BOOK of PRAYERS

UNITED

THANK

OFFERING

BOOK of

PR AYERS

INTRODUCTION

We face so many challenges and uncertainties in

the world today that we have every reason to give

thanks for the many blessings we have received.

The wildfires, the hurricanes, and the day-to-day

tragedies have taught us valuable lessons. Above all,

they have taught us how to love, share, and care for

each other. In many ways our faith has been tested,

and we have had to draw on our strength, courage,

commitment, and endurance.

We have gathered prayers of gratitude and

thankfulness from many parishes in the dioceses

around The Episcopal Church, and we have

published this little book, which can be carried in

your purse or pocket and used daily.

Thanks to all of you who have contributed prayers.

To all our readers, we hope that these selections

will touch your hearts in an inspirational way,

and furthermore, we encourage you to share

them with others.

Blessings to you and yours,

The 2018–2021

Board of the United Thank Offering

4 5

2018 UNITED THANK OFFERING

PRAYER

Gracious God, we come before you in the knowledge

that although we are varied in our gifts, we are

united as laborers of your harvest. With grateful

hearts, we give thanks for the blessings and

challenges that inspire the work of the United Thank

Offering. May the offerings given to UTO as an

expression of gratitude go on to address the needs

of our ever-changing world. All this we ask through

Jesus Christ, whose life is a blueprint we strive

to follow.

Amen.

2018 UNITED THANK OFFERING

BLUE BOX PRAYER

Almighty God, I give you praise

for blessing me in many ways.

Create in me a grateful heart

and with this gift a blessing start.

Amen.

6 7

A PRAYER FOR THE

UNITED THANK OFFERING

Holy and gracious God, we give you thanks today for

the United Thank Offering and all who participate

in the spiritual discipline of gratitude. We give

thanks for our history: for the inspiration and

wisdom You planted in women who were called and

responded to the needs of innovative mission and

ministry, especially by women. Together Ida Soule

and Julia Chester Emery created a united offering

which we continue today, and we also thank you for

the work of all Emery sisters: Julia Chester Emery,

Mary Emery Twing, Helen Winthrop Emery, and

Margaret Theresa Emery. These mighty sisters

worked on behalf of missionaries, their families, and

single women in service here and abroad.

We also are grateful for the generations of unnamed

women who have led and participated in UTO – for

their dedication, care and discipline. We ask that

you bless all of us who have dedicated ourselves to

the practice and discipline of gratitude, and all who

will continue this work. May You continue to bless

the United Thank Offering, calling others to join in

our daily thanksgivings.

Most importantly, we ask You to uphold, bless and

guard all those ministries that have received UTO

funds to continue to be a sign of Your love to our

broken world. Dear God, we thank You for all

of the blessings of this life, given freely as a sign

of Your grace. Amen.

8 9

GRATITUDE

A GRATITUDE PRAYER

Dearest Lord,

For the gift of life, I thank thee.

For the rising sun and the seasonal promise of plants

and flowers that will surround me, I thank thee.

For my family and friends and the gifts they share,

I thank thee.

For my home and all its comforts within,

I thank thee.

For the abundance you give me and my willingness

to share it with others, I thank thee.

For the wisdom of my elders and my ability to listen,

I thank thee.

For acceptance of the challenges that I face every

day, I thank thee.

For strength and courage to act for justice and peace,

I thank thee.

For knowledge that without you I have nothing,

I thank thee.

And for the end-of-day blessings before I sleep,

I thank you gracious Lord.

Mrs. Kathryn A. Leno

St. Andrew, Florence, OR

United Thank Offering Representative

Diocese of Oregon

10 11

A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

AND PRAISE

God of our hope. God of our dreams.

God of our understanding.

Humbled, we bow before you, giving you

thanks for all of creation.

We thank you for all that you give us.

We praise your name for forgiving us of our sins

before we ask for forgiveness.

Only you can raise us from our brokenness

and make us whole.

Only you can give us the peace that we yearn for.

Fill us with your spirit. Be our light in the darkness.

Envelop us with your presence.

Set in our hearts to always praise you.

Let us ever be mindful of your healing spirit.

Let us live, one with you.

Hallelujah!

Ms. Lisa Martin

President, Episcopal Church Women

Diocese of Texas

I think I could not bear it, Lord,

To know things all at once,

I need the stepping stones,

The leap of faith each time

I meet a challenge,

I reach for your hand

To steady me when I am in the air,

You have never failed me,

Though I am mortal and often

Splash and wet my feet as I fall short,

This is a lesson learned,

You never tire of hauling me

Out of the deep water and

You let me wade through

What makes me stronger in the end.

Ms. Charlotte Johnson

St. Raphael the Archangel

Diocese of Lexington

12 13

PRAISE AND GRATITUDE

Heavenly Father, Almighty Creator God,

My voice is raised to you acknowledging the gift

of confession, grateful for your mercy, grace, and

forgiveness, and the opportunity to begin anew.

Looking back, I know you have been the architect of

my life as you have pushed me to and through high

points while you have been steadfast and present

during my times of loss and other great challenges.

I’ve felt the strength and power that have come only

from you, sustaining me and providing me with joy.

Knowing you are in charge of this world and all that

is in it, I ask your intercession for all your people

throughout the world that we may also come to

know each other through your love.

I thank you for blessing me with a loving family and

friends and all the blessings of this life.

I love you, our only Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen

Dr. Betty Carrington

St. David’s Church, Episcopal Church Women

Diocese of Long Island

GRATITUDE FOR ABUNDANCE

Creator Spirit,

In gratitude we offer thanks for all which has been

provided for us, as well as for opportunities and

challenges placed before us.

Help us to envision our future together from a

viewpoint of abundance rather than scarcity;

from love rather than despair or hate.

Love and gratitude have the ability to transform us

in ways which we may never understand, yet at the

same time, call to us.

Thanks be to our Creator – Always.

Amen

Mrs. Susan Harries

St. James’ Episcopal Church Women

Diocese of Northern Michigan

14 15

LORD, YOU ARE THERE!

Gracious God:

Today I will count all my many blessings, the ones

that I saw, heard, and touched, and especially for

the blessings I overlooked and that escaped my

conscious being.

In all those blessings, you are there!

I will count the blessings of the seemingly ordinary

moments, those things I take so for granted; the

rising of the sun, the smile of a friend, the embrace

of my child, the look of love on my spouse, and the

excited bark of my furry pawed pet. In all those

moments,

you are there!

I will count the majestic things you have created; the

crocus peeking through the snow, the sound of the

ocean lapping up on the shore, the wind whirling

the leaves across my yard, and the mighty thunder

cracking just before the rain comes.

In all those things, you are there!

May I be in an attitude of thanksgiving for all

these daily glimpses of your power, your kindness

and awesome love, your compassionate and

undeserving grace, and for all that is a part of

your beautiful kingdom.

May you remind me Lord, you are there!

May I be open and sensitive as you refine my

awareness to be on watch for all your daily blessings,

the ordinary and the extraordinary, the small and the

large, the grand and the simple.

In all those humble, kind, and just things, you show

me that You are there!

Amen!

Mrs. Debbie Butcher

President, Episcopal Church Women

Diocese of Oklahoma

16 17

GRATITUDE FOR DIVERSITY

Sitting under a large shade tree, Grandmother calls

to Granddaughter,

“Come sit in the shade by me, child. I have watched

you for awhile and you look as if you have been so

busy running one place and then another. Actually

you have been running in circles, going nowhere.

Sit quietly, my child, look about you, watch the

people of our community. Each has her/his own way

of looking at life. That determines the focus each has

on what she/he does with life. This uniqueness is a

gift from the Creator. Some are always pleasant and

gracious; some dance as if the Spirit of a particular

animal lives within them; some are storytellers,

and then there are the contraries.

What is it that the Creator wants you to focus on?

Just like the dog running in circles, chasing its tail,

going nowhere, so you too run here and there, going

nowhere. Sit my child, watch the people of

our community and think on these things.”

May we, within the Episcopal Community,

recognize that diversity within our Community

is our strength. Even though you and I may have

differing views on issues, we are all Children of God,

together.

It is to that God that we understand, each in our

own way, that we say AMEN together.

Ms. Winonah McGee

Parishioner, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Newton, IA

Diocese of Newton

18 19

A PRAYER FOR FAMILY

AND SUMMER TIME

Gracious Lord,

School is out and we are ready to reconnect

with our family.

Keep us safe as we travel to visit new places.

Keep us healthy as we eat to fuel our bodies.

Let us praise the Lord as we continue to learn

new skills in school and at home.

Give us confidence in our parenting and patience

with our children.

Give us rest after a day of labor.

Bless our families, our friends,

and our four-legged families too.

Thank you for all our blessings.

We ask this in your name.

Amen

Ms. Barbara Schafer

Grace in the Desert Representative

United Thank Offering Board, Province VIII

Diocese of Nevada

20 21

MY MORNING PRAYER

Thank You, Father, for watching over us

through the night.

Thank you, Father, for opening our eyes

to see the morning light.

Help us, Father, to do the work you have

giving us to do with all thy might.

Amen.

Mrs. Bernice Turner

United Thank Offering

Diocese of Maryland

STAINED GLASS WINDOWS

Your light shines forth so brightly, Lord,

Always with outstretched arms you pull me in

That I might know the warmth and joy and love

You offer me.

With my heart filled, you send me out again

That those I meet might also know the love

That sets me free.

Mrs. Ginny Wynn

Episcopal Church Women

Diocese of Oklahoma

22 23

FILLED WITH GRATITUDE

Holy Presence within us and all around us,

We are filled with gratitude

for the day that is given,

for the love that surrounds us,

for the hope that springs eternal,

for the call to love and serve,

for the spirit of guidance that keep us on your path.

Give us the courage and the resolve to do justice and

walk humbly in your way.

Amen

Ms. Phyllis Hockley

Episcopal Church Women

Diocese of Oregon

A CELTIC PRAYER

O Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of the Universe,

I do give thanks for:

The Earth, for without it we are literally space dust.

Water, from which You first brought forth life

and with which my sin was washed away at baptism.

Plants of all shapes and sizes, which provide the

oxygen we breathe and which remind me to stay

“rooted” in You.

Birds of the sky, which call to mind

Your ever-watchfulness.

Land creatures of the woods, deserts, plains,

and jungles – they are also created by Your

loving Creativity.

Rocks and pebbles, which anchor the soil that

nurtures the ground upon which our food grows.

May I always turn to You as my Rock.

You, Creator God, are the Source of all

and to You I give thanks.

In the Name of the Creator, Redeemer,

and Sustainer.

Amen.

Ms. Sarah Elizabeth McCarren

St. Francis of Assisi UTO Coordinator

Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast

24 25

FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

Most Merciful God, as we raise up our hands to

you, we seek solace, deep rest, and relief from the

struggles of a world which seem so unfair. There is

never-ending misery. We lose hope. We question

the point of even trying. But our pleas remain

unspoken. We have no words. We come before you

in the silence of this pain. We wait. Until, finally, we

sense your Light, and as we lean to this Light, our

hearts feel the rush of your love. We know you have

listened. We are comforted once again, soothed by

your grace, given so freely. For this, we are grateful.

