The following prayers of the people written by Deb Whalen-Blaize were used at the WBB service held on October 25 which focused on Mark 4:26-41 and Creation as God’s Body.
Creator, Sculptor, Breath of Life You brought life into being in the darkness and quiet Where you were priming, preparing, nurturing, and growing. Bring us to stillness and slow breathing Pause to our anxiety and make space for hope May we trust that you are with us. (Silence in which to breathe and be still before Creator God) We praise you, for you show yourself in Creation: Your strength and your beauty Your endurance and resilience. And you have created us in your likeness Though we sometimes forget. When the storm clouds gather, our brows furrow When the leaves begin to wither, we wring our hands Sometimes the spirits of deception Convince us the end is near. Where we have been worn down, and fear has set in Restore our faith in you and in your presence Remind us who you have created us to be (Prayers spoken and silent for places in our own lives where we need healing, nurturing and restoration) Despite our doubt and our callouses Hope persists like a sprout in concrete Defying imprisonment and death And refusing to give up. May we see our hope and our faith Grow thick as mustard and plentiful as mint And when we are fearful or wounded, O Creator, May we find nourishment in the faith of one another, In the relentless hope you have planted in each of us May we find home in its thick brush Shelter from the storms that trouble us so (Prayers spoken and silent for the needs of U of T, our neighbourhoods, workplaces and churches) Where we fail to serve, O Creator Forgive us May we not turn inward or crave dominance But revel in what you have given us to do for one another. Help us to celebrate life together, Cultivating connection and balance. We pray for places around the world Where life is threatened; Where humanity and dignity are disregarded; Where injustice is used to stockpile power, Causing suffering for so many. (Prayers silent and spoken for places around the world where Creator’s justice, compassion and welcome is needed) We pray, Creator God, That your justice and balance be restored; That suffering be tended to, down to its source. We trust that where harm has been done You are powerful to correct and to heal. May our prayers be pleasing to you, O God, Reaching your ears like the lapping of waves And rising like the fragrance of wildflowers. We pray all these things in the name of your Son, Jesus, Creator Sets Free, Amen.