Sunday Pastoral Prayer (Jan. 28)

January 28, 2024 Pastoral Prayer

Beulah UMC & Oak Grove UMC

God of wisdom and knowledge, thank you for teachers and professors who have been a positive influence in our lives. Thank you for parents, grandparents, Sunday School and bible study teachers, youth leaders, and pastors who have not only imparted information to us, but who have also challenged us to be open to perspectives and understandings that are very different than our own. 

 

Bless our schools, colleges, and places of learning as they seek to prepare their students to use their skills and abilities to help make this world a better place. May the seeds of knowledge that they plant today, lead to even greater blessings in the years to come. 

 

Forgive us for whenever we fall prey to the illusion that we have nothing left to learn and help us to become more like the people who were listening to Jesus and were astounded by what he had to say. May we each have those moments when we are astounded to learn something new about ourselves, about others, and about the issues that we are facing today. 

 

We also pray today for those who are in need of your wisdom as they are seeking your guidance in making an important decision, as they are going through a time of transition, as they are preparing for a future job and career, as they are wondering how best to use their time in retirement, and as they may be discerning how best to respond in a situation where there has been a broken relationship and conflict. 

 

O God, we are never done learning and growing in our faith especially as we face the many complexities of life. And whenever we can’t find the words to pray, remind us of these words that you taught your disciples to pray…

 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.