Prayers of the People, OT 32A

​Covenant-Keeping God,

We come before you this day, lifting those who need your healing touch, your comforting presence, your reassuring word. Hear our prayers, we pray, and make us agents of healing in your name.
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We pray for the leaders of the people, Lord --those who have been in leadership for some time, and those newly called -- and we seek your wisdom and discernment, your compassion and your mercy, that they might serve you and serve your people with the same love.

We pray for your people everywhere who worship idols that cannot save them -- those who pledge their allegiance to celebrity and fame, to money and power, to objects and ideas that neither serve them nor serve you. Open their eyes to the life-giving covenant you have offered your people that all who are enslaved by idol worship might be released for new life in Christ.

We pray for families, Lord, that they might commit themselves to your service, setting an example to a thousand generations. We pray that grace and peace may one day be the norm instead of the exception and that the hearts of your people will seek to live according to your plan.

Hear also our prayers for those whom we name below ... those whose names are in our hearts and on our minds. In addition, hear our prayers for those whose names we do not know. Surround them with your steadfast love. Touch them with your infinite mercy. Fill them with a peace that passes all understanding.

In Jesus' name we pray,
Amen.