Creeds and Prayers
---> March 30th, 2005 by Annie Crawford
I am falling more and more in love with the richness of repeated prayers and creeds, handed down to us through tradition. They, like scripture, begin to take root in my heart, inform my thoughts and deepen my feelings. I am delighted and comforted when the crcumstances of the day bring to mind a beautiful and well-expressed sentiment that directs my heart to the refuge of the Lord though its warm familiarity. I wanted to share a few of my favorites with you here. Some are new, some are old.
Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light,true God from true God, begotten and not made,of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made.For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven:by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;he suffered death and was buried.On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,who proceeds from the Father and the Son.With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.He has spoken through the Prophets.We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.We look for the resurrection of the dead,and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Moses’ Blessing
Numbers 6:24-26 The LORD bless you, and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace.
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!
Amen.
These prayers written by John Piper for his family were shared by Noel Piper in her book Treasuring God in our Traditions.
Our Father, every day you give
The food by which our bodies live.
For this we thank you from our heart
And pray that as we this day start,
You might allow our eyes to see
Your endless generosity.
And grant that when we thus are filled,
We may do only what you’ve willed.
Midday
We’re grateful, Father for this hour
To rest and draw upon your power,
Which you have shown in sun and rain
And measured out to every grain.
Let all this food which you have made
And graciously before us laid
Restore our strength for these next hours
That you may have our fullest powers.
Evening
How faithful, Father, is your care;
Again as always food is there.
Again you have set us before
A meal we pray will mean much more
Than single persons filled with food;
Let there be, Lord, a loving mood.
And as you make our bodies new,
Come now and feed our oneness too.
Lullaby For Talitha
Come rest your head and nest gently,
And do not fear the dark of night;
Almighty God keeps watch intently
And guards your life with all His might.
Doubt not His love nor powers to keep;
He never fails nor does he sleep.
Posted in Songs and Prayers | 
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