Blog:FOREST LAKE TALKS

Lift up our heads, O Lord, to let us see you at work. Open our eyes, God, to see the light in a time of darkness. Unify our voices, eliminate our divisions, Lord, so we can ultimately speak what we confess we believe. Cleanse our ears, Lord, to tune out our selfish desires and instead hear the cries of your people in need.

As we approach a time of rest, a time of calm, a time of peace, may we take comfort in your presence. Lord, we give you thanks for the many ways your people have come together during this time. We know there is so much more work to be done, but many people have responded in this time of crisis. For the hands that have made masks, clicked a button on their mouse to financially support those in need, written notes, made phone calls, we praise you for the way the Holy Spirit has woven itself into the lives of your servants. May we continuously strive to adapt, finding new ways to build connections.

For those missing a connection tonight, Lord, we pray for them. For all who are lonely, all who are shut off from family, all who have lost a family member or friend due to this serious virus, be with them, Lord. Though the hours, days, weeks, and months ahead may be extremely difficult, grant them some sense of peace.

For the parents, Lord, who find themselves at home amid the challenges of work, we pray for a sense of calm. Lessen their anxiety, Lord, and keep transforming their mindset to gratitude for the time now spent at home with family – time they otherwise would have never had with their children.

At this time, Lord, we lift up the following individuals/causes:

Insert individual concerns here.

You, Lord, promise to not forsake us. Promise to not cast us off. In this time of turbulence, we turn to you, our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble.

Grant us patience, Lord, in the days ahead. Bestow on us the ability to move beyond finger pointing in a time of division. Strengthen our compassion, Lord, knowing at this point it does not matter how or why we’re in this state of anxiety and trouble. May we instead be united in the same position and purpose: To get to the other side, get to a better place, and work to bring more people under your tent.

We pray all of this in your Son’s name. The one without sin, the one who overcame darkness, the one who teaches us the importance of serving others, the one who taught us to pray, saying, Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

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