We breathe in this gift. We arise, renewed through

Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you

and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Ms. Bev Clark

St. Stephen’s Episcopal, Newton, IA

Diocese of Iowa

WORDS FOR GOD

Special thanks for our gift of Prayer, dear God.

Like You without Beginning or End.

Somewhere, in any time or place

We pray.

Seeing Your Light in darkness.

Hearing Your Calm in the storm.

Finding Your Pathway of Peace.

So – in Prayer without End

Help us bring Your Kingdom Come

On Earth as it is in Heaven.

Mrs. Mary Holley

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Henrietta, NY

Diocese of Rochester

26 27

GOD OF THE GARDENS

O God of the Gardens, we give you thanks for the

trees that created the wood that created the container

to hold the dirt in our city garden.

We give you thanks for the seeds that grow in the

container to become vegetables in our city garden.

We give you thanks for the curious city dwellers who

you have sent to tend the plants in our city garden.

And we give you thanks for the lives that have

changed and flourished through the gift of fresh

fruits and vegetables we have harvested from our

city garden.

May more dirt cover the asphalt, may more seeds

sprout and provide healthy food to those that have

none, and may the power of your love manifested

in your harvest help us bring healing to a divided

world.

Amen.

The Rev. Julie Cicora

St. Mark’s and St. John’s

Diocese of Rochester

LITANY OF PRAISE

FOR THE BEACH

For the hum of Your huge machine,

Your steel indigo tumble

For towering waves that drown

pettiness and stir wonder

For shells, kelp, clam holes

and translucent jellyfish

For sand that polishes rocks

and oozes between toes

For the gull’s glide

and the cloud’s door

For vermilion light splashed

across the dashboard of the day

For Your night torch welding

the rim of the world

Mrs. Phyllis Mannan

St. Catherine of Alexandria Episcopal Church

Manzanita, OR

Diocese of Oregon

28 29

Father, thank you for calling us to come closer

to you.

You want to hold us in your embrace and guide

and protect us.

Thank you for these gifts that allow us to be in

unity with you, united in strength and power to

bring our offerings to you, wholly and acceptable,

through our worship of you.

We pray that you will use these, our gifts to you,

to spread Your Word and manifest your love to

those who are hurting that they may see You

through these offerings.

Amen

Ms. Suzanne Harrow

Church of the Atonement

Diocese of Georgia

Our Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the opportunities you give us to

help and serve others.

You have commissioned each one of us to go out as

disciples to make disciples.

It is only through your great love and mercy for us

that we can reach out to others.

We ask you to send your Holy Angels to bless and

guide us in this extraordinary ministry so that only

your will be done.

We humbly ask this prayer of thanks and hope

through your only Son, Jesus Christ; who along

with You and the Holy Spirit reign as One true God.

Amen.

Mr. Larry Miller

Vestry Clerk and Member

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bloomville, NY

Diocese of Albany

30 31

Lord above,

Thank you for sending your Son to be the perfect

example for us on our daily walk with you.

Let every aspect of our lives reflect our love of You

and of Your joyous creation.

In Jesus’ Name I pray.

Amen

Mr. Tom Worden, Age 13

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bloomville, NY

Diocese of Albany

Dear Lord,

We trust in your ways to deal with all the problems

we face in our lives.

Thank you for always listening, guiding, protecting,

and loving us enough to give us a wonderful life

with you.

In the name of your Son.

Amen.

Mrs. Lorene Every

Treasurer, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bloomville, NY

Diocese of Albany

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for giving us the strength and courage

to follow your path and do your Will, with the sure

knowledge that you will provide for all our needs.

Thank you, Jesus.

Amen

Mr. Jim Worden

Member, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bloomville, NY

Diocese of Albany

Dear God,

Thank you, God, for the feet that you gave me, for

shoes and socks that you provide me, and showing

me the way to walk.

Thank you, God, for hands so I may eat and use to

help others.

Thank you, God, for the brain to know you and the

heart you gave me to feel your love each day.

Ms. Chris O’Brien

Vestry Member, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bloomville,

Diocese of Albany

32 33

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for taking care of my grandpa when he

got sick last week.

I am so happy to know you will be with me when

the doctor takes out my tonsils because it scares me.

Thank you for my mommy and big sister who reads

to me at night.

Amen.

Mr. Carter Moore, Age 6

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bloomville, NY

Diocese of Albany

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank you for always being there to listen

as we lift up our problems and hardships in prayer.

Thank you for ministering ourb needs.

We look forward to knowing what special plans

you have forv each of us.

In Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

Mrs. Lisa Worden

Member, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bloomville, NY

Diocese of Albany

Dear God of All,

Thank you for what you give us each day, for the

little things as well as the larger prayerrequests.

Thank you for always being there to] listen and for

all the answered prayers, even if the answer was “no.”

Amen

Ms. Stacey Collins

Member, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bloomville, NY

Diocese of Albany

Dear God,

Thank you for helping me on tests when

I pray for your help and for the good grades.

Thank you for my family, my mom, my crazy

little brother, and my grandparents.

Amen

Ms. Hannah Collins, Age 11

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bloomville, NY

Diocese of Albany

34 35

Heavenly and Most Gracious Father,

Thank you for the gifts and talents You have given

each of us, so we can always do what is best for

furthering Your Kingdom.

Please help us to do what is Your Holy Will as we

commit ourselves to You and to Your service.

Thank you for showing us that age has no limits:

young or old, we can all be used for Your Honor and

Glory in every aspect of our lives.

Help us to open our hearts more fully each day,

as we reach out to aid and teach others about the

immeasurable love You have for each person.

In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Amen

The Rev. Laura Miller

Deacon Vicar, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bloomville, NY

Diocese of Albany

THANKFUL

Be thankful for the gift of life.

Be thankful for the precious years given to pursue

our call through his grace.

Be thankful for family and friends who have

supported us in good times.

Be thankful for dark challenges and obstacles that

foster growth and renew faith.

Be thankful for friends that come and go during

seasons of life to guide us and open our eyes to new

opportunities and possibilities to prosper and serve.

Be thankful through daily prayer for his continued

strength, love, and guidance.

Be thankful by sharing your blessings and placing

monetary gifts in the United Thank Offering Blue

Box to support our brothers and sisters in need

throughout our beloved faith community and

beyond.

Be thankful and continue to be a vessel of Jesus’

power and light in the world.

Ms. Birdie Blake-Reid

Secretary, United Thank Offering Board

St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church Brooklyn, NY

Diocese of Long Island

36 37

THANKSGIVING FOR

A GRANDCHILD

A Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Birth of a

Grandchild.

On a day celebrating Thanksgiving, we learned you

were expected; a long awaited gift.

For the conception of this child,

Father, we give you thanks.

Each month we received news of your growth as you

were formed and knit together in the secret place of

your mother. For the development and growth of

this child, Father, we give you thanks.

I watched as your mother birthed you into the world;

and she and your father marveled at the wonder

of you. For the safe delivery of this child and this

mother, Father, we give you thanks.

You cried immediately, announcing your arrival

into this world; your voice joining the chorus of the

newborn souls of that day. For the life of this child,

Father, we give you thanks.

Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for the dream

of this child before the foundations of the world.

Give her (him) strength to stand; comfort when

discouraged or in sorrow; lift her (him) when

she (he) has fallen, and give her (him) your peace

which passes all understanding to dwell in her (him)

heart all the days of her (his) life; through Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Rev. Deacon Andrea Peacock

President, Episcopal Church Women, Diocese of Alabama

St. James’

Diocese of Alabama

38 39

Dear God,

We praise you for your greatness and thank you

for each blessing you have given us.

For the strength you give us to persevere when

times are hard, we thank you.

For the beauty of creation that inspires us,

we thank you.

For the gift of music that makes our hearts sing,

we thank you.

For the support of our friends and family,

we thank you.

For our health and well being, we thank you.

For the food we eat and the clothes we wear,

we thank you.

For the privilege to serve you and your church,

we thank you.

Most of all we thank you for your loving and loyal

presence in our lives despite our lack of faith and for

calling us back when we wander too far away.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

Ms. Joyce Landers

United Thank Offering Board, Province IV Representative

St. Mark’s, Troy

Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast

WONDER AND AWE

Most Wondrous God, keep me in this moment!

May I never cease to be amazed by the extraordinary

way You touch my very being by the synchronicity

of unexpected joy exploding from a previously

deemed lost cause.

When I consider that Your very breath gives me life

and simply waking in the morning is gift, I cannot

imagine a day when even the smallest thank you

goes unuttered.

May I speak from a place of gratitude with words

of kindness and encouragement.

May I serve from a place of gratefulness with

compassion and love, a reflection of Your grace and

merciful abundance.

For each day given, every new dawn that awakens,

fillme with awe and expectation, and in the instant

I shiver with recognition of Your immanence, may

I pause and say thank you.

For everything.

Amen.

Mrs. Nancy Severin

President, The Order of the Daughters of the King

Province VI

Diocese of Colorado

40 41

Divine and Merciful God,

Creator of all things great and matchless, how can we

begin to thank you for your grace and mercy?

Daily you provide for us, even before we can ask;

your grace and goodness is sufficient for us.

Because of your grace and mercy, out of our

wellspring flow rivers of love and gratitude in

worshipping you.

We thank you for those companions you have given

us to walk with on this earthly journey, a journey

that is filled with rough places that you have made

smooth.

You continue to provide us with fresh waters to sooth

our anxious soul.

For this we give you thanks and praise.

Amen

The Rev. Deacon Marjorie Boyden-Edmonds

Episcopal Church Women

Diocese of Long Island

THE GIFT OF TODAY

Gracious and loving God,

Thank you for the gift of this day: for the brilliance

of the rising sun, for the ripples of the flowing river,

for the music of the birds and the industry of the

small animals.

May I use this day wisely and reverently and to your

glory, always remembering that each and every day is

a blessing from you to be shared and honored.

I pray this all in Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

The Rev. Jennifer Kenna

National Episcopal Church Women Board

Diocese of Central New York

42 43

AN END OF THE DAY

LITANY OF THANKSGIVING

As the day draws to a close, I pause in gratitude

to God for the day behind me and for the gifts

it brought.

I give thanks for my home, for a safe place to live and

sleep, and for the room to gather with those I love

and the respite the space offers me. Thank you, Lord.

I give thanks for those who love me in spite of

myself, for my friends, my family, my neighbors,

and I ask for guidance to love them more deeply

tomorrow and your grace and support to strengthen

and overcome any brokenness in relationships with

people around me. Thank you, Lord.

Thank you for meaningful work, for the passing of

the hours in building up my community through the

vocation you’ve called me to do. Thank you, Lord.

