resources

Together in Prayer

Beginning in October 2023, United Methodists of Upper New York launched "Together in Prayer," a call to reconnect with the eseence of who we are as people of faith, disciples of Christ, and United Methodists. This is an invitation to unite our hearts and seek a stronger connection with God and one another, deepen our relatioship with Jesus Christ, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives and ministries.

John Wesley said prayer is one of the most powerful was to develop a personal connection with God. His brother, Charles, believed that corporate prayer fosters a sense of unity among believers and reinforces our shared faith. 

Click here to watch a video of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez inviting you to join this prayer pilgrimage. Look for new resources at the beginning of each month during this year long initiative. 

Are you ready and willing to experience the healing love of Christ? Click here to show your support and commitment and join God's mission as we pray our way forward. 

April Resources

Theme: Passion for Mercy

Scripture Passage: Luke 10:25-37

Reflection (video):

Reflection (click here for transcript)

Prayer for the Month

On one occasion, an expert in the law tested Jesus by asking, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus responded by asking him what is written in the Law, and the expert answered with the commandment to love God with all one's heart, soul, strength, and mind, and to love one's neighbor as oneself. Jesus affirmed that the correct answer was to do this and live. Wanting to justify himself, the expert then asked Jesus who his neighbor was. In reply, Jesus told the Parable of the Good Samaritan: A man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho was attacked by robbers who left him half dead. A priest and a Levite saw the man but chose to pass by on the other side. However, a Samaritan, upon seeing the man, took pity on him. He bandaged his wounds, brought him to an inn, and took care of him, even leaving money with the innkeeper to cover further expenses, promising to repay any additional costs on his return. Jesus concluded by asking which of the three was a neighbor to the robbed man, to which the expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus then instructed him to go and do likewise. Amen.

Prayer Queues or Breath Prayers for the Month

• April 7: May God bless us with discomfort
  At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
  So that we may live from deep within our hearts.
   
• April 14: May God bless us with anger
  At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of God’s creations
  So that we may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
   
• April 21: May God bless us with tears
  To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war,
  So that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and
  To turn their pain into joy.
   
• April 28: May God bless us with just enough foolishness
  To believe that we can make a difference in the world,
  So that we can do what others claim cannot be done:
  To bring justice and kindness to all our children and all our neighbors who are poor.
  Amen.

Click here to view/download a copy of the April resources.

March Resources

Theme: Passion for our Communities

Scripture Passage: Acts 2:44-45 and 4:32-35

Reflection (video):
 

Reflection (click here for transcript)

Prayer for the Month

Holy One, we come to you longing to embody a passion for our communities. Grant us the wisdom to see beyond ourselves and to recognize the value of sharing life and love with those around us. Help us to cultivate a community where no one is in need, and where our possessions and blessings are not just ours but a means to serve others. Teach us to live with hearts open to giving, hands ready to serve, and eyes that see your presence in every person. May we become the community that reflects your love and justice, making every act of sharing and caring a testament to our faith in you. We ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer Queues or Breath Prayers for the Month

• March 3: Lord, unite me/us in making our community a true reflection of your realm.
• March 10: Spirit of Love, help me/us amplify your boundless generosity.
• March 17: God of wholeness, open my/our eyes to the needs of our neighbors.
• March 24: Good and Gracious God, teach us a life where resources and community are woven together.
• March 31: Embracing God, guide me/us to foster connections that embody your love and care.

Click here to view/download a copy of the March resources.

February Resources

Theme: Passion for Christ

Scripture Passage: Galatians 2:20

Reflection (video):
 

Reflection (click here for transcript)

Prayer for the Month

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (NLT) Holy Spirit come, lead me and guide me. Help me to renew my passion for Christ. Amen.

Prayer Queues or Breath Prayers for the Month

• Feb. 4: My old self has been crucified with Christ.
• Feb. 11: It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. My ego is no longer central.
• Feb. 18: So, I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
• Feb. 25: Holy Spirit come, lead me, and guide me. Help me to renew my passion for Christ.

