A Liturgy of Prayer
Prayer of Praise
O Lord, we praise You for Your steadfast love and grace that greet us each day. We stand in awe of the wonder of Your creation, the beauty of learning, and the joys of community. We lift our voices in adoration to You, for Your wisdom has sustained us through generations.
(Consider offering praises to God, our Father, for the opportunities He has given you to grow in faith and knowledge.)
Prayer of Confession
O God, we confess the ways we have neglected our gifts and failed to steward to gift of Your call. We have allowed the distractions of our schedules and busyness of temporal demands to reorder Your priorities and purposes for our own.
(Consider asking God to reorient your heart and mind toward the continually seek the will and purposes of or Creator.)
Reading of Scripture
Proverbs 2:1-6 (NRSVUE)
1 My child, if you accept my words
and treasure up my commandments within you,
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding,
3 if you indeed cry out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures—
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;.
Prayers of Intercession for our Learning and Worshipping Community
O Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and universities, especially Seattle Pacific University, that they may be lively centers for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom. Grant that those who teach and those who learn may find you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Consider offering prayers of intercession for the following areas our learning and worshipping community)
Prospective Students:
We lift up those considering joining the SPU community, praying that they be open to the call of God, receive clarity in discerning their academic paths, and approach new experiences with readiness and courage.
Continuing Students:
We pray that each student experiences vocational discernment, perseveres through challenges, develops meaningful relationships, finds a strong sense of belonging, enjoys good health, and grows in spiritual vitality and character formation.
Graduating Students:
We pray for those on the threshold of new beginnings. May they continue to grow in faith and spiritual formation, apply their knowledge with competence and character, and lead lives marked by faithful service and collaboration.
Staff, Faculty, and Leaders of SPU:
We ask for wisdom in their decision making, meaningful collaboration, and vision and discernment guided by your Holy Spirit.
O Lord, we trust that you hear our prayers of intercession and that they will be answered according to your perfect will.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Lord, we thank you for your steadfast love, and for the ways you continue bless SPU’s rich and vibrant learning and worshipping community. Continue to guide us by your Spirit
Amen
(Consider offering prayers of thanksgiving for many ways God has blessed you and the SPU community.)
Blessings and Peace,
The Office of Student Ministries