Prayers of the People
by Ann Morrill
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name.
Lord, hear our prayer and let our cries come to you…
For the Church Universal, its members, and the mission of God…
We pray for a renewed sense of purpose, calling and identity. Remind us, Father that across all borders, oceans and plains, we are one people – called to citizenship in your kingdom, united by the common purpose and mission of bringing your love to this earth.
Father, we thank you that your kingdom is not bound by any geography, is not defined by any flag, nor called to allegiance to any human leader. Remind us to pray for those leaders across the world who have the power to stir up trouble or foment peace. But, Father, keep our hope in you – the one who broke down barriers between male and female, rich and poor, Jew and Greek. Help us to be a model to the world of how to love and live in harmony with our neighbors regardless of our differences. Remind us that our hope lies not in institutions or movements but in you alone. Drive us to our knees.
Lord, hear our prayer and let our cries come to you
Father, we pray for our WORLD …
A world that displays both the magnificence of your creative power and the poverty of war, sickness and pain. Father, we ask that you intervene on behalf of those hurt by war, violence and poverty.
In places of war, show yourself mighty.
Defeat those who would harm others.
Defend the defenseless.
Foil the plans of the evil.
Bring peace to those living in fear.
Burden leaders everywhere with a renewed call to stewardship. Remind them that all good gifts come from you and are given to be shared.
Father, stir the hearts of people everywhere; create in them – in us -- an insatiable desire
To seek you
To love others
Lord, hear our prayer and let our cries come to you...
On behalf of our nation, state and city…
We pray for healing in the aftermath of a very divisive election. Give those who won – at all levels – a sense of humility and a burden for peace. Inspire them with a passion for what is good and right and just.
Give those who lost wisdom to act with dignity, honor and courage.
Silence those whose words would elicit fear or stir up strife.
Embolden those who seek unity.
Replace our urge to speak with an imperative to listen.
In the days ahead, empower vigorous debate about principles and policies that matter.
But, in the end, remind us that what unites us is greater than what divides us
We pray for our new leaders at every level.
May they assume leadership with a sober sense of their responsibility for all under their care.
Give them ears to listen and eyes to see
Give them hearts of compassion and courage to seek solutions that lift all your people.
As they reflect on the magnitude of their charge, make them humble.
Remind them of their need for your guidance.
Give them the courage to seek the input of others and wisdom to discern right from wrong, better from best in what they hear.
Raise up people in every community who put the good of their neighbors above themselves. Help them act with wisdom and grace.
Restore order and hope because you are the author of hope
Lord, hear our prayer and let our cries come to you… In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.