Prayers of the Community

By Lois Carrier
April 13, 2003

Loving and eternal God, we gather in worship to celebrate your presence, to ask that our fellowship be enriched, and that our commitment to peace be confirmed.

In the glory of a Vancouver springtime, our spirits uplifted by new growth and dazzling colours, we experience profound gratitude for our peaceful setting, for our freedom and relative security.  Our mood fades, as we once more confront the grim reality of war.  We find that we are anxious and concerned for kindred spirits now in peril across the world.  We lift our prayers to you, O Merciful God, in hopes that, contrary to reports, hostilities may come to a swift end, with minimal casualties and suffering.  We pray for the people of Iraq, for all combatants and their worried families, and would ask that you inspire world leaders with vision and insight to do what is good and just for your people.

Powerful declarations by our church leaders advocating non-violence, coupled with the peace rallies, envelopes of rice, and other forms of communication, surely signal our hope for a future world built on love.  We praise you for the presence of the Red Cross, the Red Crescent, church and other humanitarian organizations whose workers place themselves at risk in service to others in conflict zones.

As we journey through Lent, waiting out the suffering of our Lord, anticipating the Resurrection, we pray that we may be caught up in a spirit of renewal, of "newness," so that, as instruments of your peace, we may be empowered to promote healing and community in your hurting world.

We know what you ask of us - that we live to serve - having given us the perfect model in Jesus, who has repeatedly demonstrated how to be in a right relationship with you.  Gracious God, restore us, we pray, to your binding covenant, reminding us that to love you is to love your world.  And with love, all things are possible.

In our love for your world, keep us mindful that we are but tenants here, sharing this planet with our fellow creatures and other living species.  But you have bidden us to assume the awesome responsibility of enlightened and compassionate stewardship.  Creator God, show us how to tread lightly - to preserve, and not destroy our fragile ecology.

Merciful God, sustain those among us who are grappling with diminishing health, with adjustments to change, for the loss of loved ones.  We view with growing concern the outbreak of SARS, and pray that you attend those who are suffering, and their helpers.  In moment' silence, let us pray for our special concerns...

Our hope and our trust are in you, Our God, whose grace envelopes us unbidden, and whose promise of salvation and healing is ours for the seeking.  Hold us fast in your abundant love, we pray...