Congregational Prayer for Doubters

You call us to be people of faith,
yet we are often people with doubts.
We doubt that love can grow again in relationships
where anger and bitterness reign supreme.
You know the strength of love and the power of prayer:
help us to be faithful lovers.
We doubt that peace can come in Israel and Palestine;
where hatred and racism are so powerful.
You know that peace is growing there:
help us to be faithful peacemakers.
We doubt that the hungry can be fed in countries experiencing drought,
and that children will continue to perish.
You know that there is enough food in the world;
help us to be generous and faithful.
You specialize in impossibilities;
you walked on water, you heal the nations,
you forgive sins, you set the captive free,
you set us free from our captivities.
This morning we pray for people here who are filled with doubts,
who wonder whether you exist and whether you are listening to our prayers,
who wonder what this whole community is about.
We pray for people who doubt the purpose of life,
who wonder whether to end it all,
who grapple with feelings of meaningless and despair.
Even when we have that sinking feeling,
give us the wisdom to turn to you.
Jesus, we want to believe, help our unbelief!
Finally, we ask for good news for people in our community,
people who are sick, or who are grieving,
who need your help in practical ways–
empower us to show that love.
Give us faith, small as a mustard seed,
so that we can be your faithful people,
believing in your power to save,
believing in your power to reign supreme,
believing that we can share this good news
with everyone we meet.
We ask all this in Jesus’ name, Amen.