Posts by Karen Barber
Guided Prayer for the National Day of Prayer
Here is a prayer idea for the National Day of Prayer. This is a guided prayer for the National Day of Prayer that can be used in a church service or in a prayer group. I composed this prayer when I was asked to lead the congregation in guided prayer at a National Day of…
Read MoreJohn Wesley’s Teaching on Praying Continually
How do you pray continually as it says in the Bible verse in I Thessalonians 5:17? Here is very practical advice from John Wesley who was the founder of the Methodist Church. God’s command to “pray without ceasing” is founded on the necessity we have of his grace to preserve the life of God in…
Read MoreThe Aaronic or Priestly Blessing
The Aaronic or Priestly Blessing is used by Christians and is derived from the Jewish blessing given to Aaron to use over the people of Israel. The blessing is found in Numbers 6:24-26. “May the Lord bless you and keep you.May the Lord let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.May the…
Read MoreEvening Prayer from the hymn “All Praise to Thee” by Thomas Ken
This hymn makes a beautiful evening prayer. All praise to thee, my God this night, For all the blessings of the light! Keep me, O keep me, King of kings, Beneath thine own almighty wings! Forgive me, Lord, for thy dear Son, The ill that I this day have done, That with the world, myself,…
Read MoreA Prayer Vigil Guide for Visioning
Using this format, people were really able to tap into the power of prayer during a 48 hour prayer vigil in preparation for a visioning event at our church. People especially appreciated the fact that they had a scripture to meditate on with every suggested activity. How to do this prayer practice: 1. Make up…
Read MoreBedtime Prayer “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep”
When I was a girl my parents would come into my bedroom and I would say this bedtime prayer. I have included the traditional version and another version that replaces the “If I die before I wake” to keep from having sensitive children worry about dying in their sleep. Traditional version of “Now I Lay…
Read MoreA Biblical Prayer of Confession
Are you having trouble finding the right words to say to confess that you have made mistakes, done the wrong things and need God to forgive you and help you have a fresh start? his prayer from the Bible verse in Psalm 32:1-7 is a powerful one to use as a personal prayer of confession.…
Read MorePrayer for a Word of Truth
Need to know the truth about yourself and your situation? Praying for the truth can help you gain the insight you need. Here are some promises to claim and some historical prayers for truth: From the Jesus: You tell us that “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to…
Read MoreSeeking God in Prayer – Anselm of Canterbury
Come now, little man! Flee for a while from your tasks, hide yourself for a little space from the turmoil of your thoughts. Come, cast aside your burdensome cares, and put aside your laborious pursuits. For a little while give your time to God, and rest in him for a little while. Enter into the…
Read MoreAnima Christi Prayer
This prayer invokes Christ to envelope us. It appears in many copies of The Spiritual Exercises by St. Ignatius, though this prayer may not have been written by him. Anima Christi Prayer Soul of Christ, be my sanctification; Body of Christ, be my salvation; Blood of Christ, fill all my veins; Water of Christ’s side,…
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