Sunday, June 28, 2009
Offered by Victoria G. Curtiss, Associate Pastor

We praise you, Creator of the universe, for loving us beyond measure. We cannot count the blessings you have showered upon us. We thank you for the earth so finely tuned to nourish abundant life; loved ones who deepen our gladness to be alive; meaningful ways to express ourselves; strong bodies that recover and heal; opportunities to show our care for others; wisdom that grows with age; forgiveness that frees us to start anew.

The expansiveness of your embrace both welcomes us and challenges us to open our hearts and minds to others. We lift up to you those who are treated as if they do not belong, the outsiders of our day: the homeless and the poor, people who struggle with mental illness, the unemployed, those hurt by racism, those whose gender or sexual orientation are a roadblock, persons of other religious traditions. Disclose to each of us our own barriers so that we may repent and so that our society may be recalibrated. Give us courage as your church intentionally to become more pluralistic and to reach out and stand in solidarity with all your people.

We pray for all who struggle with illness or are recovering from surgery. We lift up to you all who mourn. We offer up all who are in need of your healing presence.

Guide the leaders of all nations, O God, that life may be cherished and the ideals and voices of the people honored. Where there is violence, bring your peace, especially in Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, and Sudan. Strengthen the disarmament efforts in Northern Ireland and bless our own youth group this coming week while they are there on a mission trip. Shine your light into the dark corners of despair that your children throughout the world might live in hope and joy.

Hear us now as we pray as Jesus taught, Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church