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Fresh, inclusive, creation-conscious prayers to nourish your soul—and the soul of your worship community.
"We are called to name the extravagant wildness of God, the overflowing abundance of creation, and the deep aching need of a broken world in new words and images that speak to contemporary concerns.... [These prayers] are an invitation to pray boldly."
—from the Introduction
This special prayerbook is for today's Christians who find comfort in the rhythm of the traditional lectionary but long to connect with God in ways that are satisfying to the modern heart and mind. Founded on creativity, inclusivity and sharing, it encourages us to remember the divine elements of the natural world around us as we express our hopes and fears for others and ourselves. Inspiring words help us give thanks for human inventions and lament the evils of poverty, violence and oppression of all kinds while remaining mindful of God's promises of healing for a broken world.
Following the annual procession of the seasons with prayers that are appropriate for personal devotion as well as for use in leading worship, these new ways to call on God will feed your soul and inspire you to find your own fresh language for thanksgiving, praise, intercession and petition, whether in your community or personal spiritual life.
"Beautiful, fresh language for Christians of all denominations.... These prayers can enrich our worship, transforming our hearts and—ultimately—strengthening our world."
—Rev. Canon Jan Naylor Cope, vicar, Washington National Cathedral
"Beautifully written.... An inspiring gift to all those who gather weekly to shape and sustain themselves as God's faithful people."
—Rev. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, general secretary emeritus, Reformed Church in America
“A powerful, prayerful, extremely useful worship aid [for] progressive congregations of many denominations and small-base communities alike.... Browse the table of contents when you need just the right prayer for many occasions.”
—Diann L. Neu, cofounder and codirector of the Women's Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual (WATER); coeditor, New Feminist Christianity: Many Voices, Many Views
“In plain but powerful words, [this book] says exactly just what we all would want to say to God.”
—Bishop Eugene Taylor Sutton, Episcopal Diocese of Maryland
“Simply and beautifully conveys the rich tradition of communal prayer.... It is sure to enrich the devotional life of both individuals and faith communities.”
—William Dietrich, spiritual director; former executive director, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation
“Stirring... A delightful, creative gift of nurture and inspiration for faith communities and personal meditation.”
—Rev. Jann Aldredge-Clanton, PhD, author, She Lives! Sophia Wisdom Works in the World and Inclusive Hymns for Liberating Christians
“A rich treasury.... All will find an invitation to congregational intercession that is at once comprehensive and concretely real.”
—Rev. Taylor W. Burton-Edwards, director of worship resources, the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church
“[A] rich collection.... Bring[s] human need before God in a poignant and compassionate way. Growing out of the life of one church, this book will bless many.”
—Ruth Duck, ThD, professor of worship, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
“These prayers give us the right words to remember who we are, who God is, and the nature of the journey we are on together.... They help us reconnect with what matters most.”
—Kayla McClurg, author, Passage by Passage: A Gospel Journey; facilitator, inward/outward
Introduction vii
Year A
Advent 3
Christmastide 12
The Epiphany of Christ 16
Ordinary Time: The Sundays after Epiphany 18
Lent 38
The Resurrection of Christ: Easter Sunday 50
The Great Fifty Days: The Easter Season 52
Pentecost 64
Ordinary Time: The Sundays after Pentecost 66
The Reign of Christ 121
Year B
Advent 127
Christmastide 136
The Epiphany of Christ 140
Ordinary Time: The Sundays after Epiphany 143
Lent 164
The Resurrection of Christ: Easter Sunday 177
The Great Fifty Days: The Easter Season 180
Pentecost 192
Ordinary Time: The Sundays after Pentecost 194
The Reign of Christ 248
Year C
Advent 253
Christmastide 262
The Epiphany of Christ 267
Ordinary Time: The Sundays after Epiphany 270
Lent 290
The Resurrection of Christ: Easter Sunday 302
The Great Fifty Days: The Easter Season 304
Pentecost 316
Ordinary Time: The Sundays after Pentecost 319
The Reign of Christ 376
Acknowledgments 379
About the Lectionary 381
Resources 384