God of Grace and Peace,
We gather today as a people in need–
in need of grace
of kindness
of compassion
of healing;
a people in need of rest and sabbath;
a people in need of peace.
Hear our prayers–the prayers of this congregation.
[read aloud the prayer cards]
And we acknowledge those needs left unspoken.
[pause for silent prayer]
Hear those prayers as well.
Wake us from our slumber of consumerism this coming season.
Open our hearts to your disruptive grace.
Stir us from complacency into contemplative action.
Motivate us by your unconditional, unfailing love
to act as an extension of that love.
Uncover our eyes to see abundance
so that we can experience satisfaction
and practice gratitude.
And remind us that a spirit of contentment
is a daily discipline.
It sees the good in the world
and enables us to move beyond ourselves towards service to others.
It trains our desire towards peace.
Your abundance allows us to keep a loose hand on things material
and instead embrace tightly
those who are excluded and in need.
Teach us how to best love one another.
Amen.
Prayers of the People 