Creator and Sustainer of all that has been, for all that is and all that shall be, we gather in your holy presence. To you we offer praise and thanksgiving for all of the blessings you provide. In this time of worship we come seeking your grace, your wisdom and your peace. Hear us now as we pray and in your love guide us into action.
Loving One, we live in your world; a place of beauty and mystery; a place we often take for granted and at times neglect. Forgive us when our selfish ways block us from you, open our eyes and hearts to all that surrounds us so that we may fully live your compassion in the world.
We are a complex people, O God, help us to find a simpler path so that we may live out our faith in ways that bring your shalom to all the world.
We pray for your world, for the places where war and death abound;
– for the places where poverty and corruption over ride justice and peace;
– for the places where environmental issues are ignored;
– for the places where dignity and respect are lost.
We pray for peace and the people of Columbia who are beginning peace talks with the country’s second largest rebel group, the ELN.
We pray for Syria, in this time of conflict, we pray that calm and justice will fill those in power bringing an end to the violence and turmoil there.
We pray for all who mourn the loss of loved ones:
– remembering those who were killed in a bus accident near the Kenyan town of Narok, west of Nairobi
– remembering those injured and killed when a clothes factory under construction collapsed in Sao Paulo, Brazil
– remembering those killed in a landslide in eastern Mexico
– remembering those killed and wounded by a series of bombings in the Iraqi capital Baghdad
– remembering the UN peacekeeper in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo killed this week.
May your grace surround and uphold all who mourn this day.
In the midst of conflict and pain we see your work in the world.
We give thanks:
– for the rescue of the two boats off Sicily where more than 300 migrants were brought safely to shore. We pray for their continued safety and well-being.
– for those who work tirelessly for peace and justice.
– for those whose actions of compassion and kindness go unreported. May we all strive to love and care for one another.
Holy One, accept these, the prayers of your people, prayed in the name of
the One who taught us to pray, “Our Father…..”
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