Sermon Tone Analysis

January 6

Opening Prayer

Father, accept my imperfect repentance, have compassion on my infirmities, forgive my wickedness, purify my uncleanness, strengthen my weakness, fix my unstableness, and let your good Spirit watch over me forever, and your love ever rule in my heart, through the merits and sufferings and love of your Son, in whom you are always well pleased.

(2)

Psalm 6

The 4 am Prayer

The inward pain of isolation from God is felt in my bones and deeper, in my very soul.

Is the one who breathed me into life finished with me?

God hear my words and don’t be angry with me.

Have compassion on me, a sinner, God.

I wait in anguish for his reply.

I wait for Him to turn his gaze upon me.

The loving look of a Father for his son.

When he answers my prayer and looks upon my suffering He proves that his faithfulness and love are never ending.

So, I wait.

I cry.

Deep groans echo inside of me.

I have no words for the sorrow that weighs against me.

Friends become enemies.

Everyone is against me.

If only God would see me.

And then it happens!

God answers.

God turns and sees.

He has been listening and watching the whole time.

I knew it!

Get out of here all you nay sayers.

Leave me alone.

My God is a better friend than you could ever be.

You better pray that God is merciful to you.

And if you pray I think he will be.

Prayer

God there are times I don’t even know how to pray about the circumstances in my life.

Sometimes the pain of this world is overwhleming.

Thank you for always being there for me.

You are more precious to me than anything else in life.

Thank you for your comfort in this world, the assurance of salvation, and for an eternal home in your presence.

(2) John Wesley, Ritzema, Elliot, ed.

400 Prayers for Preachers.

Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012.

Print.