Gracious God,
We gather in the quiet and calm
of this sanctuary
in this week
feeling war-torn and weary:
from the news
from our work
from our relationships.
We gather each week in need of safe space–
in need of refuge.
In need of time and space to sit
and to re-set.
We need your sanctuary.
We need your peace.
And coming together, we trust that as we share together
our burdens grow lighter
when many help shoulder their load.
And our joys run deeper
when they are acknowledged and celebrated by the community.
So we lift up our joys and concerns now:
[read aloud the prayer cards]
And we have learned together to listen as a community
to our silences.
Our silence betrays some of our most pressing concerns
and our most private and intimate thoughts.
Hear our silent prayers:
[pause for silent prayer]
Lord, let our desire for peace
function as a call to action,
instead of a retreat into ourselves.
Remind us that our peace is
inextricably linked to justice.
Send us as agents of your peace,
your grace,
your mercy,
and your justice.
Amen.
Prayers of the People 
Pingback: Religious Sanctuary From the Law? | Eightoh9