THE COMPANIONS

JOIN US IN PRAYER

Every month Companions receive a small booklet in the mail, the Intercession Paper. Day by day, we turn its pages, praying with our Companions. The prayers concern needs big and small, thanksgivings, and the aims of the Society. Each day of the week has a theme.

In this monthly feature of our blog, we select some prayers from this month’s IP, as it is called. If you’re so inclined, please join Companions in reaching out in love through prayer.

COVER

Redeemer God, who chose to live in human flesh among us, forgive us

when we fail to heed your call by using elevated language and spiritual metaphor.

May we be smeared with whatever mud and saliva it takes to heal our blindness.

May we see the needs and heartaches of our neighbors, and share your love

by working, eating, laughing, and crying with them.

Joan Bowers, SCHC

New Hampshire/Vermont Chapter

THANKSGIVINGS: SUNDAY AND EVERY DAY

Inspired by the SCHC Aims, Maryland Companions give thanks for the challenging discussion leading to a unanimous decision to give $1000 from chapter funds to Baltimore Outreach Services, a local Lutheran initiative that supports skills development and housing for homeless women.

MONDAY: SIMPLICITY OF LIFE

Gracious God, you have called for us to be mindful of your constant care of us. Help us to recognize that in our pursuit of simplicity of life we are called to care not only for others but for ourselves as well. Help us to slow down and listen, to find that balance between doing and being. And in that balance to recognize that you are always with us. We ask this through your blessed son Jesus Christ.

Pat Trumbull, SCHC

Minnesota Chapter

TUESDAY: UNITY OF ALL GOD’S PEOPLE

God, creator of the universe, you see our beautiful planet held in your loving hands, without borders and without divisions. We know it is your desire that we love and serve one another as you so generously modeled for us in Jesus Christ. Grant us to see one another through that same heart of love that sees no borders or divisions, but only sees a world created in love.

Andrea “Ange” Dee, SCHC

California-Southern Chapter

WEDNESDAY: SOCIAL JUSTICE

Creator of us all, without our intention, we have thoughts and ideas that are not of you. We do not think of every human being as your precious child, and we don’t even realize it. We dismiss violence, thinking “it can’t happen here.” Forgive us for our denial of our brokenness. Give us the courage we need to look inside ourselves and our society, and take away our shame and fear. Fill us with your love, and empower us to live as people who know that GOD IS LOVE.

Teresa Gocha, SCHC

New Hampshire/Vermont Chapter

THURSDAY: PEACE AND RECONCILIATION

Dear Lord, ‘reconciliation’ is such a big word. I think of all the peoples and places in our world where peace and reconciliation are needed, and I am overwhelmed. In my blindness, I may not see what I can do. I pray that I may come closer to those with whom I have been in struggles—large and small. In that way and with your grace, I will be doing my part to bring the Kingdom nearer. I ask this in Jesus’s name.

Victoria Sicks, SCHC

Philadelphia Chapter

FRIDAY: GROWTH IN THE SPIRITUAL LIFE

Holy Lord, give us a desire to be always in your presence, and to remember that you have said that you will never leave or forsake us. In the midst of our sense of hopelessness and despair, turn the thoughts of our hearts into praise and thanksgiving. And when we are weary because of the changes and chances of this life, help us to dwell not on what we are unable to do, but to accept with joy what we can do within your embrace.

Laura Drum, SCHC

Lehigh Valley Chapter

SATURDAY: PRAYERS PERSONAL AND GENERAL

Gracious Lord, hold me safe in deep heart places

where goodness prevails.

Teach me to notice the joy in sadness,

the clear vistas in pain.

Help me trust and not give up.

Show us pathways of forgiveness and

understanding.

Give us the courage to be kind in adversity,

calm and open-minded in angry moments.

Bless us, Lord, now and facing forward

into the Unknowable.

Diane Cook Norton, SCHC

California-Southern Chapter

Photo by Ian Chen