2.19.23 Prayers of Church & Community Westminster Presbyterian Church, Pasadena, CA

Holy God, creator of the heavens and the earth, speak tenderly to us, we pray, for we need to be healed, to be loved, to be given some peace.

Speak forcefully to us, we pray, for we need our emotional defenses breached, our resistance conquered, our reluctance challenged.

Speak quietly to us, we pray … compel us to listen, for there is much we have to learn, much we need to know, O God, to transform our souls, all over again, day-by-day, that we might be ready for the challenges of the hour, the trials of life, moments of loss and sorrow, tragedy and fear.

Speak assuringly to us, we pray … remind us that you are the ultimate love of the universe, a love into which we can place our lives, our daily strivings, our loved ones, and do so, with confidence, dear God, even if the world should turn into darkness and pain.

Speak that we might hear … that we might know … that we might see the glory of Christ …

upon the Mt. of Transfiguration … that we might see Moses and Elijah at his side, that we might see the disciples on that mountain of peace and hope, bewilderment and wonder … and, there, to see ourselves, lost and found, blind and sighted, with Christ on the Mt, and with Christ in the valley … and with Christ all around the town.

We have given our lives to you, O God … and you have received us with boundless love and joy - by your Holy Spirit, you lead us upon the pathways of life … you forgive us in our failures, you restore us in times of loss and hurt, you assure us when we’re discouraged and frightened, you strengthen us when we stumble and lift us up when we’re tired … you bring us to rest when the day is done … and to eternal rest, when mortal life is ended.

We pray for President Jimmy Carter and his family … we give thanks for his life and work … in all such things, dear God, you guide him to the gates of heaven, and beyond. You are a faithful and loving God.

For this day, O God, we are grateful … we are glad to be here, to be with one another, to hear the gospel, to sing the songs of Zion, to celebrate Mardi Gras, kick up our heels a bit, as the saints come marching in.

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.