Sunday, July 7, 2013
Offered by Victoria G. Curtiss, Associate Pastor

Ever-present God, we are grateful that you are with us wherever we are, regardless of what is happening in our daily lives or in the events of the world. We praise you for lifting us up when we are discouraged, for renewing our faith when we have doubt, for igniting our hope in despairing times, for assuring us of your love when we feel alone. We praise you that your purposes for the world bring justice to vulnerable people, reconciliation among violent factions, and mercy and forgiveness for all who seek a new life.

We pray that you continue to intervene in our lives in ways that bring peace, growth, healing, comfort, and vitality. Be with the people of Egypt in this time of turmoil and political unrest. Protect lives in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, and our own city neighborhoods, and grant your peace. 

As we celebrate the birth of our nation, we thank you for the rich heritage of democracy and liberty that has been hard fought for and sustained for generations. We are grateful that our land has been a place of opportunity for many. We also pray for our nation. Guide our country to be good and responsible stewards of the immense power we have in the world. Move us to honor the peoples and just governments of other nations. Turn us away from oppression, exploitation, and corruption. Break through partisan barriers to effective government, that decisions are made that benefit the welfare of all, especially the poor. Deepen our embrace of people of many diverse backgrounds in our country, including Native Americans, who were here first. Provide sustenance and safety for immigrants and refugees who flee to other land, including our own, seeking a better life. 

We also lift up to you all who mourn, that your comfort may turn their grief into calm acceptance and bring joy into their lives once again. We pray for those facing illness, that your healing would come to body and spirit. We pray for those without shelter, that they may find a path towards stable housing. We pray for all parents who struggle to feed their children and all who are unemployed, that you would open up economic opportunities for them.

All this we pray confident that you know our needs even better than we. Hear us now as we pray the prayer Jesus taught, saying, Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church