Sunday, July 20, 2014
Offered by Victoria G. Curtiss, Associate Pastor

Scripture says, “We do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words” (Romans 8:26). I am going to lead you in a bidding prayer, in which I will lift up a particular concern and then leave silence for you to pray your own words, or simply allow the Spirit to sigh within you. Let us pray:

Gracious God, we are grateful that you care for us and that through the power of your Holy Spirit you manifest your purposes through history and move in our everyday lives. There is much brokenness in your world, O God, and we are in need of your presence, your healing, your compassionate guidance.

We ask for your strength and peace of mind for all who are struggling with illness or chronic conditions . . .

We ask that you comfort all who grieve the loss of loved ones, including passengers and flight crew on the Malaysian Airlines plane . . .

We pray that you would bring peace wherever there are warring factions—in Russia, the Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, Iraq, and Syria . . .

We pray for the Christians in Iraq, who face increasing persecution, and also for increased respect and tolerance among people of different religions . . .

We ask that you strengthen the efforts of peacemakers everywhere, whether among gangs in our own city, citizens who live next door to one another, or the leaders of nations negotiating with Iran about its nuclear capability . . .

We lift up to you children who are migrating into our country and others throughout the world who are either refugees or immigrants, that you would protect and provide for them, wherever they are . . .

We pray for the thousands whose lives are burdened by poverty, which leaves them few if any good options for a more hopeful future . . .

We pray for your church, that we may be like salt of the earth and light shining your love and hope in the darkness . . .

All this we pray with confidence and hope, in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray together: Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church