Collects and Prayers - August 30, 2009

Greeting (We commissioned the new cross this week, so the greeting was a little different)
Leader: Fix your mind on the Lord,
People: and fix your gaze on the cross of Christ.
Leader: Today, we present this cross to be consecrated to the glory of almighty God and for service in this church.
People: We accept this cross as a sacred trust and will guard and use it reverently.
Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit we consecrate this cross to the glory of God. Let us pray.
People (at end of prayer): Amen.

Collect
Wise and Mindful God, we come to you seeking insight into your truth so that we may more fully embody your wisdom and understanding in order to reach a troubled world. This we pray in the name of Jesus, who was so obedient to your way that he set his face toward Jerusalem and a cross. Amen

Prayers of the People
God our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, you have given us a book to read, a savior to follow and a spirit to guide and protect us. What more could our minds desire in order to unlock the secrets of life and fulfillment? You have created us in your own image and given yourself to us with love and expectation. Help us to dedicate ourselves to the edification of our minds that we may think your thoughts and act with your eternal wisdom.
Lord, in your Mercy…
HEAR OUR PRAYER.

We pray for all students regardless of their age. Give them a desire for learning and a passion for discerning the meaning in what they have learned. Thank you, Lord, we pray for those who apply themselves to challenging disciplines for the good of society and all creation - for those who are researching cures for diseases, for those who study social work, for seminarians hoping to make a difference.
Lord, in your Mercy…
HEAR OUR PRAYER.

We pray for our children whose minds are receptive and therefore absorb everything, both truth and falsehood. Protect them from misinformation about themselves, others, and the world around them. Fill them with wonderful teachings about you: our Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Lord, in your Mercy…
HEAR OUR PRAYER.

We pray for those who suffer from memory loss, dementia and amnesia that they may be able to allow others to hold in sacred trust the memories lock within their fragmented minds. And we thank you, Wise and Powerful God, for knowing and remembering all things.
Lord, in your Mercy…
HEAR OUR PRAYER.

We pray as part of our global church, here in Brier Creek, that we may be one in mind and deed and as we study your Word, that we will apply it in ways that mend the fractures of our community and beyond. We ask you to make us icons for this community, images and Christ and windows into his world.
Lord, in your Mercy...
HEAR OUR PRAYER.

We pray for nations where free thought and universal education are denied to countless citizens. We offer our support and admiration for all who refuse to be held in the bondage of ignorance. Guide all humanity to understand that truth sets us free.
Lord, in your Mercy…
HEAR OUR PRAYER

Father of all, we thank you for your words of wisdom and your spirit of patience. As your saints, we recognize our own imperfections; yet we strive to be your living icons. We pray for insight that will lead us to acknowledge the whys of our failures so that we may be fortified by your words and complete our journey toward wisdom.
Lord, in your Mercy…
HEAR OUR PRAYER.

We ask all these prayers in the name of your son, Jesus, on whom we fix our gaze and our minds.
Amen.