5 Signs Your Church Might Be Heading toward Progressive Christianity, 10 Ways You Can Use Sleepless Nights for Gods Glory. Here, let us find energy to find the divine in each part of our lives. [14]At the time of the North American consolidation, Unitarians and Universalists had expanded beyond their roots in liberal Christian theology. Our prayers have been answered.. Your reach into our everyday lives, our messy circumstances, forever changes us. Nurture our soul A Prayer to Remember Who We Belong To - Your Daily Prayer - July 1. Thank you for your mercy and grace. I need to express my gratitude. In case you were wondering if I pray to a bearded man sitting on a throned cloud, that is not even close. Meetings are essential in a social setting. But action alone without prayer soon zaps our energy and can lead to despair. https://www.uua.org/files/includes/snippet-important-message.txt, By John Gibb Millspaugh, Sarah Gibb Millspaugh, 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Beginnings, Bridging, Bridging Ceremony, Coming of Age, Community, Generations, Growth, Home, Hope, Humanism, Love, Relationships, Unitarian Universalism, Young Adults, WorshipWeb, 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), Bridging Ceremony, Challenge, Choice, Commitment, Direct Experience, Education, Forgiveness, Friendship, Growth, Responsibility, Secular, Wisdom, Worth, 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Compassion, Courage, Direct Experience, Failure, Forgiveness, Hope, Humility, Integrity, Justice, Kindness, Wisdom, Acceptance, Body, Brokenness, Conflict, Direct Experience, Division, Divorce / Separation, Forgiveness, Life Transition, Love, Marriage, Relationships, Self-Respect, Calling, Challenge, Commitment, Compassion, Courage, Grace, Gratitude, Healing, Installations, Ministry, Ordinations, Vulnerability, Worship, 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Acceptance, Change, Children, Coming-of-Age, Community, Family, Identity, Integrity, International, Quinceaera, Transformation, Youth/Teens, 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 4th Principle (Truth & Meaning), Building/Space Dedication, Community, Courage, Dignity, Direct Experience, Growth, Home, Hope, Inclusion, Integrity, Love, Relationships, Unitarian Universalism, Building/Space Dedication, Business Meetings, Courage, Generations, Hope, Inclusion, Love, Peace, Sacrifice, Silence, Sorrow, Trust, 1st Principle (Worth & Dignity), 2nd Principle (Justice, Equity, & Compassion), 6th Principle (World Community), Abundance, Compassion, Courage, Direct Experience, Gratitude, Hospitality, Justice, Listening, Love, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Sacrifice, Salvation, Thanksgiving, Unitarianism, 7th Principle (Interconnected Web), Body, Caring, Creativity, Earth, Health, Hinduism, Joy, Love, Power, Relationships, Strength, Unitarian Universalism, A Prayer of Dedication for a Meetinghouse. Help us to endure disagreement and strife with godly courage and love. It must be our governance system, or the way we elect our presidents, or how we determine who gets to make the decisions, or the size of our board, or . Let us worship with our eyes and ears and fingertips; let us love the world through heart and mind and body. Beautiful, hand turned maple wood chalice Let us be open to expression and be understood. May we live our lives in a spirit of compassion, Bless this meeting today, all those present, as well as the lives of those we will encounter afterward. We pray for policies that recognize their plight. We have made enemies of others while claiming to be your disciples. In addition, they rejected the doctrine oforiginal sin, moving away from theCalvinismof the Congregationalists and towardsArminianism. Thank you for your great love and care. Where we are wavering, help us lay our anchor down. Change them to reflect Your will. Sunday, February 16: The Rationalist's Prayer | Unitarian Universalist Help us desire these things so much more than the sin that entices us. Consider doing this especially if you have trouble feeling centered. We ask for your guidance and strength. We pray that when we encounter suffering of this kind we may react with honesty and patience, and on Passion Sunday we remember the word linked with passion, namely that of compassion. (Kathy Beckett), Spirit of love that is in the best of ourselves and around us May we go out from here unashamedly greeting all as friends. Whether you are headed into a work meeting that needs guidance and wisdom or gathering as a small group or church, these opening prayers will set your focus on God's will. The next time you find yourself challenged by change or experience a disruption in life, try asking yourself the questions: What do I know? Without earthly stress and strain Lead our surrendered hearts to the path of Your peace today. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the person who associated a work with this deed makes no warranties about the work, and disclaims liability for all uses of the work, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. Note: Enjoyed this content and want unlimited access to prayer books and bible study resources? Will flow out into the world, (SYF 11)(Kathy Beckett). May all glory go up to You when we reach the finish line and climb over benchmarks. In Psalm 3, as he faces yet another terrifying and humiliating season of his life, he chooses to focus on Gods character and faithfulness. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen! Unitarian Universalism Prayers | Unitarian Universalism Prayers Rise up and meet the new day Where to livestream your worship this weekend: LGBTQIA-affirming As he ushered her in, she saw that his two male parrots were inside their cage holding rosary beads and praying. For our brothers and sisters around the world. (Matt Chandler), photo credit: GettyImages/Molchanovdmitry,Video credits for audio, video, photos: Soundstripe, Storyblocks, LightStock, ThinkStock. It is difficult to sing when years ago someone told us that we couldnt; but in time we have learned that it doesnt matter what we sound like because singing is good for our health. Would that all life could respond in goodness so that our earth and all its people may live in harmony. So be it. Our daily duties and routines can seem very small and mean and yet they can still overwhelm us. Help us to remember your love and grace and to be faithful in our service to you. The enemy has no control over us, and we bring your word of Truth as weapon against his schemes. Let us remember the Spirit of life and love at all times, being thankful for happy moments and trusting in it to help us through hard times. Well share together here Amen(Sue Woolley), Spirit of Light and Life and Love, Rev. Come! These simple and short prayers will help you invite the Holy Spirit into your heart and minds and bless your time together. I pray because I need clarity of purpose in my mind and heart if I am to meet the complex challenges of being alive and having to die. Take with you the peace of our church community, Now available is our new DailyPrayer devotional! Individuals may or may not self-identify as Christians or subscribe to Christian beliefs. I need humility. Wherever we go, let us spread love, joy, peace, goodness, and faithfulness. Heretics Faith: Prayer, Meditation, Contemplation | Unitarian From Singing the Living Tradition (SLT): God is One by Francis David (Richard Fewkes, adt) (SLT #567) The Limits of Tyrants by Frederick Douglass (SLT #579) The Task of the Religious Community by Mark Morrison Read (SLT #580; A Network of Mutuality by Martin Luther King, Jr. (SLT #584); I Call that Church Free by James Luther Adams (SLT #591) May we discover that delicate balance between the needs of the individual and the interests of the greater community. God, give us you. Your ears and eyes may have been opened to the distress of the world around you, the poverty, the crime, the unemployment. In Jesus name, Amen. Amen (HFL 125)(Sue Woolley), As we leave this place, let us carry with us the communion with the Spirit of life that we have found here today. Forgive our half-hearted devotion and misplaced affections. In Jesus Name, Amen. Imagine your soul or life spirit being active in all parts of your body, and then slowly calming and coming together at your heart. It doesnt matter what the subject of meetings is, once you gather together you can pray over anything. I pray that You speak to my heart so that I can remember that no one is better than another because of appearance or any other earthly attribute. UUAs WorshipWeb includes a searchable collection of prayers, meditations, readings, and words to open or close your service. Will I Still Be Married to My Spouse in Heaven? When everyone joins together in fervent prayer He will answer your prayers. This step is optional, but it's highly recommended. So, as we sit here today, let us release the bind of blame in exchange for accord. Prayers before meals for UU families - Beacon Unitarian Universalist May we be those who draw together the threads of peace Spirit of Life, bring us the kind of hope that makes all life new. Amen. Empathise with each others concerns, small stones; just Thank you for your power and strength of the Holy Spirit to begin opening the eyes of our heart so our devotion can be solely on you. Houses of worship have transitioned to online-only or hybrid prayer, services, and gatherings. The pride that puffs us