Prayer of the People, 29 December 2019
Heavenly Father,
We are grateful for the grace that has brought us into your communion — the communion of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Glory to your name forever and ever.
You created us and gave us the breath of life.
You redeemed us from the ravages of sin and death through the Cross of your Son.
You have filled us with your Holy Spirit and keep pouring your love into our lives.
We cry out to you — Abba Father!
Thank you for your care for us in this past year.
You have given us wisdom when we didn’t know what to do.
You have brought strength when we felt so weak.
You have been our comfort when we felt alone in our grief.
You have provided what we needed when we did not know how our needs would be met.
You have disciplined us when we went astray.
You have sent friends to give us a word of encouragement or correction.
You have sourced love, joy, and peace through your Holy Spirit.
In the world’s leaders we hear and see a pattern of domination. Lord, help us to choose humility and service in how we relate to all people just as Jesus did.
In the student movements and protests, we hear a cry for justice. Lord, show us specific ways this week we can act justly and live mercy for our neighbours.
In the cry of the poor, we hear indictment at our ease and greed. Lord, we want to live in a way that stores up riches in Heaven.
While we look back on 2019, with the best photos of this and that, the best and worst moments being paraded out, we acknowledge how You are our best. You are the one who knits together s our lives. Help us see Your hand in how this last year unfolded, and more importantly help us look to You to set how 2020 will unfold. We want to abide in You, to love others, and to pursue righteousness.
We seek Your face.
In Jesus’ Name
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 Craig & Ellen O’Brien