Sunday, August 19, 2012
Offered by Calum I. MacLeod, Executive Associate Pastor

The psalmist says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

Let us pray.

Your world cries out for wisdom rooted in love for you, our God—
wisdom that seeks the good for your people: justice, faithfulness, peace.

May that wisdom truly be found in those places where power is wielded
     in ways that touch daily living in the world.
In the corridors and meeting rooms of the White House,
     may wisdom be present
     guiding and informing the president and his advisers,
     ensuring a culture of support for the neediest and weakest in our society.
Around the halls of Congress,
     may wisdom be present
     that laws may be passed for the betterment of ordinary people
     and not for the benefit of one party or the other.

In the international realm of diplomacy and treaty making,
     may wisdom be present,
     that the community of nations would work for peace in our time,
     for feeding the hungry, for healing disease.

In the church, the very body of Christ,
     may wisdom be present,
     that superstition and religiosity might disappear
     and be replaced by generosity, inclusion and love.
     Always by love.

“And in each of our lives we pray for daily wisdom,
     to focus our lives in serving you in all that we do and are;
     in trusting that even in the darkest of times we face, you are present,
          for the darkness is as light to you.

We pray your blessing on the sick,
     those facing the challenge of mental illness,
     those who seek work,
     the homeless,
     people who are lonely,
     and those who cry out to you in the night to bring the morning.”

With thanksgiving we remember those who have been faithful
     and now find their rest in you, O God, Creator, Redeemer, Provider.

We pray together the Lord’s Prayer: Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church