Checkpoint on the Trail

Prayers point to the desire (and the intention) of your heart. Consider this one:

O God you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

(ELW, Evening Prayer)

What happens if you "open" up the prayer to see what it expresses?

Where do you fit in this prayer?

What are the ventures to which God may be calling you?

Do unknown paths frighten or excite you?


Do you sense God’s presence more in times of uncertainty or in times of calm stability?

What is encouraging about this prayer?

How might this prayer affect your own guiding principles? How might this prayer change leadership principles in your congregation?

Praying this prayer is like opening a doorway to the unknown!