Sunday, March 14, 2010
Jocelyn C. Cadwallader, Pastoral Resident

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Because we are not strong enough, let us turn our hearts in prayer as we trust the power of Christ’s intercession. Let us pray:

Creating God, you made all things in your wisdom, and in your love you hold us. In your greatness, you have been witness to the paths of our journeys, the paths’ rising and falling, passing through times of joy and passing through times of peril. We recognize these experiences and feel their presence in our lives and give you thanks.

We know that you are strength, O God, in the midst of weakness; we know that you are light in the midst of darkness, life in the midst of fear. This morning, we pray that you might bestow your strength, shine your light, and stand boldly with all those who long for your healing touch. Transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace, and in the renewal of our lives make known your love.

As we gather this morning, O God, we are mindful of those suffering in our world: we are mindful of our loved ones who ail; of our brothers and sisters with no shelter; of those who continue to labor through a war-torn world. We are mindful of those who seek relief from the pressures of life disrupted, whether by natural or human disaster, of life displaced, life injured, yet not destroyed. Prevent your people from laying waste the fruits of your labor, from ravaging your creation, so that all might inherit a world and flourish in relationship brimming with life. O God, make your presence known in the outpouring of your grace and love for your good creation.

God of hope, you have called us to be the church of Jesus Christ, and we pray that you might keep us in one faith and service. We pray that the work and community that takes place in your church, the decisions made, the stories told, the relationships built, might tell of your love to the world and that all may feel the love that you are.

Out of your fullness, we have all received grace upon grace. You are our eternal hope; you are patient and full of mercy; you are generous to all who call upon you, pouring your love into the life of this world.

In all our doings, direct us, O God, with your love, with your grace, and further us with your continual help in all our works, all our life together as your gathered community. We pray all of this in your blessed Child’s name, Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray: Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church