Child of the Light/Prayers of the People

O God, our creator.  

You set the stars to light the night, and sent Jesus to shine in our hearts.  

And yet this world we live in still feels scary, desperate, angry, and unpredictable.  

We try to save ourselves through power, control, wealth, and popularity.  

They fail us, every time.  

But your light does not depend on our awareness of it.  

It shines on, in spite of whatever tries to dampen it.  

We pray this morning for eyes to see your light, and the courage to keep our eyes open to your goodness, mercy, and love.  

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.  

We pray for the people in this community - those who suffer from grief and loss, those who are unemployed, those who face addictions and mental illness, those who have been rejected, and those who struggle to find enough.  Bless them with hope, and make us children of the light, following Jesus and shining his love in tangible ways to those who walk in darkness.  

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.  

We pray for our country, for those who serve and those who lead.  Grant them wisdom, and the courage to use it.  Dear God, it’s so hard to love those who seem like enemies, and it’s even harder when we’ve decided to stop having conversations with them about difficult topics.  Instill in us, and in the leaders of our city, county, state, and country, a desire for the common good that overcomes ego, political loyalty, and our desperate need to be right.  

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.  

We pray for our church, that we might be a family, faithful in our witness to your love.  Bless our leaders and pastors, feed their souls that they may have endurance for difficult seasons, and joy to celebrate the gifts you have given them to serve.  Help each of us to know our role in your vision for this church, and to serve with passion and creativity in whatever way you have called us.  

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.  

We pray in the name of our savior, who loves us, Jesus the Christ.  Amen.