Once again we gather as a pilgrim congregation who have gone from location to location through the years until we now are living up to our congregation’s actual name. In these surroundings may we sense God’s spirit as fully as in any of our other previous homes. In a time of growing worldwide uncertainty, we seek the certainty of sensing the presence of Almighty God. Therefore, let us with renewed confidence in a new place, worship God.
Pastoral Prayer
We praise Thee, Creator of the universe, the galaxies and stars and planets, also for creating this world and everything in it. We marvel at nature in all its winning and winsome qualities, but we also acknowledge its uncertain and seemingly malevolent qualities. We pray Thy guidance for the many thousands of medical researchers everywhere who are hurrying as quickly as they can to find a vaccine for a virus which appears to be unlike anything else humanity has ever seen and which changes its nature almost on a weekly basis. Grant wisdom and resolve to all government officials everywhere who struggle to make good decisions with too little reliable information to be certain of what they choose to recommend. Instill the energy and tenacity that is necessary for medical workers who toil day after day to give the best care possible to those who have been stricken with the virus.
We pray for those who in recent weeks have become involved in another great battle, that of seeking to bring increased public awareness to the racial inequities which have plagued our nation since its birth. With everyone listening for Thy voice in their actions, may those who seek more justice and those who resist their efforts somehow find common ground in their differences. Grant unique new understanding to all the people of this nation who have been confronted by a continuing and never-solved problem from its very inception. Give to us peace in our time, O Lord, and give us open hearts and minds to make that peace possible.
We pray Thy presence to be especially felt among those who are seriously ill, those who are facing physical, spiritual, and moral crises, those who have lost their way in life and who feel afraid and lonely, those for whom a highly valued relationship has evaporated and who are bereft by that loss. All our prayers we offer in the name of Jesus, our earthly Lord and the proclaimer of our eternal salvation. Now we pray together in words he taught his first disciples, saying, Our Father….