Tags
adoration, faith, God's love, God's presence, Gospel of Mark, Opening Prayer, peace, praise, trust
Here is an Opening Prayer for use in worship tomorrow on the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, based on the Gospel reading from Mark 4:35-41.
God of wind and wave,
the seas of life can be rough some days,
tossing us here and there,
threatening our wellbeing,
troubling our minds and testing our hearts.
You are the One whom even the wind and sea obey!
You are the One whose words, “Peace! Be still!”
settle with calm resolve in our hearts today.
You turn our fear into faith, our trembling into trust.
We come in adoration, praise, and thanksgiving,
for your strong and tender presence,
your steadfast and durable love.
Amen.
Words (c) 2012 Mark Lloyd Richardson (Mark 4:35-41)
Photo (c) 2012 Dallis Day Richardson (Pacific Grove, California)
Permission to use the prayer in worship with attribution.
dreamprayact 
I am in awe. Such a powerfully resonant prayer. I love the idea of imagining God commanding one’s Mind, just as the Turbulent Sea, to be Still, Be at Peace.
And, please send my compliments to Dallis for one stunning photo!!
I am happy that this prayer resonated with you, my friend. I will share your compliments with Dallis. Blessings and peace, Mark
This is incredible. Thank you so much for sharing. And have I ever mentioned how much I wish I lived in (or visited) southern California so that I could enjoy joining the congregation and singing God’s praises with you and yours? Thankfully you share it here for those like me who live far away. With deep gratitude, Gina
Gina, it would be lovely to see you on the central coast of California, but in the absence of that we’ll continue to communicate virtually through our blogs. Thanks for blessing me with your grateful words. I too am grateful we can be friends here. Peace, Mark
Beautiful.
Thanks, Sam. I’m glad you liked it.
The sea is churning outside our vacation home. The crashing waves wash away the worries we left behind and offer a beautiful reminder of the Almighty who orders all and deigns to be part of each of our lives. Your prayer matches our surroundings and inner landscape.
Thanks, Connie, for your comment from a place that connects with this prayer. I hope you are being blessed and renewed in your time away. Mark
Such power in both the steadfast prayer and the astounding wave your lovely Dallis captured!