PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE

We give thanks, Creator, for Holy Love, for all the joy in our lives and in the World, for the vast “yes” of Your daring love that echoes through the ages. Our hearts tremble in delight when we realize again what beauty, what kindness, what goodness there is. The smell of holiday baking, the joy of summer vacations, sunshine and beauty, all bring wonder to our spirits and praise to our lips.

We pray joy for people here and everywhere: for all who wait for the yes of acceptance, of healing, of forgiveness; for all who work promoting diversity; for the members, friends, and leaders of this congregation; for all who wait in refugee camps, church basements, and shelters; for all who are in need of adequate food or housing; for all who wait for news, for peace, for a reunion with loved ones.

We pray the blessings of Your grace for peoples waiting, desperate for the yes of love, living in fear, under siege, imprisoned, held hostage, wounded, or bereaved in so many war-torn places: Iran, Palestine, Congo, Sudan; for all living under dictatorships or autocratic governments, not free to dance, pray, dress, or love as they wish; for all who are threatened by environmental catastrophe; and for all coping with troubling memories or current distress.

We also remember all those known to us in need of healing and peace. We pray for ourselves in a time of transition, uncertainty, and want that joy may come on fluttering wings, visiting each of us and everyone.  As we go forward together to live your vision of hope, peace, and love, may we continue to respond to the yes of grace. Right now, the way is shrouded, unclear, but the destination beckons with warmth and life.

May the vision we sense in Jesus shine like a beacon for each of us and for this community of faith: all who are hungry being filled in body and soul, the vision of justice coming for all who are lowly and hungry, and racism, militarism, and enmity banished.

Let our waiting be eager and patient. Let it lighten our fears and our faces. 

And we gather all our prayers together into the prayer Jesus taught us:  

The Lord’s Prayer: 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen