Prayers of the People/Intercession on Abundance
Father God–You are a God of grace and abundance, who blesses us with more than a shower of blessings but a downpour of mercies. We rejoice with friends in new marriages, and in the strength of lasting marriages.
For new beginnings, for healings and successful surgeries, for employment, for family and loved ones, and for Your Son our Savior who gives us eternal life and gives it in abundance …we say with joy–“Thank you, Lord … you are so good!”
So knowing your grace in the past we feel welcomed to pray for what lies ahead—Lord—please heal those we love: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually; we pray for successful surgeries, profitable therapy, full recovery … whatever’s needed.
Lord—please comfort those who mourn, whether their grief is new or long-lasting. Give them the hope of the resurrection, peace that restores, and the faith to walk with you in the valley of the shadow. Lord—please guide us as a nation.
Keep us from demonizing those with whom we disagree or from worshipping those we support. You alone are the savior of nations—enable us to trust You above all else. Guide us as we seek to discern what would be the best good for all …not just our own self-interests; and, for the days ahead, give us the kind of leaders we need, if not those we deserve.
Lord—please direct and empower Your church, this church. Make us an agent of positive change in the community. Give us love, your love, unconditional love, active and real love for all kinds of people who need You–no matter their race, ethnicity, level of education, age, gender, economic bracket, party affiliation, or what they wear or how they speak. It’s how we love that show we’re Yours—help us love better.
And, Lord—please touch our hearts today. Speak into us, your Words of life, of comfort, conviction or hope. What is not of You—may we forget when we walk out of this room; and what is of You, may we never forget wherever we go. This is our desire … this is our prayer, offered in the name above every name—Jesus. AMEN
God of grace–generous Giver of all good gifts:
You bless us abundantly every day—In Your Son our Savior
who makes us new creations;
in the smile of child,
the greeting of a friend and the hug of a loved one;
in shared laughter, tears, words of encouragement and words of discipline.
You’ve met so many of our basic life needs for warm shelter, food and clothing; and for many of us in this room–you even bless us at the point of our desires.
We are a very blessed people! We want to be a grateful people and a caring people.
Help us, Lord! Help us, Lord, when we’ve lost our way–guide us.
Help us, Lord, when we’re discouraged–give us hope.
Help us, Lord, when we’re anxious and worried–give us peace.
Help us,Jesus …and those we love, when we are sick or hurt, when we are looking ahead to surgery or recovering from it–heal us, Lord.
Help us, Jesus, when we grieve a loss
…the loss of a loved one to death, the loss of a job to downsizing, the loss of a relationship when a friend moves or when we have a disagreement.
When it’s a loss we must accept–help us to mourn well, as those who have hope and comfort in the resurrection; and when it’s a loss we can recover–help us to do the hard work of reconciliation, restoration or renewal.
Help us, Father–to see the world as You see it, and care as you care.
Help all those who name the name of Jesus in difficult places like Sudan, China, Indonesia or Cuba; like India, Iraq, Egypt or Israel. Protect them. Keep them faithful. Give them courage to speak the Truth of the gospel and to live the truth of the Gospel.
Help those who continue to serve in the military–shield them with your power and support them with your love.
Help us as a nation, Lord–guiding our president and vice-president.
Enable us to heal divides widened in the recent campaigns and return us to paths of holiness, truth, grace and gratitude. All this, and more, we pray in the precious name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.