Please join with us in the prayers of the people. When you hear the words "Mother and Father God," please respond "Hear our prayers".

Creator God: Thomas Merton reminds us, "It is a glorious destiny to be a member of the human race, though it is a race dedicated to many absurdities and one which makes many terrible mistakes: yet, with all that, God...gloried in becoming a member of the human race." Through your generous gifts we are able to live blessed lives and we ask your help in becoming faithful stewards of our world. We pray that we can recognize and act when our neighbours are in need. Mother and Father God...    "Hear our prayers".

Journeying God: We ask your blessing and grace for all who travel and ask for their safe return to their homes. We ask for your gifts of courage and strength for the athletes competing in the Olympic Games in Vancouver. We pray that leaders of governments hold the best interests of their peoples in their hearts as they determine their destinies. We pray for the people of Haiti as they struggle to survive and rebuild their country. We pray for our sisters and brothers of Nyanyadzi Methodist Church in Zimbabwe as they endeavour to live faithful lives during continuing change in their strife-torn country. In our presbytery prayer cycle, we pray for the congregation of Castlegar United Church. In the World Council of Churches prayer cycle we pray for the peoples of Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Malta. Mother and Father God...    "Hear our prayers".

Compassionate God: We share your concern for the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized. We ask for wisdom to know how to help as well as courage and fortitude to act on their behalf. We pray for people everywhere who need your healing presence. Peace Makers and Peace Keepers serving throughout the world and members of our Canadian Armed Forces serving in Afghanistan. We offer our prayers for those named on our Prayer List and others whom we name aloud or in the silence of our hearts...    ...Mother and Father God...    "Hear our prayers".

Omnipotent God: As we walk through this season of Lent, we pray for peace, reconciliation, and stability in our world so that we might become us ever more like You in love, grace, justice, and compassion. Grant that we may better and more fully reflect Your Servanthood in Your Creation...

and the people say, "Amen!"