Prayers of the People
August 21, 2016

Rooted in Christ and rising to serve, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need knowing that God is near us.

God near to us, increase your people’s passion to share how Christ transforms lives. Raise up prophets in your church, Lord, to interpret the word and the world today. We thank You that You love us so much that You have given us the Bible. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God near to us, in creation, you made water the very basis of life as we know it. Let us drink our water with thankfulness, conserve it with care, and demand that fresh water never become a commodity denied to those without enough money. Rain water upon fields and forests in good measure. We pray for scorched places that need rain, those recovering from too much rain, and those needing balance. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God near to us, administer justice. Pour your spirit of compassion and mercy into those who hold the lives of others in their hands. Behold them in His mercy and replenish them by His grace; that all each would lead and walk in Your way. Direct us in the coming months to seek the truth of the candidates, not turn our backs to our civic duty but to engage in prayer for our nation, its leadership and our electoral decisions. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God near to us, give wisdom to our community and this church family. Help us discern your will for our life and ministry together, even when it may divide or challenge us. We pray for all who are persecuted or imprisoned for their beliefs. Keep all of us safe in You in the face of those who resist You. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God near to us, bless and guide all students as the school year begins. Give joy in learning and diligence in study. Strengthen and direct all teachers and aides. Help them to convey true love of their subject matter. Make them gentle disciplinarians, inspiring mentors, and worthy examples to their students. Help all of us to be good examples of Christian faith and be open doors to those young people needing someone to provide guidance and love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God near to us, save us from being overwhelmed by illness and pain of mind, body or spirit. Please lift up all those named upon our hearts, on our church prayers list and loud, as well as their families remembering that Jesus is the Great Physician, who heals all that ails us until that day when there will be no more pain or tears. We thank you for the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us. Gather us with all the saints around your throne on the last day. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God near to us, thank you for being there when we need you most, when we think we don’t need you, and even when we turn our backs on you. Your love is the one thing we can count on, deserved or not. We lift our prayers to you trusting your promise to hear us, in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen