Congregational Prayer 10/25/09

Offered by Pastor Mary Scheer

Dear Lord,

It can be both comforting and frightening to consider that nothing is
hidden from you, you watch our actions, you know our inner thoughts, you
discern our motives and listen to our prayers.

Lord, we lift up that inward place that guides and motivates our
behavior.  Help us to be sensitive, reflective and honest with
ourselves about why we do what we do. 

Help us to see ourselves through the lenses of your righteousness and
show us if there is any willful or rebellious way in us and may we have
the courage and conviction to confront and change what needs to be
changed. 

Help us to be men and women of integrity who keep our word. 
Give us hearts that are humble and gentle able to receive others with
grace. 

Help us not to pre-judge the motives of others but to seek your
wisdom and discernment. 

Lord as your body, may we excel in the ways we come together as a
community, in the ways that we relate to one another and in the ways we
serve each other.

Let no hidden agendas, no hurt feelings, no issues of pride or
selfishness come between us. 

May we be united as we pray for each other.

May we be a blessing to each other and the source of hope and relief
to those who are struggling. 

We lift up our friends who are sick and pray for their healing. 

We lift up those just out of surgery and pray for their quick
recovery. 

We pray that there will not be any needs in this body that go
unmentioned, unnoticed or unmet. 

Help us to reach out with creativity, insight and compassion, to even
just one person this week. 

Help us to seize these defining moments to make a difference.

May there be power in our commitments and surety in our word and
integrity in our decisions as we remember that you are never far from
us.

In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.