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1/21/07
1/21/07
Prayers of People
O Lord, our God! You will
that people, including us in this church today, hear your word of
comfort and exhortation, call on you and praise your name.
You have decided this in your undeserved kindness.
For what are we before you and for you?
But, you have called us, and we have heard your call.
And now we are assembled here: your creatures in all weakness,
darkness and rebellion that is ours; your children whom you love even
though we scarcely love you and certainly do not love you properly. Yet, you are present and at work in our midst.
We do thank you with all our hearts!
You command us to pray for our friends, for each other, and your love
prompts us to do so. So we
pray to you, good and gracious God, for those who love us for your sake
and whom we love in you. Please
love them for their sakes, for you are the source of all love.
And make them love you with all their hearts so that they will
speak and do only what pleases you.
Strengthen this congregation in its work and worship.
Fill our hearts with your self-giving love; that our voices may
speak your praise, and our lives may conform to the image of your Son. Nourish us with your Word and sacraments that we may
faithfully minister in your name, and witness to your love and grace for
the entire world.
Look with compassion on all who suffer.
Support with your love those incurable and stigmatized diseases,
those unjustly imprisoned, those denied dignity, those who live without
hope, and those who are homeless or abandoned.
Sustain those among us who need your healing touch…
Lead those who make authoritative decisions in this country to be moved
by your Spirit of love, compassion, mercy, justice, and reconciliation. Erase prejudices that oppress; free all from terrorism and
violence. Protect our youth
and give all citizens a new vision of a life of harmony.
Into your hands, O God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in
your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
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