These ideas are designed to be starting points for the prayers of a particular community of faith.

Joe Milner

For the Church: that having taken the Word of God to heart, we may have a spirit of readiness so that we can respond to God’s presence and invitations at any moment

For the gift of Wisdom: that God will give us insight and understanding through our daily experiences so that we may value and nurture those things that will sustain us into eternal life

For the grace of fidelity: that we may faithfully follow Christ each day of our life, acting justly, loving tenderly, and walking humbly before God, and thus keep our light burning until Christ comes

For the grace to live in the here and now: that we may not be consumed by the endless things that need to be done tomorrow, nor trapped by the events of yesterday, and thus forget the gift of today

For deeper awareness: that the Holy Spirit will help us recognize God's presence and work around us so that we can participate in bringing forth the reign of God in our world

For all who are recovering from natural disasters: that God will give them strength, help them to have patience, and speed the assistance that they need to rebuild their lives

For all who have served our nation: that they may enjoy rest and be blest with health and peace

For all who feel trapped by fear or anxiety: that God will free their hearts and help them live in the assurance of God’s abiding love

For healing of our nation: that God will heal the wounded relationships and mistrust amongst people and help us to work together for the common good

For awareness and appreciation: that God will help us recognize the gifts and service given to the Church by African Americans and guide us in working together to renew the Church

For all with a terminal illness: that those who are waiting to meet the Lord in death may have an awareness of God's presence with them now and confident hope in God's love for them

For all who are unaware of God's mercy and forgiveness: that the Holy Spirit will open their hearts and help them encounter the God who loves them and desires to give them life

For all who are grieving the death of a loved one: that God will wipe away their tears, heal the pain of separation in their hearts, and give them peace

For all who have died, particularly those who have served our nation or our faith communities: that God will welcome them to the eternal banquet to live in God’s presence forever

For Peace: that God will bring an end to violence, implant a deep respect for human life in every heart, and protect the innocent from harm