Free us Lord from our despair, that we might find hope.
Free us Lord from our quarreling, that we might find peace.
Free us Lord from our denials, that we might understand and live into our reality.
Free us from our prejudices, that we might find ways for all to thrive.
Free us from our fears, that we might trust in you.
Free us O Lord, from these shackles of our own making.
Guide us, and help us find our way forward.
Amen
We thank you Lord for those who build your kingdom –
Bless all of these who are doing your kingdom work here and now.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Amen
Lead us O Lord, through the divisive rhetoric, appeals to fear, misinformation, and other deceits of our political times.
Help us to trust in you and follow your paths.
Awaken us O Lord, to the world as it is and to our own role in its suffering.
Help us to see the possibilities for peace and future prosperity for all.
Create with us O Lord, a democracy and a country where all might thrive.
Let us not be deceived or turned from your ways.
Amen
Today’s prayer is an adaptation of Ps. 33:18-22 that appeared in The Book of Family Prayer by Robert Webber (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1986.)
Lord, we believe Your eye is upon those who fear You,
Those who have hope in You.
Lord, we wait upon you;
For You are our help and our shield.
Our hearts rejoice in You
Because we have trusted in your holy name.
Lord, let Your mercy be upon us
As we hope on You,
And send upon us
Your Holy Spirit, we pray.
Amen
“God of light, eternal and bright shining, do not allow the noises and shadows of this fleeting world confuse us.” – Clare of Assisi (1194-1253)
Lord, as our routines are disrupted, our diversions disappear, and our futures grow increasingly uncertain, guide us through our fear, anger, and confusion.
Help us to trust in you.
As we sort through our media feeds, listen to the talking heads, and receive conflicting advice, focus us on what is true and hopeful and kind.
Give us a discerning spirit, O Lord.
As we seek to stay connected in community, help us find peace and comfort in what we can do and share, knowing that you walk closely with us in all things.
Help us to persevere, O Lord.
Amen
The people wanted a king (1 Samuel 8).
A king to rule over them,
to fight their battles,
to direct them, and so
to salve their conscience.
They rejected God. They ignored God’s warning. They demanded a king.
And the king led them astray.
Lord save us from our love of easy answers.
Save us from our love of battle.
And save us from our desire to anoint a king.
Strengthen us O Lord in the hard work of citizenship.
Help us to trust in you, and guide us in your ways.
Amen.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Lord, forgive us our desire to control our future, and help us to put our trust in you. Help us to put aside hurt, anger and fear, and accept your love and discipline (Pr. 3:12). Help us move beyond past choices and mistakes and move forward, supported by your forgiveness. Help us to help one another. And as we struggle to find the way forward, both individually and collectively, help us to pray as our Savior taught us: “yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42). Be our strength and shield, and guide us O Lord.
Amen
Prayers For Our Country 