Prayers from Sunday, August 30, 2009

A number of people have asked that we publish the prayers of the people that were offered this past Sunday, August 30, 2009. We are pleased to share them with the permission of their author, Merton Spencer:

God Of All The Universe…You constantly call your church to re-formation and renewal. We give you thanks for the ELCA and the churchwide assembly actions that bring this church closer to be what you have been calling it to be: a place where all are truly welcome.

We rejoice in the decision to be a church where all relationships are protected and honored: to recognize and support life-long, monogamous, same-gender relationships, and at the decision to allow people in such relationships to serve as rostered leaders so they may fulfill their God-given call to be your servants in this church.

God of Easter Resurrection…Many have worked hard, offered countless prayers, waited so long for this clear affirmation of belonging and word of unconditional welcome. We give thanks to the Holy Spirit who has moved among us and brought us to this day. We acknowledge with thanksgiving the service of those who have labored tirelessly with countless hours of service and whose number we can not count, but whose names are gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual; whose names are straight allies; whose names are pastor and bishop; whose names are co-worker, family and friend; they are legion and all are known before you.

With deep gratitude we remember those saints who provided early witness and gave of themselves to hasten the coming of this day but now rest from their labors: Philip Knutson, Ron Fracker, Carl Loeffler, Andy Anderson, Jon Nelson and countless others whose life-giving service we honor.

Holy Spirit Our Comforter…Look upon our brothers and sisters in Christ in this church who are deeply hurt by the action of the churchwide assembly and now live in pain, wondering if they belong or feel those to whom they belong have been severed from them; bring them the healing power of your Spirit and love.

God of All Grace…In this Body of Christ we weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. Remind us all, especially those who have experienced reconciliation, that we are called to clothe ourselves in humility and to love so that as we all meet at the foot of the cross, we will recognize in one another the face of Christ who died for all.

God of All Faithfulness…You guide and care for your church: continue to give it prophets, teachers, pastors and bishops; especially we lift before you Presiding Bishop Hanson and Bishop Marsh; uphold them with your strong right arm; guide, encourage, sustain and provide for their needs as they continue to provide servant-leadership for your church.

God of All Time and Places…You changed the face of this church forever. We humbly beseech you; abide with us now as we continue to journey faithfully to the next place. Hear our prayer for resurrection to new life, new patterns of faithfulness and a new unity to emerge among us. And we pray you…Sustain us on the journey with your word and sacrament, that we may be “your hands” to tell the world of your love so that none will be lost, but that all who look to the church will find bread and wine enough to be alive in you. Amen.