Prayers of Intercession: Sunday, May 4

God of resurrection and new life, we come before you in prayer for the church, the world, and all who are in

need.

A brief silence.

Your love sustains the church and its ministries. By that love, equip youth directors, Sunday school teachers,

and all who guide formation in the church to nurture vibrant, living faith among your people. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Your abundance is made known throughout creation. Preserve oceans and rivers, lakes and estuaries so that all creatures living in them might flourish. Make us wise stewards of our local watersheds. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Your wisdom guides all who strive for justice and peace. Strengthen the work of grassroots organizers, especially among communities on the frontlines of justice work. Amplify the voices of those most in need, that their leadership guides the way forward. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Your compassion surrounds all who are in need. We pray for all people experiencing poverty and food insecurity, and for all struggling with debt and economic uncertainty. Reassure all who experience hopelessness or need your tender care (especially Marc, Larry, Caleb, Dick, Sue, and Kyle). Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

You invite all people to your table of grace. Make this a community of radical hospitality where all feel loved and celebrated. Show us how to better welcome visitors and bless the ministries of hospitality in this place. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered. We praise you for the witness of your saints of all times and places (especially Monica, mother of Augustine). May their lives of faith guide us in our own journeys with you, today and every day. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

We commend these and all our prayers to you, O God, trusting that you are always with us; in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Savior.

Amen.