Here’s a pastoral prayer inspired by the
suggested scripture readings for the seventh Sunday of Easter (Year C). It comes from the Presbyterian Church in
Canada website.
Pastoral Prayer
(inspired by
Revelation 22 and John 17)
Merciful God, we say that we want you to come
and be among us. And yet we acknowledge
that you already are among us, fully and completely at all times. We say that
we want Jesus to return and we pray, “Come, Lord Jesus.” And yet, we confess
our fears and uncertainty about the return of Christ and what it will mean for
us and for the world. Jesus prayed that we might be one with you and with each
other. And yet, so often, if we are honest, we wish to remain separate from
you, maintaining our independence and control. We resist the burden of being
unified with those around us, especially when those around us want different
things than we do or pull us in directions we do not wish to go. Soften our
resistance, gracious Lord, and draw us into an authentic relationship with you
and true community with one another. We pray this in the name of your Son, who
prayed and still prays for us. Amen.
~ from the Presbyterian Church in Canada website. http://presbyterian.ca/worship/
