As we join together as one body in prayer for the all of God’s creations, the faithful and faithless, public and private, let us center our minds and lift open our hearts beginning with a moment of silence.

To you, O God, we lift up all humankind. Flood our world with a desire for peace. Guide the leaders of every nation. Instill in their hearts the desire for peace and justice, in the lands they govern and with their neighbors. Especially be present with the servants of this country at home and abroad, as they work to keep peace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

As the summer season nears, we pray for those who need rest from their labors. May this be a time of physical, mental and spiritual renewal. We also pray for those whose hours of work lengthen. Grant them stamina and perseverance as they work for the sake of their neighbors who rely on the fruit of their labor. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

To you, O God, we lift up our confusion. We sometimes lose heart in the face of evils and obstacles that seem too great to endure. We see brokenness in the lives of those we love and in our own lives as well. Show us that these things will pass away and are momentary afflictions in the expanse of eternal life. Blessed are those that question the truth only to find, the truth has always been in you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

As this church examines new projects and ministries, we pray for New Beginnings Lutheran Church, family, visitors and Pastor Oman. Stir up the passion of all those in this congregation to not remain complacent in the comforts but to do our work in seeking out opportunity to serve our neighbors, invite those that have fallen away from church or who have never been offered the opportunity. Guide us all to explore the possibilities and be worthy of your future blessings. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

To you, O God, we lift up to you all in need of your healing and calming touch and peace to those whose minds race with worry or confusion. We lift up each person on our prayer list and named in our hearts. May each person and their family experience the peace which passes all understanding, as they put their trust and hope in you. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

As the shadows of their lives lengthen and the voices of this world become hushed, be present with those who are near death. Awaken them to the breath-taking reality of your heavenly kingdom. Comfort those who mourn with the promise of resurrection and new life through Christ. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

To you, O God, we lift up all these prayers. As we move forward into the next week may we each remember there is one thing which we can’t live without: the presence of Jesus Christ; the One who shows us God; the One who feels our heart; the One who is touchable, approachable and reachable. The God who is here. Amen