Prayers of Intercession: Sunday, July 20

In solidarity with all creation, we join our voice to the voice of the whole church and pray for the needs of the world.

A brief silence.

Inspire your church, like Sarah and Mary, to listen with eager longing for your words of life. Equip biblical interpreters and teachers with faithful discernment, that your word may be more fully known. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

Every creature under heaven has been promised the hope of the gospel. From that promise, generate in humankind an eagerness to protect and care for creation. Bring healing to the earth with your words of life. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

Peel away the distractions, worries, and fears of all who govern the nations of the world. May your word of love and life dispel all other voices. Provide gracious hospitality in places where hostile forces hold sway. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

Speak your word of comfort to any who suffer pain, illness, grief, depression, or despair (especially Marc Mahood, Larry Smith, Caleb Schmitz, Dick Frush, Phil Smith, Pauline McClain, and Kyle Fiddler). Bring honor to any who experience slander and evil intent or are discredited by others. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

Enliven and uphold all siblings in Christ who strive to provide hospitality and safe spaces where everyone, without exception, can receive and be transformed by your word of life. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

For Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Mary, Martha, and all the saints who attended to your word, we give thanks. Open our ears to your voice until that day when we realize the promise of the gospel with all creation. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

Trusting in your lovingkindness, we place our prayer and hope in you, in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen.