Summer/Pentecost/Memorial Day/All The Things

Spirit of the Living God, you move in mysterious ways. 

We confess that we miss your movement, 

Sometimes because we are distracted by the busyness of life.  

Other times because an encounter with your Spirit almost always expects 

something of us, and we are resistant to change.  

Even so, we long to feel that rush of Holy wind blowing in our lives, 

knowing with all our heart, soul, mind and strength that you are God and that we are living in the flow of your love for us.  

Break through our distractions and our resistance, that we might be truly yours - 

courageous in love, free from bitterness, eager to forgive, 

at peace with our neighbors and with ourselves. 

We lift up to you those who are struggling and in pain - 

those suffering from addiction, and those who love them, 

those managing depression and despair, 

those caught in abusive relationships, 

those whose health keeps them from living the life that they want, 

those whose experience in church leads them to believe that they do not deserve your love.  

Wherever we are hurting, Lord, heal us.  

Wherever we are broken, restore us.  

May our struggles increase our compassion 

and deepen our connection with you and one another.  

We pray for kids, teachers, and parents, as they transition from school days to summer break.  May this season bring joy and rest.  Bless parents with an extra portion of patience and creativity, as they juggle camps, child care, and shifting routines.   

We remember this Memorial Day Weekend those who have died in service to our country.  May their memory be a blessing, and may their sacrifice remind us that our freedom ought never be taken for granted.  Give us courage to use our freedom to make others free from oppression, injustice, and exploitation.  

We ask all of this in the name of Jesus, 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 glory forever.  Amen.