Several of you asked for the words to the prayer that Christa Wheeler used during worship on Sunday (11/02/08). Christa wrote this prayer in reference to the sermon on politics.

As we see all of the pain and darkness in this world, there is no doubt that is it easy to despair and lose hope, which is what makes this prayer so powerful and moving.

Josh


Prayer for Hope

God, be with us in this struggle.
In this battle we wage to hang on to hope
In a day, and in a world where evil seems to hold the upper hand
How helpless we feel.  Helpless and hopeless to see anything change
For good, for love, for You.

God be with us in this fight
To embody your gospel in a way that is so true and genuine
That the light of freedom may shine out across our world

God, be with us in our sadness
When we see this pain, which seems to be more than our hearts can bear
Give us hope that will remain strong in the face of a world that seems hopeless
Help us to believe in your love and to trust that it is enough to
Cure all of our wounds

God, be with us today in our fearful hearts.
Banish our doubts. 
Light this darkness with your grace.
Hear our prayers for change, justice and peace in our
Church, our families, our hearts and in our world.

God, we lift our hearts and hands to you.
We life our voices in prayer and song
And asking you to first change our hearts -
That we may take the light of your gospel to our dying world.

Amen