You know the old expression “The person who sings, prays twice.” During the holiday season the carols we sing often have lines in them that make beautiful prayers Here are just a few. Sing them and pray them all at once:
1) O Holy Child of Bethlehem!/Descend to us, we pray;/Cast out our sin and enter in,/Be born in us today.
The minister Phillips Brooks wrote “O Little Town of Bethlehem” after a visit to the Holy Land, culminating in a Christmas Eve service at Bethlehem. No wonder it’s sung far and wide today.
2) Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay/Close by me forever, and love me, I pray…”
“Away in a Manger” was first called “Luther’s Cradle Hymn” although apparently the words were not written by Martin Luther but an anonymous American author. Whoever wrote it, it’s a perfect lullaby.
3) Joyful all ye nations, rise,/Join the triumph of the skies,/With the angelic hosts proclaim,/“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, wrote more than 6000 hymns. “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” is among the most popular.
Don’t we have to ask ourselves that question, again and again? “Who is Jesus to me?” Imagine how the first visitors to the manger felt, called by angels to witness this sight.
What a poetic reminder of the silence God is ready to give us at this busy, crazy season. That heavenly peace, what we all wish for, is right at the center of Christmas, ready to give us comfort and rest, here in everyone’s favorite carol.
6) Joy to the world! The Lord is come:/Let earth receive her King/ Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room,/And heaven and nature sing.
Do you get a little giddy at Christmas? Don’t we all! Think of the joy you feel as a prayer, the heavens singing right along with you.
7) What can I give him, poor as I am?/If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb;/If I were a wise man I would do my part;/Yet what I can I give him—give my heart.
This last verse of English poet Christina Rossetti’s “In the Bleak Midwinter” is my deepest prayer of the season. That I can give my heart.
There are many ways to pray your way to the annual celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. Some people use an Advent calendar to mark the days leading up to Christmas. Others sing, pray or read as they light candles in an Advent wreath every morning or evening. Some use a devotional book or pamphlet to make this special season even more meaningful.
An ancient tradition is to pray one of seven prayers, sometimes called the “O Antiphons” (also called “The Great Os”) each evening of the week before Christmas Eve (an antiphon is a short, chanted prayer or verse, sometimes sung as a call-and-response by two singers or groups). Each of these prayers is based on a messianic title drawn from the prophet Isaiah:
1) O Wisdom (Isaiah 11:2-3, 28:29)
O Wisdom,
coming forth from the mouth of the Most High,
reaching from one end to the other mightily,
and sweetly ordering all things:
Come and teach us the way of prudence.
Amen.
2) O Lord (Isaiah 11:4-5, 33:22)
O Lord of ancient Israel,
who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush,
who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain:
come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.
Amen.
3) O Root of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1, 10)
O Root of Jesse, you have been raised up
as a sign for all peoples;
kings stand silent in your presence;
the nations bow down in worship before you.
Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.
Amen.
4) O Key of David (Isaiah 9:7, 22:2, 42:7)
O Key of David and scepter of the House of Israel,
controlling at your will the gate of heaven:
come, break down the prison walls of death
for those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death;
and lead your captive people into freedom.
Amen.
5) O Morning Star (Isaiah 9:2)
O Morning Star,
splendor of light eternal and sun of righteousness:
Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death.
Amen.
6) O King of the Gentiles (Isaiah 2:4, 9:6, 64:8)
O King of the Gentiles and their desired One,
the cornerstone that makes both one:
Come, and deliver man,
whom you formed out of the dust of the earth.
Amen.
7) O Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:14)
O Emmanuel, our king and our lawgiver,
the hope of the nations and their Savior:
Come and save us, O Lord our God.
Amen.
The familiar hymn, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” is a paraphrase of the O Antiphons, though the verses are typically sung in a different order. In addition, many choral settings of these prayers can be found online.
In whatever form you pray, chant or sing these prayers, let them prepare your heart for the celebration of Jesus’ birth this year.
