Journey of Love Congregational Prayer

Holy Spirit,
we need your presence here on planet earth.
Jesus walked the streets of Jerusalem,
it is there he was crucified.
Today many still suffer in that same city.
Racism and oppression are rampant;
a giant dividing wall of hostility runs near it.
Jerusalem struggles to find the things that make for peace.
We need your Spirit to shine there in dark places,
and to offer hope for those who are mired in hopelessness.
Raise up peacemakers who reject hatred,
whose integrity can inspire loyalty,
whose wisdom can chart a path for peace.

Here, closer to home, in our village [town/city/region]
we call on your spirit to fill this congregation with love.
Help us to wash the feet of our community,
going the second mile, giving the cup of cold water.
Help our churches to be loving,
reaching out to all we meet.
Holy Spirit, guide us in our finances,
to wisely use the resources you’ve given us,
to plant fruitful seeds for your kingdom.
Where there is division between churches of different kinds,
heal us with your uniting presence.
Help our churches to be communities where we live in peace,
not the peace of differences pushed under the rug,
but the peace of discussion and dialogue and mutual respect.
Shape us into people of prayer,
whose first thought in the morning is praise,
whose watchword is kindness,
and whose last thought at night is peace, the deep peace of God.
We ask this all, in the name of our Saviour Jesus,
who through his lifelong journey of love
showed us God’s kingdom come,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Amen