Heavenly Father,
When the time was right you sent your Son Jesus Christ to be born of Mary. We rejoice in Him and in the fulfillment of your promises. Your Word lasts and has borne the fruit of eternal life in us. Praise the Lord. Let all Creation praise your holy name. Praise the Lord.
In your communion, the communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we know you and we know your love. Please pour out your Spirit in your church today that we may rise as a temple constructed of lives graced by your Son. Let us see in our brothers and sisters the glorious construction of a people shining like a city on a hill.
You are the God who sends. You sent:
Someone to plant the seed of the Gospel in our hearts.
Someone to water that seed and nurture us in the ways of peace.
Someone to welcome us into the communion of the saints that we might be vessels of your Spirit’s healing graces.
We know this but have not yet seen what you will do in our generation for the glory of Jesus.
Here we are Lord, send us.
Lord we lift up to you the people of Haiti and ask that you would bring joy to the streets.
We lift up to you the peoples of Canada and ask that you would bring the joy of your salvation to their hearts.
We lift up to you the people of Afghanistan who feel dread as dark realities of violence are overtaking more towns and regions. This region again is treated as pawn among power brokers. What shall we ask Lord — except that you would change the heart of all those who take up arms so that they may be conformed to the character of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Oh Father, we need you and we yearn for your Kingdom to come. So we pray as Jesus taught us. (Join me in the Lord’s Prayer.)
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one;
for yours is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory, forever.
Amen.
This prayer was part of the Origin Church Weekend Broadcast and In-Person Gathering, 16 & 18 July 2021.