Spring Journey Congregational Prayer

On our journey through the year,
we give you thanks for this springtime season:
the heady aroma of millions of blossoms bursting around us,
the excited hum of busy bees doing your work,
the breathtaking beauty of green, so welcome to our eyes.
You are a great God, the painter of incredible landscapes
that we pass through each and every day.
We come to you today at many different stages of our faith journey.
Some of us are wondering, should we make a commitment to you?
For some of us, baptism happened last year, for others decades ago.
Thank you for your faithfulness in our lives.
Thank you for the fresh excitement of new faith,
for the strength you give for the long journey,
for the courage you give on the difficult road.
Thank you that even far into the journey
you provide us with new vistas and insights.
You are there for us in our beginning,
and you will be there at our journey’s end.
We pray for those of us here,
and those we know who have empty hearts;
who are wanting to meet Jesus in a personal way,
who are waiting to experience your peace.
Lead us in paths that draw us closer to you. 
We pray for all whose paths have taken them to doctor’s offices
and into hospitals this week, especially ______________.
We also pray today for all who have walked with loved ones
through the valley of the shadow of death;
ease their heavy hearts and fill them with your peace and assurance.
We realize that we are not perfect people,
we are not a perfect congregation.
We aren’t always ready or willing to be filled with your Spirit.
We do not always count our time and resources as precious gifts.
We do not always stay true to the dreams and visions you have given us.
In our world, our countries pursue policies that lead to bloodshed and violence
We come before you today, asking forgiveness.
Guide our steps as individuals and as a community
as we head out this week in new hopeful directions.
And now we pray as you taught us to pray: [Lord’s Prayer]