Prayers of the People Feb. 11, 2024 by the Rev. Dr. Tara W. Bulger

Gracious God, in the person of Jesus, you showed us what it is to pray. Jesus prayed for your will to be done, so we come to you this day asking the same.

In all of the Gospels, Jesus moved through the world, healing people. He healed those who suffered and encouraged us to do the same. Please help us to be people who bring health and healing to all our interactions. May we be agents of peace and care in a world often beset with division and rancor. May we care for those who are sick with patience and kindness. May we do all these things through you, Lord, relying on you to give us what is needed to heal and love the world.

Jesus also taught throughout his ministry, pointing people to the way of God. May we be people who continually learn about Jesus by studying scripture, participating in the life of the church, and engaging in relationships with other believers. Help us to grow in our faith. May we point to Christ in all we do. As Jesus was faithful, may we be faithful. May learn to share our faith with others.

We have been called to be the church, the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. And so we ask for your blessing upon us as a church community. May we love, respect, and honor one another in all of our interactions. Lord God, help us discern who you are calling us to be so that we may be a witness to your love in this community. We ask for your blessing on our older members, who are the bedrock of our church. We ask for your blessing on newer members who bring their energy and creativity to our church. May you bless and prepare us to welcome all those who would come to our church as visitors. May we genuinely welcome and accept all who find their way here.

Lord God, in all things, may we be faithful. May we grow to be more like Jesus Christ and join our voices in the prayer that he taught us, 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 debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, amen.