As we bow our heads and open our hearts to The Prayers of the People and we say, "As we invite Your abundant grace and compassion", please respond with "Hear our prayers."

Endless and everlasting God, we approach this time of prayer with gratitude and thanksgiving for so great a privilege. May we find that as we enrich our relationship with You, we discover intimacy with our own souls. Help us to tune out the tumult of the world and hear the still, small voice that whispers eternal truth. May Your word and wisdom reveal the potential of the infinite spirit that dwells within each one of us. Teach us to truly know ourselves as co-creators with You and give us the courage to be the makers of miracles that you have patterned us to be. God of spring-time sun, warming earth, sprouting seed, hear our humble gratitude for the great gift of bountiful life that surrounds us. As we invite Your abundant grace and compassion...    "Hear our prayers."

O God of many names, lover of all nations, defend and encourage all those who strive to bring peace and betterment to our world. Bless our brothers & sisters at Nyanyadzi Methodist Church in Zimbabwe; keep them steadfast in your care, as they yearn for justice and human dignity, the birthright of all people created equal in your image.

We ask Your blessing on the Meeting of Kootenay Presbytery in Nakusp and David Boyd, Peter Busby, Robin Murray and Jenna Wood, who will attend from this congregation. In the World Council of Churches prayer cycle, we remember the countries of Kenya and Tanzania. We rejoice in our "Making Connections" partners: Rapid City & Area Pastoral Charge and Riverport Pastoral Charge as they too bear witness through their lives and service, to the majesty and love of the God who sustains us all.

Remind us again of Your holy presence that hovers near to strengthen us for our true purpose. Help us to see You in the moment-by-moment possibilities to live honestly, to act courageously, and to speak from our wisdom. As we invite Your abundant grace and compassion...    "Hear our prayers."

God of healing and comfort, we are privileged to give encouragement to those overcome with distress and who face diverse challenges. With love and compassion, we name before you: Our Reimagining Team and all those named on our prayer list, as well as those we name aloud or hold silently in our hearts...    ...As we invite Your abundant grace and compassion...    "Hear our prayers."

Compassionate God, we remember before you the sacrifice of one hundred and forty four of our service persons in Afghanistan, as the business of war continues. Help us to become a people of integrity and conscience, daring to advocate radical nonviolence, fearless in sowing seeds for a harvest of peace.

Creator God, forgive the blindness that prevents us from appreciating the wonder that is this world. As we follow the on-going oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, teach us to become more aware of the responsibility we have to the intricate web that supports all life. Give us a renewed vision, that we may see You in the endless cycles of nature and in the majesty of creation that unfolds before our eyes. May we know that each new dawn is filled with infinite possibilities for new beginnings.

And now we pray to You, O God, for the strength and determination to do instead of merely to pray, to become instead of merely to yearn. Tender and generous God, in Your loving purpose answer our prayers and fulfill our hopes. Give us the grace and wisdom to accept Your will in all things for which we pray.

And the people say... Amen