Prayer for Wholeness and Baptismal Remembrance

(Based on Year B Baptism of the Lord texts: Gen 1:1-5 and Mark 1:4-11)
Holy God, You sent a wind to sweep over the face of the creation waters. Send the wind of Your Spirit to move us again today as we remember our baptism. Calm the waters of turbulence in our hearts. Breathe anew in to our lives as we hear John’s message and repent from our brokenness. Give us the courage to ask forgiveness not only from You but also from our neighbors if we have wronged them. Splash our faces with ice cold water to wake us up from apathy! Help us see with clear eyes the Beloved One whose face we see in our neighbors, our challengers, and ourselves. Alleluia. Amen.

Responsive Prayer for Samuels and Elis

(Based on Year B Second Sunday in Ordinary Time texts: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 and Psalm 139)

A Prayer for Samuels and Elis

One: O God, You have searched us and know us. You know all our ways. You know our strengths and weaknesses. You bless us with spiritual gifts. You empathize with our hurts. You rejoice in our gladness and mourn in our sorrow. Nothing at all is hidden from You.

All: Speak, Spirit, for we are listening.

One: When we do not understand Your call to us individually or communally bring us wise teachers to point us to You. May we recognize those teachers regardless of their age. When You call us to be a wise teacher to point someone to You help us recognize that call no matter what the situation.

All: Speak, Spirit, for we are listening.

One: You know every part of us. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Help us to recognize every person we meet as a beautiful and beloved child of God. We hear you calling our names, and we recognize our own role to help others discern Your voice in their lives.

All: Speak, Spirit, for we are listening.

One: Where are You calling us, God?

All: Speak, Spirit, for we are listening. (Silence)

One: Who are You calling us to be?

All: Speak, Spirit, for we are listening. (Silence)

One: What are you calling us to do?

All: Speak, Spirit, for we are listening. (Silence)

One: When we try to count Your thoughts, we see they are more than the sand. We are humbled to be a small part of Your work in this world.

All: Speak, Spirit, for we are listening. Amen.