Gracious God,
As we sit in this time of turmoil and strife, let our eyes fix on you. Let our hearts be open to your mercy and hope. We are bombarded on all sides by news of war, famine, and illness. We are overcome with feelings of sorrow, worry, and grief. Come to us, be with us as we raise our prayers to you in supplication:
- For those caught in the cycle of violence and war in the Middle East – Iran, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Iraq, and Israel.
- For those caught in the devastation and terror of fire in Brazil and Greece.
- For those ill in the recent measles outbreaks in Canada and the United States.
- For those who are lonely and alone, throughout the world.
Rain your healing comfort on those involved. Help those who struggle as we watch these terrible events unfold to be strong supporters of compassion and justice. Guide us in taking action to help where we can – with an openness of understanding, a well-crafted letter, a friendly word, a loving hug. Let us be the hope others need in the world.
We also see your wonders, O God. And seeing them, we raise songs of praise. You are the Holy One. You are our God. You are the God of all Creation. And we thank you for your blessings, for your amazing creation and for the sparks of hope we see in the world:
- For the optimism coming from new malaria prevention techniques developed in the UK and Brazil.
- For the resurgence of Guam kingfishers in the Pacific.
- For the kindness of the people in Iceland who rescued a stranded pod of whales.
When times are difficult, you are there. When times are easy, you are there. In all of our times, you are there. May we never forget. May we always take shelter in you.
Amen.
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