Prayers of the Community

By Glenda Thomson and Stephen Ward
April 13, 2003

Let us pray together.

Gracious God, we give you thanks for bringing us together in this season of growth and change. May the rebirth that we see all around occur in own lives, revitalizing our relationships and bringing us closer to you.

We especially give thanks for the return of Bruce and Ann to our midst, refreshed by their sabbatical. May they use their renewed energy to lead us forward in our quest to be a more relevant and committed Christian community.

God of Peace, our thoughts turn to the plight of the people of Iraq, caught in the chaos of war. May the world community invest heavily and quickly in the reconstruction of their ancient and honourable society. May the people receive the freedom, good government and social justice they so richly deserve. Let us pray for the other casualties of this conflict: the humanitarian workers, the soldiers, the prisoners of war and the journalists who have been killed and injured. We also hold their families in our hearts.

Merciful God, we give thanks for the scientists in Vancouver who this weekend discovered the genetic code of SARS. May it be the first of many advances toward understanding and controlling this disease. We pray for the health-care workers who courageously and compassionately care for the afflicted. May we, as Christians, meet this frightening disease with strength, determination and calm.

On this Palm Sunday, we reflect on how Jesus met his trials during his final days on this earth. We pray for those among us who face their own challenges and trials ahead. We pray for those burdened by illness, family troubles, financial worries and broken dreams. May we take strength from Christ’s example. Take a moment of silence to remember those close to you.  [silence]

Let us conclude with a prayer for world peace:
   For peace in our land.
   For the victims of violence everywhere.
   For those struggling for peace and justice.
   For churches in conflict situations.
   For a world without war and violence.

Let us pray together in the words that Jesus taught us:

Our loving God who art in heaven. . . .