Lord of the Loving, Hear Our Prayer.

We welcome you God, however you intersect our lives – in art, in music, in conversation, in silence, in the circle of the sacraments.  We pray for the Sisters of the Church in Burlington who pray for us, Agape Table whom we pledge to support, and for reciprocity that represents balance in the giving and taking, the empty and full, the solitary and the collective.  As we strive for fulfillment and authenticity in life, we know happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed.  Give us that sense of happiness being the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.  Make us keen to give and take, to hold close and set free, to see visions and dream dreams.

Lord of the Faithful, Hear Our Prayer.

Today, we remember and honor those who are no longer with us.  We affirm their worth, their lives, and their stories.  We remember Sarah Burke, pioneer skier, and Kaitlyn Fraser – both young lives lost in senseless accidents.  For ongoing war, political unrest and ethnic clashes, we pray for Iran, Iraq, Syria and South Sudan.  We also remember the tragedy of the Costa Concordia in Italy, for natural disasters and adverse weather conditions.  We need not look far to appreciate our safe cocoon on our prairie landscape.

Lord of the Bereaved, Hear Our Prayer.

We pray for our leaders – that they will be guided by virtues of honesty, integrity, and transparency as they lead at the national, provincial, and civic levels.  We pray for equitable distribution of resources in our province in some First Nation communities – for basic running water and plumbing.  For those experiencing trauma from last summer’s flood relocation, we pray for suitable housing.  Globally, for those likewise dislocated because of war, we pray that their needs of food, safe water and shelter be met from agency donations that are not diminished by administration fees.  As we look ahead to our planet’s preservation, please give us an ongoing renewal of commitment as stewards of the earth.  Instill in us a consciousness, a sharp awareness, a personal philosophy in our daily use of things like water, choice of products and modes of transportation.  May we never ‘take for granted’ the plethora of resources we enjoy.

Lord of the Nations, Hear Our Prayer.

Our focus moves to those around us and among us needing our love and support.  For those suffering from shattered dreams, broken relationships, loss of employment, separation from loved ones, or experiencing any dis-ease of body, mind or heart, we commit their needs to you.

Please take a moment to name those in need……

We pray for the gift of science in ongoing research and development of cures and prevention of heart disease, cancers, and juvenile and geriatric infirmities.  May we seek balance in our lives in adopting healthy lifestyles but may we never lose sight of you – the ultimate healer and finisher of our destinies here on earth.

Lord of the Brokenhearted, Hear Our Prayer.

Lord of the Suffering, Hear Our Prayer.

It is by your grace that we surround your endless, inclusive, table this evening, O Lord.  Again and again, we are invited to give and receive your peace, to share bread and wine at no cost, to reflect on the privilege and freedom we have in worship.  God of this New Year, we are walking into mystery.  We face the future not knowing what the days and months will bring to us or how we will respond.  Instill vision, empower action, raise hope and BE LOVE IN US as we journey into 2012.

Lord of the Compassionate, Hear Our Prayer.

AMEN.

Written by Nancy Constantine and offered in Worship on January 22, 2012

Singing we cry out to you; …blessed be God forever.

God, we thank you for the various faith communities both near and far who desire to have an impact in your name.  From around the world to around the block, may your blessing pour out upon your people as they seek to be a blessing to others.

Singing we cry out to you; …blessed be God forever.

We pray for this community of st. benedict’s table.  Thank-you for the opportunity to gather and worship together.  Despite the busyness of our lives, may we remain committed to you and in-turn each other, striving to be obedient to your call and loving each other as we have been loved by You.

Singing we cry out to you; …blessed be God forever.

We pray for the needs of the world, and particularly those places that continue to be torn by war and violence.  May we be constantly mindful of the world beyond our horizon, cautious to never grow stale in our own comforts.  For losses had, sacrifices made, and those who mourn, may the peace longed for by so many, one day be known to all.

Singing we cry out to you; …blessed be God forever.

We pray for this city and all those who live here. During the winter season, we are made readily aware of the wants and needs of many within our greater community.  May we strive to be generous in our living, so that no one would go without.

Singing we cry out to you; …blessed be God forever.

