Prayers of the People
These prayers were written by the Mosaic Worship congregation at First United Methodist Church in Denton, TX.
God of love, today we pray for the people of New Zealand. In solidarity, we stand beside them in grief and in mourning. In the wake of the tragic shooting, Holy One, we cry out to you, How long, O Lord? How long, will we see hate and violence rule instead of love and compassion? How long will we see oppression and bigotry reign instead of acceptance, listening and understanding? For those who fear walking down the street or going into their place of worship because of their perceived “otherness,” God, we pray.
God of justice, Our prayer is that the church universal will trust the example of Jesus- to love unreservedly; to accept all who are willing to reflect God’s love; to open wide the hearts and minds of each person and the doors of each church so that all may shine God’s love to the whole world. We pray the UMC will step beyond the rainbow buttons and take action formally, welcoming all to our denomination. May we awaken in your love and purpose, recognizing that we are beloved children of God and learn to accept God’s grace as a divine gift to all.
God of peace, We pray our nation will be unified in love and we will use this love to eradicate all racial supremacy, including hateful speech, violent actions, and wrong perceptions. God, we ask you to use us to promote peace among all peoples and nation, that we can be your hands and feet in the world in a tangible way. May peace, love, and patience be the new norm for the growth of all humanity.
God of wholeness, We pray for the health of our family, friends and all humankind, so that our life can continue to glorify you, Eliminate the disease of cancer and all other life threatening illnesses that affect so many lives and continue to give strength and courage to those who are in the journey and those who are mourning at the end of their own loved one’s journey. In your arms, may they rest when they are tired, cry when they are weak, and praise you even within the pain. We pray this to you, Spirit of God.
Have mercy on our souls, God, that we don’t always speak words of kindness, or listen with understanding. Forgive us and shape us to be the disciples we need to be, to spread peace and love to our siblings in our community and world. To walk God’s path is to love and accept all people, so we ask that you reconcile us, God. Let no one believe that they have the power to rend asunder what God has created and proclaimed good.
Source of Life, hear these cries for your people and help us to pray, as your disciples did, saying… “Our Father…”
Photo by Sarah Noltner
