Most Merciful God,
thank You for your sheltering presence over us
as we walk the path of discipleship this day.
Bless the hands of the healers--
doctors, nurses, caregivers,
parents, children, spouses,
partners, friends--
who work with quiet determination
for the relief of pain, disease, and suffering,
who watch over and wait upon those who are ill.
Bless the minds of the dreamers--
the scientists, the organizers, the teachers--
who see potential where others see problems,
who see what could be
and are willing to work to make it happen.
Bless the strength of the guardians
who seek to serve and protect all
against those who would harm others
either in defiance of
or in the name of the law.
Holy One, envelop with in the cloud of your mercy,
and grant your peace to those for whom we pray.
Amen.
O Lord Our Helper,
we lift our eyes to You,
that You may guide and direct us this day.
Grant us a thirst for wisdom, O Great Counselor,
that we may walk in your paths with integrity
and demonstrate your truth without fail.
May we pull down the corruption within our hearts, O God,
and turn to follow your ethic of loving one another
and seeking healing and abundance for all.
Turn us, O Shepherd, from pursuing our selfish desires;
let us love You and your law with undivided hearts.
Teach us how to live together
in pursuit of the common good, Lord Jesus,
bearing with each other in lovingkindness,
caring for the stranger, the lost, and the oppressed
as You taught us.
Anoint us by your Spirit
to be renewed by your right hand
that we may walk in holiness and purity of heart,
O Most High;
and look with favor upon those for whom we pray.
Amen.
Most Merciful God,
You are our fortress and stronghold,
and we thank you for lifting us up into wisdom and truth.
You abide with us always;
You cover us with the strength of your almighty hand,
O Most High.
You walk beside us
from the dawning to the dimming of the day, and lift us up
when the waters of fear rise up to our necks.
Let your truth blossom and flourish within us,
that our hearts be good soil
to bear the fruit of justice and peace.
Give us a spirit of forbearance and mercy, Lord Christ,
honoring your gospel of love and healing.
Preserve us from the battering winds of enmity and discord,
and guide us into fellowship with all creation.
Spirit of Peace, rest upon us
and envelop with gossamer wings
all those whose hope is in You.
Amen.
1355
Photo: A quote by Dame Julian of Norwich that is a prayer in times of peace or in trouble, found on Pinterest.
