A classic and indispensable resource for public worship and private devotion that speaks to people across a range of traditions - both within and beyond the church. Composed in response to the desire for worship language of worship that's inclusive of women's experience yet deeply rooted in the words, stories, and images of Scripture, they have resonated not only with women, but with all who love the Bible and who want to pray with honesty and directness. The third edition introduces a fresh selection of material on themes of global justice, as well as a contemporary Eucharist and prayers that coincide with the Revised Common Lectionary. Janet Morley, formerly a director of Christian Aid, in the United Kingdom, is now Secretary for Adult Learning at the Methodist Church. All Desires Known By JANET MORLEY Church Publishing, Inc. Copyright © 2006 Janet Morley All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-8192-2225-1 Contents PrefaceCOLLECTSFORMAL PRAYERSTHY KINGDOM COMENOTES ON COPYRIGHT CHAPTER 1 Collects Collects 1. ANNUNCIATION/NOT AMONG THE IMPRESSIVE O unknown God,whose presence is announcednot among the impressivebut in obscurity:come, overshadow us now,and speak to our hidden places;that, entering your darkness with joy,we may choose to co-operate with you,through Jesus Christ, Amen. Luke 1.2–38; 1 Corinthians 1.26–end Advent 4 (BC); Proper 6 (BC); Annunciation (ABC) 2. APPALLING SACRIFICE Fearful God,you require of our loveappalling sacrifice;and your lasting promiseis contained in contradiction.May we so lay on your altarour dearest desiresthat we may receive them back from youas unaccountable gift,through Jesus Christ, Amen. Genesis 22.1–18; Mark 8.34–35 Lent 2 (B); Proper 8 (ABC); Proper 19 (B) 3. A SCANDAL TO MANY Christ our cornerstone,you were recognized at your presentationas a sign of hope for the world,but also as a stumbling-block for many:may we so present our bodies to your service,that, in sharing your scandal,we may become a people acceptable to you,in your name, Amen. Luke 2.22–35; 1 Peter 2.1–10 Christmas 1 (B); Epiphany 4 (C); Presentation (ABC) 4. A STRANGE LAND O God, whom to followis to risk our whole lives:as Ruth and Naomiloved and held to one another,abandoning the ways of the past,so may we also not be divided,but travel togetherinto that strange land where you will lead usthrough Jesus Christ, Amen. Ruth 1.8–17 4 before Advent (B) [ Revised Common Lectionary ] 5. BEARING CHRIST IN OUR BODY O Christ,to serve whose gospel you have filled usnot with timidity, but power:help us bear in our bodyyour wounded humanity;that we may bodily show forthyour resurrection life, Amen. John 5.1–9; 2 Corinthians 4.1–12; 2 Timothy 1.7 Easter 6 (C); Proper 4 (B); Proper 22 (C); Saints' Days 6. CALL/SAINTS Christ, whose insistent calldisturbs our settled lives:give us discernment to hear your word,grace to relinquish our tasks,and courage to follow empty-handedwherever you may lead;that the voice of your gospelmay reach to the ends of the earth, Amen. Matthew 4.12–20; Romans 10.12–18 Epiphany 2 (AB); Epiphany 3 (A); Proper 1 (C); Saints' Days 7. CALLED TO THE FEAST O God, at whose tablewe are no longer strangers;may we not refuse your callthrough pride or fear,but approach with confidenceto find our home in youthrough Jesus Christ, Amen. Matthew 22.1–14; Acts 2.37–41; Ephesians 2.19–20; 1 Peter 2.1–10 Easter 3 (A); Easter 5 (ABC); Proper 17 (C); Proper 23 (A); Saints'Days; Thomas; Dedication 8. CHOOSE LIFE God of crisis,you lay before useither blessing or curse.In our confusiongive us clarity;and in our hesitationthe courage to choose boldlythe way that leads to you,through Jesus Christ, Amen. Deuteronomy 11.18–28; 30.15–20; 1 John 2.22–end Proper 2 (A); Proper 4 (A); Proper 18 (C);2 before Advent (A) 9. CHRIST OUR BROTHER Christ our brother,in you there is neither Jew nor Gentile,neither male nor female;yet you received the mark of the covenantand took upon youthe precious burden of the law.May we so accept in our bodiesour own particular struggle and promise,that we also may break down barriersin your name, Amen. Luke 2.15–21; Galatians 3.28 Christmas 1 (B); Proper 7 (C); Holy Name (ABC);Birth of John the Baptist (ABC) 10. CLOUD OF UNKNOWING O God,you withdraw from our sightthat you may be known by our love:help us to enter the cloudwhere you are hidden,and surrender all our certaintyto the darkness of faithin Jesus Christ, Amen. Acts 1.1–11 Ascension Day (ABC) 11. COST OF DISCIPLESHIP/WAY OF THE CROSS Jesus our brother,you followed the necessary pathand were broken on our behalf.May we neither cling to our painwhere it is futile,nor refuse to embrace the costwhen it is required of us:that in losing our selves for your sake,we may be brought to new life, Amen. Matthew 16.13–end; Mark 8.27–end; Luke 9.18–27 Lent 2 (B); Palm Sunday (C); Proper 17 (A); Proper 19 (B) 12. COURAGE TO PROCLAIM YOU O God unknown,in our mother's wombyou formed us fo