Prayer for Others: God of Hospitality

Here’s a prayer of intercession from Rev. Abi’s Long and Winding Road blog.  Her inspiration came from the suggested scripture readings for Proper 17, Year C, many of which explore the theme of hospitality.

Prayer of Intercession

(inspired by Hebrews 13: 1-8, 15-16, Luke 14: 7-14)

Gracious God,
You are a God of hospitality;

there is none like you that invites all to come to you.
You have invited all to your home, to your table, and to your arms.
Lord, would that all would hear and receive this good news.
Lord, help us to remember

that no one is better than anyone else in your Kingdom.
Help us to then treat each other the way you treat people.

Generous God,
Because you treat us with your tender love,
We take time to pray for our friends, family members

and others who need you more than ever.
Pour out your healing on all who need it.
Be generous with your transforming love

for those who needs it in their lives.
Bring forth your reconciliation in families,

and in places where it is needed.

Gifting God,
You give us the gifts of the spirit to use to further your Kingdom
and to be the Body of Christ in the world.
We take time to remember the people devastated by Hurricane Katrina

[substitute any other more recent situation or disaster]
and to thank you for the restoration that has already taken place.
Empower us to continue to be your hands and feet
to continue the work that needs to be done there

and in so many other places.

There is none like you God in your love, your generosity,

your gifting and your hospitality.
And we thank you that you are in our lives,

working in us and through us

to let people know your kingdom is open to all.
In the name of your Son, who opened the doors for all

and broke down barriers that kept people from you, Amen.

~ written by Rev Abi, and posted on Rev Abi’s Long and Winding Road blog. http://vicarofwadley.blogspot.ca/