speak your word of life

A prayer before preaching (based on Isaiah 55:8-12). A sermon based on this text can be found at like rain and snow.

You whose thoughts are not our thoughts,
You whose ways are not our ways,
as You send forth the rain and the snow
       to water the earth
            giving seed to the sower
                 and bread to the eater ...

even so, now speak your Word of life.

Do not let it return to You empty
     but let it accomplish Your purposes
          and succeed in the thing for which You send it.

That we may yet go out in joy
     and be led forth in peace
          by the crucified and risen One
               in whom Your purposes are revealed
                    and Your success is accomplished.

                                                                       Amen.