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