A United Methodist Pastor's Theological Reflections

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory (nikos) through our Lord Jesus Christ." - I Corinthians 15:57


Monday, March 18, 2024

Sunday (March 17) Pastoral Prayer


March 17, 2024
Beulah UMC & Oak Grove UMC

Thank you for the Celtic cross, O God and for it’s powerful symbol representing the endless circle of just how much you love us by sending us Jesus who lived, died, and rose again.

 

Just as your circle of love welcomed the Prodigal Son back home, may we also always know that we can come home to you because you are our loving father. And so today, we especially pray for those who feel far off from you and unworthy to return home to you.

 

On this St. Patrick’s Day, help us to reclaim the more creative and poetic side of our faith as expressed so beautifully through Celtic Christianity.

 

Be thou our vision to see your beauty displayed through your creation for this is our Father’s world.

 

Be thou our vision as we share the love of Jesus wherever we go and to whosoever we visit.

 

Be thou our vision when we are feeling lost and confused and in need of direction.

 

Be thou our vision when we feel alone and separated from you for you are ready to run out and welcome us home.

 

Be thou are vision when our own vision prevents us from seeing your goodness and beauty in others.

 

Be thou are vision so that we might recognize those “Thin Place” moments that occur in our day-to-day living, reminding us of your holy and mysterious presence.

 

Be thou our vision, as we pray this prayer that you taught us to say together…

 

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.


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