Prayers of the People, OT27B

​From the soles of our feet
to the crowns of our heads, Lord,
we feel the pain of untold stories,
of judgment,
of laughter,
of unresolved anger
and of fear.
Hear our prayers for mercy.

Sitting in piles of ashes,
we mourn a loss of dignity
and decency,
of compassion
and diligence
and truth.
Hear our prayers for justice.

Cynical about you
and your activity in the world,
we curse you.
Our bewilderment
and our outrage
feels insufficient
in the face of trial,
and we wonder what evil
has been unleashed
and why.
Hear our prayers for faith.

Restore to us
the joy of our salvation, Lord.
Grant peace in the face of adversity
and strength to perseverance.
Move your Spirit in and among your people
everywhere
and ignite in your church
a fire of love that will burn brightly
and light the way to hope
for all who are in pain.