PRAYER GATHERING 

 

Scripture:

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

      -- Zephaniah 3:17(NIV)  

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

     --Philippians 4:6-7 (NRSV)

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Call to Prayer (from Lectio 365 app)

As we enter prayer now, pause to be still;

to breathe slowly;

to re-center scattered senses upon the presence of God.

 

 

 

Heavenly Father,

 

When we reflect on how you have supported and cared for us in the past,

we cannot fail to give you thanks.

When we consider the way you give us courage and help for each new day,

we are filled with a sense of gratitude and praise.

What a comfort it is, to know the love and support you bring to us

through your Son and by your Spirit.

 

God,

You have called us to be a people of prayer—

to continue the ministry of intercession handed on to us

by Jesus Christ Himself.

Bring stillness to our hearts,

empty our minds of other things

and direct our thoughts to those who especially need our prayers.

 

We come before You with confidence,

bringing our prayers for the world You love.

We believe that You are merciful, and that You hear us and answer. 

 

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We pray for those who, like Jesus’ disciples,

find themselves surrounded by high winds and stormy seas;

those who feel overwhelmed by events and circumstances—

the loss of a job,

the death of a loved one,

serious accident or illness,

chronic pain,

depression, fear, loneliness, anxiety,

or divorce—

and who don’t know where to turn.

 

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for those who, like Joseph,

find themselves deeply wounded by people they love—

people they thought they knew and trusted—

and who are struggling to know how to respond.

 

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for those who, like Peter,

are experiencing a crisis of faith;

who long to whole-heartedly trust in God

but are held back by questions and doubts.

 

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for those who, like the prophet Elijah,

have fallen into despair;

who have begun to doubt God’s presence and power;

or question God’s call in their lives.

 

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for those who, like Joseph,

have had their hopes and dreams crushed;

those whose lives have suddenly taken a different turn,

and who now wonder what lies ahead for them.

 

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Through the life-giving power of Your Holy Spirit,

make Your sustaining presence be known to all who are in pain or need,

so that they may know Your love and peace.

 

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer

 

 

 

 

Most merciful Father,

send your heavenly blessings upon your Church,

that all its members may live together in unity and love.

Keep us from self-centeredness and greed.

Keep us from judging one another; help us to accept each other.

Help us to accept your  grace,

and may that grace be reflected in all our words and deeds.

Fill us with love and compassion for one another and for all people.

 

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

 

 

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God of hope, we come to you in the midst of a nation full of troubles.

Although the darkness is powerful, open our eyes to the light of your presence, which overcomes all darkness.

Give us faith to stand against voices of division and violence.

 Give us courage to put the needs of others ahead of our own.

 Give us wisdom in decision-making.

Free us from anger, agitation, racism, and hatred.

 Let there be peace-- peace flowing in us, through us, and among us.

Give us genuine love and respect for all people, without regard for perceived differences.

Empower us to be good and loving neighbors.

Lead us to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and clothe those in need.

Strengthen those in the professional medical community, teachers and school administrators, parents and students, and all those in helping professions.

 

Bring healing to the sick and comfort to the grieving.

Through your Spirit remake us into hope-filled disciples, discovering lives attuned to your wonder, and sparking in others a desire to know you more.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

 

 

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We have heard your call to share in building up the Kingdom of God. Fill us with the desire to change ourselves and to change the world. Enflame our passion for justice into a commitment to address unjust situations and structures. Deepen our concern for our sisters and brothers everywhere who endure the burdens of poverty, war, illness, exploitation and persecution. Let us enthusiastically play our part in the mission of the Church in the modern world.

Banish any complacency in our hearts and minds. Teach us to recognize the lack of justice. May we always act in the spirit of justice. May we envision, pray about and create a different sort of world in which injustice is replaced with a renewed sense of solidarity and care. Enlivened by the Spirit, may we go forth in the peace of the Holy Spirit to love and serve the Lord.

We pray for an end to this pandemic. Give our medical professionals the knowledge, wisdom, and resources necessary to care for and cure all people. Give our governments wisdom to implement  the opportunities, answers, and gifts You provide.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy Friend, while we have been praying,

you have been busy answering our petitions

with  incomparable wisdom and unending love.

Thank you.

 

And all God’s people said: Amen!

 

 

 

 

 

Benediction:

 

Go in peace.

 

Wash your hands.

 

Love your neighbors.

 

You are not alone.

 

Amen