Prayers for the Week of January 23, 2022

Please feel free to join us in the prayers prayed in worship Sunday, January 23, 2022:

Loving God,

in the beginning you created all that is,

and you called your creation good.

You formed our bodies from the earth

and made us for life lived in relationship

in deep connection with each other,

with you, and with all creation.

Gathered in one body,

we give you thanks and praise.

We thank you for our bodies –

fearfully and wonderfully made,

and we pray for all bodies –

for a world that respects

the dignity and worth

of each person –

for a world without hierarchy or abusive power,

but rather one of mutuality, love, and peace.

We pray for the deep needs of the world,

for those who are hungry, food,

for those who are unhoused, shelter,

for those who are lonely, companionship,

for those who grieve, comfort.

We pray healing for all who are hurting

in body, in spirit,

knowing that in Christ,

when one suffers, all suffer.

We pray for an end to this pandemic,

for healing for all with COVID,

for strength and perseverance for all in the healing professions,

and for the collective will to join together

in disciplined ways of living

that will bring healing and life.

We pray for healing of this planet,

aching from the damage we have done.

Help us find the imagination and courage

to live lives that sustain and mend the earth.

We pray for healing of our systems and structures,

the dismantling of oppressive systems,

particularly systemic American racism,

and for the repair and rebuilding of a world

where every child can live free and thrive.

We pray for an end to every kind of violence,

and particularly this morning

we pray for peace in the Ukraine,

for an end to saber-rattling –

lead us in paths of peace.

Gathered together in one body,

we join our voices together, in one voice,

with all those who have ever called your name,

praying the prayer that Jesus taught:

Our Father/Mother, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.