For most of us, the 4th of July will be a day of food, fireworks and maybe a parade or concert. But it can also include prayer. But, I suggest, not just any prayer. Try praying this way on Independence Day:
1. Give thanks for your freedom and favor.
What a blessing it is to enjoy the freedoms we too often take for granted and the blessings that attend us in this country.
2. Pray for those who protect our freedom.
Remember those who fought and died for our freedom in the past and those soldiers, sailors, police and others whose service protects us today.
3. Pray for our nation’s leaders.
Paul, the early church leader, wrote, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior” (1 Timothy 2:1-3, niv). If he were writing today, Paul would probably include not only the president and other national officials but also members of Congress, governors, judges and others in positions of authority.
4. Pray for the safety of those who gather to celebrate the holiday.
In this day and age, any large gathering presents security challenges large and small. Ask God to grant wisdom and watchfulness to planners and hosts of events—as well as the usual need for caution in handling fireworks and other seasonal hazards.
5. Remember those in oppressive or disadvantaged circumstances.
As we express gratitude for our freedoms, we should also remember those who live in different circumstances where war, oppression, discrimination and injustice divide and dominate. Even as you rejoice in your blessings, cry out to God for those who suffer.
6. Find new freedom in forgiveness.
There is no bad time to forgive someone but there are few better times than on a day when we celebrate freedom. Take a moment to consider whether there is someone you can forgive or something in your life that you can let go. Why not include in this year’s celebration a new level of freedom by shaking off the shackles of unforgiveness or regret—perhaps even seeking God’s forgiveness or forgiving yourself, and experiencing the truth of Romans 8:1-2: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2, niv).
Everyone wants to make the annual celebration of Christmas more meaningful. Some do it by attending service at their church. Some by observing a long-hold family traditions. Others may try something new this year. But anyone can make the holiday more meaningful with a prayer for Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve, like Advent, is a time of anticipation, when we await the day that celebrates Jesus Christ’s birth. Prayers can be a powerful way to prepare our hearts for this holy time. The best part is, it doesn’t even take much effort. It requires little preparation. Just six short, simple prayers can thoroughly change the way you experience Christmas Eve, and even Christmas Day, this year.
I like to pray the following six prayers at regular intervals—morning, noon and night—beginning on the morning of Christmas Eve and into Christmas Day. You may certainly choose to do something different, but I hope a prayer for Christmas Eve enriches your celebration:
1) A New Prayer for Christmas Eve
Lord Jesus,
the day of your nativity approaches,
the day on which we commemorate
your birth,
your condescension,
your humble incarnation.
Please help me and mine
to approach that day on tiptoe,
with reverence and awe,
mindful of your holiness and beauty,
and grateful for the privilege
of finding
and approaching
and kneeling at
your manger, amen.
(Bob Hostetler)
2) A Short Christmas Eve Prayer
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care,
And fit us for heaven, to live with you there.
(John T. McFarland)
3) A Prayer to Wait for Jesus
Come, come, Jesus, I await you…
I am a poor shepherd; I have only a wretched stable, a small manger, some wisps of straw. I offer all these to you, be pleased to come into my poor hovel. I offer you my heart; my soul is poor and bare of virtues, the straws of so many imperfections will prick you and make you weep—but oh, my Lord, what can you expect? This little is all I have…I have nothing better to offer you, Jesus, honour my soul with your presence, adorn it with your graces. Burn this straw and change it into a soft couch for your most holy body.
Jesus, I am here waiting for your coming. Wicked men have driven you out, and the wind is like ice. I am poor, but I will warm you as well as I can. At least be pleased that I wish to welcome you warmly, to love you and sacrifice myself for you.
Great God and Father of all humanity,
thank you that because of this day,
this holy feast, in the words of Chrysostom,
the ancient slavery is ended,
the devil confounded,
the demons take to flight,
the power of death is broken,
paradise is unlocked,
the curse is taken away,
sin is removed from us,
error driven out,
truth has been brought back,
the speech of kindliness diffused,
and spreads on every side,
a heavenly way of life has been in-planted on the earth,
angels communicate with men without fear,
and men now hold speech with angels,
amen!
