Lord, Father, in light of your promises we ask.
We do not ask because we are worthy
for you have created every bit of good within us.
We do not ask because you owe us something
because you have forgiven us our debts.
We do not ask just because of our need
for you have promised to supply our needs.
Rather we ask because it is pleasing to you for us to ask:
as our Lord said, “Keep asking, and you will receive.”
So out of love for your will
and out of love for your glory
we ask and expect to receive.
My Fealty
I solemnly swear
allegiance and fealty
to Jesus the Christ
who is submitted to Yahweh,
the father God,
creator of heaven and earth,
King of the universe.
I swear to worship God alone,
serving my liege Lord,
with all due long-suffering,
and charity
in the hope of His soon return.
In stewardship of the gifts
offered by the providence of the Holy Spirit,
I swear to offer service
and sharing
to all fellow bondservants of my Liege.
COMMITMENT
I do solemnly vow
Before God and His angels,
the church and the world
my pledge of commitment and allegiance
to Jesus Christ.
I confess and acknowledge that Jesus
alone of all men
has the right and authority
to rule over the whole earth.
I willingly put myself under his rule
dedicating myself to him,
as the way to God
the speaker of truth
and the giver of eternal life.
Hereby I commit myself to
following Jesus' way
obeying his commands
loving him
and remaining faithful to him.
Should anyone or anything
-whether it be my closest friend,
my dearest family
or even my very self—
stand between me and the fulfillment of this vow,
I will cast them aside as unworthy loves.
Should I stray from the path
which Jesus showed
may those witnessing this vow
show me the error of my way
and correct me back
to the love of my life.
Protection
Be the mercy of God betwixt me and my self-interest
Be the glory of God betwixt me and every honor
Be the praise of God betwixt me and every thanks
Be the strength of God betwixt me and my will
Be the provision of God betwixt me and my resources
Be the judgement of God betwixt me and my opinions
Be the will of God betwixt me and my surrender
Be the word of God betwixt me and my thoughts
Be the love of Christ betwixt me and my compassion
Be the humility of Christ betwixt me and every position
Be the service of Christ betwixt me and being served
Be the cross of Christ betwixt me and every comfort
Be the resurrection of Christ betwixt me and any vindication
E'en so, shall I be secure in the hand of God
Though all revile and abuse me.
(Based on “Patrick’s Shield”, a Celtic-Christian Prayer)
Allow my birth to be as yours.
I, too, need to be remade as a child:
Once a creator, let me be ignored.
Once a citizen, let me be stripped of rights.
Once great, let me be dependant only on my source.
Once gloried, let all praise come from God alone.
Once safe, let me be cast to my enemies.
Once protected, let me run from those who persecute me.
Help me recognize that I am no one's son but my Father's.
May I be completely free from anything that will distract me
from my Father's will.
Father, fill me with your love.
I long to share your grace
I strive to express your mercy
I trust you to reduce my anger
I need to abide in your love.
Son, fill me with your love.
With my possessions, I will provide.
With your gospel, I will sow.
With my deeds, I will serve.
With your heart, I will love.
Spirit, fill me with your love.
Guide me to those in need.
Use me to express your power.
Pray through me to transform the world.
Give me the words I should speak.
O God, I seek your love
I will not rest until I gain it
O God, reduce me to your salvation
I lie awake in sorrow.
Your love is the expression of all that is good and holy.
Your love is the realization of justice.
Your love is the culmination of sacrifices.
Your love is the truth of the figure.
