Sunday, February 28, 2016
Offered by Victoria G. Curtiss, Associate Pastor

O God in whom we dwell, O God who dwells within and among us, hear our prayer. You call us to be ambassadors of Christ to further your ministry of reconciliation. That is a tall order, for we are not always truly “at home” even with you or ourselves. We are grateful for your discipline as a wise parent and for your patience, your unwavering loyalty, and your hope in us. You have not allowed us to stray too far from your will. We thank you for embracing us when we turn back to you after squandering your trust and gifts to us. We pray that your welcoming us home unleashes compassion in our own hearts for others.

We lift up to you any places of alienation—in our hearts and in our world—where your healing power is needed to help us live in harmony. Make us aware of where we harbor hard feelings towards another, feelings we have carried far too long. Move us to repent, to seek forgiveness and to offer it, to let go and embrace a new chapter. Whether we need reconciling with those close to us or those who seem like our enemies, we ask that you strengthen us to return to you, come home to ourselves, to remember all members of our family, to love one another.

Soften the polarization between political parties, that our nation’s governing officials will fulfill their charge to govern and work for the benefit of the common good.

Deepen the desire of people in our own neighborhood who live on either side of Division Street to cross the street and build community with one another.

Lead gang members and soldiers to put down their weapons and seek peace. Sustain the ceasefire in Syria. Strengthen relations between our police officers and the communities they serve.

Teach respect for older generations in the young, and open the elders to work in solidarity with the young.

Guide all of us to work for justice wherever race has been a barrier. Make your people one. All this we pray in Jesus’ name. Who taught us to pray, Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church