With gratitude for rest, play, and fun, I give thanks

for the laughter of the day, for the joy, and for the

hope it brings for tomorrow. Thank you, Lord.

I give thanks for the small things that made the day

better today: for good parking spots, easy driving

when I expected traffic, coffee in the morning,

sunshine, fresh air, and all of your beautiful creation

that I got to experience today. Thank you, Lord.

For those that I love who have died, I give thanks

for the ways their lives continue to bless mine.

Thank you, Lord.

For all the blessings and trials of this day, things

done and yet to be done, I give thanks for the ability

to place them aside and rest. Thank you, Lord.

I give thanks for the mercy, grace, hope, peace,

and gratitude bestowed upon me this day from a

God who loves and cares for us.

Praise be to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

now and forever.

Amen.

The Rev. Heather Melton

Staff Ofcer, The United Thank Offering

Diocese of New York

44 45

A GRATITUDE PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am so grateful for everything

that you have given me.

For my friendships and the love of my family.

For the many ways in which I am cared for

and supported by them.

For the many ways I can serve, love,

and give to others.

For the beauty of the skies, breathtaking sunsets,

and morning mists of your lovely earth.

My heart is grateful and full of thanks.

I thank you with everything I am.

Amen

Ms. Barbara Schafer

Grace in the Desert

Diocese of Nevada

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come to You with tremendous gratitude for

all of the innumerable blessings that You have

bestowed and continue to bestow upon me daily.

Help me to always do Your will and to draw

others to You.

Thank You for loving me.

In the holy name of Your Son,

our savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen

Mrs. Maggie Noland

St. James’ Episcopal Church

Diocese of Alabama

46 47

THREE PER DAY

At the end of the day, it helps me to quiet myself

and tame the negative aspects of the day or of my

family struggles, health concerns, and violent news

stories of the day throughout the world, by doing the

following:

I sit quietly at my kitchen table, usually with my dog

and two cats sleeping close by, and pause for a few

minutes to clear my busy mind.

Then, pen in hand, I take my journal and handwrite

what three things I am grateful for that day. It could

be a solved problem, an answer to prayer, or simply

three things that touched me.

Sometimes it is a friendly greeting from the grocery

clerk, a polite person who holds the door open for

me, or someone who lifts a heavy sack of grain into

the back of my car for my chickens.

Sometimes it is the chance for me to touch another

person by greeting them or noticing a troubled

look on their face and asking them if they are

OK. Sometimes it is a chance to be able to help a

sorrowful person as they face a tragedy.

Usually the simpler the better.

Lord, help me to be aware.

The Rev. Mary Bredlau

Grace in the Desert Episcopal Church

Diocese of Nevada

Gracious God,

I give you thanks this day,

not only for my family, friends, and loved ones, but

also for all who will cross my path today,

I give you thanks this day,

not only for the many gifts I often take for granted,

but also for the struggles that draw me closer to you.

I give you thanks this day,

not only for your presence in times of light and joy,

but also for your presence in the dark times when I

need you most.

Thank you, Gracious God, thank you,

not only for loving me,

but also for granting me the privilege

of sharing your love wherever I go.

Amen.

The Rev. C.K. Robertson

Canon to the Presiding Bishop, The Episcopal Church

Diocese of New York

48 49

EPIPHANY AGAIN

By no words

I was arrested, again

On my way back to church

Yesterday.

Arrested speechless,

When the molecules of my very blood,

Souls unto themselves,

Stood still, waiting,

Tracing their way

Back to my heart.

Headed to the Church in the Glen Wood, was I

And but for a stone’s throw

(I could pitch the front door)

I parked, sat, waited…and shut down

My eyes blinded,

My ears, now deaf,

My heart fainting its last beat.

Tears leaving me more blind

Than the light rain tracing its way

Down the windshield.

“I have arrived” I thought,

Worship visited me

On my way back to church

Yesterday.

Mr. Bruce Sedgwick

Resurrection Episcopal Church, Eugene, OR

Diocese of Oregon

Thank you

God of river, rock, and tree,

God of bird, bear, and snail;

Thank you

God of wind, sun, and rain,

God of all, not just you and me;

Thank you

for the gift of all creation

help us to love it as you do.

Amen

Ms. Linda Gelbrich

Church of the Good Samaritan

Diocese of Oregon

50 51

PRAYER OF GRATITUDE

DURING ILLNESS

Dear Heavenly Father,

thank you for bringing me through the perils

and dangers of this world, and giving me

a second chance at life.

Thank you for the doctors, nurses, family,

and friends who cared for me and prayed

with me throughout my illness.

Thank you for easing my pain and suffering,

and bringing me to a point where I can face another

day knowing that you are with me all the way.

Grant me the strength and courage to face

the days ahead.

Give me the wisdom to accept those things

I cannot change and the guidance to follow

your will for the rest of my days.

This I pray in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Ms. Vernese Smith

United Thank Offering Board, Province II Representative

Diocese of Long Island

Almighty and ever-living God,

Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ,

I give thanks for those who pray

with others and for others in times

of hardship, waiting, confusion, and doubt.

When Your answer is “No,” their prayers

strengthen and fortify.

When the waiting is long, their prayers comfort.

When Your answer is “Yes” or “Maybe,”

their prayers bring joy and encouragement.

Bless all who commit to pray for others –

friends and strangers – for their gift is mighty!

Amen.

The Rev. Marion Luckey

Executive Council Liaison, United Thank Offering Board

Diocese of Northern Michigan

52 53

FOR THE DISCIPLINE

OF GRATITUDE

Holy and Gracious God,

We acknowledge that everything is a gift from You

and all that we have belongs to You.

Grant that it may be our life mission to return a little

to You each day in service and in gratitude for Your

deep and sustaining love.

Create generous and thankful hearts in your people

for the daily blessings that come each day.

Help us to recount and share those blessings to Your

greater glory and the development of Your Kingdom.

For truly it is in giving that we receive and far more

than we can imagine.

For our hearts will be forever changed and our souls

united one with Jesus.

May God bless us and keep us.

Amen.

Mrs. Kathy Mank

United Thank Offering Board Treasurer

Diocese of Southern Ohio

Holy and gracious God,

sometimes we suffer from thinking we are too small

to make any difference.

Remind us that we are your beloved children,

made in your image, and that even our tiniest acts

of kindness, love, or generosity can make positive

ripples beyond our imagination.

Multiply our offerings that, together, we might reach

all those who are in need.

We pray in the name of your son,

who multiplied the loaves and fish.

Amen.

The Rev. Lauren M. McDonald

Associate Rector for Outreach and Women’s Ministries

Bruton Parish Church

Diocese of Southern Virginia

54 55

Generous God,

our hearts are full of gratitude for all that

you have given us, large and small.

Thank you for our blessings.

This week we pray that you would grant us

opportunities to share our gratitude with others

at church, at work, at school, in our neighborhoods,

with our families and friends, and with strangers.

Help us to fill our community and our world

with thanksgiving and to show our gratitude

in all of our actions. In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen.

The Rev. Lauren M. McDonald

Associate Rector for Outreach and Women’s Ministries

Bruton Parish Church

Diocese of Southern Virginia

O God of resurrection,

who brings new life out of death:

Pour out your spirit upon us that we might bless

others as we have so generously been blessed;

equip us to be bearers of resurrection,

that our gifts may bring light and life to a broken

and hurting world;

make us instruments of your love and grace

and peace, that we might see your son in all

whom we meet and that all whom we meet

might experience your love through us;

in Jesus Christ we pray.

Amen.

The Rev. Lauren M. McDonald

Associate Rector for Outreach and Women’s Ministries

Bruton Parish Church

Diocese of Southern Virginia

56 57

Heavenly and Most Gracious Father,

Thank you for the gifts and talents You have given

each of us, so we can always do what is best for

furthering Your Kingdom.

Please help us to do what is Your Holy Will as we

commit ourselves to You and to Your service.

Thank you for showing us that age has no limits:

young or old, we can all be used for Your Honor and

Glory in every aspect of our lives.

Help us to open our hearts more fully each day,

as we reach out to aid and teach others about the

immeasurable love You have for each person.

In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Amen

The Rev. Laura Miller

Deacon Vicar, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bloomville, NY

Diocese of Albany

O God,

you have sent angels, Prophets, and sages

to tell your people to not be afraid.

In these tender times, there is much to fear

in the world.

We sense our own vulnerability and see danger

and evil all around.

Quicken in our hearts the courage to greet

this day without fear so that we may be heralds

of the good news of your love and companionship.

With you, we have nothing to fear, for love is

stronger than hate; hope is stronger than despair.

Through the cross of Christ, fear is vanquished

by perfect love.

With confidence in your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray.

Amen.

The Rt. Rev. James Mathes

Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego

Diocese of San Diego

58 59

IN GRATITUDE

FOR DIFFICULT TIMES

Dear God, we give thanks for your never-failing

presence during difficult times and for the ways

you are like a mother hen, always gathering us to

you. Even though we would prefer to never know

hardship, we are grateful for the ways our lives are

shaped by the challenges, losses, and adversity we

face during our lifetime. We give thanks for the

lessons we learn when we overcome adversity, for

the fortitude and strength gained when we survive

challenges, find our way through darkness and

the strength to continue to move forward. We are

grateful for those you send to journey with us, to

advocate beside us and to fight for justice with us

as we work together to bring about a world that

embodies your hope for us, that we might love one

another, and ourselves, as you love us. Help us to see

your love at work in the world around us, help us to

be strengthened in difficult times by that love and

may we always choose to see and follow you to a new

hope, a new day and the promise that you will never

abandon us again. We give thanks for all of the times

it is easy to practice gratitude, because it strengthens

our resolve to be grateful even when it is most

challenging. We praise you and we bless you for all of

the good you are working out through us, in spite of

us and in the midst of us, this day and always. Amen.

Anonymous

60 61

CRISIS OR

DEALING WITH

DISAPPOINTMENT

OR CRISIS

FOR THE CARDINAL VIRTUES IN

TROUBLED TIMES

Grant us, O God, in these troubled times of

division and discord, the courage to live fearlessly

despite all threats real or imagined, the prudence

to see things as they are – not as painted by anxiety

and prejudice, the temperance to treat others with

compassion and curiosity especially if they differ

from us, and the firm resolve to insist on justice

against the worldly system of power and greed.

In the storm of social passions, in the tide

of discontent, in the whirlwind of delusions,

suspicions, and fantasies believed, in the fray of

battles over wealth and power, teach us the ways of

effective compassion, “teach us to be still.”

Make us O Lord, “instruments of your peace”

with justice, all to your glory and yours alone,

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Rt. Rev. Dan Edwards

Bishop of Nevada

Diocese of Nevada

62 63

Most Gracious Father,

There are many times in the dark when the pain

becomes unbearable and we don’t know where to

turn. Please help us to understand and give us the

strength we need to carry on through any trial

because we know You would never leave us.

Please help us to feel Your loving arms around us as

You guide us through any tragedy.

