Sunday, May 24, 2009
Offered by Victoria G. Curtiss, Associate Pastor

We praise you, Fountain of Love, for pouring forth your blessings throughout creation. The fragrance of lilacs, the shimmering of the lake in sunlight, the warmth of another’s embrace, the laughter of friends all make us glad to be alive. We thank you for your abiding presence in all seasons, through challenging times and periods of ease. Your guiding light and rod of strength lead us toward life abundant, granting us meaning as we offer ourselves for the sake of others.

This Memorial Day weekend, we especially give you thanks for all the men and women who have bravely given themselves through military service. We are grateful for generations of young adults who sacrificed comfort, safety, and the company of family on behalf of our nation. We remember those who have died in battle and those who come home wounded either physically or psychically, traumatized by repeated tours of duty. Help us, O God, to honor and remember what these few have done in service for many. We lift up to you those who this day are in the field. Guard them as they risk their lives. Protect all people. Give us compassion for those we see as enemies who also fight for patriotic causes. Forgive us for any hardness of heart, and make us as eager for agreement as for victory. Grant political leaders your wisdom and vision for harmony so the day of peace comes soon.

We pray for your healing for those who struggle with illness and pain. Comfort all who are grieving, whether their loss relates to death of a loved one, loss of a job, change in a relationship, or lessening of hope in difficult situations. Befriend persons who live alone. Deepen intimacy and commitment between life partners. Bolster parents as they seek to provide wise and loving care day in and out for their children. Open the doors of our churches to welcome strangers.

All this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray, Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church