Tags
abundance, Collect, generosity, God's Realm, grace, Jesus Christ, Lectionary, Opening Prayer, Second Epistle to the Corinthians, spiritual growth
On the first Sunday of each month our faith community gathers around the Table of our Lord to receive the gifts of God in bread and cup. We also bring our gifts to be shared with those in our community who find themselves hungry and in need of food.
This coming Sunday’s Opening Prayer (for Proper 8, Year B, in the Revised Common Lectionary) is based on 2 Corinthians 8:7-15. Please feel free to use this prayer in worship, whether it be your own private prayer or that of your community of faith.
Generous God,
whose very word is life,
whose presence is peace,
and whose promise is hope,
we give thanks for this new day!
Your grace unfolds before our eyes
as we come face to face with the One
who though he was rich became poor for our sakes.
Through this generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ
we are invited into a rich relationship with you.
Grant that as we worship and grow in grace
the genuineness of our love for you
will excel in our eagerness to live generous lives
and to give from our present abundance
to meet the needs of our neighbors the world over.
So that we might live into your coming Realm. Amen.
Words (c) 2012 Mark Lloyd Richardson
Permission to use with attribution.
dreamprayact 
I’ve just posted some photos of the fires in NW Colorado Springs on my Facebook page that a friend sent me from there. When I read your line, “meet the needs of our neighbors the world over” I hope you will pray for the32,000+ people who have been evacuated and the rest who are waiting and watching 24/7 to know if they will have to leave next. These fires are expecte to keep burning for a very long time indeed as they have just entered their dry season..fire season. Pray for a miracle. Even rain could be dangerous as lightning may even start more fires. Pray for a miracle indeed!
Yes, I have friends in Colorado, and many prayers are being said for everyone affected by the fires.
What a wonderful photo! It looks like love to me. Sharing with those less fortunate means so much to me. And it’s also very generous of you to welcome us to enjoy and share your wise and touching prayer, with credit to you of course, as every author deserves.
With gratitude for you and yours always, Gina
Thank you, dear Gina. There is much abundance even in this time of economic troubles, and the human (and divine) thing to do is share. Thanks for your comment. Blessings, Mark
Thank you for following my blog, my friend! I hope your visits in my blog have been and will always be an enjoyable experience!
I’ve been enjoying yours so please keep sharing and keep inspiring! 🙂
Subhan Zein
Thank you, Subhan Zein, for your kind words. I look forward to reading more of your excellent writing. Peace, Mark
Wonderful photo of abundant love for each other, Mark. Our church does the same thing and it feels really good to be doing something greatly needed to help those less fortunate. Thanks for sharing~