(Bob Hostetler, based on sermon by St. John Chrysostom)
Even if we know all the days of Holy Week and how to celebrate them, we can sometimes feel at a loss for how to meaningfully mark such important days in the Christian year. How can we make Holy Week a little more holy? One of the best ways to do that is with Holy Week prayers.
For followers of Jesus, Lent offers opportunities to pause and pray, as we approach the yearly remembrance of our Lord’s Passion—His suffering, death, burial, and Resurrection.
But even during this season of reflection and gratitude, it’s so easy to rush through days filled with work, errands, grocery shopping, school events, and more. We’d like to be more mindful and present as we approach Holy Week, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, but how?
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could somehow “pray our way to Calvary” in the final weeks before the most momentous days in our Christian calendar? We can. In fact, our Bibles already have a built-in tool that can help. It’s called “the Psalms of Ascent,” or “Pilgrim Songs.”
You may have noticed in some Bibles that Psalms 120-134 each bears a heading identifying it as “A Psalm of Ascent.” Those 15 psalms are a sort of “hymnal” within a hymnal. Jewish pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for one of the annual festivals sang these songs, in order, on their uphill journey, as they ascended. They may also have been sung by priests and worshipers ascending the steps to the Temple.
So, one way to make this year’s “journey to Calvary” more meaningful is to start the third Friday before Easter by praying (or, if you prefer, singing or chanting) Psalm 120—a prayer for God’s presence during a time of distress—at some point during the day. Then, simply pray or sing the next psalm each day, culminating in Psalm 134 on Maundy Thursday. It’s a short psalm of praise to God in His sanctuary on the day that marks the Last Supper before the betrayal, arrest, and trial of Jesus.
By following the ancient songbook, you can pray your way to Holy Week. You will arrive at Good Friday having prayed your way—day by day, step by step, psalm by psalm—to the cross of Jesus, where His loving sacrifice made forgiveness and redemption possible for all who look to Him in sincere faith.
21 Holy Week Prayers
However else you might observe Holy Week, prayers are always a good idea for such momentous moments. In many churches, there will be liturgical drama from the washing of feet to the stripping of an altar. How to pray during a week of both triumph and betrayal? Here are 21 suggested prayers for Holy Week to take you from Holy Monday to Resurrection Sunday and beyond.
Holy Week Prayers for Palm Sunday (Day 1)
1. Let me sing “Hosannas” with the crowd and wave my palms high, as I remember, Lord, just what kind of kingdom Your Son has promised to reign over. Amen. —Rick Hamlin
2.Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9) Heavenly Father, today on Palm Sunday, as Holy Week begins, please guide me on my faith journey to deeply reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. My heart is open, and I am ready to share His message of love, mercy and forgiveness with anyone in need and offer them hope and comfort. —Sabra Ciancanelli
3. Dear Lord, on this Holy Monday, I am thankful for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who came into the world to save us from our sins. As we begin Holy Week, I ask for Your guidance and strength to walk with Jesus. Help me to learn from His example of selflessness and love. Please comfort all who are suffering today. May they feel Your presence and experience Your healing. May they find hope in Your love. —Sabra Ciancanelli
4. Where am I going, Lord? Where am I headed? I have seen the Lord curse a fig tree and watch it wither and die. Let not my Spirit wilt in the same way. Amen. —Rick Hamlin
5. Lord Jesus, You entered the Jerusalem Temple to cleanse it of corruption and abuse. As this Holy Week commences, search and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way of everlasting life. Amen. —Bob Hostetler (based on Psalm 139:23-24 WEB)
6. Lord Jesus, it was on a Tuesday that you spoke out against abuse of power, collaboration with oppressors, misuse of authority. So today we pray, comforter of the abused, strengthen those burdened by corrupted rule or injustice; rescue the overwhelmed; be present to those who call on your name, to those we name on our lips, and in the silence of our hearts, those whose concerns are known only to you; Amen. —Bob Hostetler
7. May I be a true follower of Jesus. The temple has been cleansed of all its wrongdoing. I come to you, God, to cleanse my soul. Amen. —Rick Hamlin
Holy Week Prayers for Holy Wednesday (Day 4)
8. Lord Jesus, it was on this day that Judas Iscariot conspired to betray you. Remembering that, I pray the prayer of Augustine: “Lord Jesus, don’t let me lie when I say that I love you…and protect me today, for I could betray you.” Amen. —Bob Hostetler
9. Who would ever betray, You, Lord? Not I, not I. Let me pour the ointment of my love on all You call me to do and all those I am called to love. Amen. —Rick Hamlin
10. Gracious Lord Jesus, this day is traditionally called “Spy Wednesday,” because we remember how Judas Iscariot conspired with the religious authorities to betray and deliver You into their hands. Yet also on that day You were lovingly anointed with precious oil as an act of sincere worship. What highs and lows You endured for the sake of the purpose that was set before You: to suffer and die for our sake. Walk with me through the highs and lows of my life, reminding me that whatever troubles come my way, You are worthy of my trust and adoration. Amen. —Bob Hostetler
Holy Week Prayers for Maundy Thursday (Day 5)
11. Lord, on this Maundy Thursday (so named for the “mandate” You gave to your followers to love and serve each other), as I remember your last supper in the upper room, I pray, as Simon Peter did: Please wash, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head (John 13:9). —Bob Hostetler
12. Before I eat the supper of Your body and Your blood, I am prepared to wash the feet of all Your followers, and willingly let You wash my feet. Amen. —Rick Hamlin
13. Lord Jesus, I pray today with Peter, who recoiled when you stooped to wash his feet: “Lord, wash, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.” And my heart. And my mind. And my life. Amen. —Bob Hostetler (based on John 13:9)
14. No Cherub’s heart or hand for us might ache,
No Seraph’s heart of fire had half sufficed:
Thine own were pierced and broken for our sake,
O Jesus Christ.
Therefore we love Thee with our faint good-will,
We crave to love Thee not as heretofore,
To love Thee much, to love Thee more, and still
More and yet more.
—Christina Rossetti
15. “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” I was there. I’m still there. The sorrow is so great it causes me to tremble. Is there any greater sorrow? Amen. —Rick Hamlin
17. Lord Jesus, Jesus, I await you. Be risen anew in my heart as the light of Easter dawns tomorrow. Amen. —Bob Hostetler
18. It is finished. All is silent. Jesus promised more…but I can’t even recollect those words. Stay close to me, Lord, as I suffer this loss. Amen. —Rick Hamlin
19. Lord Jesus, this day is called “Silent Saturday” in the memory of the Church, for on that day after Your crucifixion, Your body lay in the tomb while those who had loved and followed You spent the day filled with crushing grief, confusion, and doubt. So, Lord, remind me today that, however sad, confused, and doubtful I may feel, in my flesh, You are always at work, and Your plans for me are good. Amen. —Bob Hostetler
Holy Week Prayers for Easter Sunday (Day 8)
20. The tomb is empty, and at first, I didn’t even recognize my Lord. At last, I understand. Death is no more. I sing Hallelujah. The Lord is risen indeed. —Rick Hamlin
21. It is only right, with all the powers of our heart and mind, to praise You, Father, and Your Only-begotten Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ: Dear Father, by Your wondrous condescension of loving-kindness toward us, Your servants, You gave up Your Son. Dear Jesus, You paid the debt of Adam for us to the Eternal Father by Your Blood poured forth in loving-kindness. You cleared away the darkness of sin by Your magnificent and radiant Resurrection. You broke the bonds of death and rose from the grave as a Conqueror. You reconciled heaven and earth. Our life had no hope of eternal happiness before You redeemed us. Your Resurrection has washed away our sins, restored our innocence and brought us joy. How inestimable is the tenderness of Your love! —Saint Gregory
You may choose to pray these to begin each day in this Holy Week. Or you may pray each prayer several times a day. How ever you utilize these Holy Week prayers, I hope they will enrich your walk with God and make this week truly holy.
