Gracious God,
We are an opinionated people.
And we gather together both in spite of our differences
and because of them.
Teach us to celebrate those differences
and to not take disagreement as an ‘affront’.
Our uniquenesses carry with them unique joys and concerns.
We lift these up
In order to better know and care for one another.
[read aloud the prayer cards]
And Lord, sometimes our differences make it difficult
to utter aloud our joys and concerns.
Instead we hold them close at heart.
Hear those prayers of silence as well.
[pause for silent prayer]
Remind us that you provided for us
the means to “work out our own salvation”.
You trust us.
Help us to learn to trust one another more fully.
We acknowledge that trust is a commitment renewed daily.
It works for good in the world
It stirs up in us a desire to serve
and is borne out of our desire to live peaceably.
Help us as we walk alongside one another
in these living traditions of Jesus
as we welcome the excluded
and work for justice
and care for the vulnerable
and learn how to best love one another.
Blessed Be.
Prayers of the People 