Prayers for Our City

These prayers were read on Sunday, August 9th and were aimed at addressing the violence that is a part of our community.

Written and read by Holly Andersen


Sung

What a friend we have in Jesus

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit;

Oh, what needless pain we bear

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness

Take it to the Lord in prayer

Good and Saving God,

Thank you for the gift of prayer, that we can come before you with open hearts and praise you and place our requests at the foot of the cross.

Today we pray for our city, wrought with violence toward stranger and neighbor, overwhelmed by hatred made manifest in destructive acts and division among people and by deadly apathy.  Our children see death and are taught to kill; gangs pass on a legacy of hatred and fear.  Overwhelmed with broken hearts and hardened by destroyed lives we feel helpless because change is not possible through human strength.

But we are a people of hope.

Though overwhelmed we have not been abandoned; pressed but not crushed; in despair but living on a joy that comes through the life we have in your death and resurrection.  And so today we are bold to pray for:

- those living in constant hopelessness and despair
- those torn apart by gang activity in their neighborhoods, lives, and families
- for the families of the two people who were shot and killed this past week that they find courage in darkness and forgiveness in the midst of sadness
- for those who do not know your grace and forgiveness, the power of restoration, and the deep healing you are bringing to our city
- for your children, that we would find the courage and humility to see the people of our city through your eyes and seek it's restoration through our lives

May your everlasting presence be our strength, and prayer be our first action against all that surrounds us.

We are a people of hope.

Your Kingdom come.
Your will be done.

Are we weak and heavy laden

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

In His arms He'll take and shield thee;

Thou wilt find a solace there.