Sunday, December 6 Prayers

Written and lead by Dave Thompson

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this beautiful day for the earth, moon and stars that you created.  Father we also thank you for St. Andrews Lutheran Church and Christian churches here in Stockton.  Thank you for the Christian churches around the world, and all the faithful who work so hard in these churches and ours to show us your love, and your healing Grace by their example and faithful teaching of your Word.  Father we pray for the whole world: we ask that you help and free those who are oppressed.  We pray for those who are sick, for the poor and ask that you would give comfort to the grieving - especially for the families of those who lost loved ones in San Bernadino.  We pray for all those who suffer in body, mind, and spirit; who live in pain everyday.  Father, we ask that you shed your light of healing on these, your people, all over the world. Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for our families, for our children, for our family of friends and acquaintances and Father we ask that in your loving kindness and mercy to help those of us that have a special concern or problem that may seem unsolvable.  Father, you are the One, the only One who can give us the Peace and Knowledge to make the right decisions.  Father, we pray for those who suffer addiction of any kind, for those who suffer from abuse and violence.  With your cleansing love bring healing and strength and by your justice lift them up so they may again rejoice knowing the love and faithfulness of your presence.  Lord, we ask that you bless and lift up those we name in our hearts.  Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Father we ask that you remind us to be good example to all those among whom we live; to be honest and conscientious in all we do.  Help us to be courteous; to be respectful toward all including those we don't know.  Help us to be respectful of our environment.  We know that you made this beautiful earth for us and all the animals in every form to live in and enjoy.  Father give us the grace to live and to share our love of Christ to anybody that asks us what it does in our lives so that they know we are his disciples.  Help us to be good stewards of your blessings, to share and freely give to those in need.  Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father,
We humbly ask for your protection of our military.  For the men and women in uniform in whatever capacity they are serving.  Father keep them safe in the face of evil.  We constantly fight in wars of every conceivable kind here and abroad.  Help us to prevail in holding strong in our Faith and abilities to overcome those who seek to destroy us.  Help su to work to preserve our right to practice our faith without fear.  We ask for your guidance and wisdom from our leaders.  Help us to come together in unity and strength.  Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Father we give thanks for what the earth produces.  Thank you for rain.  In this time of scarce rainfall we humbly ask for the life-giving water for farmers to grow fruits of the earth so that all may share, rejoicing in your goodness.  Bless those who work in the fields, the growing and nurturing of crops, and those who help in the harvesting of the beautiful agriculture of your creation.  Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father we also thank you for the ministry of the children of the Good Shepherd family.  It is hard to find works to describe the innocence and beauty of their Christmas program.  The Christmas carols sung so beautifully and happily by their voices raise our level of pure joy.  They are such a blessing and all those who care for them, who help run the program, and every one of the helpers are very special blessings.  Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

And lastly Father, thank you for the company of disciples who teach our children, following our teacher Jesus Christ, into every walk of life. 

Forgive our sins; help us to follow the ten commandments that so long ago you gave us to follow.  Help us to witness to your love wherever you send us.  Give your angels charge to keep watch, dear Lord, for those who sleep.  Give rest to the weary, bless the dying, and for those who weep, give them comfort knowing you are present.  Father help us to never forget that in this age of modern life, filled with a constant barrage of information - from phones and computers and all the instant ways of communication - that we only need to find a quiet room, and empty space, to be still and know that you are God.  These things we ask in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen.