Rockwood United Methodist Church

Going to God in Prayer

Today, Lord, we have come to praise you, sing of your love for us.

We come from the shopping malls, the Christmas tree lots, from frenzy of preparation.

We’ve been out there searching….searching for that one thing, that one special thing.

Now, today we come here, to take a break from high prices, from long lines. Here we can stop searching, we can sit quietly. We don’t have to worry about the credit card limit or how we will get to where we are going. Here your gift is waiting for us. No search, no preparation, just lift our voices in praise and bow our heads in prayer and you give us your gift.

God, bless us with the energy to search for those who don’t know about your gift. Strengthen us to be your hands and eyes, Lord. Here in Rockwood there are so many who don’t know about coming to you to find rest from the frenzy. So many people, worn out and down by life on the edge of disaster. Help us search for the lost, for those wandering in a dark world, let us hold your light up for them.

This week lord, one of your lost sheep gave in to despair killing others and himself. We struggle to understand these terrible events when people see no solution except death. Help us to see the needs of others and offer them your comfort.

Let us remember the families on the coast where the wind and rain have again caused so much damage. Let us remember the caretakers of camp Magruder, now clearing roads and waiting for the power company crew to restore electrical service. We thank you for the low tide that saved many. We thank you for all the hands now restoring, repairing, rebuilding.

Let us remember those who have barely enough to eat, who need warm clothing and a dry place to sleep. Let us remember the sick, the injured, the weak. Guide us to give what we can, what is needed, what can make a difference. We may only need to give a smile of encouragement, a can soup, a coat or blanket. Some small item may make the difference for someone alone and cold.

Today Lord, bless us as we prepare to celebrate this season of joy.


	AChristmas Prayer Gracious God, you promised us a Redeemer and you yourself fulfilled that promise. We confess this morning that we have not always trusted in your promises. We say we believe and trust but we often act as if we weren’t really sure. We give presents, but fail to be present with one another. We socialize with friends, but fail to welcome the stranger in our midst. We create commotion, and refuse to receive your peace. Forgive us, God, for our busyness and our lack of trust Gracious God, your love blesses and unites us in this place and time. We come before you with hearts gladdened by this holy season, its lights, its colors and most especially, its message of peace and good will to all. We thank you, God, that in Jesus Christ, you have made yourself known and have called us to join you in the continual creation of a world where wolf and lamb shall dwell together and justice will roll down like waters. Create in us, God, hearts devoted to shaping that world and bless especially those for whom such a world seems only a distant dream – the poor, the imprisoned, the ill, the lonely, the despised. Open our hearts to the news of angels and the wonder of shepherds that these days may renew us for the days to come. By the light of your star, help us to find our way again. These things we ask, trusting in your care for us today and always. Amen.