Prayer of the Church Guest

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Titus 3:9

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Col 3:12-15

Prayer of the Church Guest

Father,
I am an old man
a child of long ago

as I travel
I have occasion to visit Your house
in many different places
in many different forms

often I find myself
in disagreement with new church doctrine
or the way Your word is presented

often Your word is set aside
an opportunity for teaching ignored
for a social message

on occasion
the messenger or the music
become the center of attention
when the sacrifice of the mass
is what should be celebrated

Lord,
I understand that presenting Your son’s sacrifice
with joyful music
is done with gratitude
that your message of love and compassion
needs to be lived and advanced
but for me
Sunday morning
is for worship and praise and thanksgiving

help me to be understanding
to be patient with those with whom I may disagree
to remember that despite our divisions
Your salvation is what matters
Your mercy and grace is why I am here
Your sacrifice is what we are remembering

Help me during these times
to lose myself in prayer
celebrate Your mass
and receive Your most holy eucharist
without distractions
with love and thanksgiving
with a calm heart
an open mind
and worship You
with all of my being

Amen