Lord, invest me with Your Power
as I prepare to proclaim the marvel of Your Message.
I have prepared my reading,
I have tried to take within me the meaning
of what I am about to read:
help me, I ask, to read not just with my lips
but with my whole heart and soul.
Lord, make me a hollow reed so that Your Voice
will be heard by all who hear me.
Free me of excessive concern over my performance,
over the impression I create in this Sacred Action.
Convert my feelings of nervousness,
turn all my apprehensions into an energy for
proclaiming
Your Word with power and authority.
May Your Spirit fill me as it fills the Holy Words
that I am about to proclaim. Amen.
Praise to you, Lord God,
king of the universe,
and all glory to your name.
I praise you and thank you for calling me
to proclaim your word to your beloved people.
Open the hearts of all who worship with us,
so that they may hear your voice when I read.
Let nothing in my life or manner disturb your people
or close their hearts to the action of your Spirit.
Cleanse my heart and mind,
and open my lips so that I may proclaim your glory.
All praise to you, heavenly Father,
through the Lord Jesus in the Holy Spirit,
now and forever. Amen.
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