We pray for the needs of those known to us; for those who are sick or suffering, alone or isolated, or who have other needs and challenges.  (I invite you now to pray aloud the names of those known to you.)  For those named aloud, those spoken in the silence of our hearts, and for the ones we have forgotten,

Singing we cry out to you; …blessed be God forever.

Written by Brett Schmall and offered in worship on January 8, 2012

Lord, in your mercy…Hear our prayer.

We pray for your Chosen People of Israel and for the peace of Jerusalem. By your grace we have been grafted onto this holy tree of life. Honour your eternal covenants with your Chosen Ones so that your glory will be revealed in Zion & all nations will know that YOU are God.

Lord, in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

Merciful God, we pray for all souls that struggle at this particular time of year – those who feel sad, lonely, lost, or out of place; those who face the season for the first time after divorce or death of a loved one; those who have lost jobs or suffer a health crisis; those gripped by addictions or poverty. Anoint them with the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and wrap them in a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

Lord, in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

Father Almighty, we hold up to you the nations of the Arab Spring. At this critical time, may emerging leadership respect the social, religious & political rights of all its citizenry. Protect & strengthen the Christian minorities of these countries as they enter a very anxious and uncertain future at this time.

Lord, in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

As the European debt crisis continues to send shock waves into world financial & labour markets, we pray that world leaders act with wisdom & prudence, setting policies that will bring long term economic & social stability. Help us all to live within our means & be good stewards of the gift bestowed on us, to the benefit of those most vulnerable in our world.

Lord, in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

Faithful One, we give thanks to you for the lovely December weather & social gatherings we’ve been enjoying, the colourful lights that surround us in the darkness – a sign of the nearness of your love in this bleak world. Come, Lord Jesus – we watch, we wait, we long for your presence in our lives and the glory of your second coming.

Lord, in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

We pray for this community of St. Benedict’s Table and our priest, Jamie Howison. Bless the mission we’re connected with – Home Uganda, Agape Table & other core ministries in Winnipeg. We pray for the community of El Shaddai Baptist Church in Haiti – for their medical, educational & pastoral ministries. We entrust in your loving care all who are anxious or distressed in mind or body, especially those we name before you..

For those named aloud, and those held in the quiet of our hearts, and especially for those for whom we have forgotten to pray, comfort & relieve them in their needs and strengthen them in their struggles.

Lord, in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

We remember those near to us who have departed, & we pray for all those who mourn loved ones or experience other losses in life. Ease their pain, & bring them your enduring peace.

Lord, in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

Into your hands, oh Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

Written by Rhonda Roman and offered in Worship on December 11, 2011

Lord, as we wait expectantly for Your son and as our hearts long for what is to come, grant us mercy and hear, the prayers of Your people on this winter’s eve.

Heavenly Father, Your church reaches to the farthest corners of the earth, we ask that With Your mighty hand You would remove the barriers that keep us from one another. May we live as one body always seeking to glorify You. Plant within us the knowledge that we are a people set apart by You and forever bound together in Your name.

Lord in Your mercy… hear our prayers.

Lord, we pray for the needs of this world. For those who hunger and those who are oppressed, those who are trapped and those without hope. Lord, remind us that you will one day bring us into a good land, a land with streams and pools of water, a land with wheat and barley. A land where bread will not be scarce and we will lack nothing. Let us seek this land.

Lord in Your mercy… hear our prayers.

Holy Father, comforter of Your people, speak tenderly to those who suffer. Gently lead those who are weak and gather those who are without hope into the safety and peace of Your arms. Bring us out of our dark night and awaken us to the dawn.

Lord in Your mercy… hear our prayers.

We speak aloud now the names of those known to us who suffer

God, be not far from them.

Lord in Your mercy… hear our prayers.

Heavenly Father, we ask that You would bless the members of St. Benedicts table. May we be a community that loves and worships You well. May we be a church that seeks not only to share the gospel with strangers, but with one another.

Lord in Your mercy… hear our prayers.

We pray now for those who have died. In the season of advent, when the sorrow of death is felt deeply, we ask that You would comfort those who have lost a loved one. Remind us of the ways You were present in their lives and allow us to grieve the gift that person was to us. Comfort Your people O Lord.

Lord in Your mercy… hear our prayers.

Lord we ask that as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Your son that Your glory would be revealed. Plant in us a hope that is not of this world, a hope of a new heaven and a new earth, a hope of a baby boy born to be the prince of peace.

