July 10th, 2022

Good and gracious God, we give you thanks for summer days;

for early sunrises and bird songs that greet us each morning.

We thank you for summer’s change of pace,

anticipation of travels and rest,

the joy of weddings & reunions,

quiet mornings enjoying coffee on the porch.

We give thanks for your glory revealed each new day,

for your sustaining presence with us and all of creation…

God of peace, we offer our prayers today for places in the world that are in turmoil….

There are so many places….too many to name….

We pray for parents worried about food shortages and hungry little tummies;

Those suffering under the harsh hand of corrupt political powers;

We pray for a nation in mourning following horrific assassination.

We pray for countries where bombs rain down and tanks rumble down city streets.

We pray for the precariously housed here in Wtloo region and beyond;

those struggling financially, relationally, emotionally.

God hear our prayers for courage, peace, safety, hope!

Listening God, hear our prayers for humanity – open the eyes of our hearts to see the good in one another, to see your image, your face, your heart….

Listening God, we also pray for those whom you hold close within your heart,

the sick, those living with chronic illness, the vulnerable;

those who are lonely or isolated, most especially long-term care residents who continue to deal with covid outbreaks and lockdowns.

those awaiting test results, surgery dates, and those who are journeying cancer treatment. May hope burn bright!

We pray for the discouraged, the heart-broken, the fearful, the dying, and those who stand in need of healing and wholeness.

We pray for those facing major life decisions, change, and those who grieve.

Hold each heart secure within your own and strengthen us to walk in your ways of love.

For needs named and for those we hold deep in our heart, we offer our prayers in the strong name of Jesus the risen Christ. Amen

We pray for all who are caregivers for aging parents and loved ones.

We pray for the many needs that our community of faith face. Grant courage, strength, and peace. Surround and keep safe all those in long-term care living with covid outbreaks.
We pray for our Households of Faith. May these summer days bring about renewal, opportunity for reflection, and restorative rest for mind, body, and spirit. Giving thanks for our households of faith may joy, peace, and love fill each heart and home. Amen