Come, let us unite in prayer for the church throughout the world.
(silence or a time for people to quietly give voice to their concerns)
God of creation who celebrates unity and diversity, we lift up to you the entire body of Christ in its many forms. Grant us the courage to honor differences and strive toward unity.
O give thanks to God,
For God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Let us pray for the United Church of Christ, here and elsewhere.
(silence or a time for people to quietly give voice to their concerns)
God of all time, remind us of where we have been, ground us where we are, and reveal to us where you would have us be in the days to come. We thank you for all those called to lead the United Church of Christ, especially for Geoffrey Black our minister and president, Gary Schulte our conference minister, and all those gathered here. Let your living waters wash through the New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ to deepen our roots and strengthen our branches that we might bear fruit in all seasons.
O give thanks to God,
For God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Let us pray for all the peoples of the world.
(silence or a time for people to quietly give voice to their concerns)
God of all people, you long to have all people live in peace and equity. Enable us to stand against injustice, war, poverty, and other human actions that devalue and destroy any of your children. Grant us the grace to forgive our enemies and those who have sinned against us. May our work help bring about healing for all nations.
O give thanks to God,
For God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Let us pray for our nation and those who lead it.
(silence or a time for people to quietly give voice to their concerns)
God of hope and promise, you are always present with us even in those times when we turn away or lose hope. Our nation faces much difficulty and the path to resolution is long and complex. Be with those who lead this country, especially Barak Obama. Guide them in all decisions that one day we may be a nation of peace and justice for all who live with in our borders.
O give thanks to God,
For God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Let us pray for all those who are in need of healing.
(silence or a time for people to quietly give voice to their concerns)
God of abundant life, we lift up to you all who are struggling for health of body, mind, or spirit. Open our eyes to all those who need compassion and comfort, kindness and hope. We are grateful for the abundance of life in you; stir in us a passion to share your gifts with all people.
O give thanks to God,
For God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Let us pray for all those who grieve.
(silence or a time for people to quietly give voice to their concerns)
God of life who conquered death, we lift up to you all those who are grieving the loss of loved ones. Hear us as we give you thanks for all your servants who now find their rest in you. Especially (read the list of those who have died this last year).
O give thanks to God,
For God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Let us give thanks to God for all the blessings we have received.
(silence or a time for people to quietly give voice to their concerns)
God who claims us all as beloved children, we open our hearts and lives to you in gratitude. You have blessed us with a calling to be the body of Christ in this time and place. May we do so with joy and love that carries through times of distress and difficult. We seek to follow in your ways, glorifying you in or worship and in our lives. Hear the prayers of your people. We pray in Christ’s name.
O give thanks to God,
For God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Amen.
I wrote this prayer for the New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ’s Annual Meeting which took place on October 20, 2012. The theme was “for the healing of the nations” (Rev. 22:2). Feel free to use and change what is necessary to fit your context.
