God of mercy and healing,
You who hear the cries of those in need,
receive these petitions of Your people
that all who are troubled
may know peace, comfort, and courage.
Gracious God,
We are a people who strive with one another,
but we remember...
We remember Joseph,
whose brothers threw him away.
But he forgave them and became their salvation.
We remember Jacob and Esau,
who fought in their mother's womb.
But they became reconciled on the battlefield.
We remember Your people,
who suffered in exile,
and Queen Esther who took a stand,
'for such a time as this' to end the strife.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
You hear us calling,
You hear us calling,
Abba Father.
And still we strive against one another.
Our brothers strive against sisters,
Mothers and fathers strive against daughters and sons
We strive among races, among nations, among classes
We strive across the miles and across the ages
We strive in the Christian family, in the human family
But Jesus prayed for our unity.
Almighty God, You created one humanity
You have broken down the dividing wall of hostility.
You say there is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female, slave nor free...
You say; "How good it is for us to dwell in unity."
You say: There's plenty good room.
You say: Get on board, there's room for many more.
You say: Lay down your sword and shield
down by the riverside and study war no more."
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
You hear us calling,
You hear us calling,
Abba Father.
God of the journey,
We remember that Mary and Joseph
had to flee to Egypt,
taking Jesus to safety,
leaving home behind.
Remembering,
we pray for sisters and brothers
around your world
who are forced to leave their homes.
We are torn apart by the cruelty
your people are facing at the United States–Mexico border.
We pray for the successful reuniting of families
after thousands of children were separated from their parents.
Guide the leaders of the world to find creative ways to respond.
To extend protection and provide safe haven.
To care compassionately and respectfully
for the needs of our sisters and brothers.
To address the situations and circumstances
that force people to leave their homes.
To do justice and to seek peace.
Show us ways we can support
our brothers and sisters whom we encounter.
Inspire us to engage in the efforts to create a world
in which all have a safe place to call home.
We pray for the day when peace fills our hearts,
our world, our universe,
that these prayers may be made real.
This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord have mercy,
Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy,
Christ have mercy.