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.