In Jesus’ Most Precious Name.

Amen.

Mr. Doug Williams

Member, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bloomville, NY

Diocese of Albany

Lord,

I thank you for your loving kindness.

You shine bright in my life and help me

when I am upset.

Thank you.

Amen.

Mr. Evan Reed

Middle School Student, All Saints’, Lakeland, FL

Diocese of Central Florida

NO THANKS TO GIVE

Creator God:

How can I give thanks when I have

no thanks to give?

Loss and fear have carried me into a cavern

of seemingly endless darkness.

Rough stone is everywhere around me,

and every path takes me deeper into the void.

Who will guide me when the person I love most

is no longer breathing the same air that I breathe?

Can I overcome my pain long enough to reach

out in blind trust?

Where will I find the courage to seize the cord

that can and will lead me out of despair?

Redeemer God, your faithfulness is that cord.

Sustainer God, your steadfast love will keep me safe

until I am above ground, until I am able once again

to embrace life and the living of it.

Perhaps it is possible to give thanks even when I have

no thanks to give.

Ms. Carol Bell

St. Ignace Community

Diocese of Northern Michigan

64 65

FEAR OR DANGER

PRAYER OF A FEARFUL PEOPLE

Holy One, we are such fearful people, forgive us

and heal our brokenness.

We are fearful of what the future holds, and so we

hoard our resources, while others die from lack of

food, water, housing, and health care. Holy One of

Abundance, have mercy on us, and help us to share

your gifts.

We are fearful of what other may do to us, and so

we buy guns, build walls, and prepare for war, rather

than reaching out to our neighbors, listening to one

another, and doing the hard work of reconciliation.

Holy One of Peace, have mercy on us, and help us to

beat our swords into plowshares.

We are fearful that we are not good enough, and

so we build ourselves up by holding others down,

pretending that everyone has an equal chance, when

in truth we know the falsehood of that claim. Holy

One of Justice, have mercy on us, and help us to

speak truth to power on behalf of the powerless.

We are fearful that the Commonwealth of Heaven

may not be big enough to hold the great diversity you

have created in the world, and so we demonize those

66 67

who hear your voice differently than we do or know

you by another name. Holy One of Grace, have

mercy on us, and help us to remember that every

human being is your beloved child.

Holy One, Love Incarnate, help us to set aside our

fear and incarnate your love in all that we do.

Amen.

Companion Teri Smith-Jones

Grace Episcopal Church, Brunswick, MD

Diocese of Maryland

IN TIMES OF FEAR

In times of fear...

Teach us, gracious God, to live again in hope, despite

forces all around us calling for fear, despair, mistrust,

and anger.

Teach us, dear God, to dare to trust again, for trust

in you allows us to recover the trust lost, even in

those we have long known and loved. Guide us in

letting go of the hurts of the past and the present,

that we may face the future free of cynicism and

filled with joy. Give us forgiving souls, ready to move

on instead of lingering in disquiet.

Infuse our hearts with a powerful sense of your Holy

Spirit, that we may again and always live in faith.

We ask, generous God, for the courage and the faith

to cling tightly to what cannot be seen. We ask for

healing hearts to hold one another through all which

cannot be understood, but which must be endured.

Remind us, God of comfort and inspiration, that we

are called not to bear burdens of worry, but to bear

the light of love.

We are afraid, Lord God Almighty. As people of

faith, we reluctantly admit such fear. But we are

afraid, lately as much of friend as of stranger.

Teach us, God, to love deeply: stranger, enemy,

friend. Teach us to trust again. Help us, God.

We are afraid. Amen.

The Rev. Carol Mead

St. Peter’s by-the-Lake

Diocese of Mississippi

68 69

A PRAYER FOR OUR ENEMIES

Even as innocent blood has been spilled, we pray

for those perpetrators’ souls and well-being.

For their and their families continued growth

toward understanding and truth.

Protect those who protect us, guide those who

guide us, and save those who hurt us.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Miss Denise Junker

The Church of the Good Shepherd, Webster, NY

Diocese of Rochester

Dear Lord,

all around us forest fires rage, earthquakes rattle

the ground, storms dump unprecedented rain,

while in other places drought withers crops and

dries up lakes.

People and animals suffer, and political turmoil here

and abroad keeps us on edge.

Please help us turn to you in these times as well as

in the times that are fruitful and calm. Help us have

faith and courage to face fully whatever lies ahead,

knowing we are not alone.

And finally Dear Lord, please help us remember that

in spite of all the pain in this world, the light of your

love still burns and lights the way before us.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ we pray, Amen

Ms. Linda Gelbrich

Church of the Good Samaritan

Diocese of Oregon

70 71

FORGIVENESS

Dear Lord,

It is only me checking in, to let you know that I do

carry you in my heart daily.

Do I always remember that?

No, it is a failing of mine.

So I pray for your forgiveness.

Do I always pray for the well being of my family?

No, it is a failure of mine.

So I pray for your forgiveness.

Do I always pray for mankind to bring peace

on our earth?

No, it is a failure of mine.

So I pray for your forgiveness.

Do I always remember to pray to you at least

once a day?

No, it is a failure of mine.

So I pray for your forgiveness.

I close my prayer with thankfulness to you for

your many blessings in my life, knowing that your

Fatherly love is always with me, day or night, dear

Lord. Amen

Mr. Raymond (Ray) Steckman

Church of the Epiphany, Norfolk, VA

Diocese of Southern Virginia

72 73

FORGIVE AND CLEANSE US

Dear Lord, Forgive us of our sins.

Open our hearts and enter.

Cleanse our bodies and souls from all illnesses

and evil spirits that may lurk within.

And help us to do the things that are righteous

in thy sight.

Mr. Allison Bourne

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Henrietta, NY

Diocese of Rochester

Dear Heavenly Father,

Forgive me for the things in my life which continue

to keep me from the path you have chosen for me.

Remove the sins from my life that block me from

becoming the person you want me to be.

Fill my life with your Holy Spirit that I may be a

light unto others that they may come to know you.

Amen.

Mrs. Marti Lopez

All Saints’, Lakeland, FL

Diocese of Central Florida

74 75

GUIDANCE

Oh yes, believe,

Dare to cut the cord

That ties to faith by rote

And holds to prayer by only memory,

Compassion calls heart to heart

And soul to soul to meet,

That prayers, unshaped,

May rise to God in love

In recognition of our

Common need to heed

The Christ call meant

For all.

Ms. Charlotte Johnson

St. Raphael the Archangel

Diocese of Lexington

76 77

FOR GUIDANCE AND PEACE

Heavenly Father, in the midst of the many chances

and changes in our church, in our society, in our

individual lives and families,

we give you great thanks for the many blessings of

your presence in our common life as revealed in your

Son, Jesus our Lord.

Give us courage and hope in the coming of your

Spirit made known to us in our Baptism and in the

sacred Breaking of Bread.

We continue to ask for your guidance and peace day

by day, season by season.

All this we ask you God, our Creator, Redeemer,

and Sanctifier.

Amen.

The Rev. Deacon Tom Regan

All Angels Episcopal Church, Spearsh, SD

Diocese of South Dakota

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for all of the

many blessings in our lives.

We offer prayers for those around us who suffer from

any form of illness, lack of shelter, and above all, lack

of knowing that you care and love them.

We know that we are here to be your hands, your

feet, your voice, and also your heart in taking care of

all of your children in need.

We pray that you will not only continue to bless

America but also all the countries around the world.

For we are all interconnected in one spirit and we

cannot isolate ourselves from our brothers and sisters

around the world.

We pray that through your blessings, we can all

grow in grace and love and live the life that you have

deemed for all of us.

We ask this in your name.

Amen

Mrs. Annie Jacobs

Episcopal Church Women

United Thank Offering Coordinator

Diocese of East Carolina

78 79

LET ME, LORD

Let me, Lord, discern my faults

without becoming self-absorbed,

let me confess my sins

without excuse,

let me be penitent

without despair,

let me grow in faith

without self-righteousness,

let me increase in virtue

without conceit,

let me be generous to a fault

desiring nothing,

let me be humble

craving no esteem,

let me be honest

even in my silences,

let me be loving

with a true heart,

and let me be filled with Your Holy Spirit

that I may worship and adore You, always.

Ms. Alice Baird

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

Diocese of Upper South Carolina

A PRAYER AT THE BEGINNING

OF A MEETING

Almighty God and Heavenly Father, it is through

your grace and mercy that we are able to be present

and we are grateful for this blessing.

As we seek to embrace our mission, teach us to

listen and to hear each other with open minds and

compassionate hearts.

We ask that you will guide our thoughts, so that

decisions we are called to make are done with

courage, commitment, and good conscience.

With humble thanks, we pray that whatever we

achieve will be to the glory of your holy name,

through Jesus Christ.

Amen

Mrs. Joyce Nightingale-Holder

St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, Brooklyn

Diocese of Long Island

80 81

LORD OF CREATION

Lord of Creation, who gave us the Gift of Water,

Help us understand all water is connected,

Through water tables and springs

And as it flows through a stream, a river,

a bay and into the interconnected oceans

that circle the globe.

Father of All People,

Guide us as we connect with

Those who sail across the waters

To be where we are,

As well as those neighbors who live near us.

Lord of All Creatures,

Help us understand our connection to,

and responsibility for,

All who walk on the land, fly in the air,

Or swim in the deep.

And finally, God of Eternity,

Each day as we walk with You,

Remind us of Your Promise

Of a deeper and closer connection to You

In the life of the world to come. Amen.

Mrs. Vickie Easley

Christ and St. Luke’s

Diocese of Southwestern Virginia

We sing your praise, dear Father, and glorify

your Holy Name.

Our faithfulness increases as we come more

and more into your presence.

We are thankful people who seek your guidance

in our lives often filled with turbulence and

misunderstanding with glimpses of calm.

We pray that you will grant us wisdom and be

our guide daily.

Direct our thoughts, words, and actions as

we reach for our goals of servanthood and love

for all people.

Our hope rests in you.

In thy Holy Name we pray.

Amen.

Mrs. Brenda Davis Hawkins

UTO Coordinator

Diocese of Mississippi

82 83

PRAYER FOR DEVELOPING A

CENTERING PRAYER PRACTICE

(This prayer was written as I struggled to develop the

discipline for a Centering Prayer Practice.)

Holy Presence,

Help me still the myriad thoughts

running through my head.

Help me to sit in silence and be present to you.

Strengthen my Intention.

Lord Jesus,

Help me follow your example by going into my inner

room where I can listen to the voice of silence

as you have directed.

Strengthen my Intention.

Holy Flame,

Your provided a blazing spark

To kindle in your early church

A desire for transformation and healing.

Ignite this same spark in me.

Strengthen my Intention.

Abba Father,

You are showing me a new vision of the person

I can be.

Help me to be a co-creator with you.

Re-create me so that your Spirit flows

Out to all whom I meet.

Strengthen my Intention.

