Today's Prayer

Gracious God,

we await the end of the world.

We have always prayed that you would “quickly come!”

What we await is not the destruction 

of your beautiful planet

and not the annihilation 

of your precious and beloved children,

but the fulfillment of our world’s true purpose

revealed in Jesus Christ.  

It is he,

and the shining, glorious, 

eternal, invincible love which he embodies,

who is the end — 

the goal, destiny, purpose, and meaning — 

of our world, and of our lives.

He is the One we are waiting for.

Help us, by the power of your Spirit,

to wait with wisdom,

keeping our lamps ready,

immersed in the good work you call on us to do.

As a church 

let us live in the light of your promised coming,

serving others, 

doing justice, 

cherishing creation, 

gathering together, 

forming communities of peace and acceptance, 

forgiveness and delight, 

where every individual is heard and encouraged, 

loved and respected.

Let us separate ourselves 

from the reign of death and violence.

Let competition and envy,

greed and gluttony.

The need to be first and have more,

gain no traction among us.

But let us walk simply and gently

upon the Earth,

as Jesus did.

Leaving no wake or footprint

except love, joy, and peace.

We pray that your peace 

may extend through us

into our world.  

We pray especially for those

whose lives were disrupted

by the terror attacks in Mumbai last week.

Our hearts go out to families and friends

of those who died.

We pray for those enduring terrible violence and warfare

in the Congo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Help us to follow the One 

who comes as the Prince of Peace, 

responding to violence with love and forgiveness, witnessing to the power of your cross to save.

We pray, O God, for those who suffer among us

pain of body, soul, or spirit.  We especially lift up....

Restore them to wholeness, O God,

by the power of your Spirit.

Let your light shine upon and within them

knitting back together what is broken,

restoring what is lost,

banishing what is evil.

We thank you for the life of....

And for all in her/him that is good, and kind, and holy.

Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord,

in the communion 

of all who have gone before us in the faith 

and all who will come after, 

we commend ourselves, one another, 

and our whole life to you, 

O Christ our God, 

and to you we render glory, 

now and forever.  

Amen.