Prayers

• Prayers for 9/11
• Prayers for Unemployment
• Guiding Principle Prayer

WE REMEMBER [back to top]

Prayer delivered by Pastor PJ Malin at 9/11 Memorial Service with the Lockport Police and Fire departments:

Gracious God,

We gather here today to remember.

We remember all those who lost their lives on this day nine years ago – our friends, family members, co-workers, fellow countrymen and women. We give you thanks for them and honor their memory.

We remember all those who bravely risked and even sacrificed their lives for the sake of helping others – the police, firefighters, rescue workers, and civil servants. We give you thanks for them and honor their memory.

We remember the power that people have to hurt, tear down, and destroy when we act with hatred and violence. But we also remember the power people have to heal, rebuild, and renew when we join together for the common good.

It is in this spirit that we gather today, remembering you, God, the one who has the power to bring life from death and new beginnings from what seem like endings. In your holy name we pray. Amen.

PRAYERS FOR THOSE DEALING W/ UNEMPLOYMENT [back to top]

Hear are some really honest and helpful prayers for those dealing with unemployment.  They were written by Rev. Kathryn Haueisen.

• I Don’t Want to Talk About It
• I’m Tired of Being Patient
• On Being Rejected, Again
• Little Things Help A Lot

I Don’t Want To Talk About It [back to unemployment prayers]

It’s hard enough to wake up every morning and realize-

again-that I have no job I have to go to today.

That the day will consist of either looking for work

or feeling guilty about not looking.

But to have to keep answering people’s questions is too much.

“Have you tried…:’

“I know this guy and he….”

“Gee, when that happened to me Lord…: ‘

Frankly, Lord, they bug me. I realize they want to help.

I acknowledge that I need their leads and support.

But I don’t want to talk about it.

Why is that?

Am I still unable to separate myself from the job I

used to have?

Am I still unable to see that I am a whole person

even with this gaping hole in my life?

I don’t know.

I only know, I don’t want to talk about it.

But I can’t not talk about it.

The loss and the need for a replacement consume

everything.

It’s all I think about.

I confess, it’s all I care about.

God, how could I be so attached to a job that I used to

complain about so much?

O God, help! Help me talk about it when people ask.

Help me volunteer information so they don’t have to

keep asking.

Help me think about something else once in a while.

Like you. And how you were with me before this job.

And were with me on that job.

And are here with me now without that job.

And will be with me wherever I go from here.

Free me up to think about that.

And maybe learn how to talk about that.

Your concern and support are a lot more interesting

than all that job talk.

I want to talk about that. I don’t know how exactly, but I

know I want to try.

Teach me, Lord.

Teach me to talk about the things in life that matter.

 

I’m Tired of Being Patient [back to unemployment prayers]

I don’t like being patient.

Waiting for you to lead.

Wondering what lies in store for this family.

Worrying about money.

I’m sick of it.

I really am.

I want to do something.

Go somewhere.

Have something to mark on that calendar.

Be interrupted by a phone call.

I am tired of waiting.

Not knowing.

Not being in charge.

Not knowing what to do with myself.

I am tired of hearing all the advice.

“If I were you…”

Well, they’re not me.

And they’re not in this particular boat.

I am sick unto death of waiting and trusting and being patient.

But I see no other option.

O God. I do not like where I am.

But I don’t know where else to be.

My patience is gone.

If I ever had any.

I’m not sure that I did.

Anyway. If I ever did, it’s gone now.

And I really don’t want anymore.

What I want is an end to this-I want a job.

Now. Please!?

What?

“In due season?”

That’s it?

In due season.

And in the meantime, what do I do?

Just wait some more?

I guess you know how hard waiting is.

I guess you’ve had to wait plenty on us-on me.

Are you tired of being patient with us?

Thank you that you continue to be.

OK. If I can’t have a job, can I have another

helping of patience?

I used up the last batch you gave me.

 

On Being Rejected, Again [back to unemployment prayers]

It’s a numbers game.

Put out 100 resumes.

Hear back on 10.

Get one interview.

‘Well, thank you for your time. I’m sorry but your skills-

while they are many-aren’t quite what we wanted.”

Put out another 100 resumes.

Hear back on 10.

Get one interview.

“Sorry-you’ve got good qualifications-but not

what we need right now.”

Put out more resumes.

Oh God. I have no strength left to put out more resumes.

To make more calls.

To read more classifieds.

The odds are against me.

“Bad attitude.”

That’s what they say about people like me.

“Got a bad attitude.”

Perhaps I do.

If so-I’m sorry.

Forgive me.

I am weak.

I am weary.

I am defeated.

But you are not.

You are strong.

Well Lord-as awful as it is this numbers game-

I know no other way.

Grant me strength to go it one more round.

Maybe this time one of the 10 who respond will say

“Welcome aboard.”

Grant me strength Lord. I have none.

Thank you God, that you do.

Thank you for your strength that sustains me.

Little Things Help A Lot [back to unemployment prayers]

Funny. How when I was employed I so often overlooked

the little things.

So many little acts of kindness.

Help so much.

“Use me for a reference.”

From a man I hardly know.

“I need another copy of your resume.”

From a woman who’s already taken five.

“I’ve been thinking about you.”

In a letter from friends I’ve not seen in years.

“How can I help?”

From the coffee-pot crew at church on Sunday morning.

“You’re in our prayers.”

From a neighbor I’d never discuss faith with.

You are everywhere aren’t you Lord?

Guiding.

Sustaining.

Helping.

Healing.

Holding our help.

Thank you for the little things.

The little acts of kindness that lighten this load-

That remind me you have not forsaken me.

They help.

Funny. How I never realized that so much before.

GUIDING PRINCIPLE PRAYER [back to top]

The following is a prayer written by Pastor PJ Malin, based on Cross of Glory’s 5 Guiding Principles:

Good and gracious God, at the beginning of this new day I remember that…

JESUS IS LORD

You are the maker of all things. You made this world, you made this day, and you made me. So I place today in your creative hands. Guide me in the direction you would have me go. May the things I say and do spread your love and bring you glory.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Thank you, God, for being so patient, forgiving, and welcoming towards me. Forgive the harmful things I have done to myself, to others, and to you. Help me extend your patience, forgiveness, and welcome to all those who cross my path today.

WE HAVE WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS

I am so grateful for all the blessings I have – time, abilities, loved ones, possessions, and, most of all, your saving grace. Open my eyes to the needs around me and how I can make a difference through sharing what I have.

EVERYONE HAS SOMETHING TO OFFER

God, you created each of us for a purpose. Remind me of my worth and value, especially on days when I do not feel so good about myself. Show me the purpose you have for me. And give me the wisdom to help others discover their purpose.

LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING

Our world is desperately in need of the change your love can bring. So am I. Shower me with your love. Change my behaviors, my attitudes, my relationships, and my thoughts. Change my life so I can be your change in this world. Help me recognize atleast one person today with whom I can share your love.

Thank you for listening to us whenever we call on your name. I look forward to being in conversation with you throughout the day. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.