Prayer of the People, 23 July 2021
Heavenly Father,
How is it possible that we could walk in this wonderful corner of the world and not think of you? We can stand at the Rose Garden and see your grandeur painted on the horizon: the mountains, the ocean, the expanse of the skies. Thank you for this Creation and the wildness just a short journey away.
As we walk across our campus we see departments committed to the study of all that you have made and what people have done with it through the years. Thank you for these wonders. Even then Lord, our imaginations have been drawn forward into what could be — the new creations that are yet to be written and sung, the new scientific discoveries that are to be applied for the benefit of people and the stewardship of your Creation. Thank you for granting such craft, knowledge and wisdom to us. Thank you for opening the way for us to study and to share our lives here at UBC together.
But there is much in our world to remind us that we are not the masters of the sea or of the land, or even of our hearts. The pandemic continues to rage in many countries and people’s lives are disrupted and they are distressed. We are asking you for help Lord. Grant wisdom and will to governments that they would assist in the provision of vaccines for all who want it across the globe.
We lift up the people of India who have suffered so much during the pandemic. Bring comfort and help to those who cannot afford medical care. We uphold your church to love these neighbours. May they be strengthened in their spirits by the knowledge of Jesus and the power of Your Holy Spirit to share their lives and the Gospel.
Through out the world the shortcomings of families and of churches are evident. We lift up the people who have suffered great pain and loss from the hands of those who were meant to be your hands, who were meant to show your care — but did not; what a destructive storm!
Hear their cries Lord, and attend to their suffering. Meet them in the trauma and bring healing. Lord have mercy. Change our hearts with your truth and grace and form us as a people able to do your will.
So Lord we pray together …. Please join me in praying 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 Weekend Broadcast and Gatherings on July 23 and 25.
