Faith, Lament

Overcrowded! – Michel Quoist

Lord, why did you tell me to love all humanity, my brothers and sisters? I have tried, but I come back to you, frightened… Lord, I was so peaceful at home, I was so comfortably settled. It was well furnished, and I felt cozy. I was at peace. Sheltered from the wind, the rain, the mud. I would have stayed…

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Pastors, Praise

Teach Us The Art Of Praise – C.H. Spurgeon

O God, teach us to begin the music of heaven! Grant us grace to have many rehearsals of the eternal Hallelujah. ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name.’ Grant us grace that we may not bring Thee blessings merely because Thou dost feed us, and clothe us, and because we receive…

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Lament, Short

A Short Sigh To God – Martin Luther

A short sigh to God the Father… O God, Father of all poor, miserable souls! Give us all your grace and enlighten us with your truth. To you be praise, glory and thanks forever. Amen – Martin Luther (1483-1546AD)

Thanksgiving

Thank You Thank You – Michel Quoist

Thank you Lord, thank you. Thank you for all the gifts that you have given me today,Thank you for all I have seen, heard, received. Thank you for the water that woke me up, the soap that smells good, the toothpaste that refreshes.Thank you for the clothes that protect me, for their color and their cut.Thank you for the newspaper…

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Confession

Know My Poor Soul – Martin Luther

O my dearest Lord Jesus Christ,you know my poor souland my great transgressions,and I cry out to you alonewith an open heart.I am sorrythat I do not havewill or intentions as I shouldand I fall behind daily,for I am a poor, sick sinner.You knowthat I want to have good will and good intentions,but my foe strikesand leads me captive.Redeem me,a…

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Confession

I Have Fallen – Michel Quoist

I have fallen, Lord,Once more.I can’t go on, I’ll never succeed.I am ashamed, I don’t dare look at you.And yet I struggled, Lord, for I knew you were right near me, bending over me, watching.But temptation blew like a hurricane,And instead of looking at you I turned my head away,I stepped asideWhile you stood, silent and sorrowful,Like the spurned lover…

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Need Or Trial, Pain, Scholars

At Life’s End – Martin Luther

I pray, my Lord Jesus Christ,take my soul into your hands. Heavenly Father,I know thatalthough I will live this bodyand be taken from this life,I will live with you forever,and that no one can pluck meout of your hands. God so loved the worldthat he gave his only-begotten Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish,but have eternal life. Our…

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Christmas, Short

Epiphany Prayer – Martin Luther

Dear God,lead us with the Wise Menby the star of your holy Wordto your Son, Christ Jesus,and always protect usfrom every attack. Then we will returnto our home countryby another route,that is, to Godby whom we are created,and finally come to the source again,as in a great golden ring. God help us,through Christ,our King and Priest,forever and ever.Amen. – Martin…

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Pastors, Preaching & Reflecting

Before Preaching – Martin Luther

Eternal God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, give us your Holy Spirit who writes the preached Word into our hearts. May we receive and believe it and be cheered and comforted by it in eternity. Glorify your Word in our hearts and make it so bright and warm that we may find pleasure in it, through your Holy…

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Longing, Poets

Time – Michel Quoist

All complain that they haven’t enough time.They look at their lives from too human a point of view.There is always time to do what God wants us to do,but we must put ourselves completely into each moment offered now.I went out, Lord. People were coming and going, walking and running. Everything was rushing; cars, trucks, the street, the whole town.Rushing…

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