Incubators of Hope Congregational Prayer

Great God,
this week we have been witnesses to the power of hope and resurrection;
slow motion explosions of green soundlessly changing our landscape,
blossoms blossoming pink, tulips tulip-ing their brilliant colours,
opening their mouths to the warmth of the sun.
We find ourselves opening up too in these warm days,
opening our windows, turning our faces upward, breathing deeply.
The fragrance of spring permeates our world,
and we give you thanks for the blessing of life renewed.

We pray for our government;
for our mayor ___________ and our local leaders,
as they debate issues, and make decisions
about new initiatives and new program.
Help them to make decisions that benefit all citizens,
particularly those who are marginalized and voiceless.
We pray for our Prime Minister _______________
and our member of parliament _____________,
especially as they make decisions
about foreign aid and foreign policy;
that they could sow seeds of peace.
We are mindful this week that even as spring comes here
in ___________ they are facing a natural disaster
which has brought heartbreak and destruction.
Comfort the bereaved, give strength to the rebuilders.
Open the hearts of the world as we contribute to relief.
Sustain the [international relief organizations you support] as they deal with this crisis,
so that they could continue to provide help in your name.
We lift up those we know with health issues, especially ___________.
We need your healing power for these dear ones.
We also pray this morning for those who are bubbling with hope,
in the spring of life:  bless all who are expecting babies.
Give them patience and health, and safe deliveries.
Bring new hope to our primary relationships.
For those who are married, renew our vows of constancy,
rekindle love so that we can truly cherish one another.
Give us new strength and new patience as we
go about our work of caregiving for children.
Forgive us for the times this week we have been too overwhelmed to act,
because a problem is too big and we feel too hopeless.
Precisely there, open our eyes to your divine imagination,
and remind us that we do not work alone.
Help our congregation to be an incubator of hope,
a blessing in our community, and in our city [region].
We want to join with you in your kingdom work,
as your hope grows, pregnant with possibility,
ripe with promise.
In the name of the resurrected Jesus we pray,
Amen