O God, we know if we could only touch You
we would be healed,
but often we look for You
and the healing You bring
in all the wrong places:
in wealth, relationships,
accomplishments, approval from others,
and our desire to "be right."
Help us to look for You
in the places You promised to be all along:
near to the brokenhearted,
in every good and perfect thing,
in every good gift given,
and every good gift received.
May we find You in meals shared with friends,
in being hospitable and generous with strangers,
in caring well for Your people,
for all people are Yours.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
You hear us calling,
You hear us calling,
Abba Father.
O God, You are the One
who invites us to rest
that our lives may be the better for it.
You are the One who prepares a table for us
in the presence of our enemies,
the One who is with us
in the darkest valley.
So shape our leisure and our labor,
that the world will recognize us
as Jesus' disciples.
Help us to accept Your invitation
into the deserted places,
into the rhythm of sabbath,
to join You in Your yoke that is easy
and Your burden that is light.
May we remember that You are both
the God who calls us to work
and the God who calls us to rest.
When we feel overwhelmed and anxious,
help us to resist the temptation
to white-knuckle, to "do more,"
and instead be willing to give up control,
to trust in You, and rest in the places You lead us --
in green pastures and near still waters.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
You hear us calling,
You hear us calling,
Abba Father.
O God who redeems us and sustains us,
visit Your people,
and pour out Your courage upon us,
that we might hurry to make You welcome
not only in our concern for others,
but also by serving them
generously and faithfully in Your name.
By Your Holy Spirit
You have made us one with Your saints
in heaven and on earth:
Help us to see Your presence
burning in the hearts of others.
Grant that we may be united
in a community of love and prayer;
give us the courage to pick up our cross
and respond to the needs of the world,
give us the stamina to follow You,
to be Your hands and heart in the world;
enable us to witness to Your goodness, grace, and mercy.
All this we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord have mercy,
Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy,
Christ have mercy.