Prayers of the People - August 23, 2015

Almighty God, creator of things seen and unseen, redeemer of our lives and your world, sustainer of your spirit of mercy and grace, the heavens declare your glory, the earth sings of your abundance, and our lives bear witness to your love. 

In this space, at this moment, speaking of such things is easy. We sit surrounded by a community which has chosen to gather on this day to sing, to listen, and to pray. And we give you thanks for moments like these. 

However, it is not always easy. We often ignore the difficult work toward which you have called us as well as the people all around us who you ask us to love with our words and our deeds. Lord, within the uneven terrain of our confused motives and intentions help us to find your way and the one thing you are asking us to do especially when we find the task most arduous. 

We pray and ask that our prayers become more than words. We ask that they become the heart of our actions. 

God of all, 

for those on the margins and those who are marginalized, we pray for your mercy and justice; 

for those who carry the burden of displacement and loss, we pray for your comfort and presence; 

for those who have heard bad news and suffer the pain of disease, we pray for your hope and healing; 

for those in war-torn countries and worrisome circumstances, we pray for your peace and relief; 

for those who serve our community and country in offices, on the streets, and overseas, we pray for wisdom and safety; 

for the helpers and the healers, we pray for strength of spirit and renewal in their work; 

for the students and the teachers, we pray for inquisitive minds and open hearts; 

for us, your church, we pray that our hearts would be full of your love and our hands would be agents of your grace bearing your light to the world. Help us, O God, as we seek you and the one thing we have been uniquely called to do with our eyes fixed on Jesus for the common good of all. 

And teach us to pray, as you once taught your disciples 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.