Nov. 21, 2021
A daily prayer from the New England Conference
Members of the New England Conference Extended Cabinet are sharing a daily prayer based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week.
You are welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions.
Today's Prayer
“None of the twelve disciples had any of the so-called “advantages” — education, wealth, social status. They were as ordinary as they come, which makes the point that Christ is not looking for extraordinary people but for ordinary men and women who do ordinary things extraordinarily well.” – William Sloane Coffin
O God of light and love, the One who gives us life, and provides all the resources with which our lives can be meaningfully sustained; we stand in special need of an extra measure of wisdom, grace and love. Gracious and loving God, you have called us to follow you and we ask, “Am I worthy?” “Am I capable?” May we understand that your call has little to do with worth or capability. Hear the prayers of our hearts and forgive us for not always using our potential responsibly. Transform our defeatist attitudes. Help us in our discernment and may we have the forbearance to listen. Grant us the spiritual gifts that we need for today and all of our tomorrows. Give us courage to try new behaviors which are filled with purpose and love and keep us from being lead astray. We lift our hearts to you today as the source of strength and inspiration. We marvel at the many challenges and possibilities that lie within this day. Give us grateful hearts for work to do, and for the strength with which to do it. Let your spirit push us onward and help us not to be distracted by difficulties. Help us to become inspired by what might be, and instill within each of us, a desire to face every challenge with the possibility of excelling. May we find our sense of calling and purpose, and may our personal witness be an example for others. Nurture us to a maturity that wants for others, that what we wish for ourselves. Nurture us in growth toward a more perfect expression of love to all people, in all places, at all times. We thank you for your abiding presence as we lift our voices in praise.
It is in the Spirit of the One who showed us the great value and power in love that we offer this prayer together. Amen
My Life Flows On Refrain: No storm can shake my inmost calm, while to that Rock I’m clinging. Since love is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing? My life flows on in endless song, above earth’s lamentation. I hear the clear, though far-off hymn that hails a new creation. (Refrain) Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear that music ringing. It finds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing? (Refrain) What though my joys and comforts die? I know my Savior liveth. What though the darkness gather round? Songs in the night he giveth. (Refrain) The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, a fountain ever springing! All things are mine since I am his! How can I keep from singing? (Refrain)
Prayer by Rev. Dr. David V. Calhoun, Seacoast District Superintendent I Samuel 1:4-20 Psalm 16 Mark 13:1-8 My Life Flows On: The Faith We Sing pg. 2212. Words and Music Robert Lowry
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