Prayer from Sunday, May 16, 2021

What a wonder O God, the ways you provide for us- you give us your Word to Guide us, Jesus to follow, and sojourners who uplift us and teach us along life’s way.  Loved ones, friends, our community of faith, people who have come before us, all combine into a good soil for us to become rooted in a life of faith to your ways.

We need that soil Holy One, for at times your ways are counter to the ways of the world- for some reason the world prefers grappling for as much as can be taken with violence, oppressing others along the way. You offer a life together of joyous abundance found living in ways of peace, compassion, and loving justice. Not to live only for ourselves and “our own”- but within the vast connective current of love through your diversity of people, places, and practices.

Hear us now as we lift up some of those situations, people, and places where your connections of loving justice and compassion are needed.

Violence is once again reigning over the lands of Israel and Gaza- how long must we pray for peace? Plant and nurture your peace in all those involved, that they may come together in ways to bring your peace and your justice to all the people in those lands.

We are grateful that the trajectory of CoVID infections in this country has turned to the better.  Keep us mindful of those who are still vulnerable among us, so that we still take the precautions needed to keep them safe until is safe for all.

There are still many places where CoVID is ravaging lives- we lift up India, seeking you to guide us to where we have the resource we can and should share to help them save lives, giving us the willingness and compassion to do so. Turn our hearts desire from self-interests to self-giving.

We wonder if it will ever be possible to have conversations around the policies and issue we face that does not end in shouting and further entrenched divisions. Bring us to the place where we recognize what we hold in common and let us start our discussions from there. Drown out the voices of those who prefer to make soundbites and score political points rather than work for what can come from your ways of compassion, liberation, and peace.

As we think of these, we also hold in our hearts situations, places, people, closer to us. Surround all who are hurting in body, mind and spirit with your peace and strength.  Fill those who take care of their needs with not only the skills needed, but compassion for those they care for.

Comfort all who grieve losses this day, of loved ones, of hopes and dreams, of plans and possibilities.  Keep with them even when they cannot recognize your presence, until they can see sparks of joy and hope along with their tears.

We lift all these prayers, as well as the unspoken ones of our hearts and spirits in the name of Jesus.  Amen.