Eternal Mother,

Encourage me to be

Compassionate and courageous

As I nurture those who are hurt and helpless.

Inspire me to pray and work for a just society

Where war, torture, racism, sexism,

and abuse no longer exist.

Strengthen my Intention.

Incarnate One,

You have shown me how the fruits of the spirit

Grow when we seek you.

Help me to see all I encounter

As a brother or a sister.

Strengthen my Intention.

Spiritus,

Breathe on me a spirit of love

So that I have a new appreciation,

Toleration, and love

For the human family.

Strengthen my Intention.

Heavenly Father,

Help me to receive

Your unconditional love

And be inspired to show that

Same love to the world.

Strengthen my Intention.

Mrs. Dena Lee

United Thank Offering

Diocese of Southwestern Virginia

84 85

MEDITATION ON THE CROSS

You hang there on the cross, and just for me.

For me, you let them do this willingly.

Why then is it so hard to make your will my own?

I stayed in darkness tho’ all around me shone

Your light and love to lead me safely home.

So once again I come on bended knee,

Laying my pain and worries at your feet.

To walk your path of love is what I pray,

Knowing that when I rise and walk away

Your strength will guide me through another day.

Mrs. Ginny Wynn

Episcopal Church Women

Diocese of Oklahoma

FOR GUIDANCE

Gracious and loving God, in the gift of your Son

Christ Jesus, you opened the way to eternal life in

the here and now; and you revealed to us your desire

for all people.

Help us to lean into your gift of eternal life.

Give us the courage to let go of all that binds us

to the ways of this world so that your desire for all

people becomes our desire.

Provoke us to follow your way of generosity and

grace, no matter the cost.

Disturb us to speak your truth of mercy and peace,

no matter the risk.

Inspire us to live your life of joy and hope, no matter

the sacrifice.

Amen.

The Rt. Rev. Russell Kendrick

Bishop of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast

Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast

86 87

HAIKU / PRAYER

Light flung by candle

Shared in its space with shadows

Motion chasing change.

May our candle seek out the shadows.

Amen

Ms. Mary Pauly

Vestry Member, St. Peter’s

Diocese of South Carolina

ELDERWISE PRAYER

God of all life, we come together as elders

of this Community.

Guide us that what wisdom we have gleaned from

the manifold and sundry changes of our lives and

of the world not be lost, but serve to bring new life,

hope, and blessing to this Community and to

future generations.

Send your spirit, we pray, that with the ripening of

years may come as well a ripening of the soul that

times of despair be turned to hope and moments of

fear be transformed to love.

Amen

The Rev. Canon Joseph Dubay

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Portland, OR

Diocese of Oregon

GIVE ME A PURPOSE, LORD

Holy Spirit, strengthen my aging body with the body

of Christ, clear my aging mind with the Blood of

Christ. Look through my eyes, hear with my ears,

speak with my mouth, let me be Your hands and feet

here on earth.

Mrs. Marjorie Wells

Church of the Redeemer, Midlothian, VA

Diocese of Southern Virginia

A PRAYER FOR A PARISH

CONSIDERING IDEAS FOR

GROWING THE CONGREGATION

Blessed Jesus, human and perfect, enlighten us with

your lessons of inclusion and comfort, that we may

introduce to you those who have forgotten or never

known your warm embrace.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with [us].”

Amen. (2 Corinthians 13:13)

Mr. Gary Gocek

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Fairport, NY

Diocese of Rochester

88 89

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for giving us a set of rules so we can

know, understand, and freely make the choice to

follow those laws which are in place because you

love us so much. It is by your gift of free will that we

can choose to return your love by choosing to live

according to your will.

Amen.

Mr. John Every

Warden, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bloomville, NY

Diocese of Albany

Lord God,

Please help us to slow down our thoughts and lives in

order for us to turn more of our focus on Jesus.

Our lives have little meaning without you.

We owe you everything – our hearts, obedience,

thanks, and love.

In Jesus’ Name we pray.

Amen.

Mr. John Drake

Warden, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bloomville, NY

Diocese of Albany

Dear Lord,

Please give us a discerning heart so we may hear

and know what you desire each one of us to do for

the sake of your will.

We look forward to serving you in the fullness

of your honor and glory.

In Jesus’ Name we pray.

Amen.

Mrs. Dianne Drake

Vestry Member, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Bloomville, NY

Diocese of Albany

Dear Lord, our strength and purpose

come from you.

As we awake to your undeserving grace and mercy,

fill our hearts this day with your love that we may

do all that we need to do to extend your kingdom

here on earth.

All this we ask in the Name of your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The Rev. Christopher Brathwaite

Rector, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Haines City, FL

Diocese of Central Florida

90 91

BEING OPEN

We open our hearts to you, Life Giver and Protector.

We open our ears to hear your voice.

We open our minds to discern your will for us.

We open our hands to join the hands

of our neighbors.

We open our kitchens and cupboards

to feed your hungry children.

We open our homes to provide shelter

to the homeless.

We open our mouths to sing your praises

and to share the joy of your love.

We open our purse to support the mission

and ministries of your church.

We open wide the doors of your church so that all

may enter and none be excluded.

We open our all to you.

Forgiving and affirming God, be open to our

longings to be a reflection of your Son in this world

and forgive our missteps along the way.

In Jesus’ holy name we pray, Amen.

Mr. Gary Alan Moore

Racial Reconciliation Facilitator

St. Paul’s

Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast

UNSPOKEN

O God of my life, call to me from the depths of Your

Essence, inside my being, where only Love resides –

where only Silence speaks.

The way before me lies in shadow and my thoughts

are overcome with the thunderous noise of doubt.

I seek clarity.

I need You to hear my pleas for help, and yet my

heart knows I must be quiet to hear Your guidance.

Here I am, Lord.

You know my chosen path before I even kneel to ask.

I surrender to holy listening.

Grant me the grace of Your wisdom and the surety

of Your abiding presence as I rest in Your peace.

Then, with each next step I take, surround me with

the awareness of Your Holy Spirit as I submit to

Your leading.

Amen.

Mrs. Nancy Severin

President, The Order of the Daughters of the King

Province VI

Diocese of Colorado

92 93

WHERE ARE YOU GOD?

God, through Whom all things are possible,

hear my plea.

My ship has no rudder, I am adrift.

Waves of opinion, thoughts, events

Toss me in constant confusion

Nothing to guide me.

Give me wisdom, hope, strength to

choose the right way.

Where are you God? Speak to me.

God of all Creation, hear my plea.

Mrs. Kay Stoltz

St. Catherine’s of Alexandria

Diocese of Oregon

PRAYER FOR A MEETING

Holy and Giving Lord, we thank You for gathering

us safely together for this meeting to do Your work.

Help us to set aside the troubles of the day that we

carried with us to this place so we can be present to

one another and to You.

We seek Your blessing as we share ideas, progress,

and accomplishments and go about doing the work

You have called us to do.

You have charged us with being Your hands

and feet here on earth, for seeing opportunities

for ministry in many circumstances – both big

and small, so please reveal to us through our

discussion and decisions what You would have us do.

If we have differences, help us to resolve those in a

manner that leaves everyone’s dignity in place and

with a solution that brings light into our community.

Help us to have the strength to carry out Your

mission of love, justice, peace, and gratitude this

day and always in our church, our communities,

and our homes.

We ask all of this through Your Son,

our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Dr. Sandra Squires

St. Augustine of Canterbury, Elkhorn, NE

Diocese of Nebraska

94 95

FOR GUIDANCE IN

TUMULTUOUS TIMES

Almighty and ever-living God, we live in frightening

and tumultuous times.

Help us to remember that no matter our differences,

all members of your church are trying to serve you

and following your path for this world.

Though we come from different places, and hold

different world views, keep us mindful that politics

is only one way of bringing this world closer to your

kingdom here on earth, and to have patience and

love towards those whom we feel are pulling this

world further away from You.

We ask this in the name of Christ our Lord, Amen.

Ms. Allie Graham

Episcopal Church Women

Diocese of New Jersey

Dear God who is Love,

Remind me to pray for the well-being of the entirety

of your Creation as much and as often as I pray for

my own well-being and that of my family.

Teach me in every fiber of my being to reach out

for the presence of the other in my waking moments

and in my dreams.

To love you is to seek you in all of your Creation.

May the breeze on my cheek turn my face to the sun,

whose warmth reminds me of your light upon all the

creatures of the earth.

To seek you is to walk humbly among the suffering.

Remind me that I am not alone in your Creation.

May the suffering of others bend my spirit towards

compassion and a determination to use my gifts

for the joy and healing of Creation.

Ms. Lelanda Lee

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

Diocese of Colorado

96 97

A PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE

In the stillness of my days,

In the clamor and noise,

In the rush of wind and rain,

In the welcome of cool, warmth,

In the peace of solitude,

In the tension of crowded spaces,

In the dark-shadowed night,

In the promised morning,

In flourish,

In dry-spell,

In hurts and sorrows,

In temptation and trouble,

In celebration and laughter,

In rejoicing and the “yes”-ence of life,

In “Already,”

In “Not yet,”

In presence,

In absence,

In every moment, O Lord,

Guide and guard me.

The Rev. Canon J. Brian Ponder

Canon for Administration and Finance

Diocese of Mississippi

God, please guide us in our daily lives as we try to

balance the many things we commit ourselves to.

Help us discern your priorities –

especially when we get overwhelmed due to so

many things that need to be done right away.

Please continue speaking to us in your still small

voice until we hear and obey.

Help us know your will for us and make it ours.

Thank you for always being there for us and for

forgiving us when we are so busy trying to do what

we think you want that we don’t take time to seek

your guidance and heed it.

Amen

Mrs. Valinda Jackson

United Thank Offering Board, Province VII Representative

Diocese of Kansas

98 99

HEAL US AND CALL US, LORD

Your voice both calls us and heals us, Lord,

reaching in to heal deep injuries to our souls and

bodies as you lead us forward to do your work.

You healed the bleeding woman and called her

to speak out her witness to the crowds;

You touched the hurt of the woman

with five husbands and commissioned

her to proclaim your grace;

You heard the yearnings of Sarah’s heart

and enabled her to become the mother of nations.

Speak to our injuries, too, Lord:

the failings, the damages, the injustices to both

body and soul.

Heal us and use us as avenues to proclaim your

goodness, your compassion, and your grace,

for a world so sore in need.

All this we say in your Name.

Amen.

The Rev. Lindsay Hardin Freeman

Adjunct Clergy, St. David’s Episcopal Church

Minnetonka, MN

Diocese of Minnesota

Dear Lord, our strength and purpose come from

you. As we awake to your undeserving grace and

mercy, fill our hearts this day with your love that

we may do all that we need to do to extend your

kingdom here on earth. All this we ask in the

Name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The Rev. Christopher Brathwaite

Rector, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Haines City, FL

Diocese of Central Florida

I choose this day to live my life for you, O God,

to slow myself down and walk in the way you

would have me go – with kindness, compassion,

and gratitude.

