The following prayers were used at the Wine Before Breakfast service on January 24. They are adapted from the Prayers of Intercession in the resources from Ecumenical week of prayer. The opening section is adapted from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2012 (by Mary Scifres) and the closing section from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers. O God, our King and Creator, forgive us when we try to make you in our image; forgive us when we turn to earthly rulers for the wisdom and strength you have already shown us. Fulfill your purpose in us, that we may be your people, your temples upon this earth, your partners in love and mercy. Creator God, today we live with the consequences of actions that have made life unsustainable for some and overabundant for others. Teach us how to responsibly use the resources you have given to us, that they would be used for the benefit of all and with respect for your creation. Creation cries out to you. Teach us and show us the way. [Silent and spoken prayers for creation and those affected by climate change and food insecurity] Compassionate God, help us repair the harm that we have inflicted upon each other and the divisions we have created among your people. Just as Christ Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit onto the disciples to birth the community of the new creation, send your grace to heal our divisions and gift us with the unity for which Jesus prayed. Teach us and show us the way. [Silent and spoken prayers for the church and the university] Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life, you embodied justice in your ministry on earth by the good that you did, breaking down the walls that divide and the prejudices that imprison. Open our hearts and minds to recognize that though we are many, we are one in you. Teach us and show us the way. [Prayers for justice and reconciliation] Holy Spirit, you create anew the face of the earth. The summit of the mountains, the thunder of the sky, the rhythm of the lakes speak to us – Because we are connected. The faintness of the stars, the freshness of the morning, the dewdrops on the flower speak to us – Because we are connected. The voices of the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized speak to us – Because we are connected. Unlike earthly kings, you, O Lord, are ever steadfast and faithful. You sent us your Son, Jesus the Christ, to rule over us, not as a tyrant, but as a gentle shepherd. Keep us united and strong in faith, May we know your presence in our lives and see you in the lives of those around us. Amen.