Sunday, June 21, 2009
Offered by Thomas C. Rook, Parish Associate

Strong and faithful Lord, as we come to you in these moments, we ask you to refresh our spirits. We confess that we have too often sought nourishment in food that does not satisfy, in drink that does not quench our deepest thirst. You know, O Lord, how we can wander into winding valleys of misdirection and lose sight of you, our Good Shepherd. Guide us anew, gracious Lord, into those green pastures and to that living water that you provide generously and without cost.

Although we readily acknowledge your power, O Lord, we can sometimes lose a lively assurance in your goodness and mercy. And so we can find ourselves carrying burdens of regret, of what we have done and what we have left undone. Reassure us that, in your redeeming love, you redeem even our life history as you shape us finally into the image of Christ.

Remind us this morning, gracious Lord, of your steadfastness throughout our lives,
     your strength in preserving us in times of uncertainty, illness, and loss;
     your faithfulness in finding us and bringing us back home;
     your presence during times when we have lived in fear—
          fear of what is happening and fear of what might happen.
Within all our difficulties, speak again to the winds and waves of our anxious hearts your word of authority, “Peace! Be still!”

On this Father’s Day, we give special thanks for our fathers who have provided strong and faithful care for us and for all parents who build good and secure homes for their children. Thank you for others in parental positions—school teachers and Sunday School teachers, tutors and coaches, aunts and uncles. We give you thanks, O God, for all who guide and shape our children.

In these days of peoples struggling for fairness and freedoms—in the tents of Darfur, in the protests of Tehran, in the tough streets of Chicago—grant to leaders of countries and cities, of corporations and of this congregation, the wisdom and goodwill and vision that ultimately come from you. Stay always beside us, our loving Shepherd. In our times of danger, guard our lives; in times of temptation, guard our souls. May we always and in every circumstance acknowledge you as Lord of our lives.

Hear, O Lord, these thoughts and the unspoken prayers of each heart here today. And now we join our voices, praying the words of the Lord’s Prayer: Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church