I remember singing a service in chapel choir back in college with a friend who knew nothing of the Crucifixion story. Her eyes widened as she heard it read. At the end she turned to me, in tears, and said, “It’s so sad.”
It is sad. Good Friday feels like the saddest day of the year. Quite frankly I don’t look forward to going to church on Good Friday at all. I’d almost rather skip it and rush headlong to Easter. And yet, how can you really celebrate the Resurrection without fully acknowledging the Crucifixion? It’s a bit like skipping dinner and going straight to dessert. Good Friday is part of the Feast of Easter.
1) Read the story. Even if you don’t go to church on this holiest of days, find some time to read or listen to the story. It’s in all four gospels (Matthew 26:47-27:66; Mark 14:43-15:47; Luke 22:47-23:56; John 18:1-19:37). Every time I look at it, I find there is a different part that speaks to me. Perhaps the saddest aspect of the story is the way the disciples simply disappear. Even if Jesus knew that would happen, how awful it would be to feel abandoned by those you love most.
2) Meditate on a line.
These are the words that define our faith, whether it be Peter suddenly remembering Jesus telling him, “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny me three times” or Pilate wishing to wash his hands of the whole thing asking, “What is truth?” or the crowd crying “Crucify Him!” or the repentant thief asking, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” or Jesus’ own words on the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me?” Not for nothing is this story called “the Passion.” It engages our passions for forgiveness, understanding, love, peace.
3) Put yourself there.
We always sing the spiritual “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” on Good Friday. The answer to that rhetorical question is a resounding and disturbing yes. In an average week–and not Holy Week–I can find myself as scared as the disciples, evasive as Pilate, as angry as that crowd, as in need of repentance as that thief and yes, as despairing as Jesus.
4) Shed your tears.
There was an ancient Armenian woman who would come to our church to pray, often in the middle of the week when no one was there. We have a startling image of a young dreadlocked Jesus on the cross in the back of the church, and she was known to stand before the painting with her face pressed against the glass, praying. Once after she left the minister walked over to it and noticed her tears left on the glass, right at Jesus’ face.
5) Pray.
Our Lord is one who understands our suffering, not simply from a pie-in-the-sky abstract notion but from a first-hand experience of extreme mortification. When my friend Nigel Mumford says “If you’re throwing a pity party, invite Jesus to it,” he means this Jesus, this God who became man so that He could walk with us through any suffering we would face. It is the hardest and most profound lesson of Good Friday. Cry with Jesus. You’re not crying alone.
Advent comes from a Latin word that means “coming,” and at this time of year it refers to the coming of Christ. It’s a way of waiting spiritually, of looking forward to Christmas and all that Christmas promises.
There is a paradox inherent in the Advent season. Why wait for something that’s already here? Christ has come. Christ is among us. But then, are there not prayers that are still unanswered and hopes we still yearn for?
This is the season to hold on to them, every one of them.
1) Light a candle.
Create an Advent wreath with four candles and some greenery. Light each candle on the Sundays of Advent so that by the end you’ll have all four illuminated. You can put one red candle at the center for Christmas Eve.
But even without a wreath, put candles in your windows or on a table or by your bedside. They still speak of your hopes and expectation. You are anticipating the Light of the World coming.
2) Set up an Advent calendar.
Open a window in the calendar each day. The one I had as a child showed a snow-covered village with a different scene inside each window. Of course our favorite window came up at the end. But no peeking in advance.
Advent is about waiting. Hopefully, expectantly, joyfully.
3) Read an Advent devotional every day.
I would recommend any of the daily devotions on this website. Read a Bible verse, look for an inspirational quote, say a prayer.
4) Pray a carol.
This time of year it’s hard to avoid Christmas carols. You can hear them in the background when shopping at the mall or the grocery store, they drop out of phones (sometimes as someone’s ringing tone), the next-door-neighbor is practicing them on the piano, the radio just played one.
Put the words in your head and use a phrase or two as a prayer. “All is calm, all is bright,” there’s a prayer that needs answering. “Sleep in heavenly peace…” don’t we all wish that? “Joy to the world!” yes, now! “O Come all ye faithful…” Yes, come into our world now!
