O God, creator of the universe and lover of all people, we are grateful for your invitation into this new day. We give you thanks for the privilege to adore you, to read and study your word, and to receive it with into our hearts. On this day, we want to come before you in a way pleasing to you and good for us. So, we sincerely and humbly ask you to be with us.  Cleanse our speaking and our listening in a way that opens and enlightens our hearts and minds. Awaken and strengthen our willingness to acknowledge you as the master of our lives even as we seek to live for you in all situations and circumstances.

O God, let us breathe the fresh air of your Spirit. Let us be so filled with your presence that we live today and every day with greater grace, deeper love, and renewed joy. On this day, when we remember those who have given their lives for the principles of freedom and peace, we pray that you will grant us and all the world your peace…your shalom. We hold before you the people of our neighborhoods, our partners in ministry, and those who have and those who have not the goods that bring us such comfort and joy.

Holding before you all the people of our city, we pray for healthy relationships among the rich and poor, the powerful and the powerless, the decision makers and the marginalized. We pray for those who have been victims of violent crimes and for those who are perpetrators of those crimes. Help us be engaged with our neighbors to make a difference at all times and all places.

We hold before you all the people of our country. We especially pray for those who have experienced the devastating disasters of bombs and shootings. Give us ears to hear how you want us to be involved in bringing about hope in midst of such destruction and despair.  Give us the courage to hold the values of your Kingdom in the midst of praying for our leaders.

Thank you for the privilege of coming to you in prayer. Do not abandon us. Let your light shine where there is darkness, let there be peace where there is now strife, let there be courage and confidence where now there is sorrow and anxiety.  Hear our pray, not because we deserve your mercy, but for Jesus’ sake through whom you have claimed us as your children, and have redeemed us for your work in this world.

Strengthen your church through our service, and bring us all at last into the awareness of your presence, where we shall praise you, and honor you,  in all we say and do.  We pray in the name of your Son and our Savior, Jesus the Christ, who taught all his followers to pray saying…Our Father, who art in heaven…