PRAYER FOR OUR LIVES

Master,

Life is hard, often sad and confusing. It is also precious and filled with inspiring moments. It is not always what we expected or hoped it would be, but it is beautiful. So much of what we learn and experience, often interferes with our ability to connect with you, those around us and our world.  Often, through no fault of our own, we fail to be the best version of ourselves instead of the joyful, loving and compassionate person you intend for us to be. 
 
Help us heal, let go and grow from our hurt, our losses and unresolved trauma.  Guide us to your well of self-compassion, humility and courage to help us navigate our lives. Help us create a life of happiness that is full of self love, to create a life of peace that is free of suffering and a life of ease.



PRAYER FOR OUR COMMUNITY

Creator,

The recent attacks on immigrant communities has left deep scars for both immigrants and non-immigrants who stood with them in heart, mind and body. The long journey of healing and recovery has only begun for some of us. Immigrant rights and people of color continue to be attacked and dehumanized.  Many people are still in hiding, families remain separated and fear is around every corner, every day and outside every door. Their hurt is real and their suffering is our suffering. Standing with and for them takes a toll.
 
Help the people of Awaken and all church communities remain tapped in to your power for courage and strength, to stay in the trenches in our efforts to support immigrants and their families. Help us find healing for ourselves and our neighbors. May the Awaken garden be one way we heal, reconnect and reenergize in community with others.  Bless our garden with an abundance of fresh food to provide nourishment to local partners such as, Walking With a Purpose.



PRAYER FOR OUR WORLD

Lord God,

Our world is dangerous, it’s hostile and unbalanced. Those with power dominate, manipulate and abuse people and our planet with disregard. People are being killed, lives are destroyed under the direction of our leaders who promote lies, fear, violence and hate with their words and actions. Even the news and social media is toxic, threatening our mental health, spiritual health and creates division among our families. It’s become difficult to imagine a peaceful or loving world for children and future generations.
 
Help us see the world through a lens of hope and brotherly, sisterly love. Help us to stay healthy and untarnished by the news and events of the world. May the world and our leaders be happy, may they find peace, may they be free from suffering and may they live with ease.


- Written and read by Tomas Silva.







“Prayers of the People” music by The Brilliance
© 2015 Brownie Hawkeye Music; Integrity's Praise!
Music; Evan Wickham Music; Remaining portion is unaffiliated
Performed by Halle Groves

Once a month, we invite a member of our community to write and share prayers for the world, our community, and our lives during the service. In between, the body sings a refrain in spiritual agreement of the prayers. The goal is to hear from a diversity of voices in this space (in age, gender, culture, etc), and to spark creativity and encouragement in your own prayer life. Email Katherine if you’re interested in sharing your prayers with the community.