It’s all a way to welcome Christmas into your heart right now. Advent means coming. Advent is here.
Many of us plan to travel this holiday season. To visit family. To see sights. To find a place of rest and recreation. If you are traveling—whether by planes, trains or automobiles—consider using one or more (or all!) of the following short prayers for travel:
1) For an Emmaus Road
God, You know what awaits me as I travel today. You know every bend and bump in the road, every sunbeam and cloud in the sky. So, Lord, please, make straight paths for my feet. Grant safe and successful travel. Please help me reach my destination. Save me from worry and stress. Make me patient and polite along the way. Make me kind and attentive to others and please give the blessing of somehow being helpful to someone else. And especially, Lord, make this day an Emmaus moment, that I may travel in Your company and, when I reach my destination, know You better than when I began, in Jesus’ name, amen.
2) For Friendly Skies
Father, grant me safe and successful travel today.
Be my vanguard,
rear guard,
and constant companion
as I travel.
Make smooth paths (and flight schedules) for my feet.
Let me make my connection.
Protect me from airborne infections.
See me (and my luggage) to my destination in a timely, safe and healthy manner,
in Jesus’ name, amen.
3) A Talmudic Prayer for Travel
May it be Your will, Lord, my God and God of my ancestors, to lead me, to direct my steps, and to support me in peace. Lead me in life, tranquil and serene, until I arrive at where I am going. Deliver me from every enemy, ambush and hurt that I might encounter on the way and from all afflictions that visit and trouble the world. Bless the work of my hands. Let me receive divine grace and those loving acts of kindness and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all those I encounter. Listen to the voice of my appeal, for You are a God who responds to prayerful supplication. Blessed are You, Lord, who responds to prayer.
(The Traveler’s Prayer, prescribed in the Talmud).
4) A Traveler’s Prayer of Faith
I know, O God,
that wherever I travel,
You will be with me.
There is nowhere I can go,
no situation I can face,
that is outside Your love and strength;
and so I submit to Your care and keeping on this journey,
knowing that at all times I am safe in Your hands.
If you are anything like me, your taxes and your prayers are closely intertwined—mostly because you pray for a miraculous provision to be able to pay your taxes. But tax day—whether April 18 (this year in most of the US), April 19 (in Maine and Massachusetts), April 30 (in Canada), or some other day—presents multiple things to pray about. So here are a few suggested ways to pray on tax day this year:
1) Here is a prayer by Michael Kelley, author of Boring: Finding an Extraordinary God in an Ordinary Life (B&H Publishing):
Lord Jesus –
With that very title, I am reminded that you are indeed “Lord.” You sit at the right hand of the Father, and everything that I see is yours. Everything in the universe you have laid claim to. You fling the lightning bolts and stir the seas, and you own cattle on a thousand hills. These are things that I know… and yet I do not know.
I know that I don’t know these things because of days like today. These are days that remind me of my claim of ownership. These are days of white knuckles and resentment. These are days when my grip tightens and the resounding cry of my heart is “mine.”
For me, days like today are about money, but I ask you in Your grace to help me see that today is also about my heart. This is an opportunity for me, today, right now, to be financially sanctified. I know, Lord, that not every dollar I am taxed will go to worthy causes. I know, Lord, that not all in my government acknowledge Your Lordship and are praying this morning over the mighty responsibility You have given them. But I also know that, in Your sovereignty, You set up kings and depose them. And because You do, there is a way today that I might give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to You what is Yours. I know today is about my heart.
Forgive me, Lord, for the times in years past when I have zealously sought after financial loopholes not so that I could give more away to those in need but so I could pad my bank account. Forgive me for hiding behind claims of generosity when I know at the root is selfishness. And thank You for an opportunity this day to be reminded that You provide daily bread along with life, breath, and everything else.
Again, Lord, I ask you today to remind me that I own nothing but have been entrusted with much. Help me, Lord, to have the heart of a faithful steward rather than of a greedy miser, and thank you for Your grace when my grip will tighten once again.
2) A prayer of Tabitha Arnold, author of Worship for Vital Congregations (from the United Church of Christ Stillspeaking Daily Devotional):
Thank you, God, for everyone who paid their taxes in years gone by. Because of them, my childhood was blessed with:
• mountains to climb and parks to explore
• an education offered by public schools and libraries
• safe drinking water and clean air to breathe
• a home even after my father died, because my mother could get a low-interest FHA mortgage
• Medicare for my grandmother when she got sick
• free vaccinations against polio and other diseases
• the county extension service and its 4-H programs for youth
• and most importantly, the assurance that my country cared for me and my family
Thank you, God, for those who have blessed our lives through their taxes in the past and for the chance to bless the lives of others with ours. Amen.
3) A prayer of the Rev. Anne Rush, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Argenta, North Little Rock, Arkansas:
May those who have waited until the last minute be swift and safe on their way to the post box (or at least be fleet of finger on their keyboards)
May those who turned in their forms weeks ago resist the urge to be smug
May those who feel taxed by the work that comes their way during this season find some relief
May those who receive a refund spend it wisely
May those counting on a refund that never quite manifested find other solutions to financial problems
Nothing is for certain except death and taxes
…except perhaps the reality that life, itself, is taxing
May all who are taxed by the ins and outs of everyday life find some rest and relief.
May all who are taxed by the decisions of our world leaders and local law makers find a way to make a difference and usher in some peace.
May all who are taxed with the struggles of figuring out how to give to God what is God’s and to Ceasar what is Ceasar’s find wisdom by cultivating a spirit of gratitude.
May all who grumble about where our tax dollars go, find some cheer while driving down a paved road and over a bridge, pulling over for a firetruck, dropping a child off at public school, sending a care package to someone serving overseas and hiking a trail at the local park.
May God’s hand guide the hearts and minds of those who decide where the money goes, and help us all to be good stewards of all that we have and all that we are.
In the name of the God to whom we all belong,
Amen
4) And, finally, here is my prayer for tax day:
Father God, thank You
for placing no greater burden on us
than to do justly,
to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with our God.
Grant that I may also fulfill my civic duties,
pay my taxes,
and still provide for my family
while generously supporting Your work in this world,
‘Tis the season to be…busy. Overwhelmed. Stressed, even. Maybe exhausted, already?
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but if your mind and heart haven’t already filled with noise and activity, it’s probably just a matter of time before they do. But that doesn’t mean prayer has to be pushed aside. In fact, just a few one-word prayers can set the tone and make a difference in your Advent and Christmas celebrations. Here are four I suggest:
1) Oh!
You may be familiar with the Magnificat, the famous prayer the young Mary prayed when the angel Gabriel announced to her that she would be the mother of Jesus, the Messiah. I love how the prayer begins in the New Living Translation: “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord” (Luke 1:46, NLT). It’s a useful word through this special season; it can be a syllable of surprise, wonder and praise. Make it a prayer when you see, hear or experience something extraordinary: “Oh!”
2) Come
You’ve probably sung the carol, “O Come, O Come, Immanuel.” The hymn incorporates the ancient “O Antiphons” of the church, which date to the 8th century—perhaps farther back in history. There is perhaps no more appropriate prayer for Advent, as we anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ coming. Try praying this single word, “Come,” when you feel alone or stretched to your limits. Whisper it to invite the gracious, calming presence of Jesus into the rude stable of your life.
3) Shhh
Does anyone doubt that one of Mary’s or Joseph’s first prayers to Jesus, as they “wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger” (Luke 2:7, NIV), was “shhhh?” It seems as certain and fitting as everything else we know about that strange and wonderful night. Two thousand years later, it can be turned into a reminder to our own souls, a plea for quiet amid all the tumult, all the distractions, that tend to crowd out the music and beauty of our Savior’s presence.
4) Bless
The pastor and hymnwriter Phillips Brooks included these words in “O Little Town of Bethlehem”:
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.
