My "Prayers of the People" from worship on August 13th, 2017
We cry out to
you this morning, “O Lord, how long?”
How long shall
the world around us fight over who is better when you have given us each an equal
seat at the table?
How long shall
words of hate be the anthem of our nation when in fact the only words that
carry weight are the ones you offered through Christ when he promised to always
be with us?
How long shall we take up arms against our neighbor before realizing arms were meant for
embracing?
How long shall
we pray for peace on Earth when the Prince of Peace has already declared that
you love as all the same?
We cry out to
you this morning, “O Lord, how long?”
Our hearts have
grown weary and jaded, we pray that you will soften them so that we might see
your good works and your grace washing over this land.
Our souls are
restless as we tiptoe on egg shells to not offend someone all while offending
you by staying silent as others are proclaiming hate, racism, and injustice
like they're acceptable.
Our hands have grown
sore from lifting them up to you, hoping that we can feel your gentle and
reassuring touch.
But Lord, help
our feet to ache too. Help our feet hurt from being on them in this community,
sharing your love, speaking out against the hate that we see manifested, going
from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth sharing your gospel of peace and of
unmeasurable grace.
Sometimes Lord,
our words fail us. We turn to the words of others to help us gain focus of
yours. Be with us now as our souls cry out to you
Precious Lord,
take our hands
Lead us on, help
us stand
We are tired
We are weak
We are worn
Through the
storm
Through the
night
Lead us on to
your light
Take our hands,
precious Lord
Lead us home
We cry out to
you this morning, “O Lord, how long?”
Amen
Beautiful! I needed this today.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Erin! Wish I had been there to hear them in person. Thank you for sharing them on your blog!! <3
ReplyDeleteHello Pastor Erin. I am also a Pastor from Mumbai, India. I am glad to stop by your profile on the blogger and the blog post. I am blessed by your post which is so encouraging and strengthening. I love getting connected with the people of God around the globe to be encouraged, strengthened and praying for one another. I have been in the Pastoral ministry for last 38 yrs in this great city of Mumbai a city with a great contrast where richest of rich and the poorest of poor live. We reach out to the poorest of poor with the love of Christ to bring healing to the brokenhearted. We also encourage young and the adults from the west to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. We would love to have you come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. We would love to have young people from your church to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. I am sure they will have a life changing experience. My email id is: dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is Diwakar Wankhede. Looking forward to hear from you very soon. God's richest blessings on you, your family and ministry.
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