April 10th, 2022

Today’s prayer, written by Carol Penner has been adapted.

Thank you God for your triumphal entry into our world each and every day.
The slow motion explosion of buds on the trees proclaim “Hosanna!”
Rushing water, falling from heaven, gurgling to the sea, proclaims “Hosanna!”
The fragrance of spring in the morning air proclaims, “Hosanna!”

We long to join this chorus, giving you thanks and praise for who you are, for all you have created, all you are creating.

Thank you for sending Jesus, who showed us your love for all creation, your love for us.
He opened our eyes to see your kingdom come here on earth

He came to show us that power is revealed through humble service.
Forgive us for the times where we have gone about our own business, concerned with many things, oblivious to the needs of those around us, oblivious to the call of your love in our heart.

God of grace, equip us to be your servants, listening, eager, ready.

Thank you for your presence in our world, even in war-filled places.
We hear of bombs dropped in the Ukraine, children killed, the needy betrayed.
We are tempted to despair, and to think that you have forsaken us.
We are tempted to think that you are powerless.
Give us a vision of your entry into our world as the Prince of peace,
changing hearts, changing our hearts, one by one,
creating communities of peacemakers who say no to violence.
God of great deeds, open our hearts to be your hearts,
our hands to be your hands,
our arms, to be your loving arms
for all who need your presence.

You know the people in our congregation with pressing needs:
those with new diagnoses, those in recovery, those waiting for tests, those coping with chronic pain whether physical, emotional, or relational.
We grieve with those here who are grieving, and we ask you for comfort and healing.
We pray for relationships that are strained, walk with us, and show us the way.
We ask all these things, in the name of Christ, Amen.

We pray for abundant measures of care and compassion for all who are caring for aging parents and loved ones. May families work well together in caring and supportive ways.

May comfort and peace surround the grieving.

Surround and keep safe our loved ones in long-term care.

We pray for our Households of Faith. May joy fill their hearts, peace and love flow within and through them, and may they experience fulfilling and loving relationships. May each heart turn to you as they seek to follow your ways. Amen