Sunday, August 12, 2007
Offered by Martha Langford, Pastoral Resident

Almighty God, you have promised to hear when we pray in the name of your Son. Therefore in confidence and trust we lift up our prayers.

We pray for the world.

Creator of all, lead us and every people into ways of justice and peace, that we may respect one another in freedom and truth. Awaken in us a sense of wonder for the earth and all that is in it. Teach us to care creatively for its resources.

Guide the rulers of the nations. Move them to set aside fear, greed, and vain ambition and bow to your sovereign rule. Inspire them to strive for peace and justice, so that all your children may freely enjoy the earth you have made.

We pray for the church.

O God, enliven the church for its mission, that we may be the salt of the earth and light to the world. Breathe fresh life into your people. Give us power to reveal Christ in word and action.

Break down the barriers that divide, so that united in your truth and love the church may confess your name, share one baptism, sit together at one table, and serve you in one common ministry.

We pray for the community.

God of truth, inspire with your wisdom those whose decisions affect the lives of others, that all may act with integrity and courage. Give grace to all whose lives are linked with ours. May we serve Christ in one another and love as he loves us.

Remove hate and prejudice from us and from all people so that your children may be reconciled with those we fear, resent, or threaten and that we may live together in your peace.

We pray for those in need.

God of hope, comfort and restore all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. May they know the power of your healing love. Make us willing agents of your compassion. Strengthen us as we share in making people whole.

Uphold those who wait this day on a word of hope and restoration: for the miners trapped in collapsed mines and for their families; for those who serve in our nation’s armed services in time of war and for their families; for those public servants who protect us and our families and our homes.

We pray for those who have died and those who mourn.

We remember with thanksgiving those who have died in the faith of Christ and those whose faith is known to you alone. Loving God, into your hands we commend them. Give comfort to those who mourn; fill the emptiness of their loss with your boundless peace.

We pray for ourselves and our ministry.

Lord, you have called us to serve you. Grant that we may minister in your name, with your love in our hearts, your truth in our minds, your strength in our wills, until, at the end of our journey, we know the joy of our homecoming and the welcome of your embrace.

We ask these things through Jesus Christ our Lord, who taught us to pray, saying, Our Father . . .

(Prayer adapted from Book of Common Worship Prayers of the People A, C, D, G.)

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church