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

Joe Milner

1. For the Church: that we may always be attentive to the creative work of the Spirit so that many may encounter Christ without unnecessary burdens

2. For the peace of Christ in our hearts: that we abide in the Spirit’s peace which surpasses all understanding and find strength to face the many challenges that arise in daily life

3. For reconciliation: that God will help us to let go of hurts and renew relationships within families, in church communities and in workplaces

4. For openness to God’s Word: that we may allow the Word to enter our hearts and produce an abundant harvest of virtue

5. For Christian unity: that God will lead all believers to a deeper understanding of the Good News and guide us in working together to confront the evils of poverty, abuse, addictions and illiteracy

6. For discernment: that the Holy Spirit will remind us of all the Jesus taught and help us apply it in our lives and to the challenges of our society

7. For greater recognition of God’s action: that Spirit will help us remember all that God has done for us and help us cooperate more fully with God’s work today

8. For the growth of Christian community: that we may appreciate the gift of community, find support and encouragement within it, and work to enhance it

9. For all who are preparing for ordination this spring: that God will pour out the Spirit upon them and help them effectively proclaim the Gospel and build up the Body of Christ

10. For the Jewish people: that they may hear the Word of God with new clarity and ever deepen their covenant with God

11. For all who are burdened by fear or anxiety: that the Spirit will free them so that they may live life fully and offer their gifts in the service of their brothers and sisters

12. For all who await the fulfillment of God’s promises, particularly refugees, those facing persecution and those with terminal illnesses: that God’s presence will be real to them and fill them with peace as they await God’s saving action

13. For all who are impacted by flooding: that God will keep them safe, send seasonable weather, and help farmers to get their fields planted

14. For federal and state legislators: that God will give them wisdom and insight as they develop policies and budgets so that the greatest good may be achieved

15. For peace: that God will heal the wounds of violence and oppression that impede healing and reconciliation between peoples and bring forth a new day of cooperation so that all may prosper

16. [USA] For all who have died in the service of our nation: that God’s glory will shine upon them and that they may share in the peace of the heavenly kingdom