Prayers: June 20, 2010

Our Father who art in heaven, on this day when we celebrate our earthly fathers, it is only fitting and right that we begin with our acknowledgement and thanks to you, as we say together, thank you, Father.

For the strength of your presence in our lives, especially when we aren’t looking and when we really need it most, we say together; Thank you, Father.

For Jesus giving us the freedom to call you “Abba”, “Daddy”, an image of complete relationship, we say together, Thank you, Father.

For our own earthly fathers and for all the men in our lives who have shared their wisdom, strength and love, we say together, Thank you, Father.

For the family of the church through which we strive to do your work in this world; in the Anglican Cycle of Prayer we pray for The Church of Nigeria; in our own Diocese for St. Philip’s, Annapolis and our own Christ Church and Father Ginnever, we say together, Thank you, Father.

Remembering all who have inspired and loved us, and who have gone on to eternal life, we say together, Thank you, Father.

For all among us who need our prayers and the knowledge that you, Father, are with them, we say together, Thank you, Father.

For all who have occasions of joy to celebrate this week, we say together, Thank you, Father.

For those new to our congregation and those visiting us today, we say together, Thank you, Father.

Oh, Father God, Abba, thank you for giving us all that we have and all that we are.  We ask you for the grace, desire, and courage to love you in the same way you love us.  In the name of your Son Jesus Christ, we pray.  Amen.