Sunday, April 3, 2016
Offered by Judith L. Watt, Associate Pastor

God of our ancestors, Artist of this universe, Hope for our world, thank you. Thank you for coming through our locked doors of pride and isolation when our fears overwhelm us. Thank you for revealing yourself to the disciples, when all they could think of was their grief. Thank you for your patience with Thomas and with us in all of our desire for proof and despite all of the doubts we carry.

We pray for our world and ask that you restore in us a love of the earth you created, an appreciation for all it gives to us each day. Help us as a people move steadily toward healing the rivers and streams, the air we breathe, the forests where all manner of creatures dwell and a myriad of creations bloom.

Move our lawmakers to provide fair pay for honest work, jobs for people of all levels of education, and equity in practices of hiring. Allow the leaders of the school system and the teachers union and the state lawmakers to make decisions that are the best decisions for the children of our city.

O God, you know that our world still suffers from racism and sexism and ageism, that discrimination continues to exist everywhere. All we ask is that you make us mindful of when our views of the world become static and self-serving. Open our hearts to the possibility that some of our judgments may be wrong and some of our actions may be insensitive. Give us humble hearts and courage for honest conversation.

Lord Jesus, you know our own needs before we ask, but we ask nonetheless. We pray for the children in our lives, no matter their age, and ask that you hear us as in a moment of silence we name them before you.

We pray for our friends who are in the throes of grief over loss or who face serious illness and ask that you hear us now as we name them before you.

We pray for ourselves and lift up our own worries to you. Hear us as we name those in silence.

Spirit of the Living God, give us peace and remind us that you are here. Help us to see you this week, to take note, to experience the beauty of this earth or touch the shoulder of a friend or hear your grace in the word someone speak to us. We pray all of this in the name of our Savior, saying together, Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church