Prayers of the People, P+14C

Loving Shepherd,
we gather near to you
at your invitation,
with all our imperfections
and insecurities,
and bask in the warmth 
of your gracious hospitality.
By your great love,
we are known 
and are able to love others.

Be present, Lord, we pray,
with those who do not know the wonder
of your unconditional love
and grace;
who have not experienced it 
in those around them
and do not, therefore, 
know how to extend it 
to those whom they encounter.
Embrace them with your mercy
and show them what it means 
to be called "Beloved."

Be present, also,
with those whose loss is great,
and comfort them
as they search for wholeness
and reconciliation
and celebrate with them 
when their blessings are restored.

Transform your church, O God,
into a place of welcome
where all are treated with love
and respect,
where the lost are sought
with faithful persistence,
and the poor and lonely
are lifted up 
and encouraged
in times of trial,
where sinners are encircled
by other sinners
in humility and hope.