Richard J. Einerson
Prayers of the People
Proper 11 (16)
2 Samuel 7:1-14a or Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 89:20-37 or Psalm 23
Ephesians 2:11-22
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
Our gracious God, we pause these moments for a time of rest and renewal. The world is so much with us and we frequently lose our sense of perspective. Sometimes we engage in frenetic activity simply to avoid looking inward. Other times we simply are stressed by all of the commitments in which we are engaged. Help us to follow Jesus’ example and find a quiet place and rest awhile.
• Help us to assess the direction our lives are going and to change our course if necessary.
• Help us to find time to nurture the interior journey of our spirits and to make moments when we can be in touch with the eternal.
• Help us with the Psalmist to know that the number of our days is finite and we are only on a journey.
• Help us not to fear the quiet and silence but instead to see it as a time for centering our lives once again.
• Help us, when we have found a quiet place and rested awhile, then to go forward again to reach out in service to this world of people and its needs.
O God, we often feel that the needs of the world are so overwhelming. Help us not to diminish what we might do because of our lack of expectation. Enhance both our vision and our will. Help us to reach out to alleviate the world’s suffering. Help us to put our influence on the side of justice and peace. Help us to use our voice to make known our wishes in the political arena where decisions are made which affect people. Help us to give and to share generously where tragedy strikes. Help us to be open to the hurts of others whom you put in our path each week. In all these ways help us to have compassion for your needy children.
Be also with all who need your special graces this day. Amen
