Sunday, May 31, 2009
Offered by Linda C. Loving, Minister for Evangelism

Holy God, Breath of Life, send your Spirit upon us and
     awaken us, amaze us,
Enliven our spirits and stir our prayers to new depths of trust
     and honesty
     and fervor.
You who are the wind who makes all winds blow;
You, who are our father, our mother, our past, our future,
     blow out untruths, and insecurities, and uncertainties, and injustices—
     so that we might breathe in newness of life
     and share the passion of the earliest disciples,
     knowing that even this very day you empower us in mysterious ways to
     be your church in a chaotic world.
 
A world of such clamor of cultures and countries,
     such complexity
     and nuance of politics and power, of poverty and pretense—
     yet your mercy breaks through . . . each human being your precious child.
 
God of compassion, you leave no one orphaned, in spite of the orphans we create
     through wars,
     abuse,
     disease,
     neglect.
             You leave no one orphaned; sustain all.
 
So it is we seek your blessing, in particular this day, for those who are alone and without community, as well for those who feel alone, even in the midst of community because of weighty decisions or economic crisis or illness or secrets.
 
Grant peace in the hearts of all people, all communities.
 
May this church, and your church in every place, reflect your love and concern,
     your goodness and grace.
 
May all trust the mighty power of your Holy Spirit and contribute to your reign of unity and love, when and where it is least expected. You are before us, Lord, and we are holding our breath, awaiting the wind of your Spirit, which brings healing, hope, peace, perspective, joy, possibility. Blow us off course if you must, so that we once again find our way to an astonishing understanding of why we draw breath at all. Hear our gratitude that we are yours forever. We ask these things in the gentle spirit and fierce obedience of Jesus, the Christ, who taught us to pray in his name, Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church