Give me the courage to combat hate and fear with

your revolutionary love.

Remind me with each person I encounter that

I have the opportunity to learn from them and to

refrain from judgment. Keep my heart ever thankful

for the beauty of your creation.

I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, the one who

transforms my life.

Amen

Ms. Kate Mietus

Coordinator, United Thank Offering

Diocese of Spokane

100 101

Dear Lord and Father of all, we praise You for who

You are. Father, we confess we have not loved You

as we should and ask Your forgiveness.

Lord, we ask Your intervention in the unfavorable

situations we face each day.

We pray the elected individuals of our Country

will understand there is nothing they can accomplish

without Your guidance; they MUST come to You

before making decisions which they believe will

benefit the citizens.

In distributing wealth, those in authority should

think of the less fortunate of our society, and

remember the saying “from each according to

his abilities, to each according to his need.”

We pray for our Churches and the people who are

called to worship You and serve as we are directed.

Strengthen those in authority to withstand the

challenges they face as they be the shepherd of

Your people.

Let us open our ears to hear Your word, our minds

to understand what we have heard and to do as

You direct us.

Let us open our arms and our hearts to love and

embrace each other regardless of ethnicity and social

standing – we are all Your children and should love

each other as You have loved us.

We pray for our young people: allow our lives to

be models for them as they grow up in a very

confusing world.

We pray for our brothers and sisters who are sick

or distressed in one way or another – in Your mercy

heal all whom You desire to heal, comfort those who

needed to be comforted, and bless those who need a

blessing. Father, thank You for being always with us,

and each day help us to be a blessing to someone.

All this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ,

Your Son, our Savior. Amen.

The Rev. Deacon Dorothy Spencer

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Haines City, FL

Diocese of Central Florida

102 103

Heavenly Father,

In these rapidly changing times, it has become

extremely difficult to distinguish the voice of God

from the disturbing noises all around us; we turn

to you for guidance.

In your word, you promised that if we seek with

all our heart we will find you.

Guide and calm our troubled spirits as we seek

only after you.

Open our hearts as we become instruments

of your love.

Continue to guide us as we release all our anxieties,

doubts, and fears to your care.

Show us a better way and be our constant guide.

These mercies we ask in the precious name

of your Son Jesus.

Amen.

Mrs. Rita Payne-Samuel

United Thank Offering Coordinator

Nazareth By The Sea Episcopal Mission

Episcopal Church Women

Diocese of The Virgin Islands

Heavenly Presence,

Help me to breathe.

Help me to be more mindful and patient

in my day so I can be more open to recognizing

the many blessings in my daily life.

Ms. Kayla Massey

Associate Staff Ofcer, United Thank Offering

Diocese of Upper South Carolina

104 105

PEACE AND LOVE

Heavenly Father, God of All created things,

may I love You in all things and above all things.

May I obtain the peace of God which surpasses all

understanding, may my daily walk bring all the joy

which You have prepared for me.

Help me to know that which is Your will,

and remind me that all that is good comes

from Your Loving Hand.

Place in my heart a desire to Love You and

and fill my days with the opportunity to serve

You by serving others selflessly.

Please, dear Lord, fill my heart and mind with joy

of Your Love, so that I may grow in Your wisdom

and enjoy Your true and lasting peace.

The Rev. Bruce Cheney

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, downtown Newport News, VA

Diocese of Southern Virginia

Dear Lord,

In spite of the turmoil and widespread pain in this

world, please open our eyes to the beauty around us,

and help it restore us to wholeness.

Even in the midst of the frightful noise of

destruction, please open our ears to the sound of

your voice wherever the sound may flow.

Even when the darkness around us is great,

please open our hearts to the light of your presence,

and let the light flow through us.

Even when the needs of this world overwhelm us,

please open our hands to help, and our arms to

embrace all in need of your love.

Lord, the source of our hope, we ask these things

because time and time again, we forget to turn to

you for strength, for renewal, and for guidance.

Thank you for not forgetting us.

Amen

Mrs. Linda Gelbrich

Church of the Good Samaritan

Diocese of Oregon

106 107

Dear Lord,

please forgive our stubbornness and our illusion

of self-sufficiency.

Please help us remember we are all connected

through the power of your endless love,

and help us be that love in the world.

We ask this in your holy name, Amen.

Ms. Linda Gelbrich

Church of the Good Samaritan

Diocese of Oregon

Almighty God,

your mission is to reconcile all the world to yourself.

Thank you for opportunities to be part of that

mission, to reach out to others in need, to love our

neighbors as ourselves, to build, to plant, to grow.

We offer ourselves, our souls and bodies, our gifts

and talents, to be your hands and feet in the world.

Transform us with your love that we might

transform others.

Through Jesus our Redeemer.

Amen.

The Rev. Lauren M. McDonald

Associate Rector for Outreach and Women’s Ministries

Bruton Parish Church

Diocese of Southern Virginia

108 109

HEALING

The questing heart

that seeks to understand itself

Will find much more than

what it first believed,

The broken, wounded self

that rests in Jesus

Will know the sweet release

that love sets free.

Ms. Charlotte Johnson

St. Raphael the Archangel

Diocese of Lexington

110 111

PRAYER FOR HEALING

LIFE’S HURTS

(When used in a group, may be read as a litany, with

a response of “Jesus, hold us and heal us,” or other

appropriate response.)

Jesus, hold and heal the hurts that happened before

I was born: the losses, the conflicts, the pain that

surrounded my conception, my formation, the labor

of my birth.

Jesus, hold and heal the hurts of my helplessness:

of my defenselessness and vulnerability as a child, of

the ways I feel weak for not being able to help,

of all the things I cannot change.

Jesus, hold and heal the hurts of my limitations:

all the ways I think I should be or do more than

I can be; all the times I have been too tired, too slow,

too pressed for time, too poor, too young,

too old, too simply human.

Jesus, hold and heal the hurts of my aloneness: the

distance that surrounds me, the emptiness of my life,

the feeling that no one understands or cares,

the burden of being myself.

Jesus, hold and heal the hurts of my differentness:

all the times it has been painful for me to be unlike

others, to stand out and apart because of my body,

my mind, my feelings, my ways, my faith.

Jesus, hold and heal the hurts of my failures: all the

ways I seem to disappoint others, myself, and You;

all the things I failed to do or say; all the ways I have

not lived up to expectation.

Jesus, hold and heal the hurts of my brokenness:

all the things that I have broken or that have been

broken in my life, especially the relationships that

have shattered.

Jesus, hold and heal the hurts of indifference: all the

ways people have not cared when I wanted them to,

all the relationships that have simply withered, all

the joy and possibilities I have let go by because I

didn’t care.

112 113

Jesus, hold and heal the hurts of unloving in my

life: all the times when others have been unwilling

or unable to love me as I wished, the pain of people

around me hurting each other, my own inability to

reach out in love or to accept myself.

Jesus, hold and heal the hurts society has given me:

its hurry, chaos, impersonalness, and desire for

instant everything; its stereotypes, exploitation,

and oppression; its violence.

Jesus, hold and heal the hurts of my losses: all

that I have had to let go of in my life – precious

possessions, places, ideas, animals, self-images,

people.

Jesus, hold and heal the hurts of my transience: all

the times I have had to move on when I would rather

have stayed, the awful sense of being a sojourner on

this earth, the sometimes painful knowledge of how

little time I have.

Jesus, hold and heal the hurts of my fears: all that

restricts me and holds me back; all the ways I am

afraid of being hurt again, afraid to embrace life.

Jesus, hold and heal my hurts: all that has wounded

me, made me feel unwhole, unwanted, unloved; all

the ways I have wounded others, intentionally and

by accident.

Jesus, hold and heal me. Jesus, help me to hold

and heal.

Margaret Lee Ferry

Retired Priest

Diocese of Vermont

114 115

Lord,

Thank you for using me to give joy to Donna for

eight months prior to her passing.

I know now that you are good.

I know now that when I gave my life to your use that

I am to be used for your purposes, not mine.

I know now that your purpose is so much greater

than my purpose.

I know now that sometimes this means pain or not

understanding.

I know now that it means accepting and forgiving,

loving and enjoying in your time, not mine.

I know now that you always have been, are, and

always will be with me.

Thank you for using me for your purpose.

Mr. Greg Wellstead

Postulant for Holy Order (Priest)

Diocese of Georgia

FOR HEALING

Gracious God, sometimes I feel bereft of the care,

comfort and companionship of family and friends.

My isolation is intensified when I don’t feel your

comforting presence and peace.

I know much of that is because of the walls I build

around my heart and for not letting go of past hurts

and offenses.

Help me, Lord, to let go of all thoughts of my

own woundedness.

Help me, Lord, not to close off my heart

to your loving Spirit.

Help me, Lord, to let go when I am feeling

overwhelmed, so I may receive your peace.

Help me, Lord, to let go when I feel fear so that in

fear’s place I may receive calming love and courage.

Help me, Lord, not to struggle but to surrender my

struggle to you so I may always feel your presence.

Amen.

The Rev. Thack Dyson

St. Paul’s

Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast

116 117

A PRAYER FOR

REFUGEES / IMMIGRANTS

Gracious God, grant me the courage to leave the

comfort of familiar places and people to go find

those who live on the margins.

You loved the poor, the lonely, the hungry, the alien,

the prisoner, and you offered hope by proclaiming

that you are with them always.

May we share this good news with others through

our presence, through our willingness to hear their

stories, and through prayer.

May we see the Christ in each one we encounter.

May we respect the dignity of every human being,

knowing that all we do is made possible through

Your love.

The Rev. Deacon Maureen-Elizabeth Hagen

President, Association of Deacons

Christ Church

Diocese of Oregon

O God of this uncertain world, you are never distant

from our troubled hearts or broken spirits.

Reveal yourself, we pray, that your tender

compassion and love for us may be felt anew

and as close as the air we breathe.

Give us strength and courage that we might endure

what cannot be avoided, and in all things, remind

us daily that your will for us is wholeness and health.

The Very Rev. Gail Greenwell

Christ Church Cathedral, Cincinnati, OH

Diocese of Southern Ohio

118 119

We give thanks for all those who are moved, in their

lives, to heal and protect the earth, in small ways

and in large.

Blessings on the composters, the gardeners, the

breeders of worms and mushrooms, the soil-builders,

those who cleanse the waters and purify the air,

all those who clean up the messes others have made.

Blessings on those who defend trees and who

plant trees, who guard the forests and who renew

the forests.

Blessings on those who prevent erosion, who restore

the salmon and the fisheries, who guard the healing

herbs and who know the lore of the wild plants.

Blessings on those who heal the cities and bring them

alive again with excitement and creativity and love.

Gratitude and blessings to all who stand against

greed, who risk themselves, to those who have bled

and been wounded, and to those who have given

their lives in service of the earth.

May all the healers of the earth find their healing.

May they be fueled by passionate love for the earth.

