Prayer for September 19-25, 2010

Preaching text: 1 Timothy 2:1-7

That praying for peace will shape us to contribute to peace

Listening God, enable us to be faithful and frequent in our prayer, especially for those in authority whom we are more likely to criticize and dislike than to pray for. As we pray, shape our lives so that we may be good neighbors who foster peace by reflecting your character.

Let your desire that all people be liberated from sin and deceit motivate our responses to our many neighbors. We want to be agents of your healing, your forgiveness, your rescue, your peace.

We want to walk with Christ and share the mind of Christ, who was willing to set aside all that he could claim in order to touch people with your liberating kindness and fill people with your empowering Spirit.

In your mercy, let our lives contribute to your creation of a world that is healed and at peace. Amen.