Prayers of the People from October 20 liturgy

When the preacher runs long…

Something gets edited. Unfortunately that was the case on October 20, 2019.  

However, I really love this prayer, and want to share it with you all...

Prayers of the People (from Spill the Beans Worship Resources)

Lord, we pray for the worldwide church, in all its different traditions.

Denominations vary across history and theological influences,
focus and context,
attitude and strength.

Sometimes the differences between us can be hard. It is difficult to feel at ‘one’ with those who,
talk a different Bible message than us,
who hold more conservative or progressive views than we do ourselves,

who conduct worship of a different style to the one we know.

Church structures vary too—
between the different denominations of your church. We have Assemblies and Councils,
Presbyteries and Synods,
Councils and Forums,
Unions and Federations,
Courts and Committees,
Session’s and Boards.

All this, Lord, would suggest that we are all very different!

Yet, maybe in what matters most of all, we are not so different.
Do we Love God?
Are we loved by God?

Do we seek the Holy Spirit?
Are we seeking to be led and driven
by the energy she brings?
Lord, today bring us together
with the different denominations,
different congregations,
and allow us to see ourselves as one church;
led by your Spirit,
existing in different forms but sharing a gospel of love.

Gracious God enable this church to do your will.
Make it genuine and responsive
that it may speak with calm humility;
make it outward looking that it may care for your people; make it a community driven by the desire to

build peace in people’s lives,
Make it patient that despite the urgent need for ‘change’, it is prepared to remain attentive to your Spirit.
Amid the noise and clamor,
may this church continue to listen

for your still small voice….Amen.

Rev. Dr. Melodie Jones Pointon