May they know their fear but not be stopped by fear.

May they feel their anger and yet not be ruled

by rage.

May they honor their grief but not be paralyzed

by sorrow.

May they transform fear, rage, and grief into

compassion and the inspiration to act in service

of what they love.

May they find the help, the resources, the courage,

the luck, the strength, the love, the health, the joy

that they need to do the work.

May they be in the right place, at the right time, in

the right way.

May they bring alive a great awakening, open a

listening ear to hear the earth’s voice, transform

imbalance to balance, hate and greed to love.

Blessed be the healers of the earth.

Ms. Joan Breit

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Newton, KS

Diocese of Kansas

120 121

LONELINESS

ANXIOUS AND FEARFUL

Lord Jesus, we come to you and give you thanks

for your love and care for us at all times – times

of joy and times of sadness.

We ask for your peace and guidance to be with us

during this time when we are fearful and anxious.

We know you know our needs before we ask and

you know what is best for us, so we ask for your

gift of peace and understanding.

Our prayer is offered in the name of your

beloved son, Jesus.

Amen.

Mrs. Vicki Sweet

Emmanuel Episcopal Church Women, Rapid City, SD

Diocese of South Dakota

122 123

EVER PRESENT, EVER HERE

O God of undeniable caring, hear my call.

Touch my tears in the darkness of loneliness;

sooth the fears of my fettered heart.

Find me where no others search, reach through

the layered walls that pain and rejection have bid

me build, and be the comforting voice of hope that

tells me, “I am here ... ever present, ever here.”

Amen.

The Rev. Dr. Stephen Robb

Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd

Diocese of Rochester

HAS ANYONE SEEN MY JESUS?

Our Father in Heaven, there is no escaping the

Globe in the least of us, for you are everywhere.

Globally, your sky is ever so blue, but not at all times.

No island or continent is untouched – the pain of

separation and sadness noticed from afar. No matter

how it occurs – by gun, knife, fire, suicide, bomb,

nerve gas, medical, drone, or an automobile – our

actions smell all the same. You promised, never to

leave us orphaned – answer our question: where are

You, Lord? Are You tired, Lord? Why is so much

pain inflicted on us human beings? Could it be that

we want You for ourselves and hide You in our Souls?

Please, Lord, hear then the cries of humanity once

more. Awaken your spirit from deep within us and

dispel the loneliness and senseless killings of human

beings. You have borne death for all humanity

through your own death, to give us life. Now, speak

to our loneliness of hearts. Allow Your Spirit to

conquer that loneliness.

Lord, You must be somewhere; for the United Thank

Offering (UTO) ministry, despite death and sadness,

continues to inspire humanity: to let their lights

shine in the darkness to reveal a heart of Love and to

allow your sky to be blue once more. Help us to feel

your protective love given through Your Holy Spirit,

this we ask, through Your Son, Jesus. Amen!

The Rev. Erminie George

Diocese of the Virgin Islands

124 125

LOVE OF GOD

A PRAYER FOR A SNOWY DAY

Lord God of all creation,

You’ve sent us from your heavens

A blanket of snow on a bed of ice

To quiet this moment and beckon us towards you

Grant that we might glory in this gift

And lift grateful hearts and happy voices

For the blessings of shelter, heat,

And human companionship to keep us well

Assist us in the chill to still our minds,

Quiet our souls,

And know that in the face of life’s every storm

and onslaught

Your one desire is to protect your children

Hold them in your arms

And keep them safe and warm

Amen.

The Rt. Rev. J. Scott Barker

11th Bishop of the Diocese of Nebraska

Diocese of Nebraska

126 127

GOD’S LOVING PRESENCE

IN OUR LIVES

Our Dear and Loving God,

We are reminded each new day that we are your

precious children.

Whether we act on it or not, your love is always

present, even if we do not acknowledge your

presence. Save us, we pray, from making choices

that are not righteous in your sight.

Help us to see clearly the hurt and confusion that

surrounds us, and give us courage to eradicate the

misery of your children who are not as blessed

as we are.

Direct us in all our doings, inspire us with your

Holy Spirit, and make us responsive to the needs of

all your children who are placed before us each day.

We ask this in the name of Jesus who came to

bring peace and healing in our world.

Amen.

The Rev. Thomas W. Campbell

Christ Church, Newcastle, WY

Diocese of Wyoming

Give it a name

when, meeting eye to eye,

a spark of recognition passes

between strangers,

The something there is Jesus.

Sing out with joy

when music fills the empty space

beyond all words,

That sound is Jesus.

When poets tell the truth,

as poets do with words

that touch the heart,

Remember,

They speak with breath of Jesus.

Ms. Charlotte Johnson

St. Raphael the Archangel

Diocese of Lexington

128 129

PRAYERS TO GOD

Touch my lips…so I may share your Word.

Touch my eyes…so they may see the beauty

of your creation…its colors and diversity.

Touch my ears…so I may hear your Word

and know the truth.

Touch my hands…so that they may be lifted

up in praise and service.

Touch my feet and have them follow your paths

of obedience.

Touch my heart and soul, that I may know I am

your child, God, and that you will forever guide

my whole existence into eternity! AMEN.

May I live with You each day?

May I walk with You today?

May I pray to You and may You hear me say,

“I LOVE YOU DEARLY,” each and every day?

When I live with You, when I walk with You,

and when I pray to You…as I try to do…

This I know, know so very well…

that every day and every tomorrow is sweeter and

better, because I live with You and I love YOU!

AMEN.

Char Clark

President, Trinity Guild, All Angels Episcopal Church

Diocese of South Dakota

REORDER MY LOVES

Father in Heaven,

Ever since I arose this morning, I’ve been paying

attention to just about everything but You – and who

I am in You.

My loves are in disarray.

If I’m honest, it’s easier for me to love a lot of things

that aren’t You.

Because loving You takes time, solitude,

vulnerability,

and a listening ear.

Reorder my loves so that You are first.

Reorient my being toward your Living Word.

Only then will I see the day for what it is: Gift.

In the name of Jesus, your son.

Amen.

The Rev. Cameron MacMillan

Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd

Diocese of Central Florida

130 131

NATURE WALK

God of all creation,

we adore you for the beauty of your created works.

For you have made…

the birds that sing, the ants that crawl,

the leaves that cushion, the flowers that perfume

the air, and the sunlight that nourishes our souls.

Delight in us, dear Father, as members of your

created world and give us hearts wide open to

embrace your love for all things and all people.

In Christ’s precious name, by whom, through

whom, and for whom all things were created,

we offer this prayer.

Amen.

Mrs. Kathy Hulin

All Saints’, Lakeland, FL

Diocese of Central Florida

IF ONLY

O God, if only I could love You even a little more –

I would.

If only I could fathom the depth to which You love

me – I would try.

If only I could see You the way You see me –

I would see others better.

If only I could open my heart to Your suffering –

I would fully know compassion.

If only I could surrender to Your call –

I would taste freedom unknown.

O God, take my grasping, my clenched fists of

“if onlys” and cast them to the winds of futility.

Draw me once more to Yourself.

Drench me with the clear waters of Your

unconditional love that I might rest in the Light of

Your grace.

Returning again and again I pray to know myself

in You.

I pray that by letting go, I will consent to being

transformed by the Love that knows no bounds.

And silently “if only” then disappears and my soul

is restored in You.

Amen.

Mrs. Nancy Severin

President, The Order of the Daughters of the King

Province VI

Diocese of Colorado

132 133

IT’S TOO WONDERFUL

FOR WORDS

Sometimes it dawns on me as if for the first time,

how very much You love me.

You actually knew me when You were on the cross,

as life left Your body.

How could You love me that much?!

Then, I think, how could You love the world that

much? It is too much to grasp.

I, in my flesh, want to tag on “ifs” and conditions.

But You, You just LOVE.

No ifs, no strings, just pure, unadulterated love.

It seems hard to grasp.

Grace…the love of God given to us.

You, that indescribable gift.

My heart bows to You as belief once again floods

my soul.

Mrs. Donna Mills

St. Matthew’s, Newton, KS

Diocese of Kansas

NEVER ALONE

Dear Father in Heaven and here with me on Earth,

How blessed I am to trust so fully in your Love.

I learned of your existence as a young child in a

small-town pioneer church and the lesson of your

all-embracing love for me and everything and

everyone everywhere.

What comfort I have felt from that beginning,

which remains within me this day, as I continue

with you beside me on our journey.

I see you in all things around me – in your people,

in your work, in my joys, in my sorrows,

on your land, and in your words.

I pause this day, dear Lord and Savior, to give you

thanks for the Comfort which has sustained me my

entire life through your Grace.

I feel the relief of your love.

I only live with the Hope of your calling me home

to you one day.

You are the Faithful One – I know you will

never leave me.

Amen

Ms. Jo Elaine Martin

President (2017-19), Episcopal Church Women St. Thomas

Dallas, OR

Diocese of Oregon

134 135

OTHER

PRAYER OF HUMBLE REALITY

Lord, help me see in myself the adjectives

I call other people.

Amen.

The Rt. Rev. Scott A. Benhase

Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia

Diocese of Georgia

Lord of peace and love, in a world in which we are

ever more aware of domestic violence, civil strife,

abuse and neglect of your creation, and warfare

among nations, we pray you to help us to understand

that true peace and freedom come only through the

doing of your loving will.

Transform and so move us that we become able to

respond to hurt and violence in all its forms, with

respect and compassion for all sides.

Bring us to that day, Lord, when in the words

of Isaiah: “They will not hurt or destroy on all

my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the

knowledge of the Lord as the waters that cover

the sea.”

(Isaiah 11:9)

The Rev. Deacon Virginia Bird

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Diocese of South Dakota

136 137

PRAYER AT THE BEGINNING

OF A LABYRINTH WALK

Alone in Your sight

at the labyrinth’s mouth I stand:

let it swallow me

as I enter here the circle,

enter with humility,

enter with penitence,

enter with grace,

this path to what is holy,

sacred center,

Spirit of God.

At each turn let fall my sins,

fall from my heart,

fall from my mind,

fall from my anguished soul:

I here abandon them.

Lord, the way to You is neither straight

nor easily discerned–

I turn and turn again,

turn from my desires,

turn from grief,

turn from guilt.

There are times I wander,

almost aimlessly,

and times I think that I am

almost close to finding You,

close to Your mercy,

close to Your mind,

close to Your will,

and then I turn again, away.

Walk with me, Lord, walk with me

along these paths, away from sin,

towards the center,

center of knowing,

center of believing,

center of eternal love.

Here let me linger

in the heart of the Mystical Rose

before You send me out again

on a new journey,

journey of faith,

journey of hope,

journey of love,

where at every turn

I may follow in Your gentle way,

and turn, ever and again, to You:

inspired, healed, renewed.

Then, send me out into the world

in peace, to love You, Lord,

with gladness, and to follow You

with singleness of heart.

