Christmas Prayer

Loving God, Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate
and open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children,
and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
           Robert Louis Stevenson
 

Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 
    Luke 2:10-11 

     Polish Christmas Carols Website 

Polish Carols Website

Prayer for Week of December 15

 Bonhoeffer Memorial: Wroclaw, Poland

God of the Newborn Baby and the Aging Parent,
 
Thank you for the Compassionate Care Project through EST which has allowed Poland's older adults, who experienced years of Communism and some even the horrors of World War II, to know you better through classes at EST on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, women of the Bible, gospel music and many other Theological topics.  We thank you for providing individuals and institutions in the U.S. who feel called to support such a ministry, and those in Wroclaw, Poland, who feel called to create it.  Bless each life touched.

Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.
- Leviticus 19:32

Prayer for Week of December 8

Gracious and generous God,
 
You have given generously to each of us.  Thank you for each life represented by those who have given so generously to EST throughout 2009.  You have used these gifts to your greatness and glory in sharing your Word, caring for dying children, creating a safe place for all to worship and serve you, educating minds young and old, and serving those who need you most in Poland.  For those who have given and those yet to give, we offer our thanks and ask your blessing.

"Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord with a whole heart."   Chronicles 29:9

Prayer for Week of December 1

Heavenly Father,

How we give thanks for the vision of your flock in Poland. What grace, what zeal to reach a people needy for your love and salvation. How grateful we are to have met them face to face, and to have heard the testimonies of faith and healing. Cause your face to shine upon them, O Lord, in the multitude of your blessings, and the supply of every need. Let workers to go into the whiten fields abound, and finances be supplied to carry on their every work. Encourage your people there, O Lord. May they never be without the sense of your presence. As you have said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 

In the name of the one who is love and the high priest of our confession of faith, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, 

for he is good; his love endures forever.

   Psalm 118:1

This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

    Psalm 118:24 

Prayer for Week of November 17

Almighty and Merciful God,

We ask your continued blessing on the leadership at EWST whom you have empowered with Your Spirit.  Guide them in their daily decision-making; inspire them to bring creativity and vision in this time and place; sustain them when they are perplexed or in the darkness of doubt.  Speak Your Word and allow the Light of Your Will to illuminate as they work to build community and understanding.  Grant to us all the grace, peace and serenity to live life fully and faithfully to You, O Giver of All Gifts.  Amen.
 
"Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine..." Ephesians 3:20

Prayer for Week of November 10

Creator and God of all, 

Your living Word  has set us free. From all the evil of this world, we are set free to be brothers and sisters in the Word and in truth. We are set free to be agents of your light, together, in this world of darkness. Help us Lord to be servants for your Kingdom. Amen

"If you abide in my word you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." 

John 8:31-32