O God,
you have called us to follow in the way of your risen Son,
and to care for those who are our companions,
not only with words of comfort, but with acts of love.
Seeking to be true friends of all,
we offer our prayers on behalf of the church and the world.
We pray for the Church around the world,
for its members and its mission.
We recognize we are all part of one body,
focused on bringing your image to bear
in a world that has greatly distorted your image.
And just as your body is broken and blood is shed,
so break us and pour us out for the sake of the world.
O God,
When you speak there is light and life.
When you act there is justice and love.
Grant that your voice may be in the mouths
of those in authority,
and your actions may be present
in the works of our government,
so that what we say and what we do as a nation
would be filled with your Holy Spirit.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
You hear us calling,
You hear us calling,
Abba Father.
O God we thank you that you still walk through
our locked doors of fear, insecurity, and loneliness.
Just as you appeared to your disciples
and offered them your Peace,
so grant us your Peace that passes understanding.
Just as you bore your wounds to your disciples,
grant us the courage required to be vulnerable with our own wounds,
that we might become agents of healing to one another.
Just as you breathed on your disciples,
inviting them to receive the Holy Spirit,
we ask that you would send us a Holy Wind -
a Holy Wind that dismantles us,
a Holy Wind that overrides barriers and opens communication,
a Holy Wind that signals your rule among us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You hear us calling,
You hear us calling,
Abba Father.
O God, we pray for what seems impossible:
Peace in places where war reigns.
An end to strife over boundaries.
Food for the hungry.
Shelter for the impoverished.
Understanding of differences between peoples.
Jesus, we believe you; all we heard is true.
You break the bread, and we recognize you.
You are the fire that burns within us;
Use us to light the world.
Guide us in the path of discipleship,
so that, as you have blessed us,
we may be a blessing for others,
bringing the promise of the kingdom near
by our words and deeds. Amen.
Lord have mercy,
Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy.