Prayers of the People: Easter 4

Here’s a prayer of intercession inspired by the suggested scripture readings for the fourth Sunday of Easter.  It was written by Rev. Terri Pilarski.

Prayers of the People: Easter 4

(inspired by Psalm 23, John 10)

Holy and Gracious God,
you call us by name,
Beloved One,
and beckon us to follow you.
May we do so through your grace.

In your Name we pray,
Hear our prayer.

Like a shepherd tending the flock
you tend to our needs.
Be present with those who struggle, suffer,

are in pain or sorrow.

Guide those who are lost, or filled with worry and fear.
Protect those who are in harm’s way
heal those who are ill,
mend those who are broken, 
as only your love can.

God of peace, watch over those who lead us

in our various governments and churches.

Fill our leaders with wisdom, patience, insight, and mercy.
Help them to lead with kindness and strength.

God of love,

fill our hearts with the knowledge of You

that we can turn from the distractions of life

and be more like You.

May we be agents of your compassion,

offering kindness to those we meet this day.

God of all blessings,

we thank you for all the gifts of life.

For your Son, our Savior, our great Good Shepherd,
the one who stands at the gate

of all life's challenges and joys,
calling out to us in love.

Naming us, Beloved.

For all this, and more we pray.
Amen.

~ written by the Rev. Terri C. Pilarski and posted on WordsMatter. http://expansivelanguage.blogspot.ca/