A Prayer of Petition

Shared during Sunday Worship on January 25, 2025.

Gracious and loving God, we come before you, trusting you to open our hearts and prepare our lives to receive Christ anew.  Prepare us to recognize your presence among us. Teach us patience when waiting is difficult, courage when hope feels fragile, and faithfulness in all the ways you call us to serve. Help us set aside the distractions and fears that keep us from trusting your promises, and draw us deeper into your peace.

Where we are weary, grant us rest.  Where we are anxious, speak your calming word.  Where we are uncertain, lead us by your light.  Shape us into a people who welcome Christ not only with our words, but through lives marked by love, justice, compassion, and humility.

As we continue to pray for those on our Prayer Matters list, we lift up members and staff facing illness, injury, surgery, dementia, loneliness, chronic pain, and grief. Surround them with your healing presence, strengthen them in body and spirit, and remind them they are never alone.

We intercede for all whom Jesus came to serve: the poor, the imprisoned, the blind, and the oppressed. Use us as instruments of your mercy and justice.  We pray for the leaders of nations, that they may seek truth, pursue peace, and act for the common good.  Break down systems that harm and exclude others and use us as instruments of your justice and mercy.

We offer these prayers trusting in your unfailing love, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.