Sunday, October 1, 2017

50 Picasso Prayers

PSALMS AND SONGS OF PRAISE
50 Picasso Prayers


1-       PROSPER PRAYERS
 Psalm 1:3 V  

You are like a tree,
    planted by flowing, cool streams of water that never run dry.
Your fruit ripens in its time;
    your leaves never fade or curl in the summer sun.
No matter what you do, you prosper.



Flowing streams, lush green growth,
Blossoming flowers, Fruit laden trees.
God fills our world with prosperity;
God waters our hearts with love,
That our souls might prosper as well.

Water me with your love, God, that I might prosper and grow. Amen.



2      MORTAL PRAYERS   
Psalm 8:3-4 GNT

When I look at the sky, which you have made,
    at the moon and the stars, which you set in their places—
what are human beings, that you think of them;
    mere mortals, that you care for them?



It doesn’t take long when gazing in wonder
At the stream of Milky Way stretching across the sky,
A full moon, distant galaxies, or streaking meteors,
To be overwhelmed by the extent and breadth of God;
And be amazed that God cares so dearly for EACH of us.


Thank you, God, for your infinite love in an infinite universe. Amen.

9.23.17  WEEPING PRAYERS
Psalm 6:8-9 GNT
The Lord hears my weeping;
     he listens to my cry for help and will answer my prayer.

So many crying out in our world today -
Hurricane victims, earthquake victims,
Refugees in Syria, Mynamar, Sudan.
Home lost to fires and floods.
But God hears.
God is present in the midst of the storms.


God, hear the cries of your people. Use me to be your answer to their prayers. Amen. 







9.24.17 POSTAL PRAYERS
Psalm 11:4 MSG
But God hasn’t moved to the mountains; his holy address hasn’t changed.
He’s in charge, as always, his eyes taking everything in…

What is God’s address?
Where do I send my God-mail?
Take a look around.
You’ll find mail slots in friends and neighbors
Post office boxes in pines, wildflowers, and rainbows.
God lives everywhere, in everything and everyone.


It is comforting, God, to know I can never lose your address. Amen. 

9.25.17   DINNER PRAYERS
Psalm 15:1-2 MSG
God, who gets invited to dinner at your place?
How do we get on your guest list?  Walk straight, act right, tell the truth.

Who does God invite to dinner?
Not often those we expect.
God seeks the outcast, the oppressed, the poor.
God also invites those who put their faith in action.
It is quite a banquet; the invitation is available.


May my actions and faith be worthy of such an invitation, Lord. Amen. 





9.26.17   TRAIL PRAYERS
Psalm 17:4-5 MSG
I’m not trying to get my way in the world’s way.
I’m trying to get your way, your Word’s way.
I’m staying on your trail;  I’m putting one foot
In front of the other. I’m not giving up.

The trail is before, with ups and downs;
I know my destination, but not the curves or pitfalls.
I’ll keep hiking, one step at a time,
Reveling in God-presence along the way.


The trail of life isn’t always a smooth path, Lord, but the destination is worth it. Amen. 




9.27.17   SUN PRAYERS
Psalm 19: 5-6 GNT
God made a home in the sky for the sun;….
It starts at one end of the sky and goes across to the other.
    Nothing can hide from its heat.

After a cold, dark night
Nothing lightens the heart more
Than the warmth and glow of sunlight
Brightening the dawn with golden rays
And filling our souls with the surety of God’s love.


Thank you, God, for the warmth of the sun, for the presence of your Light. Amen. 



9.28.17   SHEPHERD PRAYERS
Psalm 23:4 GNT
Even if I go through the deepest darkness,
    I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me.
Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me.


Shepherd have just one job, one goal -
To protect the herd, to safeguard the sheep.
One or a hundred, they are tended.
The Lord is my Shepherd.
I am in safe, sure hands.


Thank you, Lord, for your Shepherd hands. Amen.





9.29.17      THUNDER AND WATER PRAYERS
Psalm 29:3 MSG
God thunders across the waters,
Brilliant, his voice and his face, streaming brightness—
God, across the flood waters.

Hurricanes whip the Gulf Coast,
Flood waters throw millions into danger,
But the Light of God streaks past
In the presence of relief workers
In the stream of supplies.
God, across the waters, is with God’s people.


When the floods of disaster persist, Lord, may we see your presence in those who come to help. Amen.




 
9.30.17      DANCING PRAYERS
Psalm 30:11 MSG
You did it: you changed wild lament into whirling dance;
You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers.
I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about you.
God, my God, I can’t thank you enough.
So many reasons to lament, Lord;
The lives lost in the past months a toll
On my heart and soul.
But I know you walk with me
And the dance and song will come
In moments of joy and gratitude.
Thank you, God, for taking our grief and showing us a way through the darkness back into life. Amen.



10.1.17     ISLAND PRAYERS

Psalm 32:1,7 MSG
Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be—
    you get a fresh start, your slate’s wiped clean.
God’s my island hideaway, keeps danger far from the shore,
    throws garlands of hosannas around my neck.
No matter the deed, forgiveness is there;
The slate wiped clean with love.
How well do I erase the sins of others
When faced with the opportunity?
Am I an island of welcome
Or a wall of hostility?

May I forgive as well as I have been forgiven, Lord. Amen.





10.2.17    JARFULL PRAYERS
Psalm 36:5-6 CEB
But your loyal love, Lord, extends to the skies;
    your faithfulness reaches the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the strongest mountains;
    your justice is like the deepest sea.
From the infinity of the universe
To the heights and depths of the earth -
Justice and Righteousness,
Faithfulness, unlimited Loyal Love -
That’s a JaR-FuLL of God -
With me, always.

What assurance to always carry a jar filled with God. Amen.







10.3.17    BLESSED PRAYERS
Psalm 40:4 MSG
Blessed are you who give yourselves over to God,
    turn your backs on the world’s “sure thing,”
    ignore what the world worships;

What is a ‘sure thing’ in today’s modern world?
Nothing is guaranteed.
Only God comes with complete assurance -
Presence and Love.
We are blessed beyond measure with such wealth.

Thank you, God, for the wealth of your presence and love. Amen. 





10.4.17     THIRSTY PRAYERS
Psalm 42:1 MSG
A white-tailed deer drinks from the creek;
I want to drink God, deep draughts of God.
I’m thirsty for God-alive.

Can we really DRINK God?
To quench the thirst of our souls
For love, forgiveness, grace?
Every act of love, word of scripture, prayer,
Every moment of God-creation beauty,
Is a glass of God-water. Drink up.

Thank you, Lord, for the overflowing stream of God-alive. Amen.






10.5.17     SHELTER AND STRENGTH PRAYERS
Psalm 46:1 V
God is our shelter and our strength.
    When troubles seem near, God is nearer, and He’s ready to help.

God is nearer.
Nearer than the chaos and despair,
Nearer than the grief and loss.
God is ready, waiting to help.
With a mere acknowledgment on our part -
Healing and wholeness can begin.

Shelter me, Lord, and remind me of your presence and comfort. Amen.








10.6.17     GOD SPEAKS PRAYERS
Psalm 50:1 CEB
From the rising of the sun to where it sets,
    God, the Lord God, speaks,
        calling out to the earth.


Throughout all of Creation,
The span of the universe,
Seen and unseen, Known and Unknown,
God’s voice thunders...in bold sunset, towering peaks.
God’s voice whispers...in alpine flower, newborn fawn.
Listen, people! Listen and hear!

God, may we open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts to your words. Amen.





10.7.17   LOOFAH PRAYERS
Psalm 51:7 CEB
Purify me with hyssop and I will be clean;
    wash me and I will be whiter than snow.

God-grace, God-forgiveness
Is like a giant LOVE loofah
Washing us clean;
Scrubbing away sin and separation,
And leaving us pure in Spirit and Soul.


Thank you, Lord, for the cleansing power of your love. Amen. 








10.8.17     SHOULDER PRAYERS
Psalm 55:22 MSG
Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders—
    he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out.
We have a pile of troubles in our world, God;
A load we can’t seem to carry alone.
Massacre in Las Vegas, wildfires in the West,
Flooding in the South, earthquakes and terror.
Refugees homeless and struggling, Immigrants facing deportation,
Famine and hopelessness.
Shoulder the load with us, Lord,
And give the world HOPE in your name.

On your shoulders of HOPE, Lord, we see you at work through the actions of many. Amen. 



10.9.17     CLOUD PRAYERS
Psalm 57:10 MSG
The deeper your love, the higher it goes;
    every cloud is a flag to your faithfulness.

Watch the clouds for God…
In the wispy, fleeting reminders,
Or deep black thunder and storm,
In heaven-like cotton puff balls,
Or sunset hued streams of flame.
Every cloud is a memo-
A flag of God’s presence….and love.


May I see your love in each cloud I view, O God. Amen. 








10.10.17     PROTECTOR PRAYERS
Psalm 61:3-4 V
For You are my protection, an impenetrable fortress from my enemies.
Let me live in Your sanctuary forever;
let me find safety in the shadow of Your wings.

