, personally, professionally, parentally and with regard to piety. For those who are retired and moving deeper into their senior years; we pray that you would show them how their experiences and abilities may be well used to make disciples, build-up families, and aid y...