Almighty God, creator of the heavens and the earth, we give thanks for this moment of worship, some respite and diversion from the stresses and strains of the day … a place wherein we take a breath, breath in deeply the goodness of your love, the hope of your mercy, the guidance of your Holy Spirit.
We pray today for our nation - beset with violence of the worst kind, the death of innocent people, death prompted by terrible politics and twisted religion.
O LORD, have mercy upon our land - give us women and men of strong conscience, leaders devoted to the proposition that all are created equal - and none shall be left behind.
We pray, as well, for the land of Ukraine … for all of Europe, for NATO, for Russia … may the hostilities be brought to a just and fair end … may peace be restored … may the rebuilding begin … may life and liberty be returned.
We pray for our families today …
We pray for those in need of healing and hope …
We pray our church …
Refresh us, we pray, with the good news of Christ … not simply for our ease, but rather for our purpose - that we might face today with faith, tomorrow with peace and hope … whatever the challenge may be, O God - to right a wrong, to encourage a friend, to face down a lie, to lift up the truth.
This day, O God, is yours … in the coming and going of worship … in song and prayer, with tithes and offerings … in just such a day, O LORD, we learn of the six days to come - six days to labor and do all that we must. Until we gather again in the household of praise, in the great rhythm of work and rest … O God, keep us safe and sound, in mind and body, heart and soul.
In the name of our LORD Jesus Christ who taught us to pray, saying:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment