August 24, 2019 - Nick Cannon

For those across the globe who are unable to meet their basic needs and suffer needlessly.

We pray earnestly

Lord hear our prayer

For those who are discriminated against and forced into a system and cycle of poverty and hate we asked for relief and support.

We pray earnestly

Lord hear our prayer

For those within our city and community that are suffering both outwardly and in secret we ask for peace and deliverance.

We pray earnestly

Lord hear our prayer

For our community of believers, we ask that we understand and are guided by your Will and grace that we may show your love and compassion to all we come in contact with.

We pray earnestly

Lord hear our prayer

For the universal church that we may put aside petty differences and interpretations to unite in helping the world to see the light of Christ

We pray earnestly

Lord hear our prayer

August 10, 2019 - Nelson and Stephanie Crain

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

With the power of the Spirit and in unity with Christ, let us pray to our Father.

We pray for our homes, families, friends and all those we love. Strengthen our community; bless our pastors and bishops; give grace to the St John’s community, as they continue to offer grace to us.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

We pray for the leaders of the nations. Grant them patience, knowledge, compassion, courage and peace of heart and mind. Allow them to serve and love their people well.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

We pray for those who are sick or close to death. We ask for healing and strength for the afflicted, peace for those that love them, and guidance for their doctors, nurses, and caregivers. We pray for these Lord any others who we now lift before you. Lord, meet us in the silence (Silence)

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

We pray for those who have gone into your kingdom ahead of us. For the victims of the recent shootings and their families, and for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. We ask that you would be near to them and cover them in your grace.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

We pray for the blessing of new life. For the new members of our community and the new members of your kingdom on Earth. We ask that you watch over them Lord. Allow these blessings that you have given us to also bring forth new life within us. Let it be a reminder that we are all reborn in you.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

We pray for those who have lost hope. We sometimes forget that we are inheritors of your kingdom. We ask you to light the lamps of those going alone. Mend their hearts, dull their pains and renew their faith in you. Show them that they are created in your image and remind them every day that they are loved.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

We pray for the worship of the Church. Help the sweet sound of our voices to become one. Unite Your church in wisdom and in love as we do the work of Your kingdom on earth.

Father, by your Spirit,

bring in your kingdom.

August 3, 2019 - Shana Ash

Have mercy on us, God. We know we are far from perfect,

but we also know that we are deeply loved.

So, let us fill our church,

our homes and our workplaces with praise for You.

Lord, hear our prayer.

Everything good comes from You.

Give us wisdom and guidance, God, so that we can be faithful agents

of everything that has been given to us.

Remind us that we are also here to care for what You’ve created.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for an end to needless suffering.

Bring peace to those who struggle with diseases that carry an

emotional burden… on top of physical pain.

We pray for those who are not cared for or accepted by the

ones closest to them.

Let them somehow see how precious they are.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for healing and acceptance where there are fractures

among people and groups. Create opportunities for us to see

our own humanity in each other.

Create opportunities for us to see Jesus in

the other.

Lord, hear our prayer

Lastly, we give you praise for what you have done

out of grace and what you have left undone out of

mercy for us. Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Amen.

June 1, 2019 - Nelson Crain

For the sake of those gathered here. We ask that you help us to clear our minds from the

clutter of our earthly life. Help us to hear and see clearly, the words and things you know

we need to. Bring us to a state of peace and understanding so that we may begin to more

closely resemble you. We ask you Holy Spirit,

Grant us your loving embrace

For the sake of the sick and needy. We ask that you ease all pain, comfort all distressed,

heal our seen and unseen wounds, shelter those weathering a storm and provide those

who have nothing with all they could ever need. Help us too, to bring all this and more to all

your people of the Earth. We ask you Lord of all,

Give us our daily bread

For the sake of those who are incarcerated or in prison. We ask that you lift up their spirits.

Help them to find joy every day, shine your light upon them, shake the foundation beneath

them with your Word, wash their robes clean and break their chains that bind them to

darkness. We ask you Gracious God,

Visit them every day

For the sake of the lost ones. You are the tree of life and the bright morning star. Lend your

shade to those who may be walking in the heat of day. Light the way for those who are lost

in darkness. Shelter and guide all who are in need, that they may see your love for them.

We ask you Heavenly Father,

Show us to the waters of life

For the sake of your kingdom. Let us be a reflection of you in our daily life, so that others

may see you in all that we do. Help us all to come together as one Holy family to await your

arrival. You have laid the foundation, now let your kingdom come and let us be its builders.

We ask you King of Kings,

Help us to be salt and light

For the sake of the world. You have granted us many shepherds and leaders. Help each one

to see what is best for the people they serve. Focus their minds on the desire to serve,

rather than the power to rule. Grant each one, clarity, decisiveness, humility and

compassion. We ask you Alpha & Omega,

Lend us your wisdom and judgement

We thank you for all that you have given, and all that you continue to give. We especially

thank you for our leaders, JP and Diana. Bless them and all the people of your kingdom.

Amen, Come Lord Jesus!

May 25, 2019 - Eric Ash

For the Health of our community gathered here today. For those of us who are ill or recovering from

illness, and for those in pain, send your loving comfort and healing, and by your great grace let us keep

the body as a temple of your Holy Spirit.

Grant this O Lord

For those in this community stressed or with strife. Where we feel burdened let your spirit lighten us;

Where we have tears let you spirit bring joy and laughter; where we have fear let your spirit grant us the

courage to act, where we have panic let your spirit deliver us patience to endure. Let us always dwell in

your spirit of faith, hope and love to know your peace and joy.

Grant this O Lord

Forgive us our offenses. Where we have anger in thought, word, or deed towards our friends, neighbors,

family, or enemies send your Spirit that we might have mercy, charity and see the face of your son Jesus

in all we meet.

Grant this O Lord

Give us our daily bread. That those in this community as we worry about work and school, money and

debt, food and shelter, that our needs are provided for, and teach us to trust in your bounty and that

whatever storms may come to us, that the house built on the rock of your holy Word will remain.

Grant this O Lord

For those those in this community that care for children, grandchildren, parents and grandparents, our

families growing young and old. That you might send your angels to guard and to guide our families and

by your grace grant respite to all weary caregivers.

Grant this O Lord

For this community, this church, this city, and every city and for all faithful living in them, that your

church and the whole communion of all saints may be salt and light to the world, and that the world will

see peaceful times, favorable weather, abundant harvests, safe travel, freedom from captivity, and the

wellspring of your good tidings.

Grant this O Lord

For to you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit is due all glory, honor and worship. Glory to you for all things,

now and forever.

Amen

May 4, 2019 - Stephanie Crain

Lord, you are the light of the world. Make us instruments of justice, and peace. Help us to bring the light of your gospel to the ends of the earth.  

Lord, help us to be salt and light.

Lord, you are the bread of life. Use us to feed the hungry and nourish us all with your saving word. 

Thank you for our spot at the table.

Lord, you are our hope and our strength. Be close to all who are rejected and alone. Give courage to all who are without hope. Heal those who are sick or injured, and inspire those whose faith is shaken. 

Look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you.

Lord, you are our blessing and our joy. We thank you for all the blessings of this life, for those who love us, for occupations that fulfill us, and for rest that restores us. 

Make us faithful stewards of your grace.

Lord, you are our way, our truth and our life. Hear our prayer for the church, for Pastor JP and Diana, our bishops, for all ministers and for all the people of God. 

Guide us and all who follow you, deepen our appreciation of your truth, and renew us with your spirit. Amen.

April 20, 2019 - Brandi Kyle

A prayer of intercession for Easter from the Lutheran Church of Australia.

Prayer of Intercession for Easter

Let us pray that the results of Christ's resurrection may be seen throughout the world.

Lord God, our loving heavenly Father, we thank and praise you for the glorious resurrection of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Your Son, our Passover Lamb, has taken away the sin of the world. Forgive us and all people.

Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.

Your Son said, 'Peace be with you'. Bring your peace to the world and to our own country.

Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.

Your Son appeared to Mary Magdalene when she was weeping. Comfort those who are sad, lonely, or grieving.

Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.

Your Son met the women and asked them to tell the disciples about his resurrection. Guide Christians everywhere to witness to the resurrection in their lives.

Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.

Your Son proclaimed himself to the two disciples from the Scriptures and made himself known to them in the breaking of the bread. Reveal him to us and all people through the teaching of your word and the celebration of your holy meal.

Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.

Your Son strengthened the faith of Thomas by telling him to touch his hands and side. Reassure those who are troubled by doubts, and strengthen their faith in your goodness.

Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.

Your Son conquered death by his death and won the victory by his resurrection. Be with those who are dying, and lead them to life with you forever.

Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, grant that all who now celebrate these joyful holy days here on earth may finally praise you forever, with all the angels and saints in heaven. We ask this through your risen Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

April 13, 2019 - Allison Geary

Allow us to take a moment to voice our prayers responsively. We pray for peace in our world

For you have taught us that violence is never the answer

We pray that people love one another and follow in your footsteps

And show how you are constantly loving us

We pray for those who preach your word

May they always be faithful to your message

We pray for those who would do us harm

Let us forgive them and show them God’s love

We pray for those who are poor in spirit

Bring them joy and allow it to radiate within them

We pray for those who are ill

Heal their bodies, minds, and souls

We pray for equality in the world

For God’s love does not discriminate

Thank you lord for listening to our prayers today, and may we always know it is ok to talk to you.