Click here to view/download a copy of the February resources.

January Resources

Theme: Identity

Scripture Passage: Ephesians 2:10

Reflection (video):

Reflection (click here for transcript)

Prayer for the Month:

Gracious God, thanks for shaping us in your image and calling us your children. May we find our worth and purpose in the love and grace found in Jesus, who calls us to share love, faith, mercy, and justice in the world. Amen

Prayer Queues or Breath Prayers for the Month (Click on each date below to download the images.):

• Jan. 7: I am (we are) God’s perfect and beautiful creation.  
• Jan. 14: I am (we are) unconditionally loved by God 
• Jan. 21: I am (we are) created for good works of love, mercy, and justice.  
• Jan. 28: In Christ, I am (we are) called to build the beloved community of God. 

Click here to view/download a copy of the January resources.

December Resources

Theme: Love, Hope, Peace, Joy

Scripture Passage: Luke 1:39-45

Reflection (video):

Reflection (click here for transcript)

Prayer for the Month:

Holy God, through the birth of a little baby, you have visited your people and set them free.  Grant that we might throw open the doors of our hearts and invite you in. Give us grace sufficient to provide a comfortable place for you, not in the back rooms of our lives, but in those places where we live and move and have our being.  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.  

Prayer Queues or Breath Prayers for the Month (Click on each date below to download the images.): 

• Dec. 3: Emmanuel, enable me (us) to perceive your tender embrace. 
• Dec. 10: Precious Friend, rekindle a flame of hope to scatter the darkness of my (our) fears. 
• Dec. 17: Captain of my (our) soul(s), silence the stormy winds of uncertainty stirring up my (our) heart(s).  
• Dec. 24: God-made-human, stoop to embrace me (us) as I (we) take hold of you once again. 
• Dec. 31: God of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: walk with me (us) into a new year and newness of life.  

Click here to view/download a copy of the December resources.

November Resources

Theme: Gratitude

Scripture Passage: Philippians 4:4-7

Reflection (short video):

Reflection (full video):

Reflection (click here for transcript)

Prayer for the Month:

Lord Jesus, you have given us life of abundance.  Sometimes, however, all we see is what we are lacking.  Remind us to name our blessings and our thankfulness for them.  Open us to see your presence in all the ways your blessings come to us.  And in all our ways, may we lift grateful hearts and lives, engaged in increasing your blessings for all.  In this, may we be blessed always.  May our grateful hearts and lives be a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord. Amen. 

Prayer Queues or Breath Prayers for the Month (Click on each date below to download the images.):

• Nov. 5: God of grace, may I (we) see your grace. 
• Nov. 12: God of mercy, may I (we) share your mercy. 
• Nov. 19: God, may my (our) eyes see your goodness. 
• Nov. 26: Holy Spirit, may I be thankful in all things. 

Click here to view/download a copy of the November resources.

October Resources

Theme: Reclaim. Revive. Renew  

Scripture Passage: Psalm 51:10-12

Reflection (video):

Reflection (click here for transcript)

Prayer for the Month:

Create a clean heart for us, God. Put a new, faithful spirit deep inside us! Please don’t throw us out of your presence or take your holy spirit from us. Return the joy of your salvation to us and sustain us with a willing heart – Amen.

Prayer Queues or Breath Prayers for the Month (Click on each date below to download the images.):

• Oct. 1: God of grace, create a clean heart for me (us).  
• Oct. 8: God of mercy, put a new, faithful spirit inside me (us).  
• Oct. 15: God, in your mercy, don’t give up on me (us).  
• Oct. 22: God, in your faithfulness, return the joy of your salvation to my (our) soul(s).  
• Oct. 29: God, through the Holy Spirit, sustain me(us) with a willing heart. 

Click here to view/download a copy of the October resources.