Prayer of the People, 16 June 2019
Based on Psalm 103:1-6
Heavenly Father we praise you with all our inmost being, we praise Your holy name.
We ask Your Spirit to help us not forget all the benefits You bring to our lives—
- You forgive all our sins.
- You heal our diseases.
- You redeem our lives from the pit.
- You crown us with love and compassion.
- You satisfy our desires with good things.
- You renew our youth like the eagle’s.
- You are the Lord who works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
We celebrate You and we ask you to help us recalibrate our lives to You. We wait expectantly to see Your healing – of our hearts, of our bodies, of our relationships, and of the land.
We ask that You redeem us. Please redeem us from sin, mistakes, apathy, depression, and weakness. You can make something beautiful out of us. Give us an awareness of your tangibe love expressed at the Cross of Jesus Christ. Let it flourish at UBC and spread out into the whole world bringing salvation to many.
Hallelujah! You are the Lord who works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. Today we sing alleluia with the people of Hong Kong who are resisting a power that would limit the gathering of people in your name, the free expression of your good news, and the just treatment of anyone who disagrees with it by bringing the truth to light. Fortify your people with your love for their enemies and with grace to forgive those who transgress against them.
Lord, We lift up those in our congregation who are seeking work. As they persevere through this trial please direct their paths. Increase their faith and give them courage to seek first your kingdom and your righteousness. Open doors for them and even as they wait — show them how to redeem their time and relationships for your glory.
Lord you know us and we trust you. So we pray together for ourselves and your church that has been gathering across the earth this day —
(Please 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.
Prepared by Ellen and Craig O’Brien.