Congregational Prayer 11-27

Oh Lord of hosts, who hears our prayers, restore us according to your glory.

As we begin the journey of Advent, help us to grow in our faith.

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We pray for people everywhere that you will help those who believe to believe even more, that you will help those who do not believe to consider the possibility of your love.

We pray for our church, that you would use us to accomplish your will, so you will be glorified here and that your people here would be blessed.

Look at us closely God, if there are any areas in our hearts that have been darkened by doubt or disappointment, illuminate those corners with your light, restoring our hearts to greater capacity for faith.

If there are areas in our lives diminished by brokenness or pain, heal us that we might be resorted to greater love, if there are areas in our relationships where we have shrunk back because of fear, restore us again that we might know selfless courage, if our vision has been clouded by bitter resentment, restore us in forgiveness that we might see more clearly your activity in others.

May your hand upon us increase our passion in prayer as we lift up those who like the psalmist have known the bread of tears.

We pray for Fran and her family during this time of grief, comfort them with your nearness and grace.

We pray for those who would cry out to you, “Lord, how long?”

Make your face to shine on those who are fighting illness, working at physical therapy and other recoveries.

Heal us God, come to our rescue.  Ride on the wings of the wind, for you are strong to save, our great deliverer, in mighty name we pray.  Amen.