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    United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.


    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. 


    July Resources
    Theme: Courage to Dream Anew
    Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33 NRSV
    Reflection (video):

    Reflection (click here for transcript)

    Prayer for the Month

    God of all that is life-giving, thank you for the reminders of your faithfulness!  Because of the absolute trust we can have in you, we are able to dream anew with confidence and boldness.  Please help us to keep our eyes on you, so that our vision is your vision, and our dream, your dream.  Please give us both the courage and the resolve to dare to both dream, and to realize the dream come become reality with your guidance and miraculous presence!  We pray this in Jesus’ name, because we know it can be done!  Amen. 

    Prayer Queues or Breath Prayers for the Month

    •    July 7 - Open me, God, all of me, to the guidance and nudge of your Holy Spirit.
    •    July 14 - Dream-maker God, develop a God-sized dream in me.
    •    July 21 - Fill your dream in me with your loving Spirit!
    •    July 28 - Please help me boldly invite others to join in living into your dream in us.

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


    June Resources
    Theme: Courage to Let Go
    Scripture Passage: Isaiah 43:19
    Reflection (video):

    Reflection (click here for transcript)

    Prayer for the Month

    Creating God, Help us to remember that you hold us in the palm of your hand. Help us to remember that you are closer to us than our next breath. Help us to know that you are always calling us to let go of all that hinders and harms us. Open our hearts to your prompting, your presence, your grace and mercy. May we trust that you are there to catch us when we let go. May we trust that you are the source of guidance and wisdom. Help us to put our trust in you, to let go of all that is keeping us from being the persons you have created and called us to be. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

    Prayer Queues or Breath Prayers for the Month

    •    June 2 - Help me let go of my shortcomings and see myself through God’s eyes.

    •    June 9 - Help me cultivate a forgiving spirit. Help me forgive those who have harmed me. Help me seek forgiveness from those whom I have harmed.

    •    June 16 - Help me find ways to let go of anxiety and be filled instead with peace and joy.

    •    June 23 - Help me celebrate and let go of what was and be open to what’s next.

    •    June 30 - Help me look at what I’m holding onto and have the courage to let go of all that is not life-giving.

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


    May Resources

    Theme: Passion for a Life of Justice

    Scripture Passage: Amos 5:21-24

    Reflection (video):

    Reflection (click here for transcript)

    Prayer for the Month

    Lord, you call us to build a world where justice is the norm. In a world where there is so much that is out of balance and does not reflect your will, let us be people of true justice. Not the violence that we have so often seen as the response to something illegal, but it's how love put into practice can heal wounds, rectify harm, and create a sense of healing and wholeness. We seek to build the Kingdom you taught, the Kingdom you were building. Love is the fuel, and you are the foundation of a world where we do not thrive on hierarchy, where we do not judge in ways that would tell our siblings that they are less than us. A world in which we do not create stumbling blocks, policies, and barriers that keep any of your created souls from experiencing the fullness and joy of life in the community as you have created it. We hear your call that justice flows like a river and righteousness like a mighty stream. Amen.

    Prayer Queues or Breath Prayers for the Month

    •    May 5 –  Come Holy Spirit, light a fire in me for justice. Let your passion burn in me to share your truth with those who do not understand or refuse to hear.

    •    May 12 –Come Holy Spirit, create a hunger in me to be your hands and feet. Let the desire to serve grow in me and drive me as my basic need for food does.

    •    May 19 – Come Holy Spirit, form a thirst in me for your truth. Let me seek your wisdom and your will as I hope to love and serve God and all God’s children.

    •    May 26 – Come Holy Spirit, blow through my world, moving me from places of comfort and safety to where your work is waiting for me.

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


    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 7May 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 3Lord, 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.


    With more than 100,000 members, United Methodists of Upper New York comprises of more than 675 local churches and New Faith Communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state. Our vision is to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places."