Prayers of the People, E5B

O God, 
you are awesome!
Your greatness is beyond
our finite imagination.
We lift our songs of praise
with deep gratitude.

Hear our prayers for mercy 
as well, we pray.
For the outcast who is shunned
because of their race
or gender
or sexual orientation,
because of their different abilities
or their neuro-diversity
or their mental illness,
because of their financial situation,
or their political perspective,
or their cognitive delusions.
Move your church to be truly inclusive
and hospitable,
welcoming all with open arms
and listening to their stories
with kindness and with grace.

Hear our prayers for compassion
for those who are grieving
the loss of a loved one
or a treasured pet
or a special relationship,
the loss of a job
or a home
or a dream that was very real.
Inspire your people to reach out
with kindness,
to offer a smile
and possibly a hug,
a hand to hold,
and a shoulder to lean on.

Be present with all who are hurting,
O God, 
and grant your healing power
to strengthen and support.
Surround them with your love,
we pray,
and fill them with a peace
that passes all understanding.
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