Prayer to accompany Sermon on May 24th "ON BEHALF OF THESE AND THOSE"

Gracious and Ever living God, we give you thanks for your love and friendship revealed to us in every word Jesus uttered, every prayer he offered, every gesture, every touch and every expression on his face. He sought us out when we were lost and carried our spirits, like lambs in his loving arms, to safety. He told us the truth and challenged us to keep your word and commandments in our hearts. He prayed for us, asking that you would protect us when he was no longer in our company, and that we would be one as You and He are One. We confess, O Lord, that there are times when we get so caught up in the demands and desires calling to us from the world outside that we forget the true purpose of our connection with one another. Teach us to listen to your voice within us. Lead us in finding the wisdom of your good counsel and the better solutions that come with right thinking in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.