This past Sunday night we had a Thanksgiving service at our church. It was a relaxed time of prayer and songs and thanksgiving. I had the privilege of writing the prayers and responses for the service. We started with the world, then moved to nation, community, church and individual (family, friends and ourselves). As we enter this Thanksgiving week, I thought I would share them, one a day, this week. Monday was Prayer for our World and Tuesday was Prayer for our Nation and Its Leadership
Prayer for our Community
“Bear one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
Leader: Gracious God, you know the names and faces of every person in our community. You know their stories and their hurts and their joys. You love each one with an everlasting love beyond what our imagination can create.
Response: Oh God who sees us and knows us and cares for us, enlighten the eyes of our hearts that we my truly see those around us. May we be able to see the preciousness of each other’s soul and the longings of each other’s heart.
Leader: God who heals, heal the broken-hearted in our community. For those who feel hopeless, be their hope. For those who feel they must have it all together, allow freedom to fall apart. And in all, whether in abundance or in need, be the Lord of our community.
Response: Spirit of Truth, in our neighborhoods and in our workplaces, in our schools and on our streets. In our jails and in our businesses, in every corner of our city, please come and pour out your peace, joy and hope. We submit to you so that we may be a vehicle of love that overflows from you to those in our community.
Leader: Living God, we are grateful that you are never far from your people. You are with us in our worship and you are with us in our work. You have created us to not be alone, but to be in community with one another. Thank for the gift of sharing each other’s burdens and celebrating each other’s joys.
Reponse: God our Redeemer, thank you for taking our everyday life, our washing dishes, driving to work life and giving it purpose. May we walk before you in paths of righteousness and peace. That you will bless your people and lift them up forever and ever. We offer this prayer to you, O Lord. Amen.