Protected and safe,
Secure in the love of God -
Despite circumstance and trial,
God wraps me in arms of hope,
God shelters me with whispers of promise,
And I can withstand all that comes my way.


Thank you, Lord, for your sanctuary of security and love. Amen. 



10.11.17     TRUST PRAYERS
Psalm 62:7-8 MSG
My help and glory are in God  —granite-strength and safe-harbor-God—
So trust him absolutely, people;  lay your lives on the line for him.
God is a safe place to be.


Rest in God. Rely on God. Trust in God.
So easy to say, so hard to really do.
It means letting go of control,
It means uncertainty and sometimes fear.
But it is ALWAYS the right way to live.


Help me have the courage and faith to COMPLETELY trust in you, God. Amen.




10.12.17     PRAISE PRAYERS
Psalm 64:9-10 MSG
Everyone sees it. God’s work is the talk of the town.
Be glad, good people! Fly to God!
Good-hearted people, make praise your habit.

Habits can be good or bad,
But a praise habit is all positive!
Seeking the God-Moments or
Recognizing God-Work and saying thanks
Can make for a day filled with Love and Beauty.

Lord, help me affirm your work each day with praise and gratitude. Amen.

10.13.17   DAWN and DUSK PRAYERS
Psalm 65:5-8 MSG
All your salvation wonders are on display in your trophy room.
Far and wide they’ll come to a stop, they’ll stare in awe, in wonder.
Dawn and dusk take turns calling, “Come and worship.”

Morning sunset streaks across the sky,
Beckoning one to pause for a moment of worship.
Evening sunset sets our world on a fire of glory,
That closes our day with God.
All God-Works are on display.
Pause. Pray. Wonder. Worship. 

May I pause today, Lord, and acknowledge your presence with a sense of wonder and worship. Amen. 


10.14.17  WONDER PRAYERS

Psalm 66:5-6 MSG
Take a good look at God’s wonders—
    they’ll take your breath away.

In the midst of fiery red and gold,

with colors of autumn brisk tinting all,
My eyes drop down to the valley far below
And another patchwork of green and gold.
Upward I gaze to a jumble of rock -
Pinnacles of stone, a jagged ridge -
All pocketed with timeless glacial ice
And a dusting of winter’s first snows.
I stand, breathless, in awe and wonder
At the Spirit-majesty of God’s Creation.

Thank you, God, for days of glory that take our breath away. Amen. 

10.15.17   PEACE PRAYERS
 Psalm 72:7 MSG
Let righteousness burst into blossom
    and peace abound until the moon fades to nothing.

Peace. Tranquility. Accord.
Our world seems to be sorely lacking…
Unable to accept or tolerate our differences.
We are all children of the same God -
Can we not live together under the love
Of that sole identity?

May each of us be a blossom of peace to fill our world, O God. Amen.


10.16.17  SPRINGS of WATER PRAYERS
Psalm 74:15 V
You broke open the earth and springs burst forth and streams filled the crevices; You dried up the great rivers.

Springs of living water bubblin’
From dry, parched ground;
Cascades of grace flowing forth.
God is an everlasting well of abundance and love.
Do we share such wealth of living waters?


May my love stream forth in evidence of your grace, Lord. Amen.  









10.17.17   ROPE PRAYERS
Psalm 79:8-9 MSG
Hurry up and help us; we’re at the end of our rope.
You’re famous for helping; God, give us a break.

I’m dangling, God, and trying to hold on;
But my hands keep slipping,
The end of the rope near.
SOS! I need help!
Look down. I’m here.
Ready to catch your fall. Trust me.

Strengthen my faith, Lord, to trust your presence and help. Amen.









10.18.17   DOORKEEPER PRAYERS
Psalm 84:10 ESV
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Doorkeeper, guardian, hostess, bellhop
Servants all, but close to the action within….
A meal served, shelter secured, a warm embrace
All doorkeeper actions.
What better place to be
Than at the feet of God in service?


Keep me close to you, Lord, as I serve those around me. Amen. 


10.19.17   JUSTICE KISS PRAYERS
Psalm 85:10 ESV
Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.

Our world is struggling, God,
To find the embrace of unity and justice.
Love and acceptance flee one another,
Peace and righteousness hurl insults, not kisses.
Guide us, empower us, to find reconciliation
One embrace, one kiss at a time.


Fill me with your Love, God, so I may embrace justice with all. Amen.





10.20.17   KINDNESS PRAYERS
Psalm 90:14 V
With every sun’s rising, surprise us with Your love,
Satisfy us with Your kindness.
Then we will sing with joy and celebrate every day we are alive.

Every dawning, a new beginning -
A new opportunity to be surprised
By the depth, the audacity, the extent
Of God’s loving kindness.
Sing for joy! Celebrate!
SHARE the magic of God!


Lord, may we celebrate each and every day the joy of your presence and love. Amen. 







10.21.17   ANGEL PRAYERS
Psalm 91:12 MSG
He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they’ll catch you;
Their job is to keep you from falling.
Drifting, falling, losing a grip on life -
Whatever the despair,
God has angels in disguise waiting…
Ready to encourage, support, and gently
Enfold you in arms of love.

Lord, help me recognize the ANGELS in all of us as we seek to BE your love. Amen.  









10.22.17    RAISING THE RAFTERS PRAYERS
Psalm 95:1-2 MSG
Come, let’s shout praises to God, raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!
Let’s march into his presence singing praises, lifting the rafters with our hymns!

Such joy and celebration,
Abundant love and community,
When we proclaim our praise to God!
Shed the self-conscious, boldly sing out!
God wants thanksgiving, not perfect pitch!


May we stoic Presbyterians worship with fervent musical praise. Amen.


10.23.17   TEMPLE PRAYERS
Psalm 96:5b-6 GNT
The Lord created the heavens.
Glory and majesty surround him; power and beauty fill his Temple.

Where is the Temple of God?
Wherever we open our eyes to see God.
In a glass-stained sanctuary,
A snow-covered mountaintop,
A circle of embracing friends.
The glory and beauty of God’s temple surrounds us.


Open my eyes, Lord, to see the majesty of your temple around me. Amen. 


10.24.17   SUN-STRONG PRAYERS

Psalm 103: 11-12 MSG
As high as heaven is over the earth,
so strong is his love to those who fear him.
And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins.

Sunrise to Sunset, dawn to dusk
The full breadth of God-strength:
Hunger to fulfillment, hatred to love,
Sin to forgiveness, apathy to grace.
The love of God envelops all in healing.


Thank you, God, for the overwhelming breadth of your Love. Amen.  








10.25.17  CREATION PRAYERS

Psalm 104:24, 31 MSG
What a wildly wonderful world, God!
You made it all ...made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.
The glory of God—let it last forever! Let God enjoy his creation!

From skies of glory to peaks of brilliance,
Rivers of light and delicate blossoms.
It is a wildly wonderful world, God!
Awaken our souls to nurture and protect,
Stir our hearts in gratitude and love,
That we might enjoy your creation with you.


May we enjoy all Creation as God-blessed, God-loved. Amen. 


10.26.17   CLOUD and FIRE PRAYERS
Psalm 105: 39 V
He spread out a cloud to cover His people
and sent a fire to light their way at night.

We are wandering in the wilderness, God -
Lost and seeking your presence.
Where is the pillar of fire? The clouds of protection?
Are we missing your signs?
Light our way once more
That we might be your people.


Lord, open our eyes to your direction, to your loving guidance. Amen.

10.27.17    HALLELUJAH PRAYERS
Psalm 111:1 MSG
Hallelujah!
I give thanks to God for everything I’ve got!

Flowers! Butterflies! Golden autumn trees!
Sunsets and storm clouds,
Snowy peaks and red-rock pillars.
Shelter, sustenance, security, and ‘enough’.
Friends, family, faith, and fellowship.
I am blessed beyond measure.


THANK YOU, God, for blessings that overflow from your love. Amen. 



10.28.17   PRAISE X2 PRAYERS
Psalm 117 (all) GNT
Praise the Lord, all nations! Praise him, all people!
His love for us is strong and his faithfulness is eternal.
Praise the Lord!

The arch seems eternal in the geology of time,
It’s strength a foundation for inspiration and awe.
Much like the love of our God -
Everlasting, strong, and worthy of worship.
Songs to the Arches! Praise to our God!


May we open our eyes to the constant reminders of your everlasting love, God. Amen. 



10.29.17     LOST SHEEP PRAYERS
Psalm 119: 176 MSG
Should I wander off like a lost sheep – seek me!
I’ll recognize the sound of your voice.

We roam aimlessly through life, God.
Wondering, wandering, seeking….
Call to us, again and again,
That we might recognize your voice
And feel the security of your presence,
The love of your arms enfolding our souls.


May we recognize your voice, Lord, that eternally calls to us. Amen.  





10.30.17     MOUNTAIN PRAYERS

Psalm 121:1-2 MSG
I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

Idols perched on mountaintops
People worshiped other gods…
I can worship IN the mountains,
I can worship SEEING mountains,
Knowing I worship my Creator God
Who MADE the mountains.


I look to the mountains, Lord, to be refreshed through our Creative Love. Amen.









10.31.17     JERUSALEM PRAYERS

Psalm 122:6-7 NIV
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.”

Christians, Jews, Muslims -
All call Jerusalem a sacred home.
Yet there is no peace there,
No security between multiple faiths,
No sense of brotherhood, yet one Father.


Bring peace to Jerusalem, God, peace among all who call your name. Amen.







11.1.17     CHILDREN PRAYERS

Psalm 127:3 GNT
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a real blessing.

Aspen groves overflow with offspring -
Narrow spires of baby trees
Surrounded, nurtured by the grove family.
Arboretum raised and tended.
Children, likewise, should be cared and led
By the family of God.


Bless our children, Lord, as you have blessed the trees of our spirit. Amen.
11.2.17    FORGIVENESS PRAYERS
Psalm 130:3-4 MSG
If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings, who would stand a chance?
As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit, and that’s why you’re worshiped.

Forgiveness is a habit
We all should develop -
The good kind of practice
Where we wipe clean the record
Of those who have wronged us -
Just like God.


Fill me with your love, Lord, that forgiveness may flow from my heart. Amen.






11.3.17    SIBLING PRAYERS

Psalm 133:1 MSG
How wonderful, how beautiful when brothers and sisters get along!

We are all family -
Children of Mother-Father God.
Many colors, many faiths, many ideas,
But all united in God.
Sibling squabbles, sibling rivalry
Should not overcome bonds of family love.


Mother-Father God, help us all to be one family in your name. Amen. 







11.4.17   BABYLON PRAYERS

Psalm 137: 1 MSG
Alongside Babylon’s rivers we sat on the banks; we cried and cried,
remembering the good old days in Zion.
Oh, how could we ever sing God’s song in this wasteland?

There are days when weeping
Is all we can believe -
Our sorrows and regret overwhelming.
How can we sing with joy?
But God can bring us back to life -
And turn our tears into cleansing.


Transform our tears to living waters of faith, Lord. Amen. 







11.5.17    HIDING PRAYERS

Psalm 139: 7-10 MSG
Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? To be out of your sight?
If I climb to the sky, you’re there!! If I go underground, you’re there!
If I flew on morning’s wings to the far western horizon,
You’d find me in a minute – you’re already there waiting!

I cannot flee my God.
I cannot put my head in a hole
And pretend God doesn’t see my wrongs.
For God does see – the trials and sufferings,
The hidden joys and desires -
And responds with us in healing and celebration.


Knowing you are ever-present, even when I attempt to hide, fills me with assurance and love, God. Amen.

11.6.17     SHADOW PRAYERS

Psalm 144:3-4 MSG
I wonder why you care, God – why do you bother with us at all?
All we are is a puff of air; we’re like shadows in a campfire.

We are so insignificant
In the great scheme of the universe.
Shadows of substance that flicker and fade
Wisps of existence in eons of time.
And yet….God’s love bestows purpose
And we matter – to God and to one another.

Lord, may we make the shadow of our life a witness to your love. Amen. 




11.7.17    LIBERATION PRAYERS

Psalm 146:8-10 MSG
God frees prisoners – he gives sight to the blind, he lifts up the fallen.
God loves good people, protects strangers, takes the sides of orphans and widows… God’s in charge – always!

We think we have control,
That our laws and decrees and actions
Determine the fates of all.
God liberates the fallen and rejected
From the mandates of oppressors,
God is in charge – always!

Liberating God, use us to be agents of your love. Amen.
  





11.8.17   MUSIC PRAYERS
Psalm 147:7-8 NIV
Sing to the Lord with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp.

Sing to the Lord” the creek gurgles
A musical melody of presence.
The stream bears the name Holy Ghost Creek -
Living Waters flowing from Spirit Lake.
What a blessed reminder that God’s music
Sings through the background of our lives.


May I sing my praise to you, O Lord, with music worthy of your melodies. Amen. 






11.9.17  PSALM 150 for 50 PRAYERS

Psalm 150:1,6 MSG
Hallelujah! Praise God in his holy house of worship,
Praise him under the open skies.
Let every living, breathing creature praise God! Hallelujah!

Where to praise? Everywhere!
Within walls of glass or snowy peaks.
Who to praise? Everyone!
Humankind, animal kingdom, all life!
When to praise? Always!
Sunrise, sunset, under the stars, between jobs.
LET ALL LIFE PRAISE GOD ALWAYS! AMEN!


May our hearts and souls sing our praises to you, God, in every place and time. Amen. 

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