Soul Tending - Prayers
Prayers to prepare for your heart
Oasis Soul Tending Renewal Gathering.
Prayer of Confession
O Lord, who else or what else can I desire but you? You are my Lord—Lord of my heart, mind and soul. You know me through and through. In and through you everything that is, finds its origin and goal. You embrace all that exists and care for it with divine love and compassion. Why, then, do I keep expecting happiness and satisfaction outside of you? Why do I keep relating to you as one of my many relationships, instead of my only relationship, in which all other ones are grounded? Why do I keep looking for popularity, respect from others, success, acclaim and sensual pleasures? Why, Lord, is it so hard for me to make you the only one? Why do I keep hesitating to surrender myself totally to You?
-Henri Nouwen
Prayer of Preparation
Dear Father, As I prepare my heart to meet with You, I pause in Your presence and invite You to draw near. Prepare me, Lord, to focus my heart and mind on You. Quiet the noise within me and draw my attention fully into Your loving presence. Give me words—even simple ones—to express my longing for my heart to rest in Your love. Remind me to whisper to You, 'I love You too.'
Let these words rise from the depths of my heart, even in the midst of busyness or distraction. Let my words acknowledge Your constant presence. Grant me opportunities to express my love for You again and again. Let the simple word 'too' remind me that You are always loving me first—even before I respond.
May this truth sink deep into my soul: You are always loving me, always showing Your care. There is never a moment when Your love is absent; even Your correction comes from a heart of love. Imprint this truth ever deeper on my heart each day. Shape my thoughts and my life to be wholly rooted in Your love. As I pray these words throughout my day, transform my thinking and continually renew my heart.
Prayer of Invitation
Dear Father,
I stand before You, Father, drawn by the power of Your invitation. In the midst of my thirst, my exhaustion, and my emptiness, I come—not because I am worthy or able, but because You, in Your mercy, call me to Your side. I lay down all striving and restlessness, surrendering my efforts and desires. Speak, Lord, for I long to hear the life-giving words from Your mouth. Feed me with the abundance of Your table; let Your living water revive my weary spirit. Let my heart awaken to Your presence, transformed by Your embrace. I am here, Lord—called, welcomed, and made whole by You.