Archive for the “Prayers” category
A Haunting Cry
by i.burgess on June 5, 2012
How does a young man stand before the community of God’s people and lead them to praise him, when his heart is ruptured by the searing-hot pain of loss? There is a kind of unique horror–a terrifying anomaly–when a room, specially prepared and lovingly tended, is abandoned in the night. It is a sickness which [...]
A New Year Prayer
by i.burgess on January 1, 2012
I first encountered the Covenant Prayer when I was studying at Cliff College, a place steeped in Methodist tradition. This was one of the most provoking parts of the year; in January we gathered in the Chapel and affirmed our faith together, not as a set of creeds or list of beliefs-but as a commitment [...]
Ach Bleib Mit Deiner Gnade
by i.burgess on June 27, 2011
Abide with grace unbounded, Lord Jesus, with us still, That Satan’s craft confounded May no more work us ill. Abide with us, dear Saviour, Both with us and in Thy Word: To us both now and forever Thy saving health afford. Abide with all Thy brightness, Thou brightest Light of all; And lest we stray [...]
Room with a Sidewalk View
by i.burgess on June 6, 2011
When your Son Jesus Christ lived among us as an ordinary man, he shared the loves, the joys and the sadness of family life. He knew what it was to work hard, and when he left his home and his family to do work he chose to live as one who had nowhere to lay [...]
Praying to will one thing
by i.burgess on June 2, 2011
This week I’ve been thinking about how the desire to know joy and happiness and fullness of life can only find it’s present fulfilment in God. Remembered joy is a faded photograph and anticipated happiness is a vapourous dream. Kierkegaard found God in Christ to be that perfect thing around whom all of life must be oriented. [...]
Hymn of the Ressurection
by i.burgess on May 15, 2011
Most Holy Lord, Receive our evening prayers, And grant to us Forgiveness of our sins. None else but you Has shown within this world, The Ressurection. ‘Go round Sion, you peoples, And encircle her, Give glory in him To Him who rose from the dead, Who is Himself our very God; For from the midst of [...]
Prayers of Work and Study
by i.burgess on April 8, 2011
It’s coming to that time of year for many of my friends. Essays to write, books to devour. These are the words I have prayed on their behalf. This time next year it’ll be me typing away at silly hours of the night to get all the work done. Hope someone prays for me then. [...]
Blessed Light
by i.burgess on April 2, 2011
Blessed Light of Trinity, Originating Unity, Now as the fiery sun declines Pour radiance into our hearts. In morning songs we offered praise, At evening we implore you. To you, our glory, Through every age, May this suppliant offer praise Found in At the Lighting of the Lamps Possibly Related Posts: What is Sin? Kierkegaard on [...]
Veni Creator Spiritus
by i.burgess on March 25, 2011
Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, And lighten with celestial fire; Thou the anointing Spirit art, Who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart. Thy blessed unction from above Is comfort, life, and fire of love; Enable with perpetual light The dullness of our blinded sight. Anoint and sheer our soiled face With the abundance of thy grace; Keep [...]
Praying with Kierkegaard
by i.burgess on February 26, 2011
O Lord Jesus Christ, there is so much to drag us back: empty pursuits, trivial pleasures, unworthy cares. There is so much to frighten us away: a pride too cowardly to submit to being helped, cowardly apprehensiveness which evades danger to its own destruction, anguish for sin which shuns holy cleansing as disease shuns medicine. [...]
