February 26, 2023

As we journey into this Lenten season, we pray for those who are being tempted:

tempted to look the other way when wrong is happening in their family, their workplace, their neighbourhood;

tempted to misuse their gifts for self-gratifying purposes;

tempted to allow untamed emotions to direct or do harm;

tempted by the corrupting power of money;

and those tempted to stay in a rut rather than strike out on new life-giving paths.

Generous God, steer us through times of temptation,

And deliver us from evil.

We pray for the many who feel pushed and tested almost beyond their endurance;

those in positions of heavy responsibility who feel overloaded;

or those pressured from all sides by factions in workplace or community;

suffering people–and all who must watch a loved one suffer– who feel they can bear no more;

kindly folk whose patience with a difficult friend is at a breaking point;

persecuted Christians whose faith seems stretched beyond their limit;

and the depressed and despairing whose inner being cries out for relief

Merciful God, steer us through times of temptation,

And deliver us from evil.

We also pray for those whose days are sunny and bright –

the happy, that their happiness may always be used for goodwill and compassion;

the strong, that their energies may be used wisely and gently;

for the rich, that their wealth may be shared generously;

for the powerful, that they may use their position as a blessing;

and those of strong faith, that they may act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you.

Righteous God, walk with us and shape us

And deliver us from evil.

God of compassion, we also pray for each other – our households of faith for this week, those awaiting test results or appointments, surgery, or recovering from surgery. We pray for those who grieve and those walking with loved ones through the valley of the shadow of death. We pray for those whose burden is light and for those whose burden is heavy. Bring relief we pray.

Look upon us all with your loving eyes, test our anxious thoughts, shape us amidst testing to see you as you see us, beloved and good.

“save us from temptation and deliver us from all evil.”

Through Christ Jesus our Saviour. Amen

February 19th, 2023

Gracious God, we come humbly before you this morning, remembering that our strength, our hope is totally in you. Thank you for your word; we pray for increased understanding and insight, for courage to walk in your way. Remind us daily that your word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.

We would also echo the prayer of David as he poured out his heart to you God. (Psalm 119)

“May my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word. May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise.

May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word for all your commands are righteous. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.

I long for your salvation, O Lord, and your law is my delight.

Let me live that I may praise you and may your laws sustain me.”

We grieve today for our world that seems to be writhing in pain. Compassionate God, the cries of the suffering and dying in Turkey and Syria rise with desperation. We rejoice with rescues that have occurred but pray your grace and comfort for those whose family members and friends have died.

Inspire generosity in our hearts and in the global community; grant strength & wisdom to all agencies and caregivers who serve and love, especially for those who reach out in the name of Jesus. May they be salt and light so that others can see Jesus in them. Grant each of us your wisdom as to your call on our lives as individuals; how do you desire to meet the needs of our world through us.

We pray for the many in our community who are currently suffering from COVID. Grant healing and strength to each as needed. For those living with grief, pain, loneliness, and struggle; God, meet their needs. For those awaiting test results, surgery or recovering from surgery, and those awaiting brighter days, we pray that they will experience your hope.

God we also praise you for answered prayer, for giving us daily life, breath, and strength. All of our hope lies in you. Thank you as well for the church, your body, this community of faith where we see your love in action. Help us to love others as you have loved us.

We offer all our prayers in the strong name of Jesus. Amen

February 12th, 2023

Lord Jesus,

You call us to radical discipleship.

You challenge us to forgive, to love our enemies,

to bless those who curse us.

But oh, how often we choose the easy way,

of retaliation or revenge,

grudge-holding, unforgiveness,

a path that leads to bitterness and brokenness.

But you, Lord Jesus have given us a life-giving path.

A path that stretches us beyond ourselves.

A path that reveals our deepest pains and every growing edge.

A path which you accompany us on, each and every step.

Grant us the patience and endurance to journey with You,

to allow ourselves at times to stumble,

to live into the hard way

to be open to transformation through your Spirit,

so that we might fully experience

Your love and grace and peace in this world,

becoming a people full of mercy and grace

loving, forgiving.

When we have been careless with our words that cannot be unspoken,

reckless with actions that cannot be undone,

and it is I, it is us that is known as enemy…..

forgive us,

grant us humility, the grace of accountability,

the light of your love that illumines our shadows.

Set us on solid ground where your mercy abounds.

Lord, hear our prayer.

Compassionate God, the cries of the suffering and dying,

in Turkey and Syria rise with desperation.

So many lives lost. So many injured and maimed.

Comfort those whose family members and friends have died.

Inspire generosity in the global community

to give the resources needed to help communities rebuild,

to heal, to live in safety.

Oh God in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We also bring our prayers and needs before you. For those living with grief, pain, struggle, we pray. For those awaiting test results, surgery or recovering from surgery, and those awaiting brighter days, we pray. And for those in our community of faith, especially our households of faith for this week, we pray. We are grateful for one another.

We are grateful for the bounty with which we live and the opportunities to live generously. Thank you for decision making regarding our spending plan for the coming year. Guide conversations today, remind us that we are stewards of all you provide.

For the church, your body, your people, here in this world, we need your mercy and your grace to walk in your ways. Breathe your Spirit of life upon your people and into your beloved world. Walk closely beside us each day. We pray as those seeking to follow your way of discipleship. Amen

February 5th, 2023

God of blessing,

you open your hands and provide for our deepest needs…

healing and wholeness,

our need for hope that banishes despair,

our need for peace amidst uncertainties and chaos.

We pray, loving God,

for the blessing of your Spirit

on all people with their widely diverse needs

and your creation groaning

under the weight of climate change.

We pray, loving God

your blessing

on the sick and their caregivers

on workers and employers

on the unemployed, underemployed, and those who stand by them.

We pray, loving God

your blessing

on the hungry and those who feed them,

the unsheltered and those seeking affordable housing solutions,

refugees and those who welcome them,

We pray your blessing

on those who struggle with addiction and those who treat them,

the poor and those who see them,

the sorrowing and those who comfort them.

We pray, loving God

your blessing to be poured out

upon us as well.

When we are weak, be our strength,

when we are afraid, calm our troubled minds,

when we doubt, strengthen our faith,

when we see needs, guide our response.

For those living with pain, change, or hurt, we pray. For those awaiting test results, surgery,

and those recovering from surgery, we pray. For loved ones whose needs to hold deep in our hearts we

pray. For prayers offered aloud and for those not yet formed into words, we offer all our prayers in

the name of Jesus who blesses. Amen