April 6, 2019 - Shana Ash

Holy and Gracious God,

We thank you for the coming of spring. Let us reflect on the work you do in the depths of our hearts as we are surrounded by beginnings of new life that you bring from the depths of the earth. Like the places underground which we cannot see, you, O Lord are constantly at work in areas of our lives we don’t always know of. We are reminded of your goodness and gentleness. You make all things new.

We thank thee O Lord.

Forgive us, Lord, for the blessings we miss while being caught up with our own daily lives. We thank you for continuing to bestow on us your graces and mercies despite these flaws. Forgive us, also, for the missed opportunities to meet the needs of others while we are focused on ourselves. Let us be ever mindful of the many needs of our neighbors. Create, in us, a heart that extends physically to those we can reach and prayerfully to those we cannot.

Lord hear our prayer.

Gracious God, remind us to also love and pray for our enemies, as you had loved us when we were once your enemy. By the power of your Holy Spirit, grant us the humility and strength necessary to do these things daily and without exception.

Lord hear our prayer.

Lord, we pray for those who are suffering tonight from unspeakable heartache, physical brokenness, and mental illness. Provide comfort and rest where it is needed most and extend hope through the hands of your people. Heal hearts and minds through the power of your Holy Spirit and lead all souls to you.

Lord hear our prayer.

Loving God, allow the words of the sermon today to soak our hearts and minds that we may be moved to action without fear. Remind us, Lord, of the call to be like Christ in our hearts and our works, but to leave any judgement to you, for you are ever-present and benevolent.

Lord hear our prayer.

We thank you for the Sacred Commons, St. John’s, and the community here in Youngstown. Please continue to strengthen and grow our church and community. Give us courage to continue moving forward as you have called us. For you, O Lord, are our provider, our peace and our dwelling place. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Amen

March 30, 2019 - Diana Robles

“Lord, Lord, Open Unto Me”

- Howard Thurman, from “Meditations of the Heart”

Thurman who was born in 1899 and raised in the segregated South. He is recognized as one of the great spiritual leaders of the 20th century renowned for his reflections on humanity and our relationship with God. Thurman was a prolific author (writing at least 20 books); perhaps the most famous is Jesus and the Disinherited (1949), which deeply influenced Martin Luther King, Jr. and other leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. Thurman was the first black person to be a tenured Dean at a PWI (Boston U). He also cofounded the first interracially pastored, intercultural church in the US.

Open unto me, light for my darkness

Open unto me, courage for my fear

Open unto me, hope for my despair

Open unto me, peace for my turmoil

Open unto me, joy for my sorrow

Open unto me, strength for my weakness

Open unto me, wisdom for my confusion

Open unto me, forgiveness for my sins

Open unto me, tenderness for my toughness

Open unto me, love for my hates

Open unto me, Thy Self for myself

Lord, Lord, open unto me!

March 23, 2019 - Stephanie Crain

(Adapted from a prayer written by Annabel Shilson-Thomas)

Lord, you are the light in the darkness. You walk alongside those who suffer.

Help us to walk in the way of the cross, and extend our hand to those along our path.
Lord, you paused to heal the sick and give sight to the blind. 

Teach us to spend our time with others and respond to their needs.
Lord, you said, "The first shall be last and the last shall be first." 

Give us the vision to live into your Kingdom.
Lord, you shared meals with tax collectors and sinners.

Open our ears and our hearts to those who are hated and rejected.
Lord, you carried peace in your heart when it could not be found elsewhere.

Let us desire peace where others desire war, and demand justice where injustice seeks to prevail.
Lord, you've taught us to pray and to be silent.

Draw us near to you.
Lord, open our hearts to your guidance.Give us spirits willing to be your hands and feet. You are our hope and our salvation.
Amen

March 16, 2019 - Diana Robles

A Lenten Prayer from Iona (Adapted for the Sacred Commons)

We believe that God is present

in the darkness before dawn;

in the waiting and uncertainty

where fear and courage join hands,

conflict and caring link arms,

and the sun rises over our brokeness.

silence

We believe in a with-us God

Who sits down in our midst

to share our humanity.

silence

We affirm a faith

That takes us beyond the safe place

into action, into vulnerability.

and into the streets of Youngstown.

silence

We commit ourselves to work for change

and put us on the line;

to bear responsibility, to take risks,

live powerfully and face humiliation;

to stand with those on the edge;

to chose life

and be used by the Spirit

for God’s new community of hope.

Amen

March 9, 2019 - Richard Geary

Prayers of the People
Let us pray responsively to our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

We pray for the Universal Church, Lord. Bring us together in unity.