So, as you walk (and maybe run) through this season of celebration, let the word “Bless” be often on your lips. You need not say much more; surely God will fill in the rest. When you see a weary traveler at a rest stop: “Bless.” As you wait in line for a cashier: “Bless.” Whatever else you may be doing or thinking, reach out to those around you with a simple prayer to God: “Bless.”
Among the delights of the Christmas season is the music. On the radio, in businesses, at home and at church we hear the sounds of silver bells, herald angels singing and yuletide carols being sung by a choir. Everyone has a favorite, but many miss the beautiful and timely prompts to prayer offered by some Christmas carols.
Whether you’re driving, shopping, working or waiting, here are a few Christmas songs that are prayers—or lend themselves to prayer:
1) “Away in a Manger”
The last verse of this familiar carol is a sweet prayer for children of all ages:
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with Thee there.
Phillips Brooks’s enduring classic is another carol that turns to prayer (in the fourth stanza):
O holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in,
Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Immanuel!
This Christina Rossetti poem, set to music, is one of my favorites. I like to turn the tender final verse into a prayer by changing the pronoun Him to You:
What can I give You,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give You,
Give my heart.
Every verse of this ancient carol is a prayer (in fact, the verses follow the pattern of the “O Antiphons,” prayed or sung during Vespers in the last seven days of Advent in some liturgical Christian traditions). The last stanza (“O Rex Gentium” in Latin; “O King of Nations” in English) is a fitting climax:
O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of peace.
These are just four carols, of course, but they’re the ones I pray most often and fervently during this holiday season. They not only put a song in my heart, but a prayer as well, and that makes my Christmas celebration all the more meaningful.
Holy Week begins on Sunday with joyous cries of “Hosanna” and a flurry of palms. It seems an odd way to begin a week that is filled with sorrow and agony. At week’s end we will all exclaim “Happy Easter!” but we’re much less likely to wish each other “Happy Palm Sunday!” It’s a day filled with ambivalence and yet rich with spiritual rewards.
1) Step into the story.
Jesus’ ministry on earth is reaching a crescendo. All that He has said and all that He has promised is about to come true. Enter into the Holy Week story.
As Jesus and His disciples approached Jerusalem He gave His disciples a task. They are to fetch the donkey for Him to ride on (in the gospel of Matthew they are also to fetch a colt, too, for good measure). If anyone asks them why they are taking it, they are to say, “The Lord needs it.” That is enough.
Often in our faith journey we have to do things on trust. The higher purpose of some action might not be at all apparent to us. We follow God’s call, even if the role we’re taking is not immediately clear.
I like to think that the owner of that donkey or that colt got the animal back, but at this moment all he can do is obey. The Lord needed something from him, and he gave it.
2) Shout your “Hosannas.” At our church on Palm Sunday, we gather at a playground outside and march together to the church, carrying palms as that crowd did on the first Palm Sunday.
I’m always a little embarrassed by it. What are people going to think when they look out their windows at us? I wonder. Don’t we look a little silly? It’s one thing to sing “Hosannas” inside the church, but marching around beneath a cross on the sidewalks of New York City…?
And yet, stepping out in faith takes courage. It can mean shrugging off embarrassment. Perhaps some of those people looking out their windows on a Sunday morning might just want to join us today or another day. Perhaps they will be reminded of a holiday they had long forgotten.
“Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid,” goes an old saying.
3) Take on the different roles.
The whole power of Holy Week becomes clearer when you identify yourself with the different players in it, when you see yourself in the cast.
I think of Jesus’ faithfulness as He heads to his destiny, one that will involve pain, unimaginable suffering and worst of all, utter abandonment by his followers, those He loved most. I think of the disciples getting it all wrong before they ever get it right. “His disciples didn’t understand these things at first,” says the gospel of John. They wouldn’t until after the Resurrection.
And I think of the crowd shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” They want a king, but is He the king they want? Are they ready for the peace He has to offer? Will they be calling “Crucify Him!” on Friday?
Soon the palms will become greenery among the lilies of Easter. Soon we will all exclaim, “The Lord is risen!” and sing “Alleluias.” But for now there are these “Hosannas” and palms.
