Sunday, July 7, 2002
Offered by John A. Cairns, Dean, Academy for Faith and Life

Eternal God, we give thanks for all that surrounds us this day. For your abundant creation and the fruit of the soil and sunshine; for the beauty of greens and golds, of reds and blues; for the fresh breeze that brings the promise of newness into our tired lives; for each waiting day with its latent treasures. Thank you, Creator God.

We thank you, as well, for the people who surround us. They show us your love as they offer their guidance and support. Their hands reach out to us in times of despair. Their voices offer encouragement; their smiles share affirmation. We are blessed to be in the midst of this caring community. Thank you, nurturing God.

The community that surrounds us also calls forth our prayers of intercession. And so we lift before you this morning the needs of our colleagues and companions. For all those who seek healing, who are broken in mind, in body, or in spirit, may you be their great Physician. For all those who are wrestling with difficult choices or weighing significant decisions, may you be their “wisdom from above.” For all those who stand in harm’s way, may you be their Protector and Defender. For all those who face the pressures of the 40- or 50- or 60-hour workweek that lies ahead, may you be their Anchor in the storm and their “still, small voice of calm.”

O God, these are difficult days in which to live. We find ourselves constantly tempted by lifestyles that are less than faithful, that fail to honor you. Yet even when we try to ignore you, Good Shepherd, you are there. You awaken in us an awareness of your presence. You keep an eye on us. You stand ready to grab us so we do not slip or fall. May we, in our various journeys, be drawn toward you and find there our home.

What we ask for ourselves we also ask earnestly for others, particularly our leaders. May they know your presence when they feel alone; may they sense your strength when they feel threatened; may they hear your call for reconciliation when they shape their policies; may they remember your grace and mercy as they deal with one another. We pray for our president and his cabinet and advisors, for all our legislators, judges, and public officials. We pray, as well, for the leaders of other nations, especially those whose governments are young or whose situations are perilous. We pray, too, for religious leaders, that their leadership may be trustworthy and faithful, offering a beacon of light and hope to an often-discouraged world.

O God, fill all our lives with light and hope. Keep watch over each of us. Empower us with the courage to live what we say we believe. And hear us as we join our voices in the prayer Jesus taught us, saying, Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church