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Household Prayers
Week of December 8, 2024
Household Prayer: Morning[1]
Blessed are you, Lord God: by your tender mercy the dawn breaks upon us. Guide our feet this day in paths of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Household Prayer: Evening
Blessed are you, Lord God: for you have smiled on us this day and redeemed us from our sin. Give light to all who wait in darkness until we rest with you in perfect peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
The prophet Malachi says that God is “like a refiner’s fire and like fuller’s soap” (Mal. 3:2). Reflect on events of the past year. How has God been working to refine and purify your life or your community of faith?
Paul writes to the church at Philippi: “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now” (Phil.1:3–5). Think about people in your life for whom you give thanks, who have been in your prayers, and who have brought good news and joy to you this year. Consider writing them a letter or card to express your gratitude.
Daily Awareness Reflection[2]
At the end of the day, I’ve been asking myself the following questions. I jot down the answers and ask them again the next evening. I’ve found it helps me to remain centered as well as increasing my awareness of God in my life. It takes about 10 minutes.
[1] The Morning & Evening Prayer and Question for Reflection are reprinted by permission of Westminster John Knox Press from Feasting on the Word® Worship Companion. Copyright 2014.
[2] Elizabeth Liebert, The Soul of Discernment (Louisville, KY: John Knox Press, 2015), 31.
Week of December 8, 2024
Household Prayer: Morning[1]
Blessed are you, Lord God: by your tender mercy the dawn breaks upon us. Guide our feet this day in paths of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Household Prayer: Evening
Blessed are you, Lord God: for you have smiled on us this day and redeemed us from our sin. Give light to all who wait in darkness until we rest with you in perfect peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
The prophet Malachi says that God is “like a refiner’s fire and like fuller’s soap” (Mal. 3:2). Reflect on events of the past year. How has God been working to refine and purify your life or your community of faith?
Paul writes to the church at Philippi: “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now” (Phil.1:3–5). Think about people in your life for whom you give thanks, who have been in your prayers, and who have brought good news and joy to you this year. Consider writing them a letter or card to express your gratitude.
Daily Awareness Reflection[2]
At the end of the day, I’ve been asking myself the following questions. I jot down the answers and ask them again the next evening. I’ve found it helps me to remain centered as well as increasing my awareness of God in my life. It takes about 10 minutes.
- Slow down. Stop. Prepare yourself to pray by becoming aware of the love with which God looks on you …
- Note the gifts God has given you today. Give thanks to God for them …
- Ask God that this be a time of special grace and revelation …
- With God, review the day. Look at the stirrings of your heart, your thoughts, and your choices as the day progressed. Which have been of God? Which have not? What does God want to say to you about both? …
- Ask for forgiveness for failures/omissions, for healing from their effects …
[1] The Morning & Evening Prayer and Question for Reflection are reprinted by permission of Westminster John Knox Press from Feasting on the Word® Worship Companion. Copyright 2014.
[2] Elizabeth Liebert, The Soul of Discernment (Louisville, KY: John Knox Press, 2015), 31.
Prayers reprinted by permission of Westminster John Knox Press from
Feasting on the Word ® Worship Companion. Copyright 2013.
Feasting on the Word ® Worship Companion. Copyright 2013.