A New Prayer for Illumination
 
Lord, 
 
Open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, 
that as we embrace your Word, we might receive a new vision of Church. 
 
Remove our hearts of stone-cold tradition, and give us new hearts of flesh, 
hearts that beat only for you
for the sake of your people
for the future of the Body of Christ. 
 
Ignite in us a passion to renew the face of your church,
to beat down doors of exclusion,
to reach out to those who are marginalized,
and to reclaim our vocation as the people of God. 
 
We pray especially for those young people
who envision new life for the church,
who wrestle with calls to vocational ministry,
and who are leading us in the way of your Spirit.
 
Empower these young people to leave footprints of grace and wisdom, 
as they tread the path for your reign on earth, 
so that all may live in your love,
through Christ our Lord. 
 
 
Amen.
 
Rev. Lisa Schubert is an associate pastor at North United Methodist Church (Indiana Conference) and loves having the privilege of serving with all of God’s people.  Born, raised, and now living in Indianapolis, Lisa enjoys being with friends and family, reading, writing, water sports, and jogging her with prophetic pup, Isaiah.