Prayers from Luke (Part I)

Loving creator

Give me the courage to put my nets down deep and expect you to provide a catch

Let me rest in gratitude that you made the Sabbath for my good

Give me strength to carry my friends to you when they can’t get there themselves

Give me eyes to see and a heart to welcome the ‘sick’ who need you rather than communing only with the ‘healthy’

Let me be misunderstood and hated - only to the glory of your name

Let me be brave enough to use a measure as generous as yours

Remind me to remove the planks from my own eyes before I seek to help others

I want to store good up in my heart so that’s what is emitted - even in the hard times

Help me to obey your word so my house stays intact through storm

Lord I want the faith of the centurion - trusting the power of your word alone

Help me to love like I have been forgiven much, though my life has been so smooth

Lord I want you to yield a crop 100 times more than was sown in me

I want to show others your light, that they may recognize you plainly

How amazing would it be to be called your mother and brothers, help me to hear your word and live it out

In the storm remind me to ask for your help rather than being consumed with worry about drowning

Give me grace, love and wisdom for those suffering from mental illness

Give me the faith to know I can reach out and touch your cloak to be healed and the courage to step forward when you call me out in the crowd

Help me to trust you to care for me without also packing an extra tunic

Let me be all about your business without distraction

Give me grace to still welcome the hungry when I am tired and in need of rest

Let me trust that you will turn the little I have into a feast for many

Keep me from being ashamed of you and not sharing you with others

Help me to always welcome the least and consider myself the least so in your eyes I will be great

Lord keep me from unrighteous anger that seeks to hurt

Give me your eyes to truly see people - not being impressed and distracted by what the world sees

Show me where I don’t put you first - keep me from being lured by things of this world

May I approach others humbly, wisely and sincerely - a sheep among wolves

Show me your people of peace and use me to bestow your peace on others

Give me wisdom to know when to shake the dust from my feet and let not my heart be hardened in the process

May my community welcome you and proclaim your good news

Let us rejoice when your kingdom is furthered giving the glory only to you

Change my heart to pray and trust you to do your will because I know it is best - change me when I don’t understand or accept your will

Keep me like a babe, approaching others humbly

Stretch me to expect you to do more than I expect you to do

Help me truly love my neighbor, not just with pleasantries or token gestures of goodwill but rather to place as much importance on their well-being and concern for their interests as I do my own

Keep me from creating excuses when you put someone in front of me needing my help

When I am inching towards becoming bitter and resentful in my service remind me of the one thing that is needed - to sit at your feet

Lord remind me to boldly ask for all I need, in line with your will as you know how to give good gifts

Give me wisdom to see you at work and gather with you

Let me not look to you for the signs and miracles you do but rather that you are the miracle

Lord keep my eyes from growing dim or downcast with the cares of this world but rather keep them focused on your light and goodness so that I may reflect you

Let me show I am a true follower by the way I love others in your family

Show me where I am hoarding resources and what I am holding too tightly - remind me that you know my needs and help me to trust that you will provide them

Lord I want you to find me waiting ready to serve you

I know you have and trusted me with much and much will be asked of me - please continue to direct my steps in serving you Lord

amen