Prayers of the People/Intercession on God’s Works
Inspired from Isaiah 43
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. they shall not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire you shall not be burned, the flame shall not consume you.
There is a balm in Gilead, to make the wounded whole.
Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; everyone who is called by my name.
There is a balm in Gilead, to make the wounded whole.
Bring forth the people who are blind, yet have eyes, who are deaf, yet have ears! Let all the nations gather together, and let the peoples assemble. I am about to do a new thing.
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
There is a balm in Gilead, to make the wounded whole.
For I give water in the wilderness to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.
Everlasting God, revive our souls, that we might drink from your spring and overcome discouragement; that we may praise your mighty acts. We are called by you, to do a new work in your name. Amen.
African American Spiritual
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