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Prayer List
Friends,
I know that the Supreme Court rulings from the past week triggered a range of emotions in many of us, from fear for all that these rulings seek to destroy to rage over such blatant disregard for the wellbeing, the dignity and the right to self-determination of those who will be most devastated by these rulings - women, those who are marginalized in our society... who are poor and have no access to resources... many who are people of color.
As we lament these decisions, and contemplate how to engage in the fight for justice for all, I'd invite you to reflect on the words of this prayer from Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber...
Dear God,
The world has sought endlessly to quiet, hem in, shame and control this body, nevertheless, I persist in praising you that I was born a woman.
And I thank you for the generations of other women whose well of wisdom, and defiance, and beauty, and creativity I have drunk from; the waters of which have sustained me and set my shoulders back.
Thank you for our ancestors in the faith who knew their dignity originated in you and not in the whims of those who sought to dominate them. Help me draw not upon the power of doom-scrolling but upon the power of Mary’s song, and Jael’s hammer, and Shiphrah & Puah’s sneakiness, the Syrophoenician woman’s sass.
Thank you for the anger surging through this body that has conceived three and birthed two.
Bless that anger, God, and direct it.
And if there is any left over, let it not destroy me or those I love, but burn it off with the heat of pleasure, and desire.
And if the road ahead is long, Lord - and I fear it will be,
may there be belly laughing
may there be mutual consolation
may there be rest
may there be song
and I am serious about this one, God –
may there be snacks.
For this and that for I have no words - I thank you.
May these prayers of gratitude turn my fear into faith and my rage into purpose.
Amen.
This week we pray for:
Joe Hartzler
Prayers for healing and strength for Joe who is recovering from a serious heart attack last week. He had 3 stents placed in his heart arteries. You may send get well cards to him to encourage him during the journey ahead.
Eric Miller
Prayers for comfort and peace for Eric as he mourns the death of his last surviving aunt Marilyn Kandel.
Ilona (Helen), Pastor Enikő's mother
Prayers of thanksgiving and for continued healing for Ilona. Her MRI revealed that she has osteoporosis, but no cancer.
Barbara Mykkanen
Continued prayers for healing and comfort for Barb during her chemo treatment for uterine and ovarian cancers.
Debbie Hostettler
Prayers for thanksgiving and gratitude for a clear follow-up CT scan. Continued love and support for Debbie throughout the remaining 3 chemo treatments.
We pray for people who go unnoticed in their struggle.
We pray for those who face discrimination and fear for their safety and wellbeing.
We pray for all those who continue to catch Covid and struggle with its affects.
We pray for those affected by the earthquake in Afghanistan.
We pray for people and places around the world caught up in warfare and violence and for refugees and immigrants seeking safety, and sustainable homes.
We pray for guidance, wisdom and courage for all Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly commissioners as they discern the will of Christ for our denomination at this year's GA meeting. The plenary meetings will take place between July 5-9 online.
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