Prayers of the People, P16C

Our cities are under siege, O God.
Be present with your people
in places of conflict around the world,
where foreign enemies seek to destroy
and hatred and prejudice
invade the consciousness like an army.
In your mercy, Lord, send your Spirit of hope.

Your prophets continue to speak, O God.
Continue to steel them
that they might not succomb
to those who would silence them.
Open the ears of your people everywhere
to listen and to heed their calls.
In your mercy, Lord, send your Spirit of hope.

We are buying fields, O God.
Small business owners are taking risks,
and new ministries are taking root;
farmers keep sewing seed,
and teachers keep teaching.
We want to believe in a future with hope.
Help us to remain faithful
even when the signs around us
point to doom,
even when we are exasperated
and at our wits end.
Be present with us in our optimism
and in our struggle to live your claim
on our lives.

We are surrounded by witnesses, O God.
Keep us ever focused on you,
so all we do
reflects your love
for your people everywhere.