Congregational Prayer, July 1, 2007
Pastor Mary Scheer
Dear Lord,
As we come to you with prayers for the people, we lift up those who are
gathered here and the families of this congregation. We pray for those
who are in a tough place this morning. You know the needs of every
person here; you hear the hearts prayer for every loved one. Touch with
healing those who are sick, we pray for their quick recovery. Walk
closely with those who are grieving Lord. We especially pray for Bret
and Sunny and all of Kelly’s family on this difficult day, hold them
close, give them strength and comfort.
As we prepare to celebrate our independence as a Nation, we begin by
acknowledging our dependence upon you. For without you we are nothing
and we can do nothing. Celebrating life’s joys is easy, but how could we
make it through the devastations and losses that break our hearts and
buckle our knees without you? We know there is no true strength, no
liberation, and no real freedom apart from you. In you Jesus we have the
ultimate freedom from sin and death.
Guide your people, guide this nation, may your will prevail; lead us
according to your righteousness. Help us to deny all prejudice and work
together for the dignity and worth of all people. May we be willing to
sacrifice as those who’ve gone before us. We know that our freedom was
purchased at a tremendous cost. Thank you for the heroes’ courage and
the patriots' devotion. We are grateful to those who’ve given their life
for our freedom and in the fight for the freedom of others around the
world.
Renew our faith in freedom; help us to use it wisely. May justice guide
our feet and Christian unity be our goal. We pray that peace may
prevail, that truth will be established and that your church will
flourish drawing all people to yourself where they can experience the
true freedom that’s found in knowing you, in Jesus name. Amen.
