Thank you Lord for vaccines and sunny days; the sounds of children playing, a casual encounter with friends, flowers pushing up through the earth, a good meal.
For all these things that give us hope.
Don’t let the gun shots, the hurt that fills our hearts, the hate that spews through our media, or the uncertainty that surrounds us, take that hope away.
Help us to focus on the many signs of your presence in our world, and reach out to others in love and compassion.
Lead us forward O Lord.
Amen
Today we pray for all those who are sick and dying, the grieving, and those in the healing professions. And as we ask for both wisdom and courage to navigate both our politics and pandemic, we share this Prayer for Putting on a Mask, composed by The Right Reverend Richard Bott who is the current Moderator of the United Church of Canada. May it strengthen our resolve and connection with our neighbors, whenever we wear our masks, and our awareness of the love and generosity of others when we see them wear theirs.
Creator,
as I prepare to go into the world,
help me to see the sacrament
in the wearing of this cloth –
let it be “an outward sign
of an inward grace” –
a tangible and visible way
of living love for my neighbours,
as I love myself.
Christ,
since my lips will be covered,
uncover my heart,
that people would see my smile
in the crinkles around my eyes.
Since my voice may be muffled,
help me to speak clearly,
not only with my words,
but with my actions.
Holy Spirit,
as the elastic touches my ears,
remind me to listen carefully –
and full of care –
to all those I meet.
May this simple piece of cloth
be shield and banner,
and each breath that it holds,
be filled with your love.
In your Name
and in that love,
I pray.
May it be so.
May it be so.
Amen.
Forgive us our inattention, Lord, to the suffering of others.
Forgive us our willingness to ignore oppression when it brings us economic gain.
Forgive us our inclination to hoard our time, talent, and treasure and to distract ourselves with trivial entertainments.
Open our eyes Lord. Show us how we can reallocate our wealth, and strengthen us to follow-through. (Lev. 25:8-17).
Open our hearts Lord. Teach us how to share and care for one another. (Acts 2:44-47, 4:32-35).
Open our minds Lord, that we might not be misled by the temptations of this world.
Help us to discern and pursue the riches of your kingdom that we might live in peace and prosper as one people, one country. (Luke 12:13-21, 1 Timothy 6:6-16, Proverbs 3:13-18, 27).
Forgive us, and guide us O Lord.
Amen
Lord, give us the courage to move forward and not fall back –
Give us the courage to challenge –
Give us the courage to bridge our divides and work together to build a future better than our past –
Guide us O Lord, teach us your paths, show us your ways, guide us in your truth and give us hope. (Ps. 25:4-5).
Amen
“Christ is risen! Raise your spirits, from the caverns of despair. Walk with gladness in the morning. See what love can do and dare.”
Brian Wren, 1986. Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna! Chalice Hymnal, #222.
Lord support and guide us as we work to heal the sick, comfort the grieving, shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, reach out to the lonely, and support the unemployed. Help us to think beyond our fears, find joy in those around us, and work for a more peaceful and prosperous world for all. Help us embrace and share the hope that flows from your love, O Lord. Amen
Prayers For Our Country 