Tag: Prayer

Interfaith, Dialogue and Friendship Dinner, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikh
Interfaith, Prayer

A Prayer for Interfaith Conversation and Friendship

I recently had the opportunity to attend the 12th Annual Dialogue and Friendship Dinner sponsored by the Dialogue Institute of the Southwest. Diverse people, cultures, and faiths gathered around a meal and conversation to create new friendships and deepen mutual understanding. I was privileged to offer a prayer at the beginning of the evening. Other prayers were offered by a Catholic priest, an imam, a … Continue reading A Prayer for Interfaith Conversation and Friendship

Michael K. Marsh5 Comments
Forward Day by Day, Psalm 62:1, Silence, Prayer
Bible, Forward Day By Day

Prayer Begins When the Words End

Psalm 62:1. “For God alone my soul in silence waits; from him comes my salvation.” One Sunday, years ago, I knelt to pray before the liturgy began, as was my usual practice. I always had something to tell or ask God. This day, however, was different. I had no words. It wasn’t that I had nothing to say—I simply lacked words capable of expressing what … Continue reading Prayer Begins When the Words End

Michael K. Marsh7 Comments
Syria, Omran, Aleppo, Prayer, Refugees, Social Justice
Prayer, Social Justice

Aleppo Doesn’t Need Our Prayers

A few days ago I posted A Litany of Prayer for Aleppo. I was and still am heartbroken and overwhelmed, maybe even possessed, by what is happening in Aleppo. Omran has become for me an icon of that tragedy. His face and silence are ever before me; waiting, questioning, and convicting. I could not not pray. I also know, however, that Aleppo is just a microcosm of … Continue reading Aleppo Doesn’t Need Our Prayers

Michael K. Marsh24 Comments
Prayer, Prayers for Turkey, Istanbul Airport Attack
Liturgy, Prayer

Prayers for Turkey and the World

O Lord of life, the God of our salvation, who bears our burdens: Our world has once again been shaken by violence, gunfire, and explosions; this time at the Istanbul airport. We are weary because of our groaning. Every night we flood our bed with tears and drench our couch with weeping. Our eyes waste away with grief. Our spirit shakes with terror. How long, … Continue reading Prayers for Turkey and the World

Michael K. Marsh4 Comments
Anno Domini 2016, New Year, Prayer, Holy Name
Liturgical Feasts and Fasts, Prayer, Spirituality

Prayers for the New Year

While the civil calendar marks January 1 as New Year’s Day, the Church celebrates January 1 as the Feast of the Holy Name, Jesus. Although the two might be celebrated in different ways, they are not necessarily in opposition. Behind the celebrations, resolutions, and good wishes associated with the New Year I suspect there are, for many people, hope and a deep longing for a … Continue reading Prayers for the New Year

Michael K. Marsh4 Comments
Persecution, Persecuted Church, Persecuted Christians,
Prayer

A Litany of Prayer for Persecuted Peoples and Religions

O God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth, Have mercy upon us. O God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy upon us. O God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the faithful, Have mercy upon us. O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, one God, Have mercy upon us. Lord, Jesus Christ, receive our prayers for all who suffer persecution for their religious faith … Continue reading A Litany of Prayer for Persecuted Peoples and Religions

Michael K. Marsh4 Comments