Eternal God,
We thank You for Jesus,
Who calls us to love our neighbors.
And commands us to “Love our enemies.”
His ethic of love is a radiant light
Everywhere and at all times.
Break the spell of hatred
That blinds our minds.
Grant us pure hearts, penetrating eyes,
And the power of endurance.
Help us ask not,
“What will happen to me?”
When we see our neighbor in need.
But instead ask,
“What will happen to them,
If I do not act?”
In these days of emotional tension
As fear and doubt mount high,
When problems of the world are gigantic in extent
And chaotic in detail,
Teach us that darkness
Cannot drive out darkness;
Only Your light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate;
Only Your love can do that.
In the name and spirit of Jesus we pray.
Amen.
Prayer inspired by and included quotes from “Strength to Love” by Martin Luther King Jr.
Other prayers to engage with place…
Our Father,
We worship and praise You
As the Creator who worked for six days,
Using hours to build the world
In all of its beauty and brilliant majesty.
You rested and experienced joy in Your creation
Because it was good.
Creator and Good Shepherd,
You made the creatures we tend and the ground beneath their feet.
Before they belonged to our farms, businesses, or tables,
they belonged to You.
Lord God,
We pause in this moment to give You worthy recognition
For Your supreme sovereignty over all things.
We offer both acknowledgment and gratitude
For Your attentive, providential love and care
That You extend to us each day.
Dear God,
There are so many ordinary ways
To give and receive your love.
From the cuddles of our kids.
From the laughter of a dear friend.
From holding the hand of a spouse.
Teach me today
To give and receive
Your love as a neighbor.
Father in Heaven,
Bless these backpacks and those who carry them.
May they hold all that is helpful,
Nothing that is harmful,
And most of all hold hope for this school year.
May they carry lightly the load of learning:
The books to be read and homework to be completed,
The computers, clipboards, and calculators,
And the gift of an education.
Father in Heaven,
With August’s arrival,
The morning sunlight beams
Come later through the windows.
May we rest in your great faithfulness,
Remember that your steadfast love never ceases;
And Your mercies never come to an end.