Peace Now

For peace in Israel, Gaza, Darfur, Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan, USA (particularly in Richmond, Ca.). For the victims of violence everywhere. For those struggling for peace and justice, especially Vicki. For churches in conflict situations, especially ECUSA. For a world without war and violence Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth, Lead us from despair to hope, from fear to trust. Lead us from hate to love, from war to peace, Let peace fill our beings, our world and our universe. Amen.

— World Prayer for PeaceVancouver Assembly of the World Council of Churches

Holy Innocents

Merciful God, bless all the children and innocent people who are killed, injured, lives destroyed by the power-play of political forces. Today we pray particularly for the suffering in Palestine and Israel. For thousands of years we have prayed that the ears and hearts of the leaders would open to hear your commandment that we love each other as ourselves and still they have hardened their hearts. Help all of us to open our hearts and minds to your love and your call to love for the world and our especially our neighbors. Bring peace in our time, dear Lord. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Heavenly Father, give us the courage, power and grace of Stephen to speak out when necessary. Help us to face any opposition with love and forgiveness. Make us willing servants to your desire to build up the kingdom of heaven here on earth for all people. We pray for complete equality for our gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender brothers and sisters. And we pray for all who are marginalized because of their life circumstances or beliefs. Be with us today, we pray. Amen.

December 26, 2008 Feast of St. Stephen, Martyr and Deacon

Creator of the Universe, as we become Pilgrims into the New Year, lead us with open hearts to the places and faces you would have us know. Make your will known to us and give us courage to do your will. Today we pray for Joseph the homeless and all who are sick in the hospital. We ask for healing and hope for them and their families. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

Bless us, Lord, as we come close the manger to see who is there. Let us not be afraid but approach the birth of Jesus with joy and hope for the New Year and for our role in spreading the Good News. Bless all who dare and dream enough to ask who Jesus is and what we can do to be more like him each day. Strengthen us in our reading and study of the scripture and open our hearts to your love and care and help us to share that with others. Be with us, Lord Jesus, we pray today and every day. Amen.

Heavenly Father we pray for healing for M and M and C and N and Freckles; for peace and comfort for M and J and N; for joy for D; in thanksgiving for Matt, Christine and Sarah, Freckles and Smoky. For the mother and child who were begging at the Safeway last night in the parking lot; for all who are homeless tonight, sad tonight, alone and lonely tonight, lost in wilderness tonight, be with them Lord Jesus, we pray your loving kindness be upon them and us all. Amen.

Prayer for Christmas

Prayers for the World

Heavenly Father, we ask you to be with us today and in the New Year as we face our own inner challenges as well as the challenges of our country and world. We are blessed beyond imagination with your love and hope; help us to share our wondrous life in your Kingdom with others by sharing the love with which you surround us. Give hope to the poor and needy and bring us to their aid. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.