Violent protests, burning and looting in Pretoria, South Africa, over mayoral election… Foreign supporters of ISIS have taken over Sirte, Libya, murdering, torturing, crucifying Muslims and Christians… Russian fighters are dropping cluster bombs in Syria, indiscriminately endangering and killing civilians and children as well as fighters… Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Violence and hatred […]
Prayers for Canada
Winter storms, wildfires and floods gather much of what is prayed for Canada, along with the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the continuing relationship with First Nations. Trade tension, illness and the cost of living are named as well, with thanks for conservation, discovery and quiet innovation.
Love One Another: Prayers for Fort McMurray’s Wildfire Evacuees and Refugees Held on Nauru (May 5, 2016)
“You move us to delight in praising You; for You have formed us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in You.” -St Augustine of Hippo in ‘Confessions’ “(Humans) are the ultimate paradox: the finite made for the infinite.” -Archbishop Desmond Tutu in ‘God has a Dream – a vision of […]
Risen One, You Are Here: Prayers for the Chibok Girls, Child Soldiers, and Attawapiskat (April 14, 2016)
“While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.” –Luke 24:15-16 Risen one, you are here. Here, as we look at the video released this week by the Boko Haram group in Nigeria, that appears to show some of the 276 girls […]
We Wait with Mary: An Advent Prayer for Syrian Refugees Welcomed to Canada (December 10, 2015)
God of the Whole World, we wait with Mary during this season of Hanukkah and thank You for our lives’ many miracles and blessings. We light one candle each day in recognition of the illumination and hope You bring into our homes and neighborhoods. In this halfway point of Advent, we pray for those who […]
Your Kingdom Grows in Day and Night: Prayers for China’s Children and Canada’s Schools (June 11, 2015)
Gracious Lord, we seek your Kingdom, which grows during both day and night. Help us, even when we do not know how, to remember that when things seem dark you are still at work in the world. We pray for China where the mass migration of parents looking for work have left millions […]
Sustained by God’s Love: Prayers for the Yangtze River Ship Disaster and the Accra Fire (June 4, 2015)
Assured of God’s grace and sustained by God’s love, let us open our hearts and minds as we pray together. Ever present God, with thanksgiving and praise we honor you for the gift of life. Your love strengthens us in times of despair, your wisdom speaks to us in times of uncertainty, and your Spirit […]
Through Your Tender Mercy: Prayers After Cyclone Pam and the Bardo Museum Attack (March 19, 2015)
Creator of all, we come to you in this time of prayer with thankful hearts. Through your expansive love, we receive strength and hope. Through your tender mercy, we learn compassion and forgiveness. Through the gift of your son, Jesus Christ, we seek justice and peace for all people, all nations and all of creation. Help […]
Love Is Patient: A Prayer for Migrants, Ukraine, and Argentina’s Protests (February 19, 2015)
This week has seen the headline that the Mediterranean is the grave of migrants, while in the last 5 days alone over 3,000 have been rescued from sinking people-smuggling boats escaping the chaos and fighting throughout the Middle East. The freeze and massive snow falls in the northeastern states of the U.S. and Canada continue […]
Free to Be Children: Prayers for Freed Child Soldiers in South Sudan and Mexico’s Missing Students (January 29, 2015)
He cried out, “I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” Mark1:24b (NRSV) Surrounded by the presence of the Holy One of God, let us pray together. Holy One, we gather in worship this morning seeking your presence, your grace and your wisdom. Humbly we gather to hear your words of hope and […]
Light in the Darkness: A Prayer After the Charlie Hebdo Attack (January 8, 2015)
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. Proverbs 21:30 The rich and the poor have this in common, the Lord is the Maker of them all. Proverbs 22:2 Lord, when will You tear the heavens apart to make Your will known and show Your might? Yes, I […]