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Prayers of the
people
It is truly right and our greatest joy to give you thanks and praise,
eternal God and Creator. You
brought light out of darkness and set the sun to brighten the day and
the moon and stars to illuminate the night.
Your glory blinds the eyes of our sin, while your radiance warms
our needy hearts. You lead
us by the light of your truth into the ways of righteousness and peace.
Therefore we praise you, joining our hearts with the heavenly choirs and
with all the faithful of every time and place, who forever sing to the
glory of your name.
Empower the church throughout the world in its life and witness.
Break down the barriers that divide, that united in your truth
and love, the church may confess your name, share one baptism, sit
together at one table, and serve you in one common ministry.
Please, lead us, as your congregation, within the church of Jesus
Christ, to serve you in our community.
Help us to grow in understanding your gospel and being inspired
to share with those to whom you lead us.
Guide the rulers of the nations; especially all that is going on in the
mid-east. Move them to set
aside greed and vain worldly ambitions, and to bow down to your
sovereign rule.
And now, we open our hearts before you, and lay out all our cares,
concerns, hopes, and desires, praying that your first ministry as an
answer to our prayers will be to place your will within our hearts.
May we know when we are then at one with your will in our lives.
We pray for each and every one of our sisters and brothers with us in
your house. Be with the
members of our families at home, our friends and colleagues, with all
who are poor, sick, or sorrowing and passing through very difficult
times. Enlighten there awareness of your gentle and powerful presence at
the heart of their lives.
God of mercy, you have promised to hear what we ask in the name of
Christ. Accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in
our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and
love us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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