Collects and Prayers - June 26, 2011 - Second Sunday After Pentecost

Collect
God of the Resurrection, you have constantly revealed your very Self to your people: Grant that we might be joined together in the unity of your Spirit, that we may be a people who carry your great revelation into your world; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers of the People
Most loving God, through our baptisms we are dead to sin and alive in the risen Lord Jesus Christ, and we are called to be a people who live such that the world might see your glory. Give us this day the strength to tell your story from beginning to end, and let us offer prayers for new life among all peoples, responding after each petition with, “Lord of truth, hear our prayer.”

We pray for this holy gathering of your saints, and for all such gatherings across time and space where your word is read and proclaimed.

Lord of truth, hear our prayer.

We pray for our communities, our neighborhoods and all of the places we call home that you might always be present there.

Lord of truth, hear our prayer.
We pray for our nation and all of the others in the world, that they may come to see your peace.

Lord of truth, hear our prayer.

We pray for the hope of your revelation upon those who are broken, hungry, homeless and sick, that they too might know your peace.

Lord of truth, hear our prayer.

We pray for all of those who have gone before us, the communion of saints gathered around your throne, casting down their golden crowns as they await the fulfillment of your promises.

Lord of truth, hear our prayer.

We pray for ourselves, for our families and for those we love, that you might keep us and watch over us each day.

Lord of truth, hear our prayer.

Almighty God, you have commanded us to keep your ways as we work for the glory of your kingdom; hear our prayers today and every day. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, the Lamb of God for whom we wait, Amen.

Collects and Prayers - June 19, 2011 - Trinity Sunday

Collect

Oh Lord - how majestic is your name in all the earth! Your very word spoke into being the beauty and majesty that surrounds us. On this week after Pentecost, we give all honor and praise to you for the gift of your Holy Spirit who resides in your baptised creation. Open our hearts so that we may receive the words that you have for us today. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayers of the People

Lord, speak into your people words of rebirth as our hearts, minds, and voices join together in the prayers of the people.

Almighty and everlasting God we pause now to say THANK YOU. (Pause) Thank you for the sun to lighten our day,
the water which hydrates us,
the plants and their sustenance,
the animals who bring us joy,
and your people who show us your face.
We sit in awe of your wondrous creation. Reveal to us your bounty.

Father, we know you created the heavens and the earth, yet like the disciples, we admit that we often doubt - doubt our calling, doubt our abilities, and we doubt that we matter. Meet us in our doubt. May we build each other up as we learn to cast these doubts and anxieties upon you. Walk with us so we can come together with the rest of your saints to fulfill the great commission here on earth.

Lord, the Methodist Annual Conference met this week, and more disciples were commissioned and sent forth into the world. We pray that your church builds its newest leaders and continues to be a reflection of your grace. We pray especially for Laura Fine Ledford as she was commissioned as an Elder in your church. We pray for her gifts to be used mightily in her new role as Minister to Young Clergy for the conference.

Lord, there may be someone who needs to feel your tangible presence this week. He or she may be sitting right beside us in church this morning. Come Holy Spirit and give us the courage and the wisdom to follow through on those nudges from you to be your hands for a world in need.

Collects and Prayers - June 12, 2011 - Pentecost Sunday

Prayers of the People

Lord, you have given us the most powerful gift of the Holy Spirit; help us to use this power to transform the world and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ, Your Son. Let us be the wind of change and the fire of convictions as we profess and live our Faith on earth. As Pentecost began a new era in transforming lives with the power of the Holy Spirit, let All Saints also begin a new era as we engage in sacred work of being Christ’s representatives in the world.

After each prayer, please respond with “Holy Spirit, enable us.”

Gracious God, the work of world leaders is immense and full of strife. Let these men and women see beyond current conflicts; help them to find and embrace their Pentecost so that they may be agents of transformation in their war-torn countries.

“Holy Spirit, enable us.”

Almighty Lord, as you poured out the Holy Spirit to everyone, so let your saints pour out the loving and sacred work of our heads, hearts and hands to ALL people. Help us spread the message of salvation across all racial, cultural and economic divisions as we encounter them.

“Holy Spirit, enable us.”

Loving Father, let us recall our own spiritual gifts that we have identified to build your church and to serve those who are seeking, hurting, forgotten or bitter. May we see and feel the Holy Spirit move in our midst to share the bounties of our community with those in true need.

“Holy Spirit, enable us.”

As a community, on this Pentecost Sunday, we recommit our lives to Christ and promise to spread his word through both fellowship and action. God of creation, energize us to engage the power of the Holy Spirit so that we may transform our relationships through the teachings of Jesus Christ, your Son, through whom we have eternal life. Amen.