Prayers of the People: Getting Our Feet Wet, 9th Sunday after Pentecost

for August 10, 2014, 9th Sunday after Pentecost, Readings: Gen 37:1-4, 12-28; Ps 105: 1-6, 44-45b, 16; Romans 10: 5-15; Mt 14:22-33

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him.  Romans 10:12

Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  Matthew 14:31-32

            Just as God is Lord of ALL, regardless of human categorization, Jesus calls - requires - us all to be out of the boat to get our feet wet in the realities of life's weather. Trust, faith, and heart will keep us from sinking as the beautiful feet of Jesus walk us toward the calm seas of the Good News.


LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O God of Everyone and All, You are the Constant who can calm our fears and guide us through the wind and storms of life. Remind us always to leave our boats and reach for You in seas both rough and calm.

 

                              Lord Jesus, our Refuge in Chaos and Peace

RESPONSE:   We seek Your strength and Your presence

~ O God of Everyone and All, let us not be complacent in this harsh world and allow our brothers, our sisters, and our children to languish in the slavery of war and poverty. We must prevail upon the leaders of our world, our country, and our community, to take the measures necessary to restore justice, mercy, and peace, to those who are suffering at home and elsewhere. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                        Lord Jesus, our Refuge in Chaos and Peace

                        We seek Your strength and Your presence

~ O God of Everyone and All, send Your tender mercies to those who are struggling with illness, pain, and anxiety, and renew the hope and stamina of those who provide them with care. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                        Lord Jesus, our Refuge in Chaos and Peace

                        We seek Your strength and Your presence

~ O God of Everyone and All, shelter and lift those sinking in the waves of grief with the comfort of knowing their loved ones are in Your loving embrace. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

~ O God of Everyone and All, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, silently or aloud…

                        Lord Jesus, our Refuge in Chaos and Peace

                        We seek Your strength and Your presence

~ O God of Everyone and All, we give You thanks for those choosing and chosen to live their lives in service to You, and bringing us Your word and wisdom. Grant them spiritual vitality and smooth sailing through all the waters ahead. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                        Lord Jesus, our Refuge in Chaos and Peace

                        We seek Your strength and Your presence

The Celebrant adds:  Holy God, Creator of Earth, Sea, and Sky, invigorate our faith that we may walk with You in every port, on every path, and within our own hearts. Let us eagerly answer Your call with courage and conviction, through tempest and tranquility, through this life and the next. We ask this through Jesus, our Teacher and the Holy Spirit, our Shield, who together with You, live as our One God forever and ever. Amen.

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