Ms. Alice Baird

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

Diocese of Upper South Carolina

138 139

O Compassionate Companion

I find, in the end, that I am but a

cracked and empty vessel,

and yet even there I encounter your love.

Use me, I pray, in your service

and, if it is your will,

smash me and set me free

among the shattered pieces that

I thought so precious

that I may find my entire life in you.

The Rev. Shannon Leach

Grace in the Desert, Las Vegas, NV

Diocese of Nevada

THE PRESCHOOLER’S PRAYER

(This was actually a bedtime prayer of a 5-year-old

I babysat)

“Dear God,

Please help us to listen better to Mommy,

’cause we’re bad at it.

Amen.”

(With everything that goes on in our world today,

sometimes this is exactly the prayer my heart needs

in difficult times)

Dear God,

Please help us listen better to our Heavenly Parent,

’cause we’re bad at it.

Amen.

Ms. Rachel Schnabel

Holy Innocents, Valrico, FL

Diocese of Southwest Florida

140 141

GRATITUDE IN ABUNDANCE

In gratitude we offer thanks for all which has been

provided for us, as well as the opportunities and

challenges placed before us.

Help us to envision our future TOGETHER

from a viewpoint of abundance rather than scarcity;

from love rather than despair or hate.

Love and gratitude have the ability to transform in

ways which we may never understand, yet at the

same time call to us.

Thanks be to our creator – Always.

Mrs. Susan Harries

St. James’ Episcopal Church Women

Diocese of Northern Michigan

THE JESUS PRAYER

While at the General Theological Seminary with my

husband during the 1960s, Caroline Rose, wife of

Dean Lawrence Rose, spent time with clergy wives,

helping us to prepare for our lives in the church.

Some things were practical, like baking bread, while

others were ways we could relate with our friends in

the church.

She told us to be always ready to pray, and if we

could not find words to express our thoughts and

needs, to just utter the name of Jesus to be in God’s

presence and to ask for God’s help.

She assured us that the words we were searching

for would come in time. So I offer that prayer to

anyone who desperately needs help, or who needs to

commune with God for any reason.

Just say the word, and God will be with you.

“Jesus.”

Elizabeth Ann Campbell

United Thank Offering Board, Province VI Representative

Diocese of South Dakota

142 143

PRAYER FOR TRANSFORMATION

Most merciful Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

please shine your rich, energetic light upon each

and every one of us.

Fill us to the brim with your Godly peace, love,

and kindness – making us eager to live our lives

in your ways.

With your holy infusion, we will be enabled to heal

past wounds to ourselves, to one another, to our

beautiful island home Earth, and be Godly examples

for generations to come.

We pray to the Holy Trinity with thankfulness

from the depths of our being, with glory and honor

to your name, now and forever.

Amen.

Ms. Katherine Warner

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Henrietta, NY

Diocese of Rochester

MEALTIME BLESSING

May this food restore our strength –

Giving new energy to tired limbs and new thoughts

to weary minds –

Restoring our souls,

Warming our spirits,

And renewing our hearts.

Amen

Ms. Mary Pauly

Vestry member, St. Peter’s Church

Diocese of South Carolina

144 145

HERITAGE

(Group Prayer)

Stand as you are able. Close your eyes. Move in a

counterclockwise circle. As you move take yourself

back in time.

Back to a place where our Episcopalian forbearers

stood to declare God is Good and sat down roots as

witnesses to that eternal good.

In our common past, let us lift a prayer of

thankfulness for our Sisters’ and Brothers’ foresight

and wisdom to lay a heritage strong enough for us to

climb on as we take our place in that ever-changing

journey that streams from a common foundation.

Let us stop for just a moment to reflect on where we

are at this moment.

What sights, smells, sounds, tastes surround us?

Who stands next to me, before me, behind me?

Does that Sister look different than me?

Does that child dress differently?

Does that Brother speak strangely?

All is well.

Continuing on, let us lift a prayer of gratefulness for

all that surrounds us to encourage us on this journey.

Now we turn and move in a clockwise circle – eyes

still closed.

We are returning to not only the present but to the

future as well.

As Sisters and Brothers of the “Jesus Movement,”

where does God call us to go from this time on?

Glorious God, may your presence envelop us as we

journey together, eyes always to a place and time

beyond our here and now.

As we stand still and open our eyes, let us say

together:

“The Lord Be With You.” “And Also With You.”

“Amen.”

Ms. Winonah McGee

Parishioner, St Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Newton, IA

Diocese of Iowa

146 147

PRAYER TO OPEN

A CHURCH MEETING

Lord, fill this room with your Holy Spirit.

Help us to glorify Christ through our loving

interaction with each other.

Help us to speak our truth quietly and clearly.

Help us listen to each other with open minds and

open hearts.

Cleanse us of pride, bitterness, and fear.

Remove from us the blinders of our own desires so

we may see the needs of others.

Help us remember our church does not belong to any

of us, but is yours: a place where anything is possible.

Amen

Ms. Susan Paynter

Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Chatham, VA

Diocese of Southern Virginia

A MEETING MEAL BLESSING

Gracious Lord, may this food restore our strength,

giving new energy to tired limbs and new thoughts

to weary minds.

May this drink restore our souls, giving new vision to

dry spirits and new warmth to cold hearts.

And once refreshed, may we give new pleasure to

You, who gives us all.

Ms. Sherri Dietrich

United Thank Offering Board, Province I Representative

Diocese of Maine

148 149

PRAYER FOR GOD’S PEACE

Dear God, our shared and ultimate source

of all life, your children need You.

Our world is broken, divided, brutal, and

frightening. Many of your children are filled

with hate and intolerance.

Millions of your children live in constant terror

without clean water or adequate food.

We all fear for our children. Many are starving and

dying with diseases that could be cured if we could

only share our knowledge and money.

Your children – Jews, Muslims, and Christians –

are being tortured and terrorized.

We are confronted daily with images of violence,

inequality, intolerance, and deep insecurity.

The common families from all races and religions are

suffering with great fear, violence, and deep doubt.

Please help us rid ourselves of the demons of hate and

violence and ignorance.

We ask this in the Holy Name of Jesus.

We ask this with the blessed covering of Your

all-encompassing Love.

Amen.

Mrs. Bonnie Newland

St. Francis of Assisi, Lake Placid, FL

Diocese of Central Florida

A PRAYER IN THANKSGIVING FOR

THE UNITED THANK OFFERING

Holy and gracious God, we give you thanks today for

the United Thank Offering and all who participate

in the spiritual discipline of gratitude. We give

thanks for our history: for the inspiration and

wisdom You planted in women who were called and

responded to the needs of innovative mission and

ministry, especially by women.

Together Ida Soule and Julia Chester Emery

created a united offering that we continue today,

and we also thank you for the work of all Emery

sisters: Julia Chester Emery, Mary Emery Twing,

Helen Winthrop Emery, and Margaret Theresa

Emery. These mighty sisters worked on behalf of

missionaries, their families, and single women in

service here and abroad.

150 151

We also are grateful for the generations of unnamed

women who have led and participated in UTO – for

their dedication, care, and discipline. We ask that

you bless all of us who have dedicated ourselves to

the practice and discipline of gratitude, and all who

will continue this work. May You continue to bless

the United Thank Offering, calling others to join in

our daily thanksgivings. Most importantly, we ask

You to uphold, bless, and guard all those ministries

that have received UTO funds to continue to be a

sign of Your love to our broken world. Dear God,

we thank You for all ofthe blessings of this life,

given freely as a sign of Your grace. Amen.

United Thank Offering

Diocese of New York

Gracious God,

You came in the person of

Jesus Christ to journey with us

and to teach us how to walk

with you and with one another.

Open our hearts and minds

so we can see to follow You,

strengthen us when the Way is difficult,

or seemingly blocked.

Make us grateful for all the blessings

we encounterand the love we share

in this common pilgrimage You have called us into.

For we make the road by walking*

with You

with each other

to make the common holy

to invite a community into being

to praise Your name

with every

step

take.

The Rev. Sarah Carver

United Thank Offering Board

Diocese of North Carolina

*Antonio Machado

152 153

You should defend those who cannot help themselves.

Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that

they get justice.

Proverbs 31:8-9

SHARE YOUR LOVE

FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

Righteous God, we embrace our mission to share

your love to our sisters worldwide through speaking

out for the helpless and campaigning for social

justice.

Righteous God, we commit ourselves to campaign

for equality and justice for all.

Help us to do our part in creating a just and peaceful

society for your people on earth.

May hope be stronger than struggle, may

celebrations be more frequent than trials,

May kindness prevail over judgment, may equality

dissolve oppression, may love break walls of hate

and fear.

Lord, as we go in your name, in our communities,

may we spread love and celebrate our mission

with thankful hearts.

Amen

Delores M. Alleyne

Past President, Girls’ Friendly Society (GFS)

President, Episcopal Church Women, Province 1

Episcopal Church Representative

UN Commission on the Status of Women 61

Diocese of Connecticut

ARCHIVE OF

UTO PR AYE R S

154 155

INGATHERING PRAYER

O Lord our heavenly Father, we pray thee to send

forth more laborers into thy harvest, and to grant

them thy special grace for every need.

Guard and guide the workers in the field, and draw

us into closer fellowship with them. Dispose the

hearts of all women everywhere to give gladly as thou

hast given to them.

Accept from grateful hearts,

our United Thank Offering of prayer and gifts

and joyful service; and bless it to the coming

of thy kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

United Thank Offering Archives

United Thank Offering

INGATHERING PRAYER

Accept, O Father, this joyful sacrifice of

thanksgiving and praise, and bless these gifts

to the setting forward of thy kingdom;

that as we have gratefully received the benefits

thy bounty has bestowed, so we may cheerfully

share them with thy children in all the world;

for his sake whose life and death and rising to life

again were a song of praise to thee,

O thou Most Holy, our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.

United Thank Offering Archives

United Thank Offering

156 157

WOMEN’S WORK

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, bless,

we pray thee, our work for the extension of they

kingdom, and make us so thankful for the precious

gift to us of thy beloved Son, that we may pray

fervently, labor diligently, and give liberally to make

him known to all nations as their Saviour and their

King: through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

United Thank Offering Archives

United Thank Offering

WOMEN’S WORK

Almighty God, whose love reacheth

unto the world’s end, and who dost send

thy blessed Son to redeem all mankind Help us,

we pray thee, so to reveal thy love by thy Spirit all

nations and peoples may be baptized into one body,

even as all are redeemed by one Saviour;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

United Thank Offering Archives

United Thank Offering

158

A PRAYER FOR MISSION 1913

Almighty God, Lord of the harvest,

we humbly beseech Thee to send forth

more labourers into Thy harvest,

and especially to put it into the hearts of many

faithful women to give themselves to Thy work

in the mission field; that so the bounds

of Thy blessed Kingdom may be enlarged;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

From Althea’s Call

UTO Archives

THE UNITED THANK OFFERING

The Episcopal Church Center

815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017

800.334.7626 | episcopalchurch.org/uto