Last Sunday before Lent 02.19.2023
Gracious God, through the teachings of Jesus, we know your desire is that we strive for justice, practice mercy and express love by living equitably with all people. We pray that you will lead us to your Truth, Light, and Love.
Gracious God, grant us the grace to be worthy members of Your Church that we build with love and peace. Help us overcome pettiness and prejudice and live into the beauty of true interconnectedness. Guide our minds to understand the problems of the poor, the oppressed, the unemployed, and all in need of assistance anywhere. Gracious God, help us love our neighbor as you love us.
Gracious God, help communities raise up leaders in every land dedicated to Your order, Your equity, and Your justice, where people everywhere are free from oppression and have opportunities to live in security and with meaning. Gracious God, help us love our neighbor as you love us.
Gracious God, we pray for the world. We pray that all nations will prioritize the health and welfare of its people and that each nation will strive to lower its impact and protect Your land and seas, the oceans, the skies and all that live in them. Gracious God, help us love our neighbor as you love us.
Gracious God, we pray for all those who suffer from violence in homes and on the street. We pray for those who were affected by mass shootings: for those who were hurt and for the family and loved ones of those who died. We pray for gun safety in this country. We pray that the will of your people will come together to protect each other rather than hurt each other. We pray for healing and protection from COVID, especially those who are most vulnerable. Gracious God, help us love our neighbor as you love us.
Gracious God, create in us hearts filled with the desire to ensure a good life for all. Open our hearts to care for all those in need, especially for Stan, Bruce, Jill, Zachery, Bryan, Patricia, Cynthia, Dennis, Sarah, Nora, Addie, Tarra, Diane, Bill, Kyle, Tom, Mark, Bridget, Genie, Elizabeth, Pamm, Bob, Polly, Mary, Gene, Ruby, Kathy, Kay, Hunter, Jake, and Billie. Gracious God, help us love our neighbor as you love us.
Gracious God, we pray that all the departed will find a welcome into the Kingdom of heaven, just as our friend and savior Jesus found. And we pray for peace and comfort for their loved ones. We pray for all who are grieving over death. Gracious God, help us love our neighbor as you love us.
Almighty God, to whom our needs are known before we ask: help us to ask only what accords with your will; and those good things, which we dare not, or in our blindness cannot ask, grant us for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
