God, you call us to prayer. Throughout

God, you call us to prayer. Throughout the Scriptures, we read about your people praying.

The Israelites cried out for you to rescue them from slavery. You sent them Moses.

Hannah wept, asking you to remember her. You gave her a son.

King Solomon asked for a discerning heart to govern your people. You gave him the gift of wisdom.

Esther declared a fast and prayed for favor with the king. You spared her people.

The disciples Peter and John prayed for boldness. You shook the ground and filled them with the Holy Spirit.

An unnamed woman poured out her brokenness at Christ’s feet. He forgave her sins.

Jesus himself prayed for us to be followers who are continually sent. You send us as you sent your Son.

O Lord, help us to be people of prayer, willing to cry out to you, humbly naming our needs, desiring to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and constantly praying for one another’s ability to serve you.

We take a moment now to reflect on:

where we need to give or receive forgiveness.

(Pause for a moment of silence.)

The people we know who are in need of your grace and healing. (Pause for a moment of silence.)

Our community, our nation, and our world.

(Pause for a moment of silence.)

Almighty, attentive God, Thank you for being a personal Lord whom we can approach with honesty, with frustration, and with hope.

We pray these things together, as your grateful people. Amen.