Prayers of the Community

By Ray McGinnis
March 23, 2003

Loving God, a new life is stirring within all creation
On this new day we give thanks

• For squirrels and birds who make their nests in the bare branches of trees

• For dogs running after sticks as they play with their owners in parklands

• For museum exhibits with their history, art galleries with paintings and sculptures

• For kayakers, joggers, boaters and soccer fields to play on

• For flowering shrubs and trees, early in their eagerness to announce spring in its many colours

• For families enjoying time together during this spring break

• In this season of Lent, help us to know the wilderness journey of Jesus

• He wondered for 40 days without food and was tempted by the devil

• Help us to discern what is tempting us, leading us astray as your people

We pray for all who have died and suffer from war in nearly one out of six nations in our world. For the people of the Congo, Sudan, Chechnya and Afghanistan.

We pray for the safety of the soldiers of America, Iraq, Britain and Australia, whose nations leaders call them to battle.

We pray for the citizens of Iraq who find themselves in the midst of conflict, violence and death.

We pray for the citizens of all warring countries who find themselves in turmoil with their neighbours

In this time of war, God guide our tongues. May we refrain from name-calling and demonizing those with whom we disagree.

Help us to live with respect with all those we may find ourselves in conflict with in the many spheres of our life, in our home, our school, our places of work and service, our community and nation. Help us seek your guidance as we listen and tend and build relationships.

Guide the media and those who seek to report the news of the world. Instil in them the courage to report with accuracy and fairness events and issues that unfold.

In a world hungering for truth, let all your children God, learn to seek peace and pursue it.

Help us to recommit ourselves to your vision of peace. Guide our feet as we build a world of greater understanding, compassion and care, free from the cycle of war.

We pray for the work of the mission and service fund, aiding the work of the middle east council of churches, university chaplains at UBC, and University of Victoria, and the work of the Native Longhouse Ministry in East Vancouver.

We give thanks for the many ministries at Canadian Memorial church - for prayer and bible study groups, ministry to seniors, youth and children.

For those who are sick or suffering in body, mind or spirit, we ask your comfort

• For those who grieve, be with them in their time of grief

• For those faced with the challenges of school or business decisions, strengthen purpose and discipline to be of service and use their skills wisely.

Lead us to that place where we live without fear, and you wipe away every tear.

Fill us with your love, O God. Help us remember the ties binding us together in your love, as children who share one world.

Help us to pray as Jesus taught saying: Our Loving God, who art in heaven...