up and the pride that threatens to unqualify us. We strive to bring you to life. Thankfully, were told in the Bible that we will all fall short. Now heres a story from our own world. Most Loving, Most Beautiful, Most Pure, Come, and let us begin our worship, welcoming each other with singing enter, rejoice and come in. Of course, prayer precipitates action. May we rise to the responsibility vested in us by our fellow members of this chapel and make our decisions wisely. Amen. Remind us that confession is never a mistake; it frees us from the chains of the enemy. Are We Remembering or Forgetting the Sabbath? We cherish you. Not falling away when the going gets rough, (Debbie McDaniel). I need to pray without ceasing if I am to sustain my involvement in the suffering of the world. Congregations often do the same. Notice that Oliver begins with silent astonishment, is moved to put her thoughts into words, and then she ends in silence, listening to how her heart is moved by what shes experienced. Do not waste opportunities to communicate with God in meetings. Unitarian Universalism was formed from the consolidation in 1961 of two historically Christian denominations, the Universalist Church of America and the American Unitarian Association,[11]both based in the United States; the new organization formed in this merger was the Unitarian Universalist Association. This is the place for intercession, to pray and advocate for those you know who are in need or for whom you simply care about without reservation. Forgive us for sometimes forgetting that you are intimately acquainted with all of our ways, that you know what concerns us, and you cover us, as with a shield. In the name of goodness, Amen. May that truth shape how we view others, but first, may it shape how we view ourselves. This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. and a bud in the green spring time. It doesn't matter what the subject of meetings is, once you gather together you can pray over anything. [10]TheUnitarian Universalist Association(UUA) was formed in 1961, a consolidation of theAmerican Unitarian Association, established in 1825, and theUniversalist Church of America,[11]established in 1866. Prayer for atheists, prayer for agnostics, prayer for theists. O Lord, how many are my foes! We know that when we gather together, You always have a divine agenda. Then soar, on a wing and a prayer, as if your life depended on it. (SYF 126)(Winnie Gordon), Mystery of Love that we cannot define, Strengthen our confidence in who You have made us to be. Here, let us find fellowship to seek the divine in each other. Your email address will not be published. (Tas Cooper), Beloved, For more information contact worshipweb@uua.org. And treating one another But, doesn't prayer automatically mean a conversation that is like a phone call, except to God? May we appreciate our friends: Its like looking in the mirror and seeing beyond your reflection to what is hiding behind it.Through words and silence I reconnect with a purer, more authentic form of self than I display in the wider world. Give us the patience and understanding to face life's challenges with grace. All of us have friends. Father, As the events of the day continue to unfold, we seek Your clarity and Your peace. You are the answer to everything. Some people meet every week in some organizations. Opening Prayer for UU District Annual Meeting As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Amen. That we might leave the world Of course, the same holds true for congregations. Father in Heaven, Abba, Yahweh, who delights in His children. Wow! We love you Lord. That you would open the right doors for our lives and for our loved ones, that you would close the wrong doors and protect us from those we need to walk away from. Continues in the world to come [5][6]Unitarian Universalists do not share acreedbut are unified by their shared search forspiritual growth. Help them as leaders to not ask first "How do we fix . Do you have a favorite opening prayer? In Jesus Name, Amen. And may we do what our hearts and minds tell us is right. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us for the limitations of our human nature, as we forgive the limitations of both others and our selves. And may that flame still burn bright in our hearts when we return to rekindle it here next week. While a chalice in the Unitarian Universalist tradition is a candle in some kind of cup or holder, it doesn't need to be fancy. We pray for the courage and vision to see beyond the mirror. Praying as Unitarian Universalists | UU World Magazine Whether starting a business meeting, church service, or family event, you can use these prayers to join together to ask God for guidance and blessing. Our Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 11 a.m. Voting on the issues discussed at the informational forums WILL take place at this time. All of usarefriends. Nothing is ever in vain, for even mistakes and missteps are used for good. Do you want to have some fun? There was stunned silence. I sometimes put thoughts or words to my breathing, perhaps breathing in compassion, and then breathing out neglect, or breathing in self-love and breathing out self-judgment. Father,Thank You for every seat that has been filled here, today. Forgive us for our pride. And they took comfort in that. Not one day of our lives is more or less important. The flaming chalice, symbol of our living faith, burns brightly. 24 Farnsworth Street | Boston, MA 02210 Can God Trust Us with The Trivial Things? Amen. (optional changed last line)(SYF 24)(Dorothy Haughton), We come together seeking light in the tunnel of life, sometimes grey, sometimes dark. You only need to be honest with yourself. Readings and Reflections. When I find that I am centered I move into the verbal part of my prayer. Add whatever wishes or concerns are on your heart and mind, either silently or aloud, for example, "I send my positive thoughts to Uncle Joe during his surgery and ask for a quick and full recovery.". Amen(Sue Woolley), Parent of all, in and around and beyond all things, We sit in the shade of trees we did not plant. Where we are weak, make us strong. Manage Settings The next day she brought the parrots to the priests house. By Ian Cooper Let God be present in all your meetings. As financial markets teeter, we are hopeful. You are our good Father, just and righteous. (SYF 33)(Sue Woolley), As we gather in prayer, may we remember that prayer alone means little without inspiring action. Continue to nurture us every day Help us treat them, and each other, well. That we can still be linked to it Thats one pattern for prayer: Begin in silence. As we forgive those of others. Unitarian Communications: Worship resources - what Unitarians and UUs mean by worship - the celebration of ultimate worth Praying as Unitarian Universalists: How can we pray with integrity, grace, power, and purpose? Yet, even He knew that true peace came only from God. Then join The Graceful Chapter Plus to gain access to more resources to help strengthen your faith and grow in intimacy with God. And to not encourage us to pursue the path of wrong living Listen to what the silence yearns to teach you and realize you have known it all along. You know when we are lost, Lord. Still, for me prayer is not a hotline to heaven or the code to Heavens ATM machine, where I can get in line and get the goods, even as my enemies are systematically destroyed for Gods glory. Struggling for solutions amidst differing personalities can seem impossible. He says prayer is a reflection on the depths of life, as a way of giving thought and voice to our ultimate concerns, and as a measure of what we take seriously without any reservation. They say, Hi. Still, for me prayer is not a hotline to heaven or the code to Heaven's ATM machine, where I can get in line and get the goods, even as my enemies are systematically destroyed for God's glory. Grant us peace in knowing we are pursuing Your purpose for our lives. Our prayer today is that Your will be done through this event. Meetings are not limited to just organizations but almost everywhere people gather together to serve a common interest. Right now, our denomination is considering huge changes to its infrastructure in attempt to slow our decline in numbers and influence. We thank you that though you remind us in your word that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one, you are still far greater and we have overcome, because you have set us free. When they are silenced through prayer and meditation, it allows the silence itself to speak its truth. We ask that you would help us to stay alert in a dark world that tries hard to make things look not so bad.We ask that you would equip us to be salt and light, that we would be loving and gracious, yet unyielding to sin. I think of a storm. (Alison Patrick), Let us rejoice in the warmth of our fellowship symbolised by the flame of our chalice, hold it in our hearts, share it with all we meet. In celebration of the life we share together. We have an idea, a vision, hints, and daily instructions. Instead we have empty rhetoric and lost opportunities. Guard our hearts from pride and selfish gain as we celebrate today. Amen. We ask that you would remind us to pray, constantly, for all believers. pay attention, then patch, a few words together and dont try And though the darkness has not fallen at our behest Remember to credit whoevers words you use, no matter where you find them! 8 Best Inspirational Prayers for Meetings - ConnectUS You know there is, but I find the notion of prayer as a conversation to be a great place to start. She is a stay-at-home mom, freelance writer, blogger, and preparing to release her first book, Friends with Everyone. She resides in Northern Ohio with her husband of eleven years, two daughters, and their Golden-doodle. Father, We are here today to celebrate great success! (Tas Cooper), What wondrous heavens today. In fact, prayer is our work in the world, which the poet Mary Oliver describes as mostly standing still and learning to be astonished., The words we form in response to our astonishment, the thoughts we think and the actions we take are all prayers at the most basic level. Unitarian Universalism[2][3][4]is aliberalandsyncretic religioncharacterized by a "free and responsible search for truth andmeaning". In Jesus' Name, Amen. Let us counter the forces of Anger, Anxiety and Despair Prayer for meetings can reveal the solutions to problems to be discussed at meetings. Help us to see what truly matters 20 Opening Prayers Perfect for Meetings, Church, and Events. We give thanks for Many are saying of me, God will not deliver him. But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. Psalm 3:1-3 NIV. Therefore the communication between us is inexpressibly perfect.. A humanist's guide to prayer | UU World Magazine Prayer for Unitarian Universalists. Blessed Be. Our hearts change as we seek Gods wisdom and Truth. (617) 742-2100 | info@uua.org. Rest in silence. If more than one person prays, take turns lighting and extinguishing the candle. Amen/So may it be. Prayer for EmploymentPrayer for HealingPrayer for StrengthPrayer for ProtectionMorning PrayersGood Night Prayers. I cannot maintain a balanced life if I am feeding the hungry but starving my own soul. For you entered here in fellowship, Send us an email and we'll consider adding it to the post! May we who have bread not take bread from the mouths of others. Pray also for the causes you believe in, for the church you belong to, and for the planet that makes it all possible. Until we meet again. Opening Prayer for the 2009 Annual Meeting Pacific Central District, Unitarian Universalist Association Please join me in entering and centering and settling into this time and place, as I offer this prayer of intention for our annual meeting. Quiet my striving and allow me a time for breath, for silence, a time to let go of all longings and desire. It is headquartered inBoston,Massachusetts, and serves churches mostly in the United States. . How to Say a Unitarian Universalist Prayer - Beliefnet May we reach out in apology as we turn in love to those who hurt us. Your will for our lives does not always reflect our plans. Do Unitarians Pray? - Marquette Unitarian Universalist Congregation The Bible says the fervent prayer of the righteous man avails much. Even in failed attempts, You blow us away with Your faithfulness to provide what we need. In the eye of that powerful storm there is stillness (our theme this month). Ill share this time with you. Dr. Linda A. Hart is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist and has served as Tahoma UU Congregation's minister since August 2014. (Alison Patrick) Let us rejoice in the warmth of our fellowship symbolised by the flame of our chalice, hold it in our hearts, share it with all we meet. In extreme emotion, this indescribable feeling is even more pronounced. In fact, some of my own role models for the praying life have been those who prefer no god to one God at most. lift us from days dark, sombre and gloomy Filler of our hearts. We ask that you give us eyes to see when evil is before us, hearts to hate evil and the desire to flee from its presence. (HFL 5)(Alison Patrick). Lets say our unison words for chalice lighting. Andrew Hill), Come share this time with me. Making it a happier, gentler place. Let Your glory, Light, and Living Water flow from our lives. Best opening prayers for a meeting | Pray.com Prayers were likely uttered at the occasion of the first death, as survivors contemplate what it means to be alive. Or, at the very least, "to whom it may concern"? Approach this question prayerfully and be willing to wait for enlightenment. Abdu'l-Baha's Prayers for the Unitarians - BahaiTeachings.org May we be gathered together not only in body but also in healing mind. No one person more or less loved. The world beyond the mirror may be uncomfortable and confusing, but it is freedom. In the quiet of these moments, may we open our hearts to the presence of peace. Raise your voice in thanksgiving And I use the letters from the word PRAY to guide my thoughts and words.
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