Prayers of the People: January 2024
PRAYER FOR OUR WORLD
God, we know you are an Advocate for the oppressed, a Voice to the voiceless, and that your heart breaks for those in pain around the world. Please give us your eyes to see and ears to hear the cries of those, especially children, who are suffering under violent and oppressive systems. Please teach us not to turn away from suffering, but to bear witness to it. May we strive to extend your mercy, to sit with those in pain, to help carry the burdens of others, and to be your hands and feet.
Please bless the work of our missional partner, Jonathan House, as they continue to provide shelter, hope, and healing for those seeking asylum. We pray protection over the persecuted and those fleeing their homes for safety. May they find home, refuge, and restored hope.
Lord, hear our prayer.
PRAYER FOR THE COMMUNITY
Lord, we pray for those around us who are grieving the loss of a loved one or suffering the loss of connection, we know that this pain can be especially poignant this time of year. We ask that you comfort those in their sorrow, and connect those who are isolated with genuine community. We pray that the barriers that separate us from each other fall, that our connection with each other grows, that our relationships flourish, and that the hardships we experience only bring us closer together instead of tearing us apart.
Lord, hear our prayer.
PRAYER FOR OUR LIVES
God, we ask that you help us grow in gratitude and step out courageously with generosity. We ask You to stir conviction in our hearts, give us opportunities to see the need in others, and to give beyond our comfort zone. We ask that you heal and transform our hearts so that we can be a source of healing and comfort for others as well. Please teach us to be compassionate, patient, and gentle with others and, in turn, with ourselves too.
Amen.
-read by Bailee Payne
-written by Bailee Payne
“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 Hanson