Sunday, August 14, 2011
Offered by Victoria G. Curtiss, Associate Pastor

Loving Creator, the wonder of your world surrounds us each day, nurturing our spirits with the beauty of nature and of loving relationships. We praise you for the gifts of our health, our work, times of recreation and renewal, family and friends, and moments of awe. Make us ever grateful, that we not take you or your blessings for granted or approach life with a deficit mindset.

We praise you that you care for us, personally and globally. We thank you for international and ecumenical relationships among Christians here and abroad and for your work towards reconciliation in many places.

We lift up to you all who suffer this day: those without hope of finding employment, those who cope with chronic pain, people challenged by mental illness or feeling ostracized by society, brothers and sisters who seek handouts on the streets. We pray for all who are grieving, for those who are beset with illness, and for others who have lost their way. May your healing presence liberate and empower your people to thrive.

In this fragile economy, we pray for all who are in positions of influence—in government, banking, corporations, and industry. Grant these leaders wisdom and commitment to the long-term welfare of the public, in our own country and around the world. As wars and other forms of violence persist, open the ways toward peace and resolution, and protect those who are in harm’s way. As the school year begins, we pray for educators and administrators, that you strengthen them to stay true to the core purpose of teaching young people skills in academics as well as for life. Guide us to allocate financial resources for the highest impact.

All this we pray in confidence of your loving involvement in the unfolding history of your earth and all its peoples. Hear us now as we pray the prayer that Jesus taught: Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church