Prayers
St. Luke’s Downtown is an active, praying community
We are called by our Lord to pray. At St. Luke’s Downtown, we take that seriously. In our worship on Sunday mornings, we regularly pray for our community, our nation, God’s good Creation, and the world. We also pray for persons who need God’s special attention.
If you would like prayers for someone, please leave their first name only (God knows who they are) at the following link. We will pray for them as part of our regular offerings.
Personal Prayer
Sometimes, many find it difficult to prayer. They’ve heard well-known and experienced persons pray. Their language is typically filled with wonderful images, poetic speech, and honorific words. Few can compete.
However, prayer is nothing more than a conversation with God. And God, who loves you, is more than willing to listen to whatever you have to say. It doesn’t have to be glamorous, elaborate, or poetic. It just has to come from your heart. Tell God what’s on your mind and in your heart. God promises to listen.
A good way to begin to prayer is by praying the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples (Matthew 6:9-13), often called the Lord’s Prayer.
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.”
You might also consider this helpful and healthy model:
1) Offer praise to God for all God has done for you.
2) Ask for God’s mercy knowing that God has already showed that for you.
3) Give thanks for all God has given you.
4) Share with God your needs and the needs of others.
5) Entrust what you have offered to God’s tender and merciful care by saying Amen (So be it!)