June Prayer

Father, you made each of us in your own image and redeemed us through your Son, Jesus Christ.

We ask that you look with compassion on all of us. Take away the arrogance and hatred that infect too many of the hearts of those who cling to ideas, knowledge, and truths of human origin and only serve to divide and separate us.

We ask you to destroy the prejudices and intolerance that turn us against one another. Take down the walls that separate us. Help us to tone down the harsh opposition to ideas and opinions of others and engage in respectful acts and conversations that genuinely attempt understanding and building up rather than tearing down.

Unite us and teach us that we are all children of your love. Enrich our lives by showing us your presence in those who differ from us until your love in Jesus Christ is made perfect in us—the love which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

By your Holy Spirit work through our anger at each other, our struggles, and our confusion so that your truths are sought and found, and your purposes are accomplished in this world.

As we give thanks for the work of medical science that has been brought to bear on the pandemic, we continue to lift our prayers to you for those among us and throughout the world who are dealing with the losses and continued struggle with this disease. Give us wisdom and hope as we begin to find a new normal after so many months of fear, confusion, and isolation.

Send your Spirit and renew the face of the earth; teach us to be compassionate toward each other and the whole human family and lead us to those places of need so that we may find the joy in serving those needs.

To you, Father, be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Contributed by Jim Witherow