Exodus/Exile Prayers of the People

As you came seeking Moses, O God, you are here, seeking us.  

You come in wild and mysterious ways - 

burning bushes, blowing winds, shivers down our spines, and tears in our eyes.  

And you show up in the same time-tested ways that you showed up for our ancestors - 

in the poetry of our hymns, in the living words in our Bibles, 

and in our community of faith.  

Thank you for showing up, for seeking us out.  

May we, like Moses, remove our shoes (or whatever stands between us and knowing you), not only out of reverence for you but that we might feel your presence more tenderly.  

We are carrying a lot right now, O Lord.  

Some of us are struggling financially, 

others are trying to keep their family from falling apart.  

Some of us have treatments and procedures coming up, 

others are struggling to find a therapist who accepts insurance.  

Some of us are addicted to things that are hurting us and those we love, 

others are trying to find a new job to get out of a bad situation.  

God, these are the times when we need you the most, 

and yet we become so focused on our troubles that we forget we are already standing on holy ground.  

Be with us in all of our suffering, anxiety, and pain.  

Draw us closer to you

Help us to minister with love and compassion to one another.  

We ask these things in the name of your son, the Prince of Peace, who taught us to pray by saying: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.  Amen.  

Written for worship at Decatur First UMC