Amen

 Written by Kate Schellenberg and offered in worship on December 4, 2011

Watch, then, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming – it might be in the evening or at midnight or before dawn or at sunrise.  If he comes suddenly, he must not find you asleep.  What I say to you, then, I say to all.  Watch! O God, we are watching – as our liturgical calendar suggests, we await with anticipation.

We watch and wait for you, O Lord.  In your mercy, Hear Our Prayer.

In late November, our landscape has a new backdrop of snow transformed with tinsel, lights and animation.  We are moving from the bleak month of Remembrance of our war heroes to the season of Advent initiated many centuries ago by the coming of a Baby Boy.  Our senses will be distracted by secular consumerism and religious traditions but we call on our informed spirituality, capacity for discernment and your guidance to filter and shape this journey.  May we choose a path that feels less stress, invite creative ways of giving, and be open to the unexpected, O God, as we look amongst the crowd, around the corner, and amidst the mayheim for this Christ Child.

We watch and wait for you, O Lord.  In your mercy, Hear Our Prayer.

During this season, we are fiercely aware of the imbalance of resources and the Occupy Movement challenges us to rethink how Capitalism works in this country.  Could there be a day when equity is achieved, when we actually do not rest if we know of someone in need?  Could we consider giving to a charity rather than that gift exchange at work – for the sake of giving?  Father – as we are the Clay and you are the Potter, make us malleable enough to reshape our worldview, to invite change to long-held tradition, to join the dance of reciprocity.  Thank you for the efforts of Marc and Craig Kielberger – founders of the WE Movement.  In our Mission Outreach, we continue to pray, support and visualize whole the recipients of Agape Table, Home Uganda, and the work in Haiti.

We watch and wait for you, O Lord.  In your mercy, Hear Our Prayer.

Globally, we pray for strategies for calm in Cairo and for protection from seasonable weather patterns.  Locally, as we continue to enjoy beautiful weather, we ask for safety in travel, protection from flues and viruses, and opportunities to welcome healthy minds, active bodies and open spirits in the days ahead and even as colder temperatures ascend.  We pray for an end to ongoing turmoil in parts of our city where gangs, drugs, and violence prevail.  We remember the Sisters of the Church in Burlington and  St. John’s Baptist Church and Rout Bah in Durham.  We pray for our national and diocesan leaders as well as Jamie, Helen, Larry, and Jaylene.  At this time, we are called to offer up our brothers and sisters in need – for those experiencing ill health, economic or employment changes or loss of loved ones.  Please take these moments to mention aloud or in your heart those for whom we pray.  For every breath we take, every move we make, every step we take, thank you that you watch and care for us.

We watch and wait for you, O Lord.  In your mercy, Hear Our Prayer.

For all the tables this community surrounds, thank you for the table we will approach in our endless, inclusive, circle of the sacrament.  The bread will fill us, the wine will calm us, and we will be reminded that we are not alone.  We remain open to that awesome power that can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.

As we move into busy weeks, May the light of God surround us; The love of God enfold us; the power of God protect us; the presence of God watch over us; For wherever we are, God Is……as We Watch, We Wait, and We Long for You.

AMEN

Written by Nancy Constantine and offered in worship on November 27, 2011

We Cry to you……

Teach us to number our days;
Grant us Your wisdom and peace.

God you have called the leaders of the church, all bishops especially Bishop Don Phillips, all priests especially Jamie Howison and Helen Mansfield, all deacons, and all lay ministers especially those who serve the community of St. Benedict’s table to follow you and accept their roles and ministries in your church.  Also we pray they continue to serve by being blessed with your wisdom, discernment, zeal, joy, imagination, compassion, and those spiritual gifts and earthly resources which meet their greatest needs.

We Cry to you……

Teach us to number our days;
Grant us Your wisdom and peace.

God remember all the needs of Home Omuka in Uganda, the clinics of Haiti, the sisters of Burlington Ontario, Agape Table, and the ministries represented here throughout the city of Winnipeg.

We Cry to you……

Teach us to number our days;
Grant us Your wisdom and peace.

God we remember Veterans week, we remember the stories of lives lost as well as those left to mourn, and generations left to heal where war has taken place.  God may we all remember these stories so we may strive for peace internally and externally.   For by remembering the sorrow of lives never lived but sacrifices that they will never be forgotten. Lest we not forget

We Cry to you……

Teach us to number our days;
Grant us Your wisdom and peace.

God we ask that all of us, citizens and government representatives, all over the world, be open to hearing to your wisdom on how to heal our unstable economies especially in Greece and Italy.  May we be able to provide for those most marginalized, may work be plentiful, and may we all reflect on what each of us can do in our own lives in support of a just and economically fair world.

We Cry to you……

Teach us to number our days;
Grant us Your wisdom and peace.

God we are called at this moment to speak the names of those we hold in our hearts at this time__________________________________.

For all those names spoken and unspoken, and for those we many have forgotten, we ask you God to take our prayers and may it be your will that is to be done.

We Cry to you……

Teach us to number our days;
Grant us Your wisdom and peace.

God we are called to remember all those who have die, especially the young people who tragically drowned near Garden Hill, may we keep the community in our prayers as they experience healing in their mourning.  We also remember our own friends and family who have died, and may we always reach out to those seeking comfort in their loss of a loved one.

We Cry to you……

Teach us to number our days;
Grant us Your wisdom and peace.

Written by Helen Mikolajewski and offered in Worship on             November 13, 2011

The banquet is ready…we come to the table.

Bountiful God, we are grateful for your church, the universal body of which we are a part. The faith we share is expressed in many ways, in many cultures. Keep us thankful for all who work for peace, love, and justice—regardless of what they call themselves. We will one day all feast together and see you face to face.

The banquet is ready…we come to the table.

While we are in the midst of a joyful celebration of the autumn harvest, we remember that much of our world is shaped by division, war, inequality, and frustration. Help us to find ways to share the unity, equality, peace and reconciliation Jesus offers. Remind us that the full benefit of the harvest is expressed in leaving grain for others to glean. Teach us to be generous, God of the feast.

The banquet is ready…we come to the table.

Here, at our own table, we thank you for the bread and wine we are about to share—a symbolic feast that sustains our souls. As we share in it together, remind us that it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. We thank you for our leaders: for Jaylene, for Helen, for Jamie, for Larry, for Audrey, and for the members of the Kitchen Table. Please bless our offerings of food for Agape Table, and the financial offerings that we dedicate to your work. May we grow strong as a community of generosity: abundant in love, abundant in hope, abundant in faith.

The banquet is ready…we come to the table.

Loving God, you provide for us from the riches of your grace. You fill your people with good things. We are thankful for the food we eat, the homes we have, the families we belong to, and the communities we live in. We take time now to offer thanks for those close to us, and to think of ways we can share our feast with them. We speak aloud the names of those we love…

The banquet is ready…we come to the table.

God, we remember those who have died. We thank you for every memory of love and joy, every sorrow shared. Thank you for their lives and thank you for their deaths. We grieve, we remember, and we await the banquet we will one day share together. Amen.

Written by Mari Raynard, and offered in Worship on October 9, 2011

ord, As we return to You today, may our souls find rest and as we come before You in stillness may we know that You are God.

Lord God we ask that all people desiring to follow You would be truly united. Let us not slander one and other and let us not be proud. Instead may we love without reservation and bless one another as we are able. In doing so Lord, may we Your church grow always nearer to You.

Lord, in Your Mercy, …. Hear our prayer.

Lord, the skies and the heavens declare Your glory and their voices go out into all the earth. Let the earth be moved by these voices. Let hatred cease, and may the strong give way to the weak, may our farm lands flourish, and our war fields be abandoned. We pray that the world may know the peace of the Lord.

We Especially pray for Libya, Syria, Greece and all Countries in the horn of Africa,

Lord, in Your Mercy, …. Hear our prayer.

Lord we pray now for the people who find rest at St Benedicts table. We pray that this place might be a sanctuary for all those who are weary and heavy burdened. Let us come here unashamed and in freedom to worship. We give to You now the needs of this parish family and we especially pray for those who lead and minister here.

God we lay before you now our deepest sufferings. May we truly know that Your will for us is not pain and that Your love for us is strong. Remind us also, that the goodness that comes from suffering, is a goodness not found anywhere else. Walk with us as we struggle Lord.

We name aloud now those known to us who suffer,

Lord, in Your Mercy, …. Hear our prayer.

Lord we pray now for those who have died. Let not our hearts be troubled God and let us not be afraid. Let us mourn fully and deeply, and in Your grace allow us to remember in gladness the beautiful moments shared with those who have gone. Thank you for the gift of life, may our hearts cling to You in times of loss,

Lord, in Your Mercy,  …. Hear our prayer.

Lord God, this week remind us to for Your face in every person. In all our interactions may we be compassionate and true. Let our love be an echo of Your love that you have for all Your people

We ask all these things through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Written by Kate Schellenberg, and offered in Worship on October 2, 2011

nless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe” – the words of a doubting Thomas we have heard tonight. As we come to you in prayer, O God, where there is war, bring peace; where there is sadness, bring joy; where there is complacency, bring purpose; where there is doubt, bring faith; and where there is darkness, bring us to new light. In all facets of our personal, professional and community lives, may the resurrection give life and meaning and the opportunity to start over no matter what the circumstance.

Keep us safe in Jesus and His Resurrection. In Your Mercy, Lord, Hear Our Prayer.

In the world, we continue to pray for countries characterized by war, and for those places feeling the power of Mother Nature in the twisting tornadoes on land this week in Alabama and the swelling of waterways in our city and our U.S. neighbours. Globally, we thank you for the sense of joy, celebration and distraction the Royal Wedding has provided. It has been a reflection of how Spring reshapes our perspective – after the dreary darkness of winter and lent. Tomorrow, as we head to the polls, replace our cynicism with optimism and may doubt be transformed to faith in the economy, hope for social issues and an overall shift in our political landscape. We remember those who have come and gone, whether it be in life or death. Give us guidance as we actively work to sustain the earth entrusted in our care. May we be wise in our transportation options, product selection, and safely preserve our greenspaces…. and may we thoroughly enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents of Spring.

Keep us safe in Jesus and His Resurrection. In Your Mercy, Lord, Hear Our Prayer.

We pray for students discerning their vocations and preparing for their place in society. Replace their fears and doubts with faith and confidence. We remember graduates of Booth University College who convocated this afternoon. Thank you, O God, for this community and the many tables and venues where we engage, particularly the one of benevolence to the ministry of Agape Table. We pray for all members, including the leadership, and for the culmulative collection of creativity among us.

Keep us safe in Jesus and His Resurrection. In Your Mercy, Lord, Hear Our Prayer.

At this time, we are called to remember those among us and around us needing prayer. (Please take a moment to mention aloud or in your heart those in need). O Father, grant your peace to those who have died; comfort to those who mourn. May we take a few moments silence to consider the giving and taking; life’s beginnings and endings; and our comings and goings. Lord, what we have not, give us; what we know not, teach us; what we see not, show us; and what we are not, make us.

Keep us safe in Jesus and His Resurrection. In Your Mercy, Lord, Hear Our Prayer.

As we come to the time in our service where the banquet is set, thank you for feeding us, whether we are hungry or full. May the gifts of this table extend beyond these walls – so as we are given, so we can give. As a new week unfolds and awaits us, we invite your presence in our everyday living – may we see you more clearly, love you more dearly, follow you more nearly, day by day.

AMEN

Written by Nancy Constantine, and offered in worship on the Second Sunday in Easter, May 1,2011

Lord, in your mercy…  Hear our prayer.

God who made us fit for a revolutionary love to change the world, embolden leaders and people to seek each other’s well-being through right relationships. Turn us from our pride, our greed, and from all that separates us from you.

Lord, in your mercy…  Hear our prayer.

God who works through us, lift up those who minister throughout this city and in this neighbourhood. Build up all who come to Agape Table, and bless the work of House Blend ministries in this place tomorrow. Hold all who are in need in your sheltering care. We name those known to us…….. For these, and those known only to you,

Lord, in your mercy…  Hear our prayer.

God who shapes our beginnings and our endings, give eternal rest to those who have died, and grant to the dying your peace. We who grieve pray for your comfort on us, that we might mourn deeply, and so be released through your healing power.

Lord, in your mercy…  Hear our prayer.

Written by Jon Sears, to be offered in worship on the 7th Sunday in Epiphany, February 20, 2011.