November 12, 2023

Offered by Lucy Forster-Smith, Senior Associate Pastor

Even before we call on your name, O God, you are there. Yes, you come to us unbidden, because you long to reach us. In the garden of Eden, O God, when the first couple tried to hide from you, your reaching love came searching for them. And in our days, Gracious One, when many things drive us from your presence, you are there, steady, waiting, longing for us, for this world, to be right, as you created it good.

On this Veterans’ Day weekend, O gracious God, we are grateful for those who have served in this country’s armed forces. We know that this is a special calling and realize that such service brings assurance to us the deep and abiding values of honor, duty, serving, and yearning for peace. We are grateful for their contribution to the well-being of this land. And we hold before you those who died in serving this country — siblings, moms, dads, friends. Comfort those who hold loss on this day, O God. Be a harbor of hope, and make us agents, ambassadors of your hope, each and every day.

We realize that many things get in the way of your grace, O God, and yet we dare to hold expectations that peace will prevail. We are grateful that you call us to specific acts of harboring — specifically, to be a home for those who are far from their homeland. For our refugee family who sought a homeland far from their land of origin, we are so grateful. We give thanks that you call us, O God, to hold the way open for all to be welcome in this church, that they could make a new start in this city and that they could find a place of safety, solace, and hope. As one whose parents sheltered you as a small infant, O Christ, traveling to a land far from their home, you know the power of place. May each of our homes embody your radical hospitality, awakening joy.

And, O God, please awaken deep peace and hope in this warring world, particularly in the Middle East, this day, O God. We pray that your vision of swords being turned into plowshares, spears into pruning hooks, would give way to a little child, who leads us to a rich, wondrous, plentiful peace.

We pray, yes with urgency, never giving up on this world, because you never give up on us. We pray this through Jesus, who taught us to pray saying, Our Father …

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church