Flaming Heart Illustration by Dawn Hudson
O God, who has made our mouths
and made even the mute to speak,
open our lips, we pray, that we may express our praise of you.
Forgive us for our slow and stammering speech.
Cause fire to burn in our hearts until
we can no longer contain our words.
Grant that, through our humble testimony to our Lord Jesus Christ,
our friends and neighbours may turn to him as their Saviour and Lord,
and magnify him with us, in the fellowship of his Church,
for the greater glory of his name.
John Stott, 1921- 2011, Anglican Minister who served in London
The Complete Book of Christian Prayer freely modified
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Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,
to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift,
which was given you through prophecy
when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
prayer & verse 