Prayers: June 27, 2010

Christ frees us to live in relationship with Him, guided by the Holy Spirit and dedicated to love one another.  May we all demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit and be recognized as a joyous, patient, kind, gentle, faithful, generous, self-disciplined and peace-loving people.  Let us always seek to be fit for service in God’s Kingdom saying Lord, show us the path of Life.

May we recognize God’s call in our lives, as Elisha changed his direction from tilling the soil to being a prophet, a messenger of God’s Word.  Let us remember the invitation of Jesus on the road to Jerusalem: Follow me! saying: Lord, show us the path of Life.

We extend our prayers to our brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the world, who are bearers of the Light and agents of growth and renewal in the Church.  In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we raise up the Church of North India.  In the Diocese of Maryland, we embrace St. Matthew’s, Oakland and Mt. Calvary, Baltimore.  In our own Parish, we pray for our outstanding staff and our congregation that we may serve God and our community with a deep faith and real joy, saying: Lord, show us the path of Life.

Let us also pray for political leaders in our country, that God may grant them wisdom to solve the environmental and economic problems that face our Nation.  May we seek peace and justice in conflicts throughout the world.  May anger and violence within our communities end.  We pray that fear will be replaced by love, saying: Lord, show us the path of Life.

As Christ extended his care and concern to all people, let us be involved in thought, word and deed, extending our love and prayers to those who are suffering physically or emotionally.  May the healing touch of Our Lord sustain each of us in times of greatest need, saying: Lord, show us the path of Life.

Knowing that in God’s presence there is fullness of joy, we remember those who have died and entered Eternal Life.  May we always remain a community of love, in this life and in the world to come, saying: Lord, show us the path of Life.

Our hearts are glad and our spirits rejoice as we celebrate birthdays, baptismal and wedding anniversaries in our Parish family.  As we share these important occasions in our lives, may we deepen our relationships with each other and open the windows of our souls, saying: Lord, show us the path of Life.

Our Lord refused to condemn the Samaritans and others who rejected His Spiritual leadership and His mission.  He still had plans to change their hearts.  For those whom He encountered, and a desire for discipleship was voiced, he expected singleness of purpose and a Christ- centered life.  May we be attuned to God’s vision for our lives and be available for opportunities in His everlasting Kingdom.  Amen.