Prayers of the People, E6A

God of mercy and compassion, 
hear our prayers for those who are persecuted
as they seek to follow Jesus' example. 
Give them courage to speak truth to power.
Give them strength to stand on your promises.
Encircle them with protection, we pray,
and help them to trust in your unfailing love.

Redeeming Lord,
hear our prayers for those who are fearful
of the intimidators,
of those who yield power like a sword,
of those who are greedy and whose mouths
are full of spite.
Give them wisdom to discern truth from lies.
Give them language to articulate their uncertainty.
Encircle them with grace in such a way 
that they might know they will be
welcomed back into your fold.

Transforming Spirit,
hear our prayers for those who have been led astray
from the path of Life
where faith, hope, and love are rooted in you
and not in earthly authority.
Open their eyes to the harm they inflict
on those whom you call us to protect most.
Help them to see what Jesus lived
and retrain their hearts to follow where you lead.

May your church be ever mindful
of the Word we proclaim to your children,
and may we maintain a good conscience
even as we stand against the evils 
that confront us. 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.