May we be one in your purpose, and faithfully serve as your hands and feet.

We pray for The Sacred Commons, and for Pastors JP and Diana who have responded to your call.
May we reflect your will in all that we do. Give us the courage to serve new wine.

We pray for our households. For our spouses, children, and relatives.

Let us model in our families the same love and patience you have for us.

We pray for those who face sickness. For the depressed, lonely, and fearful.

Let us remember to place our hope in you, Lord Christ.

We pray for peace in our streets and in our communities.

Lord, help us show your radical hospitality and beauty to all of our neighbors.

We pray for the poor, the persecuted, and all of your children on the margins.

Lord, help us prioritize the least of these. We know you are to be found with them.

We pray for our enemies, and those would do us harm.

Lord, let us let us transform them into our neighbors.

We pray for those in our prisons, whether justly or unjustly. For their well-being and redemption.
Let us remember that all bear your Image, and all are of infinite worth.

We pray for our country. For the wisdom and empathy of its leaders.

Lord, grant those with power the discernment to act in the direction of love. We pray for the world, and all of your creatures on this Earth.

Lord, your relentless love does not stop at our borders.

All: Lord, we pray for your entire holy cosmic Creation. From the stardust forged in your suns, to the specks of Earth dust from which you molded us. Rescue and redeem it all, Lord Jesus. Let it all be a reflection of your infinite love. Do not forget the work of your hands, Lord. Hear our voices and these prayers, as your creation calls back to you. Amen.

Feb 23, 2019 - Nelson Crain

Please join me in the Prayers of the People. With these prayers we hope that the actions of a few will benefit the many. As the Bible reminds us, there is power in the silence. For this reason, we will take a moment of silence after each prayer, before the response, for reflection. Let us pray.

O God, lover of all, we give you thanks for the gift of your creation. Not only for our own lives, but for the lives of those we meet and those we do not. For the creatures of the air, the land and the sea and everything in between. Sustain and enrich your creations with your life-giving spirit, that we too, as your body, the holy catholic church, may one day reflect that order and beauty which reign forever before your throne. (Silence) Lord, In your mercy,

Hear our prayer

Living Lord, ruler of all, grant those in positions of power throughout the world, the qualities they need to serve the people they represent. Grant them patience to think things through, knowledge to do what is best for their people, compassion for those who are less fortunate, courage to stand against their oppressors, peace for their own hearts and minds and unending hope for all the days to come. (Silence) Lord, In your mercy,

Hear our prayer

Heavenly Father, healer of all, guide us all on our journey through life. Let us, in your image, be a witness to your compassion. Specifically, Lord, we ask that you would bless our leaders, JP and Diana as they continue to do your work in this world. Bless our Bishops, Quinton, Mike and Beth. We also ask that you would bless The Sacred Commons and all the members of this congregation. Give strength to those who are sick, those who could not be here today and all those around the world who are in need. Especially Lord, we pray for those who we now lift before you ... (Silence or Names spoken aloud) Lord, In your mercy,

Hear our prayer

God of Understanding, help us to understand those who stand against us. Grant us peace when facing our enemies and open our hearts to them before we open our mouths. Help us to see past the close-knit circle or friends that we have, to those who we meet when we draw the circle wider. (Silence) God of Love,

Teach us to be open

God of Comfort, pour out your blessings on us and all those in this world. Particularly those in this this community of Youngstown and all the surrounding areas, to anyone in need of money, food or simply a safe place to lay their head. You are the one who gave all there is to give so that we may have everlasting life. Open our eyes to the ways that we can give, in your image, to those in our communities. (Silence) God of Joy,

Teach us how to give

God of Forgiveness, mend our hearts from all the troubles of our past. Dull the pains we feel when we think of those who hurt us. Help us to forgive those we cannot and forget that which will not go away. Remind us each day that we are all created in your image. Only then can we learn to love each other as endlessly as you love us. (Silence) God of Hope,

Teach us boundless peace

Gracious God, we ask that you illuminate the path you have set us on. Continue to walk alongside us as we journey each day to better represent you and your teachings. Let those around us see you before they see us. Help us to be salt and light and give us the opportunities to spread your good news. (Silence) Lord, In your mercy

Hear our prayer

Feb 16, 2019 - Nick Cannon

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

Silence

For all people in their daily life and work;


For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who
are alone.

For this community, both the fortunate and less fortunate;


For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

For the just and proper use of your creation;


For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;


For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the
needy.

For the peace and unity of the Church of God;


For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.

For those who have means convict them to help the needy;


For all who serve God in his Church.

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.

Hear us, Lord; 
For your mercy is great.

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.

Silence

We praise you in every situation in life, O God our King;


And praise your Name for ever and ever.

We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.