Yesterday, May 7, I had the honor of representing the First Congregational Church of Lebanon at the town’s National Day of Prayer event.

Representatives of religious and civic groups are called together to offer prayers.  There are prayers for the government, the military, business, the churches, education, media, and first responders.  I was invited to offer a prayer for ‘families and friends.’  The prayer are pre-scripted, but we are given permission to go ‘off-script’ and make it our own.  Below is the prayer that I offered…    

PRAYERS FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Almighty, Loving, Gracious God,

We know that you can hear us- even though our words may seem mumbled through these masks, that help to protect us and the children of your creation.

We bring before You—our friends and families. 

We pray for healing and peace for strains within relationships. 

We pray for families who struggle to live within their means;

For children who are at the crossroads of relying on their parents for direction and struggles with the pull of peer pressure.

We pray for comfort for the seniors in our High School and Colleges who have been denied the opportunity to celebrate the many festivities afforded to those who have gone before them.

We acknowledge God that a ‘drive by Commencement’ and a ‘Zoom prom’ are poor substitutes for the honor and privileges they deserve.     

We pray especially for those who have recently lost loved ones and no longer find joy in daily life and for those who are forced to grieve from a distance. 

We ask, Lord, that You draw them to You, that they find Your comfort and rest.

We think of all those suffering from various diseases, especially the threat of COVID.

We ask, Loving God, that You settle their fears.

We pray for children who have walked away from You, Lord

We pray for those children who have not gotten the opportunity to know You.

We think of how Your name has been removed from public mention, unless it suits our needs and how Your name is no longer spoken in homes.

We ask your forgiveness in allowing this to happen. 

We pray that across the nation today, hearts are turned to You.

Lord, draw us still nearer, that all would be comforted and uplifted, knowing that you are in charge.

And God help us to know that you love us, in spite of ourselves.

God help us to know that You love us, and there’s nothing we can do about it. 

We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.  

Again, it was an honor to be included.  I am glad that we can come together in prayer.  Prayer is such a vital source of strength and connection with God.  And I pray that you will take time each day to open up the lines of prayer and meditation.