Our Shared Prayers July

July 30

July 23

July 16

A Camp Valaqua Prayer

Before the Lord, just as we are
Heavenly Creator we know that you are working in us and through us, exactly as we are. We pray that being here at camp and spending time by the river will help us to hear your song and encourage us to find our voices.  Help us to remember that even if we think our voices are too week or not good enough, you take joy in all of our songs. 


Before the Lord, our Light Shines
Light of the world, we thank you for the light you provide to us in this world, the light of the sun, the light of each other and the light of Jeus.  Let our light shine to show your glory that is reflected in each of us. 


Before the Lord, we are Gardeners
Creator, you are the original gardener.  You plant the seeds of everything on this earth including planting your word in our hearts.  Encourage us to tend the gardens of our own lives with the nutrients of prayer and fellowship so that your word might bloom and grow in us. 


Before the Lord, we build a strong foundation
Builder of the universe, thank you that you have given us the tools, through your word, to build a strong foundation for our lives.  Help us each to put your teachings into practice as we play, work, and praise together.


Before the Lord, like Jesus
Holy shepherd, lead us as your special sheep.  Help us to see with your eyes and guide us to be your hands and feet, extending your love into the world around us.  Help us to make good choices and give us the courage to adopt new behaviours that share love with all those we encounter.


Before the Lord, we are One
Creator God, help us to remember that we are all part of one body, but that we each have our own individual roles to play.  Guide us to recognise and celebrate these differences, always considering how we can come together as one before you. 



Used and shared by this week's Camp Chaplain, Lillian Nicholson, adapted from Before the Lord with Joyful Songs, the curriculum guide for Camp Valaqua 2025, written by Jenn Ratzlaff, Calgary First Mennonite. 
 

July 9

campers’ prayer

​​​camp valaqua 2025

under the branches
of the tall pines
where the breath of god
dances in the boughs
of the ever green 

we give thanks
for the joy
of touching the earth
on this holy ground 

we recognize 
those who made this their home
long before 
property
could be listed 
and up for sale

and we give thanks
for those who recognized 
that this land
could bring so many of us
into a fuller appreciation of creation
and a deeper awareness 
of the divine.  

and now we ask
that each of us will flourish 
from the deep rootedness 
of the commitment we have made 
to god
to one another
and to the ongoing nurture
of this sacred site.

amen

Written and shared by rob peters, Foothills Mennonite, Camp Valaqua chaplain for this week.

July 2  Mykayla Turner