Holy and loving God, we turn to you because you have proved time and time again that you are good. In our grief, anger, and sometimes in simply unlucky circumstances we sometimes forget that you are good, so we shake our fists against you, but like a loving parent, you hold us and comfort us and remind us of your steadfast love.

So God, help us turn our eyes, ears, and hearts to what is good. Restore our souls and mindset in a way that sees beauty in loving kindness and justice. Turn our gaze towards your peace that can reconcile.

As we think about conflicts in the world in places like Haiti, Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, and many other places we admit that it would be so much easier to turn away and let it just be. But God of peace, that isn’t right. Set our hearts to things above, so that we can see those who suffer and are dying and work creatively with your Holy Spirit to usher ways of safety and peace. God, we know this isn’t going to magically happen, because the work of peace is slow work. So, instill in us and the nations of this world, this slow work. So God, hear the cries of the hurting and with their backs against the wall, and remind them and us that you are this good and loving God.

As we lift up those who suffer in conflicts around the world, we also remember those who carry heavy burdens of sorrow and grief in their hearts.\

We pray for those who are sad. There is much to grieve, whether it is the loss of a loved one, a job, a friendship, or a relationship. Show comfort to those who mourn, and in your timing, may their mourning be turned into dancing once again.

We also celebrate with those who are in the midst of joy. We thank you for those celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and accomplished goals and for those who are simply just feeling good. May their joy be contagious and a source of good news to a hurting world.

Loving God, may you bless us this coming week, and may we look for ways to see your love and grace in those around us.

We pray this in Jesus’ name, who taught us to pray, saying…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.