Sunday, April 19, 2009
Offered by Thomas C. Rook, Parish Associate

Holy risen Lord, the fountain of goodness and truth in our lives, as you triumph over the defeat of death, so you give us promise of new life and new beginnings. Although we cannot know what lies ahead, we can have confidence that you faithfully walk beside us—in times of beauty and promise and also in those times when life’s path becomes rough and uncertain.

We thank you today, gracious Lord, for those who enjoy a sense of purpose, who find your blessings in their work and play, within the embrace of family and friends. Equally, we are mindful of those of us who are dispirited in work or disappointed in relationships. We pray you refresh our spirits and strengthen our sense of worth as your own beloved children.

We thank you, Lord of life, for those who are blessed with good health this day. At the same time, we pray your special care for ones of us who live with bodily pain or disability or chronic illness. Reassure us that we can lean with confidence on your strong arm to hold us. And we give thanks for all who extend a hand to help and a heart to care for ones in need today.

Within this faith community, Fourth Presbyterian Church, we thank you, O Lord, for all who seek to be more faithful disciples of Christ, for all in this congregation who generously give of themselves in wisdom and resources, with tender heart and hard work, to promote the advancement of your kingdom in this place and beyond.

Even in the midst of our gratitude, gracious Lord, we also experience dismay in our hearts as we live within a conflicted world, as we see the human tragedies in the Sudan and Afghanistan, in Palestine and Israel. And even here in our own city of Chicago—how many days this year have already brought the violent death of young people, hardly before their lives were well begun. Save us from despair and cynicism as we seek answers to profound and painful problems. We turn to you in whom we trust.

Remembering your promise that you will never forsake us, urge us forward on the venture of life within a profound sense of our need for you, expecting, as your people, not some easy way but remaining confident in your strong presence.

Fortify our courage and strength for the difficult places, but not so much strength that we feel sufficient within ourselves and look not to you for our greatest confidence.

Grant us hope for the way ahead, but not so much hope in our own powers that we locate our ultimate security outside you.

Give us assurance over our doubts and uncertainty of heart, but not so much surety that our faith is reduced to empty certitudes, claiming a corner on your truth and holding of little account the faith of others.

And so, our Master and our greatest Friend, mindful that, at the last, our security lies in you or nowhere, and relying not so much on our faith as on your faithfulness, we now pray in one voice our Lord’s Prayer: Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church