Gracious God, in love You created us, and in love You sustain us, day after day.
So it is with confidence that we bring our prayers to You, knowing that You hear us, and will respond.
We offer our prayers for the world you love.
We pray for those who find themselves in bondage: those oppressed by governments or economic systems, those enslaved by personal addictions.
We pray for those who struggle to raise their children in the midst of violence or poverty; those who can only stand by and watch as their sons or daughters die of starvation or malnutrition, of preventable disease, or from gang violence.
We pray for those who refuse to participate in violence or injustice, who courageously stand up for what they know is right, regardless of the personal consequences.
We also pray for those who oppress others, who are unable to break free from cycles of violence and anger, who are no longer able to empathize with their victims.
We pray for all who suffer this day, whether physically, emotionally, spiritually or relationally.
May Your presence surround and sustain each one, so that they may know your love and live.
We also pray for our Households of Faith.
We pray for all who are affected by covid, the sick, the grieving, front-line workers, and scientists racing to produce a vaccine.
Finally, God, we pray for ourselves—members of Your Body here on earth.
Break down the barriers that divide us from one another.
Unite us as one. Grant us compassion and humility in our relationships.
We pray earnestly, “God what do you want us to do?”
Forgive us when we focus on human stuff, and not on the desires of your heart.
Release the gifts You have given to each one, so that in us and through us Your kingdom might come and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Amen.