The Spirit Intercedes

The New Testament in Prayers and Images

K. K. Yeo, S. Claire Matheny

• Publisher: Cascade Books
• Year: 2009
• Print ISBN:
  9781606087947
  9781498211994
• eBook ISBN:
  9781630874353
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Christian Church

This volume provides a collection of prayers and artwork based on the New Testament texts, inviting readers to join in the Spirit's moving through words, figures, and colors. Yeo and Matheny offer this resource to worship leaders, those interested in spirituality, prayers, and artistic expressions of the New Testament. The process of praying and painting the New Testament allows the Spirit to intercede for God's will in the world and incarnate peace in our lives that surpasses all understanding.

1

Promise of the Old and Hope of the New (Matthew)

God of Abraham and Sarah,
show us today your faithfulness and mercy.

Imprint upon us the life of your beloved Son,
for Abel who was slain speaks, Isaac who was bound is set free.

God of Moses and Miriam,
speak to us the promise of the old and the hope of the new.

Instill in us the spirit of your wisdom
that we might fulfill the past and remember the future.

God of Rahab, Ruth and David,
fill us with your love that never gives us up.

Transform our sins and suffering into joy filled service,
conform our will to do the work of mercy,
reform our desire to forgive others and treat them as your own.

Energize us to bear the yoke of your Torah,
the law that showers upon us freedom to love you and our neighbors.

God of Mary and Joseph,
grant us calmness of heart to trust in your Spirit,
for you come visiting us with surprises,
and indwelling us with ever renewing life.

Emmanuel, when we are insecure and lost,
grant us shalom in you.

God of Jesus,
have mercy on us when we wear the masks of hypocrites and cynic;
kindle in our hearts the passion for you and your church,
even though the church sometimes hurts us.

Forgive us that we might forgive,
discipline us to know your beloved Son that we might be your children.

Train us to proclaim the gospel of our Master,
whose coming brings us your blessing and your peace,
in Christ’s name, we pray. Amen!

In all places

God, in our cities, in our hearts, we desire your shalom!

But I say to you

2

Have Mercy on Us1
(Matthew 5)

Gracious God,
have mercy on us when the freedom of our country defines the Christian utopia,
when our market economy defines the ultimate hope,
make us poor in spirit that we might be rich in your kingdom.

Have mercy on us when the love of our country becomes our religion,
when our American dream becomes others’ nightmare,
when our comfort becomes others’ burden,
and our security becomes others’ bondage,
help us to repent and mourn so that we might be comforted.

Have mercy on us when military power becomes our
domination,
teach us to be meek thus inheriting the shalom of the world.

Bestow the blessings that come when we seek your
righteousness,
for only your justice can satisfy our hunger,
your love can quench our thirst.

Forbid us to be merciless,
forbid us to conquer and retaliate in your name.

When we think of Washington D. C., and Riyadh, Jerusalem,
help us see the tears of Christ.

Make our hearts pure in thinking of you,
simple in obeying you,
one in trusting you.

When we are in fear and despair,
be with us, Emmanuel,
that we might see a glimpse of your glory!

When we are insecure,
assure us that you have accepted us as your beloved.

Yes, Lord, “Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.”

Give...

Table of contents

• Title Page
• Preface
• Chapter 1: Promise of the Old and Hope of the New
• Chapter 2: Have Mercy on Us
• Chapter 3: Finding Rest in Your Yoke
• Chapter 4: Our Prayer to the Lord
• Chapter 5: The Son of God Who Died and Served
• Chapter 6: Have We No Faith?
• Chapter 7: Savior of the World
• Chapter 8: Prodigal Son
• Chapter 9: Logos
• Chapter 10: Do You Love Me?
• Chapter 11: Spirit Empowerment Life
• Chapter 12: God is One (Impartial)
• Chapter 13: Obedience of Faith
• Chapter 14: Freedom in Christ
• Chapter 15: Crucified God, Lead Us to the Cross!
• Chapter 16: Love
• Chapter 17: Ministry of Reconciliation
• Chapter 18: One in You
• Chapter 19: Your Humanity, Our Divinity
• Chapter 20: Source of Our Being
• Chapter 21: Cosmic Christ
• Chapter 22: Global Church
• Chapter 23: Love and Joy
• Chapter 24: Hope in the Coming God
• Chapter 25: Sincere Faith and Good Conscience
• Chapter 26: God of Yin and Yang
• Chapter 27: You are Our Wisdom of Perfection
• Chapter 28: Discernment and Faithfulness
• Chapter 29: Fellowship of Love
• Chapter 30: Dove and Lamb of God, Lift Us Up
• Chapter 31: Alleluia
• Chapter 32: Lead Us On . . . For Your Service
• Bibliography