Prayers for the 10th Week after Pentecost (August 1-6, 2021)

wheat and bread

The watchword for the week:
Jesus says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35

How wonderful it is to give praise to God.
How blessed it is to give thanks to the one who provides for us with abundance.
Hear and know that the Lord is good.
God’s generosity passes from one generation to the next, and we are thankful for its presence with us now. 

Psalm 78:23-29

23 Yet he commanded the skies above,
and opened the doors of heaven;
24 he rained down on them manna to eat,
and gave them the grain of heaven.
25 Mortals ate of the bread of angels;
he sent them food in abundance.
26 He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens,
and by his power he led out the south wind;
27 he rained flesh upon them like dust,
winged birds like the sand of the seas;
28 he let them fall within their camp,
all around their dwellings.
29 And they ate and were well filled,
for he gave them what they craved. 

Knowing that God is ready to hear us let us confess our sins:

Merciful God, we confess that we have sinned in many ways, times, and places. We have mishandled the good earth entrusted to our care, and we have misused our personal gifts, hurting ourselves and others. Forgive our false pride, which hides our negligence; forgive our careless acts, which destroy your handiwork. In your mercy, correct our faults and restore us to responsible, compassionate living.
(from the Moravian Book of Worship, Liturgy for Stewardship, page 155. Used by permission of the Interprovincial Board of Communication)

Hear and know that the Lord is good. God forgives those who are contrite in heart. Live in peace, for God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

Take time to read today’s Daily Texts. God speaks to us through the inspiration of scripture, so approach the opportunity to read the texts as a privilege, eagerly anticipating what might be spoken to you today. How might today’s Word make a part of your life new again? If you do not have a copy of the Daily Texts, you will find today’s texts posted in the margin on your page’s right side (at the bottom of the page if you are on a mobile phone). When you have finished praying, continue as follows.

O Lord, hear us now as we pray together.
Our father, who art in Heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses as we have forgiven
those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Through the hours of this day, may we, O God, fix our eyes only on you.
Help us to see the many ways in which your generosity has blessed our lives.
Loving God, you are the bread of life; you are the one who fills us with the essential nourishment of life.
Lead us to share your blessings with others.
May the words that we speak, the thoughts of our hearts, and the actions of our lives be pleasing to you, O Lord.
May we serve this day in the name of the One who has created us, redeemed us, and sustained us. AMEN.