Creator God, we celebrate and rejoice in the goodness of your creation and the beauty of all that you have made. We echo the praise of the Psalmist David as he proclaimed in Psalm 104, Praise the Lord, O my soul.
Lord my God, you are very great;
you are clothed with splendor and majesty.
2 The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent
3 and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.
He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind.
4 He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants.
5 He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.
6 You covered it with the watery depths as with a garment;
the waters stood above the mountains……..
He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains.
11 They give water to all the beasts of the field, the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
12 The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches.
13 He waters the mountains from his upper chambers;
the land is satisfied by the fruit of his work.
14 He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—
bringing forth food from the earth……..
How many are your works, O Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul. We choose to praise the Lord
Yet Lord we grieve today with those who are suffering as creation groans, hurricanes and floods destroy, drought and fires cause havoc. We lift up your children from Pakistan to Florida, Ethiopia to Eastern Canada, those who today grieve the loss of property and the death of loved ones through disaster. Grant perseverance and comfort, may country and world leaders make wise decisions and may each of us hear your call as to how we may make a difference in our world and community.
We also pray for those who grieve the death of loved ones; God may your presence bring peace and comfort. We pray for those facing health issues, bring healing and renewal, perseverance and strength. Thank you for medical staff, for those who serve in Hospitals, Nursing and Retirement homes. May they serve with wisdom, grace, and love. We pray for those who are lonely and discouraged, for those who battle mental health issues, and for all who do not yet know you as Savior and Lord. And Lord, if you choose to work and love through us to meet the many needs in our world, grant us obedient hearts and discerning minds to serve as you would lead.
O God, today we also bring the following specific needs.
Lord grant comfort; may Your peace reign, and may your presence bring healing.
We also pray for our Households of Faith
May your peace and presence surround these families, may your grace and power be their strength, and may you Holy Spirit live in and through each individual.
God, we give you